9 Shocking Facts About The Moorhead Spuds Hockey Team's Historic 2025 Championship Run

The Moorhead Spuds hockey program has cemented its place in Minnesota lore, particularly after the seismic events of the 2024-2025 season, which saw the boys' team finally conquer a decades-long pursuit of a state title. As of December 10, 2025, the Spuds are not just a historical powerhouse; they are the reigning Class AA State Champions, a title earned through a dramatic, hard-fought campaign that captivated the state and redefined the team's legacy. This article dives deep into the recent triumphs, the key players, the storied history, and the uncertain future of one of the state's most fascinating high school hockey programs.

The 2025 Boys’ State Championship was the culmination of years of near-misses, making the victory a truly historic moment for the community. The girls' program also continues to shine, maintaining a strong presence in the Class AA rankings. From the unique "Spuds" nickname to the next generation of players headed to junior hockey, the Moorhead hockey scene is a hotbed of current news and tradition, constantly evolving and demanding attention from fans across the state of hockey.

The Historic 2025 State Championship and Key Player Biographies

The 2024-2025 season will forever be etched in Moorhead High School history. The boys’ varsity team, known for its consistent excellence but frustrating lack of a state title, finally broke through. The Spuds entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed, a testament to their regular-season dominance, which included knocking off the previously top-ranked Cadets and defeating Edina.

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The Breakthrough: A Decade of Determination

• The Long Wait: Before their 2025 victory, the Moorhead Spuds had reached the Boys’ State Hockey Championship game an astonishing eight times without securing the title, a streak that had become a defining, and often painful, part of the program's narrative.
• The Victory: The Spuds outlasted Stillwater in the final to capture the Minnesota State High School League Class AA crown, securing the first state hockey title in the program's long history.
• Dramatic Semifinal: The championship run featured a dramatic semifinal win, showcasing the team's resilience and clutch performance when it mattered most.

Spotlight: The 2025 Championship Roster's Key Entities

The championship was a team effort, but several players stood out, many of whom are now moving on to the next level, leaving a significant gap for the 2025-2026 season. These players became local legends for their performance on the ice at the Xcel Energy Center.

Zac Zimmerman (Forward)

• Role: Star Forward, Offensive Catalyst.
• 2024-2025 Achievement: Scored his 31st goal of the season in the dramatic semifinal win, proving to be one of the most important players in the Spuds' run.
• Next Step: Has moved on to junior hockey, leaving a massive scoring hole for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.

Brandon Mickelson (Player)

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• Role: Key contributor to the championship team.
• Next Step: Like Zimmerman, Mickelson has also moved on to junior hockey, highlighting the program's success in developing top-tier talent.

Tyden Bergeron (Player)

• Role: Vital member of the championship-winning core.
• Next Step: Joined Zimmerman and Mickelson in departing for junior hockey, contributing to the "dramatically different" look of the 2025-2026 team.

Other Notables from the Roster: The depth of the Spuds was evident with contributions from players like Finn Paulsen, Drew Simonich, Brady Steffen, Aiden Dufault, Brooks Cullen, Michael Herman, Conner Copeland, Christian Storey, Alex Tortorice, Graden Quade, and Carter Midthune.

The Enduring Legacy of the Moorhead Spuds Nickname

In a state full of traditional sports mascots, the Moorhead "Spuds" stands out as one of the most unusual and beloved nicknames in all of high school athletics. This unique identity is deeply rooted in the region's agricultural history, providing the program with an unparalleled sense of topical authority and local pride.

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The Origin of the "Spuds"

• Agricultural Roots: The nickname "Spuds" was officially adopted by Moorhead High School sometime between 1918 and 1922.
• The Reason: Moorhead, Minnesota, and the surrounding Red River Valley area are historically significant for their potato farming. The nickname directly pays homage to this essential local industry.
• A Top Mascot: The Spuds mascot, Spuddy, has even been recognized as one of the best mascots in Minnesota, beating out other contenders in virtual tournaments and challenges.

The team’s long history in Minnesota hockey is undeniable. The program has been a perennial powerhouse, especially since the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) adopted the Class AA and Class A structure in the early 1990s. The Spuds have consistently been one of the top programs in Section 8A, a testament to their sustained excellence and community support for youth hockey development.

The Strong Presence of Moorhead Girls Hockey and Future Outlook

While the boys’ team captured the historic championship, the Moorhead Spuds Girls Hockey team maintains its status as a highly competitive program, consistently challenging for a state tournament berth and producing top-level talent. The two programs together form a comprehensive hockey powerhouse in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

The 2024-2025 Girls' Season Highlights

• Strong Record: The Spud Girls had an impressive 2024-2025 season, finishing with a strong overall record of 21-9-1.
• State Tournament Run: They entered the Minnesota State High School Girls Hockey Class 2A Quarterfinals as the 4-seed but were ultimately defeated by Holy Family Catholic.
• Coaching and Conference: The team is led by Head Coach Ryan Kraft and competes in the highly competitive Greater Minnesota Conference.

Girls' Program Key Entity: Olivia Kortan

Olivia Kortan (Senior Forward)

• Prestigious Award: Kortan was selected as the 2025 Class AA Herb Brooks Award recipient during the MSHSL Girls Hockey State Tournament.
• Significance: The Herb Brooks Award honors a player who best exemplifies the values, characteristics, and traits of the legendary coach Herb Brooks, including commitment, integrity, and passion. This award highlights the elite talent and character within the Moorhead Girls program.

Other key players from the 2024-2025 girls' roster include Mckayla Finstrom, Maya Oetker, Cami Woidtke, Shay Benson, Liv Deelstra, and Anna Bjorkman, ensuring the team's depth and competitive edge in future seasons.

What Lies Ahead for the Moorhead Spuds

The immediate future for the Moorhead Spuds Boys Hockey team is one of transition and high expectations following their championship triumph. The departure of key players to junior hockey, including Zimmerman, Mickelson, and Bergeron, means the 2025-2026 team will be a "mystery team" with a dramatically different look. This turnover is a common cycle for elite high school programs, forcing younger players to step up and prove themselves on the varsity ice.

The legacy of the 2025 team, however, will serve as a powerful motivator. The Spuds have finally proven they can win the ultimate prize, shedding the reputation of being perennial runners-up. The challenge now is to establish a new era of dominance, turning the historic single championship into a recurring expectation. For both the boys' and girls' teams, the Moorhead Spuds remain a central figure in Minnesota high school hockey, always a formidable opponent and a symbol of pride for the Red River Valley community.