APX GOALTENDING TIER: KYLER HELMBERGER

Young goaltender Kyler Helmberger just wrapped up a successful season with the Woodbury PeeWee A team, where the squad made a state tournament appearance in 2026, before joining APX for his first summer of offseason training with us. From Day 1, he was able to demonstrate his strong athletic ability and his desire to learn in all of his sessions both on and off the ice.

“Kyler has shown tremendous growth in his first year in the program. He is a keen student of the position, and he is consistently asking quality questions to our staff to identify how he can keep improving his game,” said APX Director of Goaltending Drew Fielding. “On top of that, he is an outstanding athlete! Great work Kyler and let’s finish the training season strong!”

GOALTENDING TIER HONORABLE MENTIONS:

• Niko Johnson (Eagan)

• Ollie Oslund (Lakeville South)

• Jack Frein (Bloomington Jefferson)

• Leyton Rinehart (Woodbridge Wolfpack / Green Bay USHL)

APX COLLEGE TIER: KAM KAISER

Forward Kam Kaiser just finished up a very impressive season with El Paso in the NAHL and has recently signed to play in the USHL in 2026-27 with the Youngstown Phantoms. The Northfield (MN) native is a veteran of APX’s College Tier and all of our staff love having Kam’s presence in the building. He is highly competitive and consistently earns the respect of his peers, making him a true leader on the ice and in the locker room. We can’t wait to see where his future in hockey will take him once he figures out where he wants to play college hockey.

Kam has always made steady progress in his development over the years, but the growth that he’s made in the past year has been astounding. His aggressive tactics, situational awareness & overall duration shift-to-shift is really sharp right now,” said APX Director of Player Development Wes Jirovec. “Those are the kind of attributes that make the rest of our group better. He’s exciting to play with and very hard to play against.”

APX SELECTS TIER: CHANNING GOODWIN

Forward Channing Goodwin has been an APX athlete for quite some time now, but he has shown huge growth in his game over the past year or two. Goodwin made the jump up into varsity hockey as a sophomore at Rosemount but recently had an explosive junior season in 2025-26, posting 42 points in 31 games for a talented Irish roster. Because of his hard work both on and off the ice, our staff is expecting a huge senior season for the skater in 2026-27.

“We’ve had Goody in the program for a while now, and our staff is plenty used to consistent growth in his game, but it’s such an exciting phase in a player’s career when they begin solidifying their identity on the ice. We’re starting to really see what kind of player Goody will be in junior, college & potentially beyond,” said Jirovec about the forward. “He’s always been an elite processor on offense, but now there’s a confidence in his hard skill and pace of play. As he’s gotten stronger on his skates, that’s resulted in more confidence as a forechecker and defender, too.”

APX HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SELECTS TIER: BRITA ANDERSON

Defender Brita Anderson is coming off of a strong junior season for the Eagan Wildcats and has shown an extreme willingness to learn and improve this training season. The longtime APX athlete also has a great attitude and work ethic out on the ice that recently earned her the honor to wear an ‘A’ for her Eagan squad in 2026-27.

“Brita will be a senior this year for the Eagan Wildcats, and she continues to stand out as a strong example of what APX hockey is all about,” said APX Director of Girls Development Karyn Bye. “She brings a heavy shot to the ice, along with a steady dedication to the program that shows through her consistent attendance and commitment to improving. Brita is very coachable, always willing to listen, learn, and put in the work. She also loves being on the ice with many of her teammates from Eagan, bringing great energy and connection to every session.”

APX 18s TIER: GAVIN GUST

“More than just within the last month, Gavin has been tremendous since the very start of the training season. He’s been remarkably motivated to boost his overall impact on the ice, and the improvements that we’ve seen since the end of the regular season are outstanding - especially in his skating strength and explosiveness, poise and playmaking with the puck, and assertive defensive instincts,” said APX Director of Player Development Wes Jirovec. “What’s fun about all these compliments is that Gavin has attacked them in any way that he can - in regular ice sessions, Game Day reps, and maintaining a presence in the weight room, too.”

Gavin had a solid first year of varsity hockey with the Pios last season. But there will be a significant difference this winter in how much more consistent his impact will be, and also how many more ways he’ll help his team win games. We can’t wait to see it.

MAP SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL TIER: TAYLOR STANFORD

Lakeville North forward Sullivan Griffin has been in our program for quite a while now and has shown great strides in his development. The staff chose Griffin because of his high character attributes, his hard work both on and off the ice, and his dedication to try and improve in each session.

“Sullivan is consistent in the gym and on the ice,” said MAP South Director of Hockey Development Kevin Schulze. “He shows up with a smile and has a great attitude every day, but he is also always ready to work and try new things out on the ice. He has a great compete level, and he’s a fun, dedicated athlete to have in our group.”

APX HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TIER: HADLEY MARTINSON

This is Adamson’s first year in the program, and she has already shown that she is on a path to success in her hockey journey. The defender just finished up her sophomore varsity season at Woodbury and she’ll likely be stepping into an increased role for the squad this fall as she enters her junior year.

“Ella is a hardworking and dedicated player who brings a positive attitude to every practice,” said APX Director of Girls Development Karyn Bye about the defender. “Ella continues to show steady improvement in her skill set each time that she is out on the ice, and she is very coachable in her approach to development. It was unanimous among the coaches that Ella should be selected as Player of the Month. Congratulations, Ella, and keep up the great work!”

MAP SOUTH SKATING & SKILLS TIER: NEBIYU KETEMA

This is Laing’s second year within the program, and we have seen him go from his time at Lakeville North to now competing with Southwest Christian. The forward has shown true dedication to his training and improving all of the little things that help make a skater great. He has worked through adversity as well and has shown lots of high-quality character after coming back from a tough injury.

“Laing has great attendance and has shown up to pretty much every session both on and off the ice,” said MAP South Director of Hockey Development Kevin Schulze. “He works incredibly hard and is willing to listen and try new things. He has shown impressive determination after coming back from an elbow injury and surgery as well.”

APX 16s TIER: LUKE CROWLEY

Gannon has been a part of the APX program for quite some time now and the staff has always been impressed with his work ethic, but this summer in particular has been an extremely promising one for the young forward from Eagan.

“We've known Ben for a long time now, and he's set pretty high expectations for himself over the years due to his work ethic and coachability. Because of that, it's very impressive when we think that he's in the midst of his best training season so far,” said APX Director of Player Development Wes Jirovec. “Benny's superpower right now is his attack on details. He wants to get the most out of every lift & exercise in the gym. He wants to be the best he can at all the skill drill reps. He wants to use every tactic and advantage he can to win in games - and Ben does it out of excitement, not obligation. He loves to work, and he loves to win, and that energy is contagious to his peers and to our staff.”

APX 15s TIER: TYESON SALSCHEIDER

Witty may be a new addition to the APX program this summer, but he came in and impressed right away. The young forward from New Prague has shown an admirable compete level during his on-ice training and has demonstrated a clutch ability to come up big-time in various ways when it’s needed the most.

“Parker has had an excellent start with APX,” said APX Director of Player Development Kyle Osterberg. “He comes prepared every day with the intent of getting better. Parker sees the game very well and can make big impact plays. Even though he is a bit of an undersized player at the moment, he never shies away from the hard areas. He has been a great addition to APX.”

APX 14s TIER: CONNOR KEMP

Hudlik, from St. Paul, is in his first season of training at APX. His raw skill was apparent from Day 1, and every day that he has come to offseason training, it has been very clear that he has tons of potential if he keeps up his hard work.

“‘Huddy’ has been electric with us here at APX and he continues to get better every day,” said Osterberg about the young skater. “Being able to play at both forward and defense is one dynamic aspect about Huddy’s game that makes him stand out amongst the rest. We can already tell that he has a high ceiling for his future in hockey and that he has a very promising future ahead of him.”

MAP SOUTH BANTAM TIER: CHARLIE ROSEN

This is Anderson’s first year with MAP South but the forward from Rosemount has been very dedicated in his development and is one of the kids that our entire staff love to have in the program, as he is a strong, positive influence to the entire group.

“Griffin is a good kid who has been a strong player and athlete here out on the ice as well as off the ice, too,” said MAP South Director of Hockey Development Kevin Schulze. “He pushes himself and the other players around him to be better while also still having fun. He has already made big improvements in his game that I can see compared to back when we started in April.”

MAP SOUTH U15 GIRLS TIER: MACY DODGE

Garcia, from Cottage Grove, has been involved with the program for several years now and has shown consistent growth in her game while bringing a positive attitude and a high-character mindset to her training both on and off the ice.

“It has been a pleasure to watch Lexi continue to grow as a player over the years,” said the Director of MAP South, Sean Foley. “She is an excellent skater who comes to the rink each day with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. One of Lexi's greatest strengths is her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and embrace new drills and challenges. She is coachable, works hard, and is always eager to improve, making her a great example for her teammates.”

MAP SOUTH U12 GIRLS TIER: KINSLEY EGGLESTON

Hughes, from Woodbury, has been an outstanding addition to the U12 group at MAP South and was an easy choice to earn Player of the Month honors because of her consistent effort and positive attitude that she brings to her training.

”Sophie brings a great energy to the rink every day and approaches each practice with focus and determination,” said MAP South’s Sean Foley. “Sophie's skill level continues to stand out, but what impresses us most is her willingness to listen, learn, and give her best effort in every drill. She is a great teammate who sets a positive example through her work ethic and enthusiasm, making her a very deserving recipient of this month's recognition.”

APX 13s TIER: LUCAS PEINE

Wippler, from White Bear Lake, is in his first summer training with APX, and the entire staff has been impressed with his high level of character and his elite skill as a defender that makes him stand out amongst the rest.

"‘Cool Whip’ has been one of the most exciting adds to the APX program this offseason,” said APX Director of Player Development Kyle Osterberg. “He’s a young talent that loves to compete and win. His defensive game is already extremely solid at his young age, and with a great mixture of offensive presence, Grayson is going to be one heck of a player. He is very coachable and humble, and fits the exact mold of the skater that APX strives to work with.”

APX 12s TIER: CONNOR KRUEGER

LaCoursiere is a talented defender from Hastings who is already making waves in our youngest tier of training at APX. He’s an athletic skater who already brings a great mindset to his training and a will to succeed.

“Ben is a hidden gem that is not so hidden - with a great base of talent already and a mindset to be the best, he rises to push the pace in the 12s tier,” said APX’s Osterberg about the young defenseman. “Not only is he great on ice in all areas, but he is a complete athlete off the ice as well. Ben is having a great start with APX, and we only expect his game to hit new levels.”

MAP SOUTH PEEWEE TIER: JAMES BICKEL

Friedmann, who has competed within the Eastview youth organization, earned Player of the Month honors because of his consistent effort and the positive attitude he brings to the rink every day.

“Noah shows up ready to work every day. He competes hard and is always willing to learn,” said Sean Foley, the Director of MAP South. “We have had the opportunity to work with Noah for several years, and it has been rewarding to watch his steady development as a player. While he has improved each season, his biggest strides have come recently as his confidence, skating, and overall game have taken another step forward. Noah's commitment to getting better is exactly what we hope to see from every athlete in our program.”

MAP SOUTH SQUIRTS TIER: MICHAEL RICHARDSON

This is Carrick’s first year within the program, but the young skater from Hastings has already demonstrated an elite skill set that he is eager to grow, and he has a positive, high-character attitude that makes him a favorite among our staff.

“Carrick has made a tremendous impression on our staff in a very short period of time,” said MAP South’s Sean Foley. “He consistently stands out because of his outstanding hockey IQ, skating ability, and understanding of the game. Every day he arrives with a smile on his face, brings great energy to practice, and is usually the first player in line, eager for the next drill. Carrick is a true student of the game who loves to learn and improve, and his enthusiasm is contagious. His passion, work ethic, and attention to detail make him a very deserving choice for Player of the Month.”

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