Preseason Conference Player of the Year: The Big Nine
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Every year, sports writers speculate on which athletes will come out on top when the season is all over, and I am no exception to this rule. While there is no way to predict any of these accolades with 100 percent certainty, it’s always fun to try. Besides, pieces like this also let me highlight some of the best players in the state, which is always a treat. Similar to the comprehensive goalie guide, this series will cover each and every conference in the state, with each winner being entered for the statewide player of the year poll that will cap off this set of articles. Today, the 12-team Big Nine Conference will get the feature.
The Case for Kamden Kaiser Kamden Kaiser 6'0" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN (Northfield)
An incredible athlete that has racked up accolades on and off the ice, Kamden Kaiser Kamden Kaiser 6'0" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN is probably busy gearing up for the gridiron this fall, but for now, his hockey skills will be taking the spotlight. The Big Nine’s reigning top scorer, Kaiser put up a whopping 66 points last season that came from 40 goals and 26 assists, numbers that indicate the guy’s star power and physical prowess. His 6 foot, 200 pound frame allows him to outmuscle opponents and speed blitz his way to the net, giving him open looks more times than not. He is a physical and formidable skater, the kind a defender never wants to see hurtling down the ice at full speed. Kaiser already put up great numbers as a junior, and considering Northfield will be bringing back fellow 50+ point scorers Jake Geiger Jake Geiger 5'9" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN and Cayden Monson Cayden Monson 6'0" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN , it is safe to say Kaiser should be set up nicely for another dominating year on the offensive end.
The Case for Jake Geiger Jake Geiger 5'9" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN (Northfield)
Jake Geiger Jake Geiger 5'9" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN was Kaiser’s first mate last season for Northfield, and was one of the best skaters on a 23-7 state qualifier team, a feat that in and of itself is worthy of conversation. Geiger assisted 33 goals for his team, but he was no slouch when the puck came his way, as he put up 25 goals himself to up his point total to 58 last season, good for second on a team with an already devastating attack. The 5-foot-9, 150 pounder is the wiry speedster compared to Kaiser’s much bulkier frame, but both guys seem to compliment each other on the ice, and this chemistry played a key part in Northfield’s deep postseason run last season. Geiger will be returning with Kaiser and Monson, and these three will likely batter opposing defensive units all winter.
The Case for Ty Frank Ty Frank 6'0" | Defense Northfield | 2024 State MN (Northfield)
Northfield’s top returning defenseman amidst a sea of scorers, Ty Frank Ty Frank 6'0" | Defense Northfield | 2024 State MN was an excellent skater on the roster last season that could hurt opponents on both ends of the ice. Frank may have only scored four goals in 2022-2023, but his 27 assists were the fourth highest on his team, and he sure knew how to play his role. With guys like Kaiser, Geiger, and Monson roaming past the blue line, Frank did a great job of finding these guys in open space and letting them work their magic. On the defensive end, Frank exhibits good instincts, stick skills and speed, all traits that helped the Raiders hold opponents to a measly 1.53 goals per game. This guy is a skater that knows his role and executes it to the best of his ability, an unselfish trait that is hard to find consistently at any level of hockey.
The Case for Cayden Monson Cayden Monson 6'0" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN (Northfield)
Welp, it looks like the Raiders have already hijacked this list, but this guy was far too talented to leave out. The third piece of arguably the best returning triad of forwards in the state, Cayden Monson Cayden Monson 6'0" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN is poised for another great season along with his two mates on the offensive end. Monson’s 37 assists led his team, and the 19 goals he put up reminded opponents that he was a guy that needed to be accounted for as well. He totaled 56 points on a top-tier attack, which was good for third on his team and fourth across the entire Big Nine Conference. The 6 foot, 170 pounder sits right between Kaiser and Geiger in terms of size, which seems almost metaphorical considering Monson is the glue that keeps this attack humming. He likely won’t have as many electrifying highlights as Kaiser, but you can bet your bottom dollar Monson is a big reason these type of plays happen in the first place.
The Case for Michael Dubek Michael Dubek 5'11" | Goalie Winona | 2024 State MN (Winona)
Michael Dubek Michael Dubek 5'11" | Goalie Winona | 2024 State MN faced some adversity last season, as his Winona squad struggled to win at times. However, he was a consistent force in the net that kept this team from sinking too low, and the Winhawks would have been a different squad without him. Dubek’s 8-13-1 record is far from outstanding, but his .916 save percentage and three shutouts are both great numbers considering he faced over 800 shots across just 22 games. All of this is even more impressive when considering this last season was Dubek’s debut year in the net, meaning his numbers should only improve now that he has a full season between the pipes under his belt.
The Case for Brennan Sletten Brennan Sletten 6'1" | Goalie Owatonna | 2024 State MN (Owatonna)
My dark horse pick for this award, Owatonna’s Brennan Sletten Brennan Sletten 6'1" | Goalie Owatonna | 2024 State MN wasn’t even the clear cut starter for a 11-13-2 team last year, as he had to split time with a senior. However, whenever Sletten did get his chances to man the net, he served as a spark-plug for this struggling team, one that helped his squad win games. Owatonna secured nine of their 11 total wins with Sletten between the pipes, and he posted impressive numbers across the board during this stretch that included a .919 save percentage and four shutouts. Now set to finally be the main guy for the Huskies, Sletten just might have himself a breakout year and become one of the Big Nine’s best goaltenders.
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