Surely the Swedes weren’t going to fully surrender that lead, even when Czechia scored a pair of extra-attacker goals?

“We all knew we were going to end up on top,” said defenseman Sascha Boumedienne. “We just had that feeling together. We just stuck together.”

The Swedes indeed stuck together, surviving that last-minute push from its opponent and defeated Czechia 4-2 to win the gold medal at the 2026 World Junior Championship in front of a crowd of 9,753 Monday night at Grand Casino Arena. Earlier in the evening, Canada won the bronze medal with a 6-3 win over Finland.

Sascha Boumedienne and Jack Berglund embrace in the postgame celebration on the ice at Grand Casino Arena. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

Sweden and Czechia also met for a medal in the 2025 World Junior Championship, with Czechia earning the bronze in a shootout.

In 50 years of the World Junior Championship, it’s the third time Sweden has won the gold medal, also winning in 1981 and 2012. Many players on the current Sweden roster were probably too young to remember that last gold medal for the country. Sweden also took silver in 2024, losing to the United States when the tournament was held in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“It’s special,” Boumedienne said. “This is the tournament everyone’s been watching since they were really, really small. It’s the third time we’ve done it, and being part of this group who did it is unreal.”

Though the result wasn’t the ultimate prize for Czechia, the program has shown consistent success in recent WJCs. Czechia won a medal for the fourth year in a row, bookended with two silvers and adding two bronze medals in between.

“It just says that even as a small country, we have great hockey players, and they are progressing,” said Czechia coach Patrik Augusta. “When we choose them to national teams, they represent the country and they do it very [well] the last four years.”

Their last gold medal in the tournament came back in 2001. Augusta told his players after Monday’s game to be proud and that they had a great tournament, even though they finished a little short of the ultimate prize.

“But before the tournament, if somebody would have told us that we would win the silver medal, we would take it,” Augusta said. “Our dreams were higher… hopefully if we work hard, we’ll get another chance.”

In Monday’s gold-medal game, Sweden, as the team had been throughout the tournament, was just too good for Czechia. Sweden went a perfect 7-0 in preliminary play and the medal round combined.

“They’re just so skilled with the puck,” said Czechia forward Adam Benak. “They skate good.

“Congrats to them, they played very well today.”  

Sweden was in control throughout the game, eventually doubling up Czechia in shots on goal at one point as it built a lead that eventually went to 3-0 before Czechia’s late rally.

Sweden’s Casper Juustovaara and Jack Berglund celebrate a shorthanded goal to give Sweden a 1-0 lead. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

The first period was scoreless for about 15 minutes until Sweden capitalized with a shorthanded goal that also came on a delayed penalty. Sweden’s Casper Juustovaara had his stick slashed out of his hands at the Czechia blue line, drawing the call. But he picked up his lumber, then went to the front of the net while his team possessed the puck. Jack Berglund had the puck behind the net and fed Juustovaara, who had a wide-open net to bury the puck after Czechia goaltender Michal Orsulak was out of position after making an earlier save.

Sweden seemed to get better as the game went on, with a stifling forecheck and defense, not allowing much time or space for Czechia. Sweden doubled its lead about halfway through the second period on a power-play goal from Victor Eklund as he buried the puck on a backdoor rebound.

“I think Sweden played better from the beginning,” Augusta said. “Our legs weren’t going. It took a lot of energy out of us, the game against Canada. Not even physique but mentally, too, and emotions.”

Through two periods, Czechia trailed 2-0 and was getting outshot 28-11.

Sweden made it 3-0 less than four minutes into the third period with what turned out to be the only five-on-five goal of the game and the eventual game-winner. Boumedienne didn’t miss on his shot from the circle on a feed from Ivar Stenberg along the blue line.

Time continued to tick away without a Czechia goal. But with 3:20 left in regulation and an offensive-zone faceoff looming, Czechia pulled the goalie for an extra attacker. They cycled the puck and got on the board 56 seconds later with a goal from Adam Jiricek.

Then it became a one-goal game with 23.3 seconds remaining as Matej Kubiesa’s fluttering shot up high hit the back of the net to make it 3-2. Czechia took a timeout with tying the game suddenly very much in play.

But Stenberg, who already had two assists, scored an empty-netter with exactly eight seconds on the clock to figuratively put the gold medals around the necks of Sweden players. The Sweden bench was a mob of yellow jerseys jumping up and down together before Stenberg also joined the pile.

“That was nice. Really nice,” Stenberg said. “That’s something you dream about… I’m so happy. That goal was really nice.”

Czechia forward Adam Benak finished the tournament with eight points. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

Minnesota Wild prospect Benak wins silver medal with Czechia
Benak, an 18-year-old forward, had one shot on goal and drew an interference penalty after taking a hit along the boards in the second period of Monday’s game. He was one of two Minnesota Wild prospects in the tournament, having been selected in the fourth round (102nd overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Benak scored a goal and seven assists and was a plus-4 in six games during the tournament.

One of his best games was in the semifinal 6-4 victory over Canada. He put Czechia ahead 3-2 in the final minute of the second period with his goal, plus he added a pair of assists in the game. Without hesitation, Benak said that victory over Canada was amazing and his stand-out memory from the tournament.

“I’ve never been that happy like ever,” Benak said. “It was such a good feeling. Sadly, it didn’t happen tonight, but I’m super proud.”

Gallery: WJC Gold-Medal Game Czechia vs. Sweden

The post Skilled Sweden Wins Gold appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

It started with a complete one-goal game between Sweden and Finland. Offense, great goaltending and a close contest throughout that didn’t get a result until a shootout.

“Two outstanding teams playing there,” said Finland captain Aron Kiviharju. “I am 100% sure that everybody watching this game today, whether you were here or from the television or whatever it was, I think this was one of the craziest hockey games I’ve ever witnessed.”

The afternoon semifinal between Sweden and Finland needed a shootout to decide which team would move on to the gold-medal game on Monday. Sweden’s Anton Frondell scored in the eighth round of the shootout for the 4-3 victory over Finland.

Sweden returns to the gold-medal game for the first time since 2024 when it lost to the United States. They’ll face Czechia, which defeated Canada 6-4 in the second semifinal. Meanwhile, Finland will play for a bronze medal Monday.

Kiviharju recorded an assist in the semifinal loss to Sweden. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

“It’s unfinished business, that’s it,” Kiviharju said. “We’re going to take care that we get the bronze medal. Just try to figure out a way.”

Kiviharju, a 19-year-old defenseman, is captain of the Finland team, and he’s a fourth-round draft pick of the Minnesota Wild. The NHL club selected him 122nd overall in the fourth round of the 2024 NHL Draft. He was also on the Finland squad that lost the gold-medal game to the United States in the 2025 World Junior Championship; Kiviharju had three assists in seven games in that tournament.

Sunday’s game against Sweden was a rematch of last year’s semifinals, which also went beyond regulation and finished with a 4-3 result. In 2025, Finland prevailed with 38 seconds left in overtime.

This year, Kiviharju spoke after the semifinal loss about what a privilege and honor it is to wear the Finland jersey, represent his country and wear the “C” as the captain.

“That’s the thing you dream of when you’re a kid watching these games,” Kiviharju said. “To get to represent the country you’ve grown up in, the country you love…

“Plus that, wearing a “C” letter on your chest, it’s a huge honor. I try to do everything, every day to make it worth it.”

This year’s semifinal at Grand Casino Arena was filled with exciting hockey and remained a one-goal game until the end. Sweden took a 1-0 lead only 36 seconds into the game when Linus Eriksson’s shot popped off the Finland goaltender Petteri Rimpinen’s glove and into the net.

But later in the period, Finland tied the game on a long shot by Atte Joki. Kiviharju assisted on the play.

Sweden regained the lead early in the second period, just 1 minute, 20 seconds in, on a delayed Finland penalty when a shot from the slot made it through traffic. Don’t blink, because Finland responded only 50 seconds later with a favorable-bounce goal when a puck came down from high in the air, settling behind Sweden’s goaltender Love Harenstam and ending up in the net.

Sweden grabbed its third one-goal lead by the second intermission later in the period when Eddie Genborg scored. This one came on a play with a favorable bounce for Sweden. But Finland tied the game 3-3 with about six minutes left in regulation when Joona Saarelainen pounced on a rebound in front and settled the bouncing puck into the net.

Kiviharju gets tangled with a Sweden player in Sunday’s semifinal game at Grand Casino Arena. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

Finland forced overtime, which almost seemed fitting for such an exciting game. The format is three-on-three for 10 minutes, followed by a five-round, and then sudden-death, shootout.

Sweden looked like the more aggressive team in the overtime period. Viggo Bjorck alone had four grade-A scoring chances, usually on breakaways. But he was also called for a slashing minor penalty with 2:03 left in overtime. The four-on-three power play for Finland took over in the offensive zone for nearly the entire man advantage. But they put on a passing clinic rather than attempt to pepper the net with shots.

The two notable chances for Finland both came from Kiviharju. With 1:18 left, his shot found the glove of Harenstam. Then with 35.2 remaining in the overtime, Kiviharju clinked a shot off the crossbar, looking toward the rafters knowing what might have been.

Finland had its opportunity to end the game, but instead it went to a shootout. One player from each team scored in the five rounds. Then after two unsuccessful rounds, Frondell scored the winning goal for Sweden.

“Not the result we wanted, not the ending we wanted, but at the end of the day, it was, it was a hell of a hockey game,” Kiviharju said. “You got to give credit to Sweden. They did their job really well. Obviously they, I think, deserved to win.

“At the end of the day, you get a respected team that comes out with the win and they figure out a way to do it tonight.”

Gallery: WJC Semifinal Finland vs. Sweden

The post Swede Shootout Win appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Zellers has four goals and two assists in the first three games of round-robin play at the 50th annual World Junior Championship, playing in his home state at Grand Casino Arena.

“It’s so cool to be in this position now and know that I’ve always dreamed of playing in this tournament,” Zellers said, following USA’s 6-5 win over Slovakia in the preliminary round Monday. “Growing up, I wanted to play in the World Juniors before I wanted to play in the Olympics.

“That’s how big this tournament, how much it means to us. It’s just so special to be on this team, especially, it’s so much fun having it in Minnesota, too.”

Zellers, a Maple Grove native, takes a little extra pride in the prestigious tournament not only being held in the United States but also only minutes from where he grew up. Zellers is one of a few USA players with Minnesota connections, whether it be their home state or where they’re playing college hockey. He added that they’re feeding off the atmosphere and hometown support.

He noticed a kid during warm-ups who was wearing a Maple Grove sweatshirt, and of course he also has plenty of family and friends around supporting him.

“It’s so special to know you’re backed by kids that you were in their shoes not too long ago,” Zellers said. “It for sure motivates us and adds fuel to the fire and gives us for sure an extra step having 20,000 people have our backs.”

USA opened the tournament with a 6-3 win over Germany, followed by a 2-1 win over Switzerland the next night.

Against Slovakia, USA found itself in a 2-0 hole after the first period after an even-strength and power-play goal 2:22 apart. USA had no choice but to climb out of it in the final two periods, and they started with a four-goal second period.

Brendan McMorrow celebrates his goal against Slovakia to make it a one-goal game on Dec. 29, 2025 at Grand Casino Arena. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

Zellers’ linemate Brendan McMorrow slid a perfect pass over to AJ Spellacy off a two-on-one rush. Spellacy’s tap-in goal came shorthanded to get USA on the board just 1 minute, 50 seconds into the second period. McMorrow added his own goal to cut into the deficit again, for a 3-2 game.

McMorrow is from Lakeville, Minn., noting that he grew up “30 minutes down the road.” He has a lot of family attending the tournament, and it’s been fun to play in front of them, he added. USA coach Bob Motzko noted the Minnesota support from over the weekend, saying “the whole city of Lakeville was here.”

“I think in that first game, we came out and we were all just looking around just smiling, how cool it was. Towels waving and stuff,” McMorrow said. “With the crowd behind us, it definitely boosts us a little bit. And it’s been really fun so far to have this tournament in Minnesota, in our country.”

With the game tied 4-4 through two periods, USA got off to a fast start in the third which proved to be the difference. James Hagens put them up 5-4 only 18 seconds into the period. Then Zellers scored a power-play goal within the first five minutes for insurance that turned out to be a very important tally.

He got a pass from Brodie Ziemer, USA’s captain from Chaska, Minn. who plays college hockey for the Minnesota Gophers, on the backdoor. Zellers was left alone, and he didn’t miss his shot.

“Zellers gets another one,” Motzko said. “I heard it was his third game-winner already. Those greasy goals, he finds a way to get them.”

Will Zellers winds up to shoot the puck past Slovakia defenders on Dec. 29, 2025 at Grand Casino Arena. (MHM Photo / Rick Olson)

Zellers is just the latest Maple Grove product to shine at the WJC. He watched Brock Faber, current Minnesota defenseman, play in the 2021 and 2022 tournaments, winning gold in 2021. Last year, Zellers saw his friend and Maple Grove native and defenseman Colin Ralph win the gold medal at the WJC. Zellers and Ralph grew up together, and both played at Shattuck-St. Mary’s.

Contributing to his team on this level, on the big stage of the WJC is something Zellers said his 10-year-old self probably wouldn’t think is real and would be “freaking out a little bit.”

“You never know at that age how far you’re going to go in hockey,” Zellers said.

He added that he wasn’t the best in hockey at that age, wasn’t on the top teams, making the position he’s in now even more special.

His scoring spree started this fall at the University of North Dakota, where he’s tallied 10 goals and 15 points in 18 games so far as a freshman. Not much has changed with his game, Zellers said, but he feels like the biggest thing is he has more confidence. More production on the ice certainly helps confidence rise, too.

“Every player in this tournament is so good,” Zellers said. “I feel like one of the biggest things that separates a good player form a great player is just the confidence that you get from playing and the confidence that you get from coaches.

“I feel like once you start questioning yourself, that’s when things go south, so just making sure I know that I can pay here and I belong here.”

Gallery: WJC Preliminary Round Slovakia vs. USA

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The post Gallery: WJC Preliminary Round Slovakia vs. USA appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Ryan Stieg outlines the many fan options during the World Juniors. 

Article is from our December 2025 Preview digital issue.

The post Fan Fest Coming to St. Paul for WJC appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Heather Rule Spotlights the WJC alumni on the current Wild roster as WJC comes to Minnesota

Article is from our December 2025 Preview digital issue.

The post From WJC to NHL appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Jordan McAlpine discusses Motzko’s history with the Juniors and his expectations at the 2025 version.

Article is from our December 2025 Preview digital issue.

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The senior lit the lamp 49 times and racked up 83 points over his 31 games, and Simpson was named a Mr. Hockey Finalist for his efforts. His 49 goals were the most in the state, and Simpson helped the Sabers win 24 total games – including their first section championship in Class 2A.

While his jersey and surroundings have changed, the production hasn’t, as Simpson has made an immediate impact with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm.

Simpson has scored in three straight games, five of his past six and for a team that’s hoping to make a deep playoff run, the left-shot forward has been a welcomed addition.

“I’ve just been super excited to do what I can and help make our team better,” he said. “I knew some of the guys from my time here last year, which helped, but everyone has been super nice and super helpful, and I’m just really excited to be here.”

The North Dakota commit played 31 games for the Storm last season, which bookended his high school season.

Simpson had just three points (1-2-3) over his first 12 USHL games but returned in March and finished strong. He potted six goals and added four helpers over his final 17, along with two assists in the playoffs.

Cooper Simpson was the 67th-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings. The Minnesota native started skating around age 2 or 3 and began playing hockey as a 5-year-old in Shakopee. “The guys love him and his opponents hate playing against him,” said Shakopee coach Calvin Simon. “He’s irritating, he scores goals and he’s so smart offensively, and he’s got a little bit of Matthew Tkachuk to his game. He’s still got some more maturing to do, but he’s already grown a lot and the sky’s the limit for him.” (MHM Photo / Christine Wisch)

That experience gave Simpson an idea of what all the USHL entails, and combined with another year of high school hockey, it’s paying dividends now.

“You can tell he’s way more mature and he just knows what to expect, and you can tell he’s playing with more confidence because of it. But I also think it’s a testament to some of the hard times he went through last year,” said Tri-City coach Marco Trevino. “Even from the start of last season to when we got him back after his high school season, he was a much better overall player. He was much stronger and his growth and development were evident.

“Then you look at this season, he was a leader for Shakopee and he’s someone that his teammates respect. That leadership has definitely shown through here, and when you combine that with the type of player he is, we’re definitely excited.”

Immediate impact
Trevino took over for the Storm in early December and was an assistant last season. Tri-City started this season with Mark Abalan behind the bench, who was fired after 24 games.

Despite spending last spring with the Storm, Simpson opted to stay in Minnesota this past fall and prepare for his high school season. However, getting him back for the stretch run was one of Trevino’s top priorities.

Cooper Simpson is averaging 0.86 points per game, which ranks third on Tri-City’s roster. The 18-year-old forward continues to impress with his offensive instincts. “Coop had a great high school season and he developed so much at Shakopee, and that’s been great for his career. But we’re really happy to reap the benefits here down the stretch,” said Tri-City coach Marco Trevino. “We know he wants to be here, we know he wants the puck on his stick and we know he wants to win.” (Photo courtesy of the Tri-City Storm)

Simpson’s return came at a good time too, especially for a team that’s scuffled offensively. Tri-City (28-28-3-1) has since clinched a playoff spot and, individually, Simpson has points in six of his first seven games.

“We feel he’s a weapon and he’s added an instant scoring threat to our lineup, which has been much needed,” Trevino said. “It’s almost like we added a bonus player after the deadline, and Cooper is just such a gifted player.

“He can hunt pucks, he can knock guys off the puck, he plays with speed, and he’s a very competitive kid. So he’s someone we’ve been able to insert in our top six and adding him to the lineup has helped some of our depth scoring too. We’ve wanted to put him in a position to be comfortable and have success, and his confidence level is through the roof right now.”

Tourney success leads to playoff push
Tri-City enters the final week of the regular season with 60 points, two behind Fargo for fifth in the USHL’s Western Conference. The Storm will open the playoffs on the road next Monday at either Waterloo or Sioux City.

After winning their first-round series against Sioux Falls last spring, there’s a desire to go even further this time around. Especially for returning players like Simpson.

However, a playoff run would be a cherry on top of what’s already been a tremendous winter for Simpson.

The Sabers finished the regular season with a 19-5-1 record, won their section final and advanced to the state tournament for the second time in program history (Class 1A in 2005). Shakopee fell in the state quarterfinals to St. Thomas Academy at Xcel Energy Center but beat Andover and Lakeville South in the consolation bracket.

Cooper Simpson, shown here playing on Hockey Day Minnesota, grew up a Wild and Penguins fan, and he’s idolized Sidney Crosby. Simpson labeled himself as a “dynamic offensive player,” but he’s also tried to focus on his overall game this season. “I can make a play out of nothing, I can shoot to score and I can make a pass anywhere, but I can play defense and shut guys down too,” he said. (MHM Photo / Christine Wisch)

Results aside, it was a tremendous year for Shakopee, which also hosted Hockey Day Minnesota and was featured on Dream State.

“I’d say this was probably the most special team Shakopee’s ever had and the most special season I’ve ever been a part of,” said Simpson, who was both the Sabers’ leading scorer and captain. “Obviously, we wish we could’ve gone a little further and won (a state title), but it was just a special season and we had a lot of accomplishments as a group.”

Added Shakopee coach Calvin Simon: “It’s been really special seeing everything manifest for him this season. He prioritized his hometown, he prioritized playing with his childhood buddies and putting our program on the map, and he rose to the occasion over and over again. He’s what I’d call a trailblazer for a program, and he was such a good leader and brought so much to our team beyond being a pure goal scorer.

“So, to see him have success in high school and now continue to have success in the USHL, it’s great seeing a kid like him get rewarded. But honestly, I’m not surprised, and I believe he’ll continue that in the NCAA and beyond. He’s just a special kid, a special player and a great teammate, and he’s had an incredible season.”

At the same time, Simpson hopes his season is far from complete, and he returned to Kearney with the goal to win.

“Our No. 1 goal right now is to win the Clark Cup,” Simpson said. “I think the experience we gained here last year has helped a lot, and we’ve been in this environment before. But we believe in the group we have and our goal is to go on a run here.”

The post Scorin’ Simpson appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Despite not seeing any USHL action last spring, Zellers previously scored in his USHL debut – April 11, 2023 – and came into this season averaging a goal-per-game with the Green Bay Gamblers.

While it’s a pace that seems unsustainable over a full season, Zellers is flirting with exactly that through 36 games.

“I didn’t really know what to expect with it being my first full year here, but I came in with an open mind and just wanted to produce for my team and help us win hockey games,” Zellers said. “So it’s gone pretty well, individually and as a team, and I’m having a ton of fun so far.”

Pretty well is an understatement for Zellers, as the North Dakota commit leads the USHL with 32 goals and his 52 points rank third.

Zellers – a third-round pick (2024) of the Colorado Avalanche – hasn’t gone more than two consecutive games without a point and has 16 multi-point efforts. He’s also coming off a six-point (3-3-6) week and leads the league with six game-winning tallies.

After missing Green Bay’s first four games in September, he returned on Oct. 4, scoring three goals over his first two games. He’s continued producing from there.

“In the beginning it was pretty tough and it’s a big jump from the U18 level to the USHL, and obviously I was still coming back from my injury too,” Zellers said. “You get a lot less time and space with the puck and in the corner, and the guys are faster, stronger and more mature. So you have to adjust to that and be at your best every shift. But I think I’ve been able to adjust pretty well.”

It’s no secret the fast start helped Zellers’ confidence and it’s continued to grow. He’s been a factor every night for the Gamblers, even going back to his debut.

Green Bay’s staff has always liked his offensive instincts and competitiveness – which led them to select him in the 2022 USHL Phase I Draft.

He’s flashed both of those traits this season and as each game goes by, he only makes that pick look better.

“You look at his numbers and what he’s doing from an offensive standpoint, and honestly, it’s incredible,” said Green Bay head coach Pat McCadden. “Coming into this season he was no-contact in training camp and he missed the first four games as he was still coming back from his injury, and we didn’t know what to expect right away. But he scored three goals in the first two games and he’s never looked back. He’s just an unbelievably talented player.”

Will Zellers had 160 points (76-84-160) over 91 U18 games at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, and that production has followed him to the USHL this season. “I think I’m at my best when I’m using my skating and speed to drive the play and be on top of the defense,” he said. “I like to shoot the puck and I’d consider myself a shot-first guy, so my game really feeds off that and I try to be the first person on the puck and have the puck on my stick.” (Photo courtesy of Green Bay Gamblers)

Taking Steps
Zellers will be the first to admit his game is far from a finished product, and he’s especially prioritized his play away from the puck – which he still wants to improve before making the jump to college.

McCadden and assistant coach Mason Baptista both praised Zellers for his growth this season, citing his work ethic and coachability. He’s a natural goal scorer and thrives in the offensive zone, but he’s also taken pride in his play defensively.

“I think the most impressive part of Will’s game is how competitive he is,” McCadden said. “He wants to score so bad and he’s always willing to work for it, and at times he just wills the puck into the net. And I think that bleeds into his overall game.

“We’ve seen him play more of an effective, hard defensive game and he stays on pucks, and he’s improved in all three zones. So I think that’s helped him create more offense as well.”

Both coaches want to see him continue killing plays defensively and use his skating to his advantage, especially as a winger.

At the same time, Zellers’ game has plenty to like. Whether that’s his ability to read goalies, go to the net, win 1-on-1 battles, or choose the right play with the puck on his stick – which Baptista added sets Zellers apart.

“You look at his body of work from where he started this season to now, and it’s impressive. But it’s also not surprising when you see him work every day,” Baptista said. “He had the injury and didn’t get to start on time like everyone else, and you figured it would take some time. But he was able to get past it and move forward right away, and he’s really found his game.

“I think we’ve seen him consistently create chances and opportunities, and he’s learning how to adapt his game too. Regardless of the coverage he’s getting from other teams, he’s continued to produce, and that’s really a sign of a special player.”

Will Zellers and Aidan Park were teammates at Shattuck-St. Mary’s and developed plenty of chemistry, which has followed them to Green Bay. “I think Will’s game has skyrocketed over the last few years and he’s improved a ton, and he’s having an unbelievable year,” Park said. “He’s super competitive and a really good hockey player, but he’s also a really supportive friend and is always there for you, and he’s someone that’s just fun to be around.” (Photo courtesy of Green Bay Gamblers)

Bright Future Ahead
Zellers immediate focus is on this season. He wants to help Green Bay hoist the Clark Cup and develop his game, both on and off the ice.

However, he’s certainly looking forward to his future in Grand Forks. His parents, Kim and Kurt, grew up in North Dakota and went to UND, and Zellers attended a number of games at Ralph Engelstad Arena as a kid.

He grew up idolizing Zach Parise and later Brock Boeser, and his dog is even named after the latter. Zellers quipped he needed two more dogs so he could have his own CBS line, in honor of UND’s Drake Caggiula–Boeser–Nick Schmaltz combination.

Zellers initially committed to Boston University at 16 years old but had a change of heart, and he decided between Minnesota and North Dakota. The final decision was an easy one.

“It was a pretty fulfilling decision,” Zellers said. “Growing up as a kid and going to games at The Ralph, and now being able to play there this coming fall myself, it’s surreal. I know everyone in my family is really looking forward to it.”

Will Zellers’ dream school has always been North Dakota, where he will play next fall. He remembers first putting on skates around age 2 and joked that he learned how to skate before he could walk. He grew up skating on an outdoor rink every winter and has been obsessed with the sport since he was 5. (Photo courtesy of the Zellers Family)

So are those closest to him in Green Bay.

“I think he’s going to go into North Dakota and score right away, and he’s an extremely gifted offensive player,” McCadden said. “I know they’re excited to get him, and they should be, and I think he has the ability to do a lot of the same things he’s done for us this year. So I’m really excited for his college career and he certainly has the talent and ability to play professionally. I’m very excited for the kid’s future.”

Whatever that future holds there’s one thing Zellers plans to continue doing: Working. It’s what’s got him to this point and led to his success this winter.

“When I was little I was never on the Squirt A or AA team or the Peewee AA team, and I was always on the B teams, so I was never one of the top kids in my age group. But I think my path has made where I am today a lot more satisfying and helped my development,” Zellers said. “I’ve had to work a little bit harder and earn everything, and I’ve always been able to go back to those foundations. But that’s something I can take with me forever.”

The post Will The Thrill appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

The Plymouth native grew up glued to NHL Network and could rattle off any player’s stats or tell you where each team sat in the standings at the drop of a hat. He’s always had a passion for the sport and it started as a young kid skating on his outdoor backyard rink.

It’s a sport he’s found some success in too, whether that be in high school or now, as Gunderson has been one of the USHL’s top performers with the Sioux City Musketeers.

“I would just say the coaches have really believed in me and given me the opportunity to do well this year, and I’ve really just tried to take advantage of it,” Gunderson said. “Last year I obviously didn’t have the same opportunity and had to play a different role on our team, but I had a really good summer and changed a lot of habits, and I just wanted to make sure I could be at my best coming into this season.”

Gunderson is currently tied for the USHL point lead (44) through 37 games and his 15 goals are tied for ninth. The right-shot center has points in five of his last six and 13 multi-point games on the season, and he’s anchoring Sioux City’s top line between Giacomo Martino and Tate Pritchard.

It hasn’t exactly been a smooth road up to this point, as Gunderson put up 80 points during the 2021-22 season at Maple Grove, only to suffer an injury in November of 2022 – which limited him to 33 USHL games and forced him to miss the 2022-23 high school campaign.

Gunderson’s also been traded twice in the USHL, going from Madison to Green Bay in June of 2023 and Green Bay to Sioux City coming out of the Christmas break last season. Along with changing his college commitment multiple times from Western Michigan to Notre Dame and now Ohio State.

He struggled to contribute offensively in both Madison and Green Bay, or find a consistent spot in either lineup. Although he wasn’t a big point producer, he played a key role down the stretch for the Musketeers – who advanced to the Western Conference Finals last spring.

“When I got to Sioux City last year I hadn’t been playing a ton, so I really used that time to get into the gym and work on practice habits, but also focus on my eating and my nutrition so I could change my body around. And I think that’s been a big thing for me this season,” Gunderson said. “I carried that into this summer and the USHL is a really tough league, so you have to be at your best every night and I’ve just tried to put myself into the best position to be successful.”

Landen Gunderson made his USHL debut with Madison on March 30, 2022. He’s now played 120 regular-season games in his USHL career, including 65 with Sioux City. “I thought I’d be able to come into the USHL and play the same offensive game that I did in high school right away, which didn’t happen, but I think (playing in the USHL) has really broadened my horizons and made me a better overall player,” Gunderson said. “It’s a talented league and you learn to be versatile and embrace different roles, and I think it teaches you what it takes to be successful.” (Photo courtesy of Sioux City Musketeers)

A good change of scenery
Gunderson was someone that Sioux City head coach Jason Kersner and GM Sean Clark both targeted, especially as they geared up for a potential playoff run – which came to fruition.

Gunderson played 28 regular-season games for the Musketeers and another eight in the playoffs. He scored three times and added eight assists over those 28, and he finished a plus-2.

However, his value went well beyond the scoresheet, whether it was through faceoffs, his penalty-killing ability or simply his USHL experience.

“He had been on our radar for a while and we had a pretty good team last year, but we felt he could add some good depth to our lineup and he proved to be really valuable,” Kersner said. “Don’t get me wrong, we liked him a lot as a player and he’d previously shown he can score, but he was going to be a depth player and he did a lot of the little things well. But he just kept playing himself into more opportunities.

“So once the season ended and we had our exit meeting and knew he was coming back, he let us know he was ready for a top-six role and top minutes, and he believed he was ready to take a step. So give Landen a ton of credit because he had a big-time summer and he’s been unbelievable this season.”

That off-season work especially impressed the Sioux City brass, as Kersner said Gunderson looked like a “different player” at their main camp.

He came in leaner, faster and stronger, and the Sioux City staff could tell in June that he was poised for a big year – which has been huge for a team that lost its top eight point producers from a year ago. He got off to a quick start too, recording points in his first 13 games, and his confidence has only continued to grow.

Gunderson has continued to fill whatever role the Musketeers need, while once again showing his offensive ability and putting the puck in the net.

“I think the most impressive part about Landen is that he’s shown through his development that he can be such a versatile player in our league and now he’s putting up the points too,” Kersner said. “So when he goes off to school he has several different tools in his toolbelt and can potentially play whatever role (Ohio State) needs him to and then work his way up the lineup.”

Landen Gunderson came in as a ninth grader and racked up 147 points (45-102-147) over 78 career games at Maple Grove High School, including 80 (21-59-80) over 30 games in 2021-22. “He’s just always been an absolute competitor and doesn’t accept any mediocrity,” said head coach Todd Bergland. “He wants to perform at the highest level in everything he does and Landen’s just a gifted play-maker, and it’s been fun to see him progress to where he is now.” (Photo courtesy of Sioux City Musketeers)

Stronger through adversity
While any player would welcome Gunderson’s start to the season, perhaps his success is a little sweeter, especially with what he’s gone through the past two-plus years.

Although he spent time with Madison at the end of the 2021-22 season and played those 33 games in 2022-23, Gunderson considers this his second full season in the USHL.

He was still dealing with the lingering effects of a nagging injury at the start of last season and admits he probably rushed back from his ankle, but he’s back to 100% and it’s showing.

That doesn’t even include the mental hurdle that comes with playing in the USHL and managing the day-to-day ups and downs, which Gunderson has experienced his share of. This has been his first time since high school having the same coach coming into a season too.

Yet those around Gunderson aren’t surprised to see him power through it all and are happy he’s being rewarded.

“It’s outstanding to see but knowing the type of person Landen is, I’m also not surprised,” said Todd Bergland, who coached Gunderson at Maple Grove. “To think of where he was with Madison and the injury, and then last year was a little bit of an up-and-down season, things weren’t going perfect for him and it’s been a long road. But he’s battled through all the adversity and he’s doing a lot of the same things offensively that he did for us. So it’s been awesome to see how much he’s blossomed this year and the season he’s having.”

While he’s wearing a different jersey and a few years older, he’s showing many of those same traits and the type of player he can be, and he’s looking to continue doing so.

“I’ve went through a lot and it was a really tough two years, honestly, and I think that’s made this season even more enjoyable,” Gunderson said. “I broke my ankle and missed out on that senior year, then I got traded twice, so I was coming into this season and just really wanted to make the most of it.

“I think all the adversity I’ve gone through and some of that frustration only pushes you to be better and teaches you a lot of good lessons too, but I also wanted to prove to myself that I’m still a good player and can play at a high level. So I think the start to this year has been pretty rewarding and hopefully I can keep it going.”

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