Here are 12 players who will matter in the boys hockey section hockey playoffs as teams compete for a spot in the 2026 Class 2A and Class 1A state tournaments March 4-7 at Grand Casino Arena.
Class 2A
Cole Braunshausen, St. Thomas Academy, senior forward: Want to know the definition of a rink rat? That’s Braunshausen, who lives to be one the ice.
Danny Browning, Minnetonka, senior defenseman: The sure-and-steady leader of the Skippers’ stellar defensive unit.
Cole Bumgarner, Rogers, senior forward: Bumgarner has 22 goals, 28 assists and uncanny rink awareness.
Grayson Hanggi, Hill-Murray, senior goalie: The Pioneers have depended all season on Hanggi’s quick glove hand.
Bode McConnell, Edina, senior forward: Every top team needs a goal scorer on whom to count. McConnell and his 29 goals fit that role to a T.
Brandon Mickelson, Moorhead, senior defenseman: With so much attention paid to the Spuds’ offensive front lines, Mickelson mans the blue line capably.
Class 1A
Maddux Domagala, Luverne, senior forward: His 42 goals and 82 points lead the 12-4-1 Cardinals.