The NorthStar Knights are proud to announce that multiple current players, incoming players, and alumni were selected in the 2026 United States Hockey League Draft, continuing the program’s strong tradition of player advancement and development.

The USHL Draft is divided into two phases, with Phase I focusing on younger prospects and Phase II serving as the league’s open draft for eligible junior players. NorthStar was well represented throughout both phases of this year’s draft.

Phase I Draft Selections

Current NorthStar Players

  • Noah McGauvran — Madison Capitols
    • Round 6, Pick 83 Overall
  • Berk Thuner — Fargo Force
    • Round 15, Pick 218 Overall
  • Drew Pokorny — Fargo Force
    • Round 15, Pick 230 Overall

Incoming NorthStar Players

  • Cam Coulter — Dubuque Fighting Saints
    • Round 3, Pick 43 Overall
  • Nicolas Wieckowski — Tri-City Storm
    • Round 8, Pick 108 Overall
  • Bodee Burris — Sioux City Musketeers
    • Round 15, Pick 214 Overall
  • Beau Raschke — Sioux Falls Stampede
    • Round 15, Pick 220 Overall

NorthStar had seven players selected during Phase I, highlighting both the strength of the current roster and the high level of incoming talent set to join the program.

Phase II Draft Selections

Current NorthStar Players

  • Joey Habbe — Chicago Steel
    • Round 3, Pick 46 Overall
  • Brayden Strom — Dubuque Fighting Saints
    • Round 3, Pick 51 Overall
  • Brieg Hazelwood — Des Moines Buccaneers
    • Round 8, Pick 125 Overall
  • Kingston King — Des Moines Buccaneers
    • Round 11, Pick 170 Overall

NorthStar Alumni

  • Luke McPherson — Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
    • Round 9, Pick 141 Overall

McPherson, a NorthStar alumnus (2024–25) who played for the Odessa Jackalopes of the NAHL during the 2025–26 season, was selected by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in Phase II of the draft, continuing the strong tradition of NorthStar players advancing to higher levels of junior hockey.

The USHL is widely regarded as the premier Tier I junior hockey league in the United States and serves as a major pathway to NCAA Division I and professional hockey. Having players selected in both phases of the draft reflects the continued growth and development culture within the NorthStar program.

The entire NorthStar Knights organization congratulates all of the players and their families on this outstanding accomplishment. We are proud of the dedication, work ethic, and commitment each player has shown throughout their development journey, and we look forward to following their continued success at the next level.