Though many high school hockey teams’ success is dependent on senior success, there are plenty of players coming into their first season as an upperclassmen destined to make some noise in their junior season.
With the hockey season beginning in a matter of weeks, here are five players in the Class of 2021 to watch out for this season.
Cody Croal
School: North Branch
Position: Forward
PrepHockey rank: No. 21
College commitment: None
Croal and his North Branch teammates made history a season ago as they helped their school to a state tournament appearance. Croal was a key component as he tallied 25 goals and 26 assists. A strong sophomore season led to Croal getting a chance to participate in USA Hockey’s Player Development Camp this summer. Expect to hear plenty more about Croal this winter.
Hayden Davison
School: Wayzata
Position: Forward
PrepHockey rank: No. 43
College commitment: None
Davison’s high school numbers from a season ago do not jump off the page with just two goals and two assists. But Davison has shown flashes where he’s capable of making a major leap this season. He’ll have plenty of chances to show his stuff going up against the fierce competition in the Lake Conference.
Luke Johnson
School: Warroad
Position: Forward
PrepHockey rank: No. 36
College commitment: None
Johnson will play for a program who has put out pro prospect after pro prospect. This Warroad forward adds to that legacy with his play. He added 6 goals and 8 assists as a sophomore. Look for Johnson to be a force to be reckoned with this season.
Carter Batchelder
School: Eden Prairie
Position: Forward
PrepHockey rank: No. 18
College commitment: Colorado College
Batchelder enters his junior season with some valuable postseason experience from a season ago. He was a key piece in helping Eden Prairie to the state championship. It’s safe to say Batchelder’s role will only increase as he becomes an upperclassman.
Griffin Ludtke
School: Lakeville South
Position: Defense
PrepHockey rank: No. 2
College commitment: Omaha
Much like Batchelder, Ludtke came into his own as a sophomore playing in the postseason. Ludtke tallied five assists for Lakeville South as the Cougars advanced to the state tournament and lost in an overtime heartbreaker. Ludtke returns and will likely be even more productive on the Lakeville South blue line.