The Projected Conference Champions (Part 1)
In this article:
The Big Nine: Northfield (16-2-2) One of the few teams who have already clinched its spot as a conference champion, Northfield has been as dominant as any team in Class A, making them one of the favorites to make a…
Access all of Prep Hockey
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Big Nine: Northfield (16-2-2)
One of the few teams who have already clinched its spot as a conference champion, Northfield has been as dominant as any team in Class A, making them one of the favorites to make a deep postseason run. The Raiders have lost to two teams, Orono and St. Cloud Cathedral, two frontrunners in the Class A postseason chase. Aside from this pair of close games, Northfield has been nearly unstoppable. The Raiders average over five goals a game to the tune of a powerful trio of forwards. Jake Geiger Jake Geiger 5'9" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN , Cayden Monson Cayden Monson 6'0" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN and Kamden Kaiser Kamden Kaiser 6'0" | Forward Northfield | 2024 State MN were projected to be among the best trios the state has to offer, but these three seniors have exceeded the lofty expectations put on them before the season. They have combined for over 130 points so far, and each player has settled into their role perfectly. Monson and Geiger both sling the puck around with ease, and have racked up 30 assists a piece to go with plenty of goals. On the other hand, Kaiser is the goal scorer, with 30 to his name so far on the season and 16 assists to boot. This trio, along with goalies Max Frank and Trey Shimota, have been at the helm of a Northfield team that is looking to avenge its quarterfinal loss to Orono in last season’s state tournament.
The Big South: New Ulm (17-4)
New UIm has all but clinched the Big South heading into its final stretch of games, but make no mistake, this team does not plan to take its foot off the gas pedal. The Eagles have won eight of their last nine games, with only one of their wins being a one score affair. Aside from that, they have all but dismantled their opponents. 9-0, 12-1 and even 14-0 have been some of the scores the Eagles have put up as of late, making them a red-hot team no one wants to face currently. New Ulm is not short on stars, and their roster includes the likes of Austin Uecker Austin Uecker 6'0" | Forward New Ulm | 2024 State MN , Bryer Lang and Bryer Hoffmann Bryer Hoffmann 5'8" | Goalie New Ulm | 2024 State MN . Uecker is looking to become the sixth player in the state to breach the 60-point mark, Lang has 45 points of his own to support the star of the team, and Hoffmann’s 13-4 record to go with six shutouts cements him as one of the premier goalies in the state. New Ulm has a deep roster and is on fire as of late, so look for them to make a splash once the postseason kicks off.
Central Lakes: Brainerd (9-12-1)
Brainerd may hold a losing record, but it also holds the top spot in the Central Lakes conference thanks to its excellent inter-conference play. The Warriors have fought their way through the conference valiantly, and hold a 7-2-1 conference record that keeps them in first place by just one point over Sartell. Brainerd has defeated Sartell earlier in the season, but will face them this Tuesday in a game that basically determines the conference champion. Despite excellent conference play though, Brainerd has been struggling as of late. The Warriors have lost seven of their last eight games, putting their position at the top of the Central Lakes in jeopardy. Kade Stengrim has 44 points so far on the season to an even 22 goals and 22 assists, and Ryan Gerlich’s performance between the pipes has been solid despite his team’s struggles. Brainerd is on the cusp of a conference title, but will need to shake off its cold streak before it heads to Sartell to determine the Central Lakes champion.
Independent Metro Athletic Conference: Breck (12-9-1)
The IMAC’s best team thus far, Breck currently holds its top spot in the conference by only two points, with Providence Academy not far behind. However, considering the conference’s four team structure, it appears as if Breck has all but clinched the IMAC. The Mustangs have thrived under a gung-ho attack led by forward Nate Miller. The senior has amassed 51 points on 19 goals and 32 assists, making him the team’s leading threat to put a puck past the opposing goalie. Aside from Miller, Ben Amato has racked up 49 points of his own, and sophomore Garrett Trench brings up the rear of this big three with 38 points of his own. The Mustang attack has kept this team churning, and as a result of their excellent play, should also help bring a conference title home to Breck.