Top Defenseman in Section 7AA
With the 2020-2021 season only months away, we thought it’s time to showcase the real heroes that keep Goalies sane and Forwards in check. Here is the top Defensemen to watch for this year from each team in Section 7AA.…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2020-2021 season only months away, we thought it’s time to showcase the real heroes that keep Goalies sane and Forwards in check. Here is the top Defensemen to watch for this year from each team in Section 7AA.
Weston Knox – Andover #6
With the Huskies graduating 5 of their top-scoring defenseman, look out for Weston and his prospective D-Partner Mason Cotter next season. The two combined for 2 goals, 17 assists, and had a +44 rating while they were on the ice. Both now have deep playoff and state tournament experience and will look to carry more responsibility on the powerplay this season.
Easton Young – Grand Rapids #5
Here is another talented player coming into his senior season having played alongside St. Cloud State commit Jack Peart. With Peart headed to the USHL, the bulk of the responsibility from the blue line will fall on Young who is coming off an impressive year (7G, 7A) for the Thunderhawks. He has not made a commitment to a college program yet but was selected in the 5th round of the USHL 2020 entry draft by the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Cade Anderson – Cloquet-Esko-Carlton #12
CEC was one goal away from beating Elk River in sections, and Cade was a big part of their defensive presence for the Lumberjacks. As a Junior, he produced 3 goals and 9 assists and was a prominent member of their powerplay. With his defensive partner, Kaden Crane (2G, 15A) graduating, look for Cade to expand his output even more for the Lumberjacks.
Connor Brust – Forest Lake #16
Brust at 6’0 185 lbs is one of the bigger defensemen on this list, and his stats aren’t small either. He put up 3 goals and 15 assists last year for the Rangers which doubled his Sophomore point production. Coming into his senior year, Forest Lake will have a strong presence in #16 on the blue line.
Garrett Johnson – Duluth East #20
Duluth East is known for having a big roster, and Garrett is no exception. He stands 6’5 inches tall and weighs 190 lbs, and still has the hands to finish in front of the net. Last year he produced 4 goals and 2 assists for the Greyhounds without any real powerplay opportunities.
Joe Greniuk – Elk River/Zimmerman #3
Arguably the most underrated player on this list, Greniuk is a huge reason why Elk River made it to the Section 7AA championship last year. He tallied 2 goals and 24 assists as a junior and will most likely be selected in the 2021 USHL Draft. Expect Greniuk to shoot more and find his scoring touch again this season as he did as a Sophomore when he scored 9 goals for the Elks.
Jacob Reinholz – Anoka #10
Anoka struggled on both sides of the puck last season, but one of their bright spots looking ahead is Jacob Reinholz. He was listed at 6’0 146 lbs as a Sophomore and produced 2 goals with 5 assists last season. The Tornadoes will need to continue to develop Reinholz if they want to seriously compete in Section 7AA.
Carson Mehling – Duluth Marshall #17
Mehling is the highest-scoring defenseman returning for the Hilltoppers, who really struggled to score last season (34 goals total). Duluth Marshall graduated their top two defensemen from last season, however, so look for more special teams opportunities this year for Carson.