With the 2020-2021 season only a month away, we thought it’s time to showcase the real heroes that keep Goalies sane and Forwards in check. Here are the top Defensemen to watch for this year from each team in Section 4AA.
Known to many by now, Joe was a pivotal part of the historic Hill Murray team that ended up winning the AA State Championship in March as he led all Pioneer defensemen with 39 points (4G, 35A). He will be returning for his final season at the blue line alongside his D-partner Matthew Fleischacker Matthew Fleischacker 5'6" | Defense Hill-Murray | 2021 MN (10G, 24A) as they look to run it back at the Xcel Energy Center. After this season Joe will be heading to Madison and playing in the Big Ten for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.
Evan Murr Evan Murr 5'10" | Defense Stillwater | 2021 MN – Stillwater #21
Here’s a player that is dangerously underrated, because despite having back to back 20+ point seasons from the blue line, Evan has yet to be drafted by a juniors league or commit to a D1 program. Whoever does find him first will get the 3rd leading scorer for the Ponies last season (9G, 19A) and a skater that is as disciplined as they come (only 2 PIMS all year).
Cade Kodytek Cade Kodytek 6'0" | Defense White Bear Lake | 2021 MN – White Bear Lake #4
The Bears are losing their top two defensemen which should open up more looks for Cade (0G, 7A) and his D-partner Joey Frattalone (1G,7A). Cade has the size and is a smart stay at home defenseman that doesn’t get his team in trouble by taking bad penalties (only 8 PIMS all year).
Blake Polifka Blake Polifka 6'3" | Defense East Ridge | 2021 MN – East Ridge #24
East Ridge had a difficult end to their season losing in the 1st round of sections to rival Mounds View, but that up until that point they were one of the hottest teams in hockey and much of their success was because of Blake (4G, 14A). He finished the year on a 6 game point streak with 3 goals and 9 assists during that stretch. Blake is a big defenseman who contributes on both ends of the ice and looks primed for a standout senior year.
Jacob Drews Jacob Drews 5'10" | Defense Mounds View | 2021 MN – Mounds View #24
Mounds View struggled to score last season with only 59 goals total, but that’s another reason why Jacob’s stats stand out. Alongside his D-partner Cale Goenner (6G, 6A), Jacob led the defensemen in points with 12 (1G, 11A). He also had two assists in sections against Hill Murray, the eventual State Champions. Look for Drews to get more opportunities on the powerplay this season as the Mustangs retool their offensive approach.
Ben Tarlton Ben Tarlton 5'11" | Defense Woodbury | 2021 MN – Woodbury #3
The Royals also had trouble scoring the puck, producing only 45 goals last season. Ben was one of the few bright spots for Woodbury, he was 3rd on the team in points with 12 (7G, 5A) and even had two game-winners including a hat trick versus division rival Roseville. Tarlton is clearly committed to improving his game, as he’s currently playing in the NA3HL for the North Iowa Bulls during the offseason.
Bjorn was 4th in scoring on an offensively-loaded Roseville squad last season, they just couldn’t quite keep up on the defensive end. Bjorn led all Silver Fox defenseman with 26 points (10G, 16A) and even notched a hat trick vs division rival Irondale. A gifted lacrosse player, Bjorn is a natural athlete who looks set up for a stellar senior year.
Irondale finished last in section 4AA, but they too had some standouts on their team. The biggest contributor from the blue line was Bourassa, who led all defensemen with 14 points (4G, 10A). Griffin is a big guy who plays a solid two-way game, the biggest improvement he needs to make his senior season is to lower his time spent in the box (49 PIMS last season).