Class of 2024 Player Rankings: Newcomers Pt. 4

Our final edition of “Newcomers” for the recently updated Class of 2024 Player Rankings will feature three more forwards who are new to the rankings. Like we have mentioned throughout this article series, this class is very forward heavy so far, but expect for more defenseman and goaltenders to break onto the scene this upcoming season. I expect our rankings will change even more in the next update, as we will possibly be adding up to 100 players. For now, we are going to introduce three more players from Out-State teams that had very quality sophomore seasons. Let’s get started!

Gavin Olson Gavin Olson Forward Alexandria | 2024 State MN | Forward | Alexandria | Prep Hockey #67

Gavin Olson Gavin Olson Forward Alexandria | 2024 State MN had a pretty productive season for Alexandria in his first year of high school hockey. Olson tallied 18 points, which was eighth on the team. The Cardinals had a very solid and deep Class A team and that is why we saw them make it all the way to the third place game at Xcel Energy Center. At the state tournament, Olson scored one goal in the quarterfinals vs. Minneapolis and added an assist against Mahtomedi in the third place game. Even in the section playoffs, Olson came ready to play with nine points in three games. For Alexandria, they lose a few seniors, but still a good bulk of their players will be returning for the upcoming campaign. Look for Olson to be one of the point leaders for the Cardinals in 2022-23.

Cole Deraney Cole Deraney 5'3" | Forward Detroit Lakes | 2024 State MN | Forward | Detroit Lakes | Prep Hockey #69

Detroit Lakes played very well in the 2021-22 season, finishing with a record of 19-5-2. The Lakers were sort of similar to Alexandria, they weren’t the most overwhelming team, but they could beat you with their depth. Cole Deraney Cole Deraney 5'3" | Forward Detroit Lakes | 2024 State MN was one of the underclassmen who contributed to that depth, as he carried 18 points in his sophomore season. Deraney’s most productive game of the season came vs. a pesky Red Lake Falls team, where he assisted two goals in a 3-3 tie. Going into this upcoming hockey campaign, the Lakers will lose a few seniors, but numerous juniors from last year and upcoming junior, Deraney, will return. The Lakers will look to do what they did last year and try to get past that semifinal matchup in a moderately tough Section 8A.

Colton Holzer Colton Holzer Forward La Crescent | 2024 State MN | Forward | La Crescent | Prep Hockey #70

Colton Holzer Colton Holzer Forward La Crescent | 2024 State MN is a very promising player for La Crescent/Hokah. As a sophomore, Holzer collected 37 points, which included 16 goals and 21 assists. Over the last couple years, the Lancers have had some pretty tough seasons, but in 2021-22 they had a winning record at 14-11-1. Holzer played in six games where he had at least three points, which included a five point game vs. the Viroqua Blackhawks. La Crescent may not have the strongest schedule, but it was only a year or two ago when they were only winning five or six games in a season. The Lancers were very young as well last season, as four of the top seven points scorers were either a sophomore or freshman. Things are pretty promising for this team in the future, because they were young last year and they are only going to get better. Watch for Holzer and the Lancers to make some noise in Section 1A this season.