Alexandria, MN (May. 17, 2024)
For more information, contact: Johnny Van Atta, Director of Hockey Operations & Media Relations (615) 830-1113, [email protected]
Last week, the Northstar Knights saw 3 alumni, and 2 current players drafted in the 2024 USHL draft. The USHL Draft takes place during the first week of May each year and is completed in two “Phases”. Phase I of the Draft is ten rounds of “Futures” age players only, which are U-17 players for next year’s season (2008 birth year players only for the 2024 Draft). Phase II of the Draft will take place the following day and this draft is open to players of all ages eligible to play junior hockey (Ages 16-20) and are not currently protected by another USHL team. “We are very excited for the players that were drafted in both phases of this year’s USHL draft” said Hockey Director and 18U Prep Head Coach, Rylan Galiardi. “It is great for them to be recognized for their talent but because of the character of these young men, we know they will represent NorthStar well both on the ice and off.”
Hunter Rudolph was the lone Knight drafted in Phase 1 as he went to the Tri City Storm in the 7th round, 100th overall. The West Fargo, ND native joins current Knight, Bode Laylin, who have their rights owned by Tri City. Rudolph joined the 16U Knights in 2023 and was one of 5 underage players on the team this season. His age, however, was not a hindrance as he led the entire team in scoring with 57 points (27G, 30A) in 51 games played.
The Knights saw 4 players selected in Phase 2 of the draft. Alumni Max Weilandt, Carter Sanderson and Austin Moline were all selected within 5 picks of each other in the 4th round with Zaide Penner rounding out the group in the 20th round.
Max Weilandt was selected 48th overall by the Des Moines Buccaneers. Weilandt joined the 16U Knights from Northbrook, IL for the 2021-22 season. Although he only played 1 season in the Knights program, Weilandt ranks #1 in Knights history in GAA (1.48) and SV% (.935). Weilandt spent this past season with the St. Cloud Norsemen in the NAHL where he posted a record of 13-9-5 to go along with 2.92 GAA and .910 SV% in 32 games played.
Carter Sanderson was selected 51st overall by the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The Pierre, SD native played for the 16U Knights during the 2022-23 season. Like Rudolph, Sanderson also had an impactful season as an underager, scoring 35 points (12G, 23A) in 55 games played. This past season, Sanderson racked up 69 points (36G, 37A) for the 16U AAA Sioux Falls Power. Sanderson will bring a fantastic work ethic and leadership to the Lumberjacks organization.
Austin Moline was selected 52nd overall by the Madison Capitols. Moline suited up for the 16U Knights for the 2020-21 season where he scored 18 points (4G, 14A) in 28 games played as a part of a stellar blueline for the Knights. Moline then played the last 3 seasons in the Shattuck St. Mary’s program totaling over 150 games played and 100 points. Standing at 6’4, 195-pounds the Las Vegas, NV product is a tough, physical presence that opposing forwards hate to play against. Moline also has his junior rights owned by the Brooks Bandits of the BCHL and is currently committed to play collegiately at Northern Michigan University.
Zaide Penner was selected 302nd overall by the Fargo Force. Penner joined the 16U Knights from Fargo, ND and will have the chance to eventually suit up for his hometown team. Penner was the only underage defenseman for the Knights team this season and fit right into a top 4 role and Power Play unit. In 51 games played, the 5-10, 150-pound defenseman scored 23 points (3G, 20A) with 10 of his points coming on the Power Play. Penner was also drafted 200th overall by the Spokane Chiefs in the 2023 WHL draft last summer.
“It will be both fun and a privilege to continue to help foster the growth of the returning drafted players and the other returning players next season”, Galiardi Added. “We have an exciting mix of both returning and incoming players as we look forward to the 24-25 season.” Stay tuned in the next couple weeks for our player signings for the 2024-25 season.