Ten to watch on the ice

BISMARCK – The 2023-24 WDA boy's hockey season began last week and it promises to be another competitive year in the conference. Here's a look at 10 players who figure to play key roles on their respective squads this season.

Mason Mrachek, Bismarck High

The senior will be called upon to bring leadership to a Bismarck High team which graduated a large majority of its offense a season ago. The forward played his sophomore season at Century before joining the Bismarck High program last yeart. Mrachek, a St. Mary’s student, had six points a season ago, including four goals. He netted the Demons’ goal in this year’s season opening game. His size and skating ability help him win puck battles. 

Hayden Ritter, Bismarck Century

The senior forward returns after an impressive junior campaign where he netted 29 points, including 14 goals. That was up from 14 points tallied as a sophomore. Ritter’s big frame and strength allow him to win a lot of puck battles in the corner and his big shot makes him dangerous in the slot. He will be counted on to a be consistent point producer for the Patriots looking to get back to the state tournament for a second year in a row.

Drew Beasley, Bismarck Legacy

The junior forward is coming off an impressive year on the top line where he scored 39 points (12G-27A) in 39 games to help the Sabers return to the state tournament. The all-conference player registered at least one point in Legacy’s first nine games. His playmaking and skating skills enable him to be on the ice in all situations, including power play and penalty kill. Beasley compete level and athleticism make him a difficult player to contain. He is one of handful of gifted returning scorers in the lineup.

Brooks Siemens, Bottineau-Rugby

The senior forward will serve as captain will be looked upon to provide scoring to a lineup that saw its top point producers graduate, or move on to junior-level hockey.

Siemens spent his freshman and sophomore years participating in the Rink Academy program in Winnipeg, Manitoba before returning to the program a year ago. As a result of playing in Canada, Siemens was ineligible for varsity play, but did practice and play JV. His skill set will make him the anchor on the Braves’ power play unit and figures a scoring leader for the squad.

Kaeden Krieg, Dickinson

The senior has led the team in scoring the past two seasons and is coming off a terrific junior campaign which saw him tally 25 points (15G-9A) in 24 games in roles as a forward and defenseman. The all-conference player’s skating skills and ability to read the play well allows him to be impactful in both ends of the rink. He will be counted on to again provide offense in whichever role he fills. Perhaps his leadership off the ice is where he shines the most, encouraging teammates and leading by way of a strong work ethic and humility.

Adam Graney, Hazen-Beulah

The senior forward is coming off a breakout junior year in which he tallied 37 points, including 23 goals in 19 games. That was among the leaders in the WDA. Graney is good in all three zones and has the ability to win puck battles in the corner with his strength, but also possesses good hands and speed in the open ice to beat defenders one-on-one and finish at the net. The all-conference player will garner a lot of attention from opponents.

Tyson Jorissen, Jamestown

The senior forward has played in some big games throughout his career for the Blue Jays in three sports (football, hockey and baseball). His skating skills enable him to create scoring chances and get back into the play to defend in his zone. He netted nine points last season and 11 as a sophomore. Jorissen is one of a handful of returning players with extended playing time over the past couple seasons which saw the program qualify for the state tournament. That experience will be called upon as several new faces break into the lineup.  

Matthew Haider, Mandan

The senior forward led the Braves in scoring a season ago with 25 points, including 16 goals. The all-conference selection sees the ice well and his quickness and puck handling skills enable him to make plays near the net. Haider logs a lot of minutes in 5-on-5 and special team situations and will be called upon to again provide consistent scoring for the team. 

Jaxon Radke, Minot High

The gifted two-way defenseman is expected to play big minutes for the Magicians this season. The senior possesses the toughness to defend well in his zone, but the offensive instincts to know when jump into the play. His skating skills and puck handling at the blue line enable him to move to open ice to find shooting opportunities. He netted 17 points a season ago from the back end and will be looked upon to provide offense. His positivity and encouragement to teammates make him a leader in the locker room. 

Bode Ekblad, Williston

The junior goaltender played in 19 games for the Coyotes a season ago and faced over 700 shots. Although his goals against average was high (4.47), Ekblad did have six games where he allowed two or fewer goals, despite not having a lot of goal support to work with. Bode benefitted from playing this fall in the Team North Dakota High Performance Camp and that ability to face high-end competition before the start of the season will serve him well.

Photo: Jaxon Radke, Minot High