We are continuing this series for the offseason where we highlight the best returning players at each position in every conference. Today, we are taking a look at the “Big Nine” this conference contains the teams Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault, Mankato East, Mankato West, Northfield, Owatonna, Red Wing, Rochester Century, Rochester John Marshall, Rochester Mayo, Winona. The last article was the best returning forwards, and now today we focus on the top returning defenseman for this conference- we feature three top players then an honorable mention. Let’s get right into it!
1. Logan Opgrand Logan Opgrand 6'1" | Defense Eastview | 2023 State MN | Defenseman | Albert Lea | Class of 2023
Logan Opgrand Logan Opgrand 6'1" | Defense Eastview | 2023 State MN is the top returning defenseman in the big nine conference, as he is coming off a very solid sophomore season. Yoon had a super productive year last year and solidified himself as a true offensive defenseman, as he finished the season with 9 goals and 15 assists for 24 points. Yoon is currently ranked as the number 55 junior in the state, based on last season. In the next rankings update, he will most likely only move up. Yoon has two more years left in high school, and the way he broke out in his sophomore season; I can only see his stats improving. For sure the best defenseman in this conference this year and will be the sole reason for some of Albert Lea’s success this season.
2. Owen Nesburg | Defenseman | Faribault | Class of 2023
Owen Nesburg is pretty under the radar right now, but he is the number for sure 2 returning defensemen in this conference. Nesburg is still very young and in his sophomore year, he had a balanced 15 point split with 7 goals and 8 assists. Nesburg was pretty close to averaging a point a game, and when a defender can do that they just have to be serviceable at defending- then they will make an impact on every single game. This guy should be up there again for tops in point for Faribault his year, and also has a good chance to take a leap and hit around 20 points this year. If Grady Goodwin stays in HS this year, which is up in the air… they are the best defensive duo in southern Minnesota. Let us see if Nesburg can have a solid season to put him on the state rankings.
3. Shae Gavin Shae Gavin 6'0" | Defense Mankato East | 2023 State MN | 6-0 Defenseman | Mankato East/Loyola | Class of 2023
Another younger defenseman makes this list, as the third player in our top 3 returning defenseman- is also the 3rd incoming junior. Shae Gavin Shae Gavin 6'0" | Defense Mankato East | 2023 State MN hasn’t hit his potential fully at all in my opinion and will start to develop more of a role on his team in his junior year. Gavin had 5 goals and 8 assists which is still good for a young sophomore in a pretty competitive conference. Gavin should get on the top D pairing of Mankato East this year, as well as on the power play as the puck distributor. The increasing role for Gavin might lead to his true breakout season with a hopeful over 20 points.
These are the top 3 for sure returning defenders in the Big Nine conference. There is one we do not know about yet, that would move up to the number 2 spot if he is playing high school this year, and that is Faribault’s would-be senior Grady Goodwin. He is currently playing in Omaha on their 18U AAA team and has already played 4 years of high school, but anything is possible and that would be a huge boost to Faribault this season. I Will update when we know for sure if he is playing HS this season. Next article- Top returning goaltenders- Big Nine.