The Minnesota high school season is still weeks away from getting underway. That means we are still months away from crowning state champions in March 2020 and naming a Mr. Hockey award winner for 2020.
However, it’s never too early to speculate. After seeing the performances of these now-seniors in past seasons and during the offseason, we take a look at seven players who may hear their name called in March as the 2020 Mr. Hockey winner.
Shane Lavelle
School: Chaska
PrepHockey rank: No. 55
College commitment: Wisconsin
Chaska appears to be on the up-and-up and Shane Lavelle is one of the reasons why. As a junior, he tallied 18 goals and 19 assists. The future Wisconsin Badger will have another season to show why he’s worthy of a Big 10 scholarship offer.
Adam Flammang
School: St. Michael-Albertville
PrepHockey rank: No. 6
College commitment: none
Adam Flammang is playing for St. Michael-Albertville at an interesting time as the Knights make the jump into the Lake Conference. From a hockey perspective, this move means Flammang will have more opportunities to go up against the state’s top talent. As a junior, Flammang had no problem starring for his school. He led the team with 30 goals as a junior.
Wyatt Kaiser
School: Andover
PrepHockey rank: No. 3
College commitment: Notre Dame
Wyatt Kaiser was one cog in the machine that propelled Andover to the top of the state rankings last season. Unfortunately for Kaiser and the Huskies, their run for a state title ended in section play a seaosn ago. Kaiser has a chance to make a name for himself this season as Andover looks to win a section largely dominated by the likes of northern powers such as Duluth East.
Brett Oberle
School: Hill-Murray
PrepHockey rank: No. 16
College commitment: Minnesota-Duluth
It’s hard to count the number of successful hockey players Hill-Murray has cranked out over the years. Brett Oberle appears to be another one in the line of successful Pioneers. Though Hill-Murray missed the state tournament a season ago, Oberle was third on his team in points with 24. Though those numbers don’t pop out compared to others, the two-time defending national champion Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs saw Oberle as a player who could help them. Expect Oberle to show some of that potential this season.
Evan Bushy
School: Thief River Falls
PrepHockey rank: No. 5
College commitment: St. Cloud State
Thief River Falls, a perennial contender coming from the northern part of the state, appears to be back and better than ever thanks in part to Evan Bushy. As a junior, he led the team with 18 goals and 15 assists during the regular season. Expect to hear from the Prowlers a lot this season with Bushy leading the way.
Nate Warner
School: St. Cloud Cathedral
PrepHockey rank: No. 14
College commitment: Minnesota
Nate Warner is among a group of seniors on St. Cloud Cathedral who are top-level prospects and ready to win their second Class 1A state title in as many years. Look for Warner to take on a bigger role in his senior season before becoming a Golden Gopher.
Bennett Zmolek
School: Rochester Century
PrepHockey rank: No. 37
College commitment: Minnesota-State Mankato
Bennett Zmolek has a chance to reignite the boys hockey scene in Rochester with his outstanding play. The future Maverick will have a chance to put his school on the map this upcoming season while being a major force both offensively and defensively.
Be sure to check out the other players who make up the 20 in part two and part three of this series.