We are back with in-depth coverage of high school hockey! This content for the rest of the month will be available to subscribers only! Took a break for college finals, but now on winter break, we will be producing a lot of good content. In this article, we will highlight the top three forwards in the state that have impressed the most to start the season. Here are the 3 forwards that have been having a breakout year so far.
- Matt Filippi | 5’11 Junior Forward | Little Falls
No better candidate for the top breakout player of the year other than Little Fall’s Matt Filippi. Matt Filippi is already one point away from beating what he had last year. In just eight games played so far this season, Filippi has a whopping 27 points- 16 goals, 11 assists. He is currently number two in points in the state and is averaging one of the most per game at 3.38. Filippi has been a varsity starter since 8th grade, but he is just breaking out this season. Prep Hockey had him ranked as the 39th sophomore in the state after last season. We plan to update the rankings soon, he will be in the top 15 of his class for sure. With that state hopes Little Falls has this season, Filippi looks to get some eyes on him on the big stage in March. His best performance this season was the 6 point performance against Alexandria for that huge comeback win for Little falls. He finished with 2 goals and 4 assists for a 7-6 win for Little Falls over a ranked team. Filippi is on pace for around 80 points this season.
2. Patrick Kroski | Sophomore Forward | Luverne
Luverne is off to a very fast start this season, and the main reason that is is how good Patrick Kroski has been for them. Kroski is averaging a super impressive 4 points per game. He has 11 goals and 13 goals for 24 points in just 6 games. Kroski is a breakout player so far, as this is his first season in high school and he has been very impressive. Kroski is a key player on Luverne and could lead them to state this year. Luverne is a Big South favorite as of now, as well New Ulm. Kroski should be a top 20 sophomore player when we finish the rankings.
3. Joey DelGreco | 5’10 Senior Forward | Grand Rapids
Very huge season for DelGreco so far, as he is likely a top Mr. Hockey candidate a month into the season. DelGreco is having a breakout year, as he has already broken the single-season points he had last year. Grand Rapids is playing some of the top teams in the state and DelGreco has been super impressive. DelGreco is on a 10 game point streak and is a player to watch to go D1 or juniors after this season. Huge senior year when you are already on some coaches’ radars makes things a lot easier. His best game so far this season is his recent game against Elk River. He had 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points is a 6-3 win for GR. Watch out for him to continue to make waves his year.