Minnesota’s Comprehensive Goalie Guide: The Big South
Heading into my ninth conference covered throughout this series, I will be taking a look at the Big South and the goalies that populate their ranks. This list spans from some of the best goalies in the state to impromptu…
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Continue ReadingHeading into my ninth conference covered throughout this series, I will be taking a look at the Big South and the goalies that populate their ranks. This list spans from some of the best goalies in the state to impromptu net protectors who were formerly forwards, so let’s just say it’s an interesting one. Without any more delay, let’s take a look at who I expect will be manning the nets across the Big South.
New Ulm: Bryer Hoffmann Bryer Hoffmann 5'8" | Goalie New Ulm | 2024 State MN
Usually, you save the best for last, but for this list, the best is up first. Bryer Hoffmann Bryer Hoffmann 5'8" | Goalie New Ulm | 2024 State MN is a beast in the net, and despite being overshadowed by the offensive powerhouses on his team, New Ulm’s great year would not have been possible without this guy. In 25 games, Hoffman posted a 20-4-1 record, a save percentage of .923 that was good for 18th in the state (fifth among Class of 2024 goalies), and a razor thin 1.81 goals allowed per game that helped keep his team in control of almost every game they played. This is one of the best returning goalies in the state, much less the conference, and Hoffmann should be poised for another great year in the net if all goes well.
Luverne: Tyler Arends Tyler Arends Goalie Luverne | 2024 State MN
Tyler Arends Tyler Arends Goalie Luverne | 2024 State MN is a legit returning starter whose consistently solid play was a big reason Luverne made it to the Class A State Tournament. In 30 games, he posted impressive numbers across the board. His 21-8-1 record was superb, his .904 save percentage was against some of the best teams in Class A, and his three shutouts paired with allowing a measly 2.49 goals per game were just the cherries on top of a great year for the guy. After a dismal 8-12 record before the Arends era, Luverne has had two successful seasons since Arends took over the net, and fortunately for them, he will be back for a third and final season. Wherever Arends goes, winning seems to follow, and his last varsity campaign should be chalked full of thrilling wins and signature performances.
Marshall: Gavin Welsh
One of the few returning starters in the Big South, Gavin Welsh is one of those guys I think could be dangerous if he pieces it all together. Last season, Welsh had a 6-13 record with an .860 save percentage and two shutouts, all numbers good enough to keep him between the pipes for the majority of Marshall’s games. However, both the save and win percentage are some red flags with this guy, especially considering the caliber of his defense, which kept him relatively clean and only facing around 24 shots a game. To Welsh’s credit though, he had a pair of great games against conference top dogs Luverne and New Ulm, which shows he can hang with state tourney level teams if needed. Because of this, I bet he holds down the fort and returns as Marshall’s starter for another season.
Minnesota River: Ayden Christ
Ayden Christ had to split time last year with Ryan Blank, a goalie whose 5-2 record and .890 save percentage kept him in the fray for playing time. However, Blank is graduated now, and the job is entirely Christ’s for the taking. In 19 games for the Bulldogs, the guy had a 7-12 record paired with a .859 save percentage and 4.18 goals allowed per game. While these numbers aren’t great, they are weighed down by lopsided losses where his whole team struggled, not just him. If Christ and the Bulldogs can find their groove this coming winter, I’m sure these numbers will improve substantially, which is why I got him as the guy for Minnesota River this winter.
Windom: Dronen vs. Dahna
This is another one of those too close to call matchups, and I think either guy could make it out of preseason practices as the new starter. Grant Dronen was the winning goalie, as his 5-2 record was far better than his competition. However, Adam Dahna was the statistically superior goalie, and his .870 save percentage was a few points higher than Dronen’s, not to mention he played more than twice as much. This is a toss up for me, and I think whoever balls out early in the season will get the job.
Waseca: Carter Martens
Despite the guy’s 5-11 record between the pipes, it’s clear that Carter Martens can still play puck. In 17 appearances for his squad, he had a .889 save percentage and a singular shutout, solid numbers for the kid’s first year in the net. He faced an average of 42 shots per game in his first varsity season, and if he can hold his own against that level of onslaught, I’m certain he will continue to get better as his career progresses.
Fairmont: Carson Johnson
In a conference with powerful offensive attacks, it can be hard for goalies to find their footing, and Carson Johnson had a rough start to his 2022-2023 campaign. He allowed 34 goals in his first four appearances in the net, then settled into an up-and-down year that featured a few gems sprinkled in there, including a 46 save effort against Mora/Milaca that helped his team edge out a 4-3 victory. Johnson should come into his own in due time, and for now, he remains Fairmont’s guy heading into the winter.
Worthington: Open Contest
This team had one of the worst defensive units in the state, and their protector in the net couldn’t even crack an .800 save percentage. I hate to say it’s an open contest considering the guy started all of last year, but after Worthington allowed a dismal 7.74 goals per game, it is probably safe to say they are looking to start from scratch on the defensive end.
Redwood Valley: Kooper Johnson
One of the few teams in the state to drop every game they played, Redwood Valley was naturally desperate to shake things up, and in a surprising move, they put a former forward in at goalie for a game, presumably because they did not have a backup. Kooper Johnson had three points on the year as a sophomore before he entered the net, and despite no varsity experience at goaltender, he saved 61 of the 68 shots that came his way, good for a .897 save percentage in a game where he was quite frankly getting T’d up on. Frankly, Redwood Valley should consider moving Johnson to goalie full time for his junior year.