2026 Season Preview: Section 3
BOYS
Section 3… it’s always the people’s section and it’s always fun
Not because there isn’t a favorite. Not because there isn’t star power. But because across the board, this might be the deepest the section has felt in years. There are returning cores, Division I commits, veteran coaches, and programs that simply don’t go away.
Let’s take a look.
STA: Built on Balance and Continuity
St. Thomas Academy lost a major 2025 piece in Candon, but the cupboard is far from bare. Defensively, getting Meisterling, Marx, and Larson back gives the Cadets a backbone that can lock in on the defensive end.
Offensively, the strength is depth and variety. They return scoring options 1 through 4, led by Luke Hudson, Pedri, Bushlack, and Williams. There isn’t simply one player you can scheme away - they have a solid core of players who can create offense.
In goal, Wicks steps into his senior season ready to claim the cage full-time after splitting minutes last year. Stability between the pipes matters in tight section games, and STA should have it.
The biggest question mark is at the faceoff X after graduating Kelicic, who handled the majority of draws. But several returning players gained experience spelling him, and that reps bank could pay off.
What stands out most? Program health. STA’s middle school group has been playing together under the same banner, building continuity with the coaching staff.
I was surprised when I dug in how much STA returns… and I like their core — a lot.
East Ridge: Still the Standard
Coming into the offseason, I had East Ridge pegged as the clear-cut Section 3 favorite. I still think they are heavy contenders to win the section again but maybe by not as much as I originally thought - not from any of their shortcomings, but, just feels like the section was a bit deeper than I realized.
Yes, they lose Oliver Stalsberg (48 points) and Mac O’Brien (30 points). That’s real production walking out the door.
But here’s why they remain elite: they return star players at the two most controlling positions on the field — faceoff and goalie. Their Division I-committed fogo, Middelcamp, and D1 goalie Shanley give them a possession and defensive foundation few teams can match.
Offensively, they get back major contributors in Griffith, Baron, and Leo Stalsberg, plus depth players who already logged meaningful varsity minutes. They also get a D2 commit transfer from Park (Johnson) for his senior year. This team is loaded with weapons.
Defensively, all three starting poles — Huseboe, Hall, and Galvan — return. Replacing two senior LSMs won’t be easy, but the structure is intact.
Last year’s upset win over Benilde-St. Margaret’s in state wasn’t a fluke — it was a stamp on a great season and dividends paid on this staff building around these 26’s & 27s when they were in 8th and 9th grade.
They’re a Top 10 team. More likely, they’re Top 5 caliber all season.
CDH: Never Count Them Out
If you’ve followed Section 3 long enough, you know one thing: under Matt Hourigan, Cretin-Derham Hall is going to be relevant by season’s end.
The Raiders bring back 3 of their top four scorers — Novotny, Runyon and Leclair. But the loss of Nate Chorlton to Jr Hockey is going to be a major project. Chorlton, was the heartbeat of this team. Tough as nails, takes faceoffs, hunts ground balls, and dished out 44 assists last year. His presence improved the production of everyone else. They will need a new guy to step up.
Junior defender Alex Waud (Mercer commit) anchors the defense, though they’ll need to replace McQuillan and Flynn. and probably their biggest loss on the back end: Beck Lewis. A Division I pole who jumped in cage and posted an 8.00 GAA with a 57% save rate. That kind of versatility doesn’t walk through the door often.
However, 2027 goalie Piazza did see time and should be ready to roll. If he settles in quickly, CDH becomes as dangerous an out in Section 3 as anyone.
And history says they will figure it out.
Woodbury
Woodbury loses key offensive pieces in Olson and Henry, plus two goalies who both moved on to play at the collegiate level.
That’s significant turnover.
But Sam Sanchez and Graham Toelke return, and if there’s one thing Woodbury does year after year, it’s compete. They don’t need headlines to stay in games. They just grind.
There will be big shoes to fill in the cage, but expect Woodbury to remain a problem on any given night.
Hastings
There’s something to be said for a group that’s been playing together since seventh grade.
Hastings brings back its top three scorers — Hanson, Melicio, and Schwamb — along with defensive pieces Beyer and Birkin. Chemistry won’t be an issue.
The question mark is in goal. If they find stability there, this senior class could make real noise.
Experience matters in section play. Hastings has plenty of it.
St. Paul
St. Paul has steadily improved over the past few seasons and gave CDH a serious scare in sections last year.
They’re well coached. They compete. And they’re closer than people think.
Don’t overlook them.
Eagan
2025 was an odd year for the Wildcats — youth and injuries combined for an up-and-down ride.
But there’s a talented freshman class entering the mix. It may not fully materialize this spring, but programs with Eagan’s tradition don’t stay down for long.
They may be a year away — but the climb back is coming.
The Bottom Line
East Ridge and STA feel like the top tier entering the year. CDH lurks — as always. Woodbury has to fill some holes but has some good players to work with. Hastings brings cohesion. St. Paul and Eagan continue their climb.
Section 3 won’t be handed to anyone.
And that’s exactly why it’ll be fun.
GIRLS
If the boys’ side of Section 3 is deep, the girls’ side might be even more layered.
There’s a defending section champ breaking in a new coach. A finalist built on underclass star power. A semifinalist searching for its next alpha. And a handful of programs quietly stockpiling youth.
Let’s dive in.
Park: A New Era After 18-1
Park went 18-1 a year ago, losing only to Stillwater in the state semifinal before bouncing back to beat Lakeville South for third place. That’s not just a good season — that’s a statement season.
But graduation hit hard.
Out the door go Madi Brinkman (Missouri Western) with 83 points and 95 draw controls, Josie Leonard (UC Colorado Springs) with 81 points and 105 DCs, and steady presence in goal Aubree Laska (3.7 GAA, 51.4%). That’s points, possession, leadership — gone.
And then there’s the sideline change. Scott Leonard out. Bailey Aasen in.
If Park has been known for anything over the last few years, it’s that semi-famous lockdown defense. The question now: does the identity stay the same?
There are still pieces.
Maleah McMorrow (Lindenwood) brings back 54 points. Morgan Brinkman is a young, rising scorer. Alaina Wright and Sidni Gitzen add balance. And Lauryn “Crash” Ehrenstrom (Framingham State commit) returns in cage with experience.
The points may have walked out the door — but this is still Park. Talent remains. The intrigue is real.
CDH: Built for Tomorrow — Dangerous Today
Cretin-Derham Hall went 12-4 and pushed Park to the brink in an 11-10 section final loss.
Five seniors graduate, headlined by Jane Stangler (Niagara), but the returning core is what makes this group fascinating.
Jordin Rosga (2028) poured in 75 points. Lily Selander (2028) added 55 points and a massive 120 draw controls. That’s production and possession from underclassmen. That’s scary.
In goal, Caroline LeClair (2029) logged 81 saves with nearly a 50% save rate. Young? Yes. Tested? Also yes.
This roster feels like it’s ahead of schedule. Built for the future — but talented enough that “the future” could be now.
And then there are the whispers. Transfer/co-op portal rumors floating around. Nothing substantiated yet. But if even one impact piece joins an already loaded underclass core, CDH moves from contender to favorite territory quickly.
For now, they’re right there.
East Ridge: Opportunity Knocks
East Ridge finished 9-6 and fell to CDH 10-7 in the section semifinals.
Graduation stings — especially losing Keira Limpert (Palm Beach Atlantic), who accounted for 76 points and 68 draw controls. That’s a big void.
But there’s opportunity.
They return their second-, third-, and fifth-leading scorers. Chloe Garrett, Kami Szybatka, and Maci Szybatka form a balanced trio ready to expand their roles. Avery Nelson returns in goal with experience.
There are also a couple of commits waiting to step fully into the spotlight.
The question isn’t whether East Ridge will be competitive. It’s whether their growth curve accelerates enough to close the gap on Park and CDH.
If someone makes a leap, they’re in the mix.
St. Croix Prep: Offense Intact, Question in Cage
St. Croix Prep went 10-5 and lost to Park 12-8 in the section semifinals.
They graduate Veronica Ziemer (60 points, 62 DC), Soren Barrios, and goalie Hannah Duffee (117 saves, 52.7%). That’s a lot of experience — especially in cage.
But offensively? There’s plenty back.
Eden Lothenbach (57 points) is a dynamic creator. Lily Lothenbach complements her well. Natalie Donney (Lynn University) returns after posting 47 points and 55 draw controls.
In many ways, they mirror East Ridge in returning field production — but without the settled goalie situation.
Unless there’s some transfer portal movement for the “Hedge Fund,” the goalie question likely keeps them a step behind the top tier.
Still, you won’t want to see them in May.
The Rest of the Section
Hastings
Nine seniors graduate, including the first-, third-, and fourth-leading scorers. But they also bring back 12 players from the 2026 class. It might not be seamless — but the next wave is ready.
Simley
Five seniors are gone, but nine 2027s saw varsity minutes. That’s experience you can’t fake. The growth trajectory is upward.
St. Paul Academy
Finished 6-8 and returns a number of young contributors, including a 2029 goalie. They’re building something. Whether it pays off this spring or next remains to be seen.
St. Paul/Two Rivers
Roster and graduation info is light. Hard to project without clarity.
Visitation
Went 7-8 and graduated seven seniors. That’s significant turnover.
Woodbury
Six seniors graduate, including their clear No. 1 scorer. But the starting goalie was a 2029 — a foundational piece to build around. The question is whether the young field players are ready to step forward now.
The Big Picture
Park remains the standard — but with a new coach and major departures, there’s intrigue.
CDH might be ahead of schedule and is built on young stars who already produce at a high level.
East Ridge and St. Croix Prep are right there, looking for the jump.
The gap at the top? Smaller than last year.
And that’s what makes this section fascinating.