Ten players to watch this season

BISMARCK – The puck has dropped on the 2024-25 season. Once again the conference has its share of impactful players. Here are 10 WDA players to keep an eye on this campaign.

Bismarck High: Owen Deeter, G
The netminder has already showed his potential in his first season of varsity player. The sophomore, who attends St. Mary’s, has been a solid backstop for the Demons in goal. His save percentage is over 90 percent. Coach Stephen Dora says Deeter’s competitive drive in both practice and games also pushes his teammates to work hard as well.

Bismarck Century: Andrew Brubakken, F
The senior forward will provide a needed scoring punch for the Patriots this season. Coach Troy Olson says Andrew skates well and possesses a heavy shot. He is the top returning scorer to the Century lineup, netting 47 points a season ago, including 23 goals.

Bismarck Legacy, Joel Anderson, D
The senior has steadily improved his play on the blue line for the Sabers over the past two seasons. Coach Ryan Faragher said his skating and vision of the ice set him apart. He is capable of playing a shut-down defender or make plays in the offensive zone with his puckhandling. Anderson finished with 14 points season ago, including four goals.

Bottineau-Rugby: Tukker Fedje, F
The senior is coming off a 24-point season (10-14) and his offense will be counted on. Coach Jesse Nostdahl said his leadership on and off the ice mixed with his skill set makes him an invaluable part of the team. The captain will play in all situations, five-on-five and special teams.

Dickinson: Bryce Kadrmas, G
The senior has developed into one of the top goaltenders in the state. He has a career save percentage north of 91 percent and has stopped over 1,300 pucks during his career. Coach Kass Dvorak says Bryce also has a great attitude and is always a student of the game, looking for ways to improve his play.

Hazen-Beulah: Wyatt Grueneich, D
The senior has developed into a steady presence on the backend for the North Stars. Coach Dan Frei said Wyatt plays a clean, physical game who possesses good skating skills to allow him to jump into the play, but also recover back to his end. He will log a lot of minutes for the squad, playing in all situations, including special teams.

Jamestown: Jackson Maddock, F
The senior has a high hockey IQ and a skill set that makes him a difference maker in the Blue Jays lineup. The forward averaged a point per game a season ago (12 goals and 12 assists). First year Blue Jays coach Jake Stilwell says Jackson’s an avid follower of the sport at all levels. He brings that information he picks up to practices to make himself and his teammates better.

Mandan: Carson Joersz, F
The senior has developed into an all-around player for the Braves. Coach Matt Winkle said he has the ability to consistently make the smart play to help get a puck out of the D-zone, but also possesses play-making skills in the offensive zone to set up his teammates. He led the squad in scoring last season with 37 points, including 23 assists.

Minot High: Devon Keller, G
The junior provides the Magi with consistency between the pipes. Coach Jason Bennett says Devon has a very calming effect on the hockey team. His career save percentage of 92 percent and 1.17 goals against average places him in elite company among goaltenders in the state. In a team with several key returners, Devon will be one of the difference makers in Minot High’s lineup.

Williston: Chase Collings, F
The senior forward is the returning scorer for the Coyotes with 13 goals and 23 points. Coach Mat Ekblad said he provides a physical presence and has a knack for willing puck battles along the boards and in front of the goal. He’s one of the key players who will be counted on for the squad.

Photo: Andrew Brubakken, Century