Following a premature tournament exit, six versatile recruits arrive in Mankato aiming to ignite a deeper run toward the Frozen Four.
As the summer continues along, incoming recruiting classes are rested and ready for their first taste of collegiate action. We shift our focus to the freshmen entering their respective institutions this fall. This list of incoming freshmen is posted on Minnesota State's Athletics Website. Players are listed alphabetically by last name.
Minnesota State cruised through the CCHA, capturing their fourth Mason Cup Championship in five years. However, Mavericks fell to Western Michigan in the NCAA Loveland Regional Semifinals ending their tournament run prematurely. These six freshmen are hoping to take Mankato further this fall.
Cash Carter: Forward, Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL)
Carter had a remarkable offensive spike this season. He nearly quadrupled his goals, upped his assists by 12 and more than doubled his points. Across 53 games, Carter finished with 52 points (26 goals + 16 assists). If Carter's trajectory continues on its current path, he will be a significant asset on Mankato's forecheck.
Jack Christ: Forward, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
The legacy Jack Christ left in Muskegon cannot be overstated. He scored Muskegon's overtime championship clinching goal in the 2025 Clark Cup Finals, giving their Lumberjacks their first title. In 2025-26, Christ moved into Muskegon's middle six and was added to the top line for part of the postseason. Christ's clutch performances could pull the Mavericks over the line in games down the stretch.
Raiden LeGall: Goaltender, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Everett's starting netiminder helped backstop the Silvertips to their first ever Memorial Cup, coming up just short to the Kitchener Rangers. LeGall started 37 regular season games putting up a 27-4-3-2 record, .892 save percentage and 2.80 goals allowed average. Even with a below .900 save percentage, it was surprising that LeGall did not get a single playoff game. All three goaltenders are new at Minnesota State, so LeGall may be in the running for significant starts.
Sam Kappell: Forward, Madison Capitols (USHL)
Kappell drove the Captiols' offense last year. He was selected first overall in the 2023 USHL Futures Draft by Madison. The Appleton, WI native collected a team best 23 goals and tied for first place with 36 points through 62 contests. Kappell drives hard to the crease, putting close range shots in the back of the net. If Kappell ups his physical game, Minnesota State has a strong power forward on its hands.
Mason Kraft: Forward, Wenatchee Wild (WHL)
The 2025 Minnesota Mr. Hockey winner took his talents out to the WHL's Wenatchee Wild. Kraft produced well on a struggling squad notching 40 points (14 goals + 26 assists) throughout 54 games in 2025-26. I got a glimpse of him towards the end of 2024-25 with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and he didn't look out of place. EliteProspects called Kraft's shot a "standout weapon," one Head Coach Luke Strand looks could put to good use.
Gus Thorp: Defenseman, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Thorp is a shutdown defenseman in every sense of the word. He isn't flashy, but stands his ground firm while sending forecheckers careening to the ice. After parts of two years in Des Moines, Thorp was traded to Muskegon. Lumberjacks' Head Coach Colten St. Clair called Thorp a "Hard-nosed defenseman who can skate well," adding "He's got a lot of intangibles to his game that will translate to the next level." This praise should be music to the Mankato faithful's ears.
