Seven WDA players to keep an eye on this girls' hockey season

BISMARCK -- The puck has dropped on the 2025-26 girls’ hockey season and the next three months will be filed with competitive battles, rivalry games and plenty of excitement on the ice. Here’s a look at seven WDA players who will be impactful for their respective teams.

Bismarck Century: Ellie Horner, Sr.
The goaltender is coming off a solid season where she appeared in 19 games and posted a save percentage of 90 percent. Her experience in goal will be a key part to the Patriots’ push for a high finish in the ND League standings. 
Her positive attitude and strong work ethic serve as a model for the large group of young players on the squad. She’s been a part of the program since it was formed four seasons ago.

Dickinson: Heather Tabor, Jr.
She enters her fourth year in the program and has been an important part of the Mavericks’ defensive group. As a three-sport athlete, she brings a high compete level to the game. In the defensive end, she’s good at clearing loose pucks in front of the net, or winning a puck battle in the corner. Offensively, Tabor chipped in with a goal and four assists in 23 games a season ago. As one of the more experienced players, she has taken it upon herself to be a leader on and off the ice.

Jamestown: Layni Bakalar, Jr.
The defenseman has continued a steady progression in the program.
She possesses the poise and quick decision making needed on the blue line. She has a strong hockey IQ and can read the play to position herself to break up passes and thwart scoring chances. She has also developed an offensive side, thanks in part to her strong skating and puckhandling skills. She scored 10 goals and 16 points a season ago That offense will be counted on again.

Legacy-Bismarck High: Ainsley Johnson, Sr.
The captain plays a tough, gritty style of play that every team desires. The forward does “the little things” that often go unnoticed. She blocks shots, ties up well on faceoffs, defends well in her end. She also produced on the offensive end and let the squad in points (26) during last year’s state title run. As a three-year captain, she is the leader of the team, providing a vocal presence on the bench and in the locker room to her teammates.

Mandan: Dakota Swearingen, Jr.
The forward shows her value in both ends of the rink where she can produce offense and is also mindful of her defensive responsibilities.
She’s a versatile forward who can play both the wing and center positions and her playmaking was on display a season ago where she put up 13 points. Her offensive output is expected to only climb. But her ability to read the play and get into the right positions to disrupt an opponent’s rush up ice is perhaps her most telling skill of her strong  hockey IQ. She’s put in a lot of time offseason at development camps and select teams. That has enabled her to hold her own against more experienced players. She has a team-first mindset and her dedication to getting better each day inspires her teammates.

Minot United, Yvonne Slind, Sr.
The forward played as instrumental part in Minot’s offensive output last season where she tallied 20 points, including 12 goals. She had a five-game point streak. That consistency of finding the score sheet will be needed this season. Slind is known for her strong worth ethic and positive energy which rub off on her teammates. Her experience will be called upon as the team looks to return to the state tournament.

Williston: Aubrey Nass, Sr.
The defenseman is an invaluable part of the Coyotes, logging big minutes and providing leadership on and off the ice. Her toughness, long reach and hockey IQ enable her to be hard to play against. She often is disrupting offensive plays and wins a lot of 50-50 puck battles in the corners. She can also break the puck out of the zone with her skating skills. Offensively, she has been a steady producer from the back end. Her six goals was second on the team last year and she finishes with 11 points. She is a dependable player and is used in every situation.

Photo: Aubrey Nass, Williston