Despite losing key veterans, the Mavericks retooled with physical defenders to maintain their conference dominance and hunt for another Frozen Four berth.
Mankato have ruled the CCHA over the past five years, capturing four Mason Cups in that span, including the most recent two. However, each of those seasons, the Mavericks failed to make the Frozen Four. Head Coach Luke Strand aims to push forward in the tournament, and it remains clear that Minnesota State is still top dog in the CCHA.
Minnesota State's blue line saw three significant departures during the summer. Captain Mason Wheeler turned pro on the ECHL's Bloomington Bison while alternate captain and assists leader Evan Murr transferred to rival Minnesota for his senior year. Additionally, a second alternate, Campbell Cichosz joined Bloomington's divisional opponent in the Toledo Walleye. Coach Strand worked quickly to patch these holes on defense.
Feb 28, 2025; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Boston College defenseman Will Skahan (26) warms up before a game against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesTheir big fish out of the transfer portal was Will Skahan from Boston College. A Utah Mammoth second round pick, Skahan is perfect for Strand's system. Skahan utilizes his 6 foot 5, 223 pound frame to level opponents and keep the net on lockdown. Freshman Gus Thorp enters Mankato via the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Like Skahan, he plays a hard and heavy style, protecting his own end with zeal. Both defensemen should adapt well playing under Coach Strand.
Sam Court comes over from Arizona State. Court plays a polar opposite way to Skahan as a puck moving defenseman. However, the Sun Devils' staff puzzling decision to regularly pigeonhole Court on the bottom pairing limited his offensive potential. The Mavericks will no doubt allow Court to spread his wings.
Goaltending also went through a bit of a transformation as two new netminders get set to guard the crease. Graduate transfer Lassi Lehti spent a quartet of campaigns at Alaska-Fairbanks capped off by an inaugural United Collegiate Hockey Cup. Lehti played 51 matches across those accumulating a .920 save percentage.
Raiden LeGall arrives to the State of Hockey via the WHL's Everett Silvertips. Amidst 37 regular season games, LeGall notched a a 27-4-3 record, .892 save percentage and 2.80 goals allowed average. He did not receive any starts in Everett's run to the 2026 Memorial Cup Final. Both goalies will have a chance to claim the starting role alongside Matthew Syverson, who has seen limited action in his three year collegiate career.
After the disappointing end to of last season, Mankato is out for blood. Although the Mason Cup isn't Minnesota State's primary concern, the Mavericks will trample through the CCHA. Their real test comes in next spring.
