John Hirschfeld, St. Cloud Cathedral

Described by more than one opposing coach as a “man amongst boys,” Hirschfeld led the Crusaders to the 2024 Class A state championship and a runner-up finish this season, as the Crusaders fell in overtime against East Grand Forks. 

Injured for much of the first part of the season, Hirschfeld entered the Class A State Tournament averaging 4.4 points per game, a remarkable pace for any player at any level of the game. Hirschfeld recorded four assists in St. Cloud Cathedral’s three state tourney games this season, and ended the year with 25 goals and 80 points.

The Vermont commit finishes his high school career with 82 goals and 237 points, and will likely join the USHL’s Lincoln Stars for the rest of the season.

Mason Kraft, Moorhead

Kraft’s performance in this year’s Class AA State Tournament will go down as the stuff of legend. There was the four-goal, five-point outing in a closer-than-expected quarterfinal win over Lakeville South. The stunning 4-3 semifinal win over Edina in which Kraft had “only” a goal. And, finally, the four-goal first period en route to Moorhead’s first-ever state championship. Kraft’s four goals in the opening period tied him for most goals in a state tournament period with Minnesota hockey legend John Mayasich, who set the record in 1951. 

The senior assistant captain and Minnesota State commit finished his season with an otherworldly playoff performance, racking up 16 goals and 23 points in six Section 8AA playoff and state tournament contests. He concluded the 2024-2025 campaign with 46 goals and 95 points.