WDA skaters to watch on the rink in 2025-26

BISMARCK -- The puck has dropped on the 2025-26 boys’ hockey season and the next three months will be filed with competitive battles, rivalry games and plenty of excitement on the ice. The conference again features both veterans and youthful players who will contribut on the ice. Here’s a look at nine players who will be impactful for their respective teams.

Bottineau-Rugby: Landon Siemens, Sr.
The senior is not just a stay-at-home defenseman. His skating and offensive instincts enable him to jump into the play or lead a rush up ice. He posted 12 points a season ago (2G-10A). He is expected to log a lot of minutes for the Braves and not only be effective in shutting down opposing scoring plays, but be a point producer as well.

Bismarck High: Easton Richardson, Sr.
Offense was hard to come by last season for the Demons, but the good news is that its best offensive player returns in senior Easton Richardson. His seven goals and 12 points were best on the team. His quickness, pursuit to the puck and ability to high hockey IQ rival many of the top players in the WDA. Richardson has been a varsity player since his freshmen season and his leadership will be important for the squad poised to make improvements this season.

Bismarck Century: Keaton Schulte., Sr.
The senior is coming off an impressive season for the Patriots where he put 14 goals and 32 points. He has played in 52 games and is the top returning scorer and will be called upon, especially early, to be a consistent point producer. He plays the game with a physical edge, but has good offensive instincts in finding open ice and getting to the scoring areas.

Bismarck Legacy: Harrison Johnson, Sr.
The senior is hoping he can build off an  injury-shortened season. In just 16 games, he racked up 12 goals and 12 assists. That offense will again be welcomed for a Saber team poised to return to the state tournament. His compete level and the fact he embraces matching up against the top players from opposing teams makes him a valued leader for the squad.

Dickinson: Rylan Miller, Jr.
The junior was the top scorer for the Mavericks a season ago, leading the team in points (20) and assists (13). The forward was used in all situations on the ice, including special teams. His strong hockey IQ enables to read the play and get in the right positions. He’s also good with the puck as a playmaker. He will be leaned upon to provide consistent offense for Dickinson which was offensively-challenged at times a season ago.

Hazen-Beulah: Everette Dutchuk, Sr.                                                                                                                                                                 The defenseman will see a lot of ice time this season for the North Stars which will be leaning on their defensive group to help the program's young goaltenders adjust to varsity play. Dutchuk has good vision and his passing skills will help Hazen-Beulah break pucks out of the zone. Offensively, he had four points a season ago, including a pair of goals. A boost in his offense will be the next step in his development. 

Jamestown: Parker Roelfsema, So.
The sophomore is trending to be one of the game-changing players in the conference. Most freshmen don’t make an immediate offensive impact, but that is what Roelfsma did in 2024-25, putting up 34 points, including 16 goals. As a power forward, his size and strength allows him to win puck battles in the corners. But also has the scoring skills to be a finisher around the net.

Mandan: Ben Moch, So.
The sophomore will jump into his first season on the varsity and is expected to make an immediate impact for the Braves’ scoring production. His speed with the puck will make him quickly stand out on the ice and grab the attention of opposing teams. He possesses good instincts for the game and will only get better as he gets comfortable with the speed and intensity of varsity play.

Minot United: Cole Richeson, Sr.
The defenseman is coming off a season where he played a key role down the stretch, including chipping in some big goals during postseason play.  That offense from the back end will be welcomed for a squad which lost a good amount of its firepower. Richeson had nine goals and 22 points in 27 games.

Williston, Carter Suchy, Sr.
The senior is the top returning scorer to the Coyotes’ lineup. His 15 points was third on the team, including 10 assists. Suchy’s experience will called on, especially early, as the team works to develop more scoring depth. He had three two-point games a season ago.

Photo: Parker Roelfesma, Jamestown