Offseason Breakdown No. 113: Little Falls

With the 2020-21 season still months out, it’s time to take a look at teams from all over the State of Hockey and examine what happened this past season and what’s ahead. The next team we’re breaking down is Little Falls.

How last season went

The Flyers last made the State Hockey tournament in 2012, and have been scratching the surface towards getting back ever since. Last year was no different, as Little Falls put together an impressive 18-6-1 regular-season record with big wins over St. Paul Johnson, International Falls, North Branch, and Monticello.

Heading into playoffs, they drew the #3 seed in Section 6A and took down #6 ranked Sartell-St. Stephen with ease 6-0. Next came the real test vs #2 seeded Alexandria, whom the Flyers had lost the previous two meetings against during the regular season. Little Falls battled to the end but saw their season come to a close with a tough 0-2 loss.

Who’s back and who’s gone

Last year’s team only had six seniors on the roster which means there’s a lot of talent returning for the Flyers. The biggest loss will be Ryan Buckalow, who was 3rd in scoring with 20 goals and 22 assists.

The top two scorers Gabe Hirsch (17G, 28A) and Nicholas Stevens (17G, 24A) are both returning as is their top-scoring defenseman, Joe Majorle (8G, 27A). Another positive for the boys in purple, Dane Couture will be back for his senior year in the net for the Flyers. Dane shined last season posting a 19-7-1 record with a 1.95 GAA and .913 SV%.

What to expect next season 

Coming off their best season since 2012, Little Falls is looking poised to make a deep run in next year’s playoffs. Both Alexandria and St. Cloud Cathedral are losing their top scorers which means this section is ripe for the taking. If the Flyers are to make it back to the Xcel Energy Center, 2021 is the year to do it.