Top Defensemen In Section 8AA

With the 2020-2021 season only months away, we thought it’s time to showcase the real heroes that keep Goalies sane and Forwards in check. Here’s the top Defensemen to watch for this year from each team in Section 8AA.

Thor Byfuglien – Roseau

Thor not only has the coolest name on this list, but he also might have the highest ceiling out of any defenseman for his age group. In his first season with the Rams he tallied 4 goals and 19 assists, leading all Roseau defensemen in scoring as a Sophomore. Thor also showed up when his team needed him most, producing 3 assists in 3 playoff games last season. The Chicago Steel got an absolute bargain when they took Byfuglien in the 5th round, #72 overall of the USHL futures draft back in May 2019.

Alec Waller – St. Michael Albertville

Here’s another Dman that had a solid Sophomore showing, putting up 12 assists in his first year of high school hockey for St. Michael Albertville. With the top two scoring defenseman graduating (Cody Kelly and Conner Couet), expect Waller to be given more opportunities this season, especially on the powerplay for the Knights. St. Michael Albertville knows how to develop players, especially ones that crack the lineup as underclassmen.

Max Rud – St. Cloud

At 6’2 175 lbs, Max is the biggest defenseman on this list, and he’s only getting stronger. As a Sophomore, he lit up the score sheet for St. Cloud with 2 goals, 18 assists, and was +14 on the ice for the Bulldogs. He comes from a hockey family, as his father Eric Rud played 4 years for Colorado College and is currently the associate head coach for the Miami Redhawks in the NCHC. Max was also picked #74 overall in the 5th round of the USHL futures draft by the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2019.

AJ Lomen – Rogers

AJ was 2nd in defensemen points last season (2G, 12A) for a Rogers team that struggled to score a lot of goals, which makes his production that much more impressive. Especially being in a new system, as he played for St. Michael Albertville the year before and was not the impact player that he is today. Look for the Royals to utilize AJ more on special teams next season, especially the PK where they could really use his shut-down ability.

Eric Pohlkamp – Brainerd

Eric is arguably the most dangerous scorer on this list, as he lit it up for the Warriors with 11 goals and 14 assists last season. He led the team in powerplay scoring (5G) and had four games with multiple goals.  His breakout year was quickly noticed by next level scouts, as the Cedar Rapid Rough Riders drafted Pohlkamp in the 6th round of the USHL futures draft back in May 2020.

Noah Mueller – Buffalo

Not only did Muller lead all Buffalo defensemen in scoring with 2 goals and 8 assists, but he also was first in blocked shots with 31. A 3-year starter, look for Buffalo to utilize Mueller more on the powerplay for his senior season.

Tate Hammitt – Bemidji

At 6’1 170 lbs, Tate is another bruising defenseman in Section 8AA that found a way to stand out last season despite his team having a year they would want to forget. He was the 2nd leading scorer on the team with 3 goals and 10 assists and should get plenty more opportunities on the powerplay next season alongside his D partner Connor Savard.

Grant Frisch – Moorehead

Not a well-known name yet, but Grant is the only returning defenseman this season for Moorehead and already has two years of tournament experience for the Spuds. At 6’0 181 lbs, he’s a strong stay-at-home Dman that should see a lot more opportunity to develop his scoring touch this year.