Northstar Knights

Jaxson Kaebel tenders with Oklahoma Warriors in the NAHL

Alexandria, MN (Apr. 8, 2025) 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

The NorthStar Knights are proud to announce that forward Jaxson Kaebel has signed a tender with the Oklahoma Warriors of the North American Hockey League.

Kaebel, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, has been a key part of the Knights’ 18U Prep team since joining the program in 2022. Over the past three seasons, he has shown consistent development both on and off the ice, culminating in a breakout 2024–25 campaign in which he tallied 44 points. He finishes his Northstar career with an impressive 116 points (53 goals, 63 assists) in 148 games played.

“I’m excited to tender with such a great organization, the Oklahoma Warriors,” Kaebel said. “I am looking forward to this next step. I want to thank NorthStar Christian Academy, my coaches, family, and most importantly Jesus.”

18U Prep Head Coach Rylan Galiardi praised Kaebel’s growth and leadership throughout his time at NorthStar.

“We’re so proud of Jaxson to be able to pursue his hockey goals and to be able to do it close to home,” Galiardi said. “He made a big commitment coming to NorthStar and we’re excited for this opportunity, but more grateful for the growth that he has had these past 3 years. Oklahoma is getting an outstanding young man that will represent NorthStar well. He truly loves the Lord and will lead others to doing the same!”

With Kaebel’s signing, every forward on this season’s 18U Prep team who is not returning for their senior year has now signed a tender. His commitment marks the 47th NAHL tender in Knights program history.

The entire NorthStar Knights family congratulates Jaxson on this exciting next step in his hockey journey and looks forward to seeing all he accomplishes with the Oklahoma Warriors.

by Northstar Knights

Reese Laubach helps Penn State reach its first ever Frozen Four appearance

Alexandria, MN (Apr. 7, 2025) 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

Reese Laubach is gearing up to do something just about every young hockey player dreams of. On Thursday, Laubach and Penn State will compete in the program’s first ever Frozen Four in St. Louis, MO. The Nittany Lions will take on Boston University in the Semifinal at 7:30 CT on ESPN 2. 

“It’s a super cool feeling and it's really special”, Laubach said of the opportunity. “Going to the Frozen Four is something that Penn State has never done before so it's pretty cool. That's why I came to Penn State and that was the goal of coming here and that's your dream since a kid is to play in a frozen four and play for a national championship it is super exciting.” If you were to ask Laubach back in the fall if this dream seemed attainable, the honest answer would be no. “Around New Years time, we were at a pretty low spot. We hadn't won a Big 10 game in a couple months.” Things started to turn the corner for Laubach and the Nittany Lions when they took down #1 Michigan State on January 11th, winning 3-2 in a shootout. The team would then go on to win 12 out of 14 games leading into the Big 10 playoffs. “We just got hot at the right time. The guys have a ton of confidence in each other and it comes from everyone buying in and everyone trusting each other and just doing our jobs day in and day out.” In the Big 10 playoffs, Penn State would knock off #11 Michigan, before falling to #10 Ohio State in overtime in the semifinals. Penn State was on the outside looking in to earn an at-large bid to get into the NCAA tournament, but just about every scenario went the right way to get them into the final 16. Continuing their momentum, Laubach and the Nittany Lions would defeat #3 seed Maine 5-1 and UConn 3-2 in overtime to win the Allentown, PA regional. Now the program gets to compete in its first ever Frozen Four with Laubach leading the way as one of the teams top scorers. 

The San Jose, CA native has scored 15 goals and 15 assists in 34 games played for the sophomore forward. While Laubach has had lots of success on the ice, it hasn’t come without trials. “The first half of this season, I was pretty injured and we didn't win many games, but every athlete is going to go through ups and downs,” Laubach said. “It was really mentally tough on me but I think Juniors really prepared me to face the adversities that I have now in college.” It's no secret, competitive hockey can take people to the highest of highs and also the lowest of lows. Thankfully for Laubach, his faith has established a solid foundation that never wavers through the ebbs and flows of hockey. “I think it all starts away from hockey,” Laubach said. “It all starts with your relationship with Christ. My relationship with Christ is a huge part of why I am the person that I am today. For me, a huge priority of mine is staying in my devotions in the Bible every single day so I can get that “spiritual food” that I need.”

With Northstar entering its 8th season in existence, it's safe to say that Laubach would be considered a Pioneer for the program. “JO had reached out to me a few times before my 16U year and eventually I ended up telling him no and I actually was going to stay in San Jose for another year,” Luabach said of his journey to Northstar. “When COVID happened, Northstar kind of opened up the opportunity for me again and I was able to take the opportunity and that was probably the best decision of my life to go there.” In his 2 years with the program from 2020-22, Laubach lit up the record books, ranking first all time in points scored with 165, while also helping his teams win 2 NAPHL championships. Being one of 30 Knights players to play or commit to Division 1 NCAA programs, Laubach is a great example of a skillful player who leads off the ice. When asked what wisdom he’d give to future Knights, Laubach was quick to answer. “Take full advantage of your time at Northstar. Not just the hockey part, but take advantage of the people you have around you. With the coaches and staff there, you'll never be around a more godly, respectful, and loving group of people in your life. The coaches and the staff at Northstar truly love every single one of their players and truly want the best for them. They want to do everything they can to get the players to grow in their relationship with Christ.”

The Knights are excited to watch Laubach continue to live out his dream of pursuing a NCAA Division I Championship and are proud of the Godly young man he is today, impacting the hockey world for Jesus Christ. 

by Northstar Knights

Nate Farrell Commits to Air Force

Alexandria, MN (Apr. 2, 2025) 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

The Northstar Knights are excited to share the news that alumni, Nate Farrell, has committed to Air Force University. Farrell becomes the 23rd player to come through the Knights Program to commit to the NCAA Division I University. “I am blessed and excited to announce my commitment to serve my country, play division 1 College Hockey, and further my education at the Air Force Academy”, Farrell announced on his social media. “I would like to thank God, my family, friends and coaches who have helped me along the way.”

The Wheaton, IL native suited up for the Knights for 3 seasons (2020-2023) playing 1 season with the 16U AAA team and 2 seasons with the 18U Prep team. In total, Farrell played in 141 games and produced 69 points (15G, 54A) along with 18 Power Play Points (4G, 14A). He helped the 18U Prep team win the 2021-22 NAPHL Championship as well as the 2023 ESE Top 20 Challenge Championship. 

Following Farell’s graduation from Northstar, he played for the Pueblo Bulls of the NCDC where he was named assistant captain. In 52 games played, the defenseman scored 39 points (8G, 31A). Following his successful season in Pueblo, Farrell was drafted in the 5th round of the 2024 NAHL draft by the Oklahoma Warriors. This season, Farrell has split time with the Warriors and Wisconsin Windigo scoring 34 points (10G, 24A) in 57 games played. The Wendigo sit in first place in the Midwest Division with a record of 38-13-4 with 4 games remaining in the regular season and look poised to make a deep run in the 2025 NAHL Playoffs. 

by Northstar Knights

Knights 18U Prep close out another record breaking year

Alexandria, MN (Mar. 25, 2025) 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

The Northstar Knights 18U Prep team capped off another successful and record breaking season, finishing #8 overall in the national rankings with a record of 43-5-4. The team started their first 24 games before suffering a regulation loss in the NEPACK showcase in late November. The Knights would rebound and rattle off 15 wins in a row en route to winning the ESE Top 20 challenge in Detroit, MI. “To go the first 40 games with only 1 regulation loss is truly remarkable but only tells part of the story of their competitiveness, discipline and honor”, said 18U Prep Head Coach, Rylan Galiardi. The team scored an astounding 4.73 goals per game while only surrendering 2.13 goals against per game. Also aiding in the team’s success was a potent Power Play (30%) and Penalty Kill (85%).

In net, the Knights were led by one of the best goaltending tandems in all of AAA hockey this season. Gavin Erickson posted a record of 20-2-1 (3 shutouts) in 24 games played to go along with a GAA of 1.92 and a SV% of .916. Brady Krey, a BCHL tender with the Cranbrook Bucks, went 23-4-2 (4 shutouts) in 30 games played. Krey’s 23 wins this season rank 3rd all time in Knights single season history and his career .914 SV% ranks 5th in Knights history. 

The Defensive unit was led by returning players Darik Olson and William Bisset along with last year’s 16U Knights, Deegan Hoffbauer (Minnesota Wilderness, NAHL), Elias Schutt and Jonathan Gross. Newcomers, Hunter Carson and Cooper Stockdale also added immense value throughout the season. Olson (Chilliwack Chiefs, BCHL) led the Knights defenseman with 51 points (17G, 34A) in 52 games played. Hoffbauer and Bisset both contributed significantly to the Knights Power play units. 

Up front, the 18U Prep Team had no returning forwards, but saw major impacts from last year’s 16U team. Mason Grinnell (St. Cloud Norsemen, NAHL), Hudson Routh (Austin Bruins, NAHL), Jaxson Kaebel, Brieg Hazelwood, Isaac Thompson, Connor Maruska and Cam Solem led the way while also bringing in fresh talent in Ian Christian (Anchorage Wolverines, NAHL), Quayden Silcox, Luke McPherson (Odessa Jackalopes, NAHL), Will Doherty and Bennett Borgen. Grinnell terrorized opposing goaltenders this season, racking up 48 goals which ranked 2nd in Northstar Knights season history. 3 short of current Penn State star forward Reece Laubach’s 51 goals. Ian Christian (26G, 37A), Hudson Routh (16G, 35A) and Will Doherty (18G, 23A) each produced at over a point per game. 

“It was apparent from the start that not only were they extremely hard to play against but also had a hunger to learn in chapel, push themselves to be great in the gym with our full time strength coach Jack and pursued excellence every practice”, Galiardi added. “As students, they excelled in the classroom and will continue to thrive at school while the boys stay and train at NorthStar until May.” This week, the 18U Knights will welcome over 70 families from across the United States as they visit for Prospect Camp. As they conclude the last 2 months of the season, the team will have many opportunities for community engagement, team bonding and enhanced discipleship. “We are thankful to walk with this group daily and couldn’t be more proud of them,” Galiardi concluded. “Their love and care of Northstar and each other was evident throughout the entire season.” 

by Northstar Knights

16U Knights Conclude Historic 2024-25 Season

Alexandria, MN (Mar. 14, 2025) 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

The Northstar Knights 16U AAA team's season came to a close last weekend. The team capped off another tremendous year compiling a record of 38-13-3-1 and earning wins against some of the top teams in the country against #14 Bishop Kearney, #26 Culver, #16 Sioux Falls Power and tying #1 Shattuck St. Mary’s. Overall the team produced an astounding 266 goals for, which is the record for team goals in a season for the 16U AAA team. The previous record was held by the 2022-23 who scored 233 goals. Adding to the Knights success was a lethal power play, which produced at 30% over the course of the season. The team also contributed to a 10-game win streak spanning from December through February which saw the team outscore their opponents 56-18. “I am very proud of how our team played and came together throughout the season”, said 16U AAA Head Coach, Dallas Steward. “We had our season best 10-game winning streak and won the 6-game ESE Top 20 tournament”. 

The Knights were led between the pipes by the trio of Oliver Bryan, Aidan Finn and Parker Roers who all produced notable wins throughout the season. On the blueline, the team had a well rounded group that featured Zaide Penner, Hayden Reierson, Colton Waters, Joey Habbe, Kingston King and Reece Clayton. Penner, a Fargo Force draft pick, finished the year with 44 points (7G, 37A) in 53 games played. 

The forward group’s returning players made significant strides in their development in Hunter Rudolph, Kannon Taylor, Sam Horstman and Christian Leung. With the veteran leadership coupled with new impact players, the Knights were dominant in the offensive zone. New talent added were Jack Larkin, Isaac Davis, Kaedyn Kopp, Ben Haaland, Matyas Fischer, Blake Ford, Sam Winter and Alex Gold. Rudolph lit up the stat sheets this season with 90 points (45G, 45A) in 52 games played. Rudolph’s strong season saw him commit to NCAA powerhouse, St. Cloud State University. Forwards who also eclipsed a point-per-game this season were Jack Larkin (63), Kannon Taylor (59) and Isaac Davis (57).

While the 16U Knights had a lot of on-ice success the team also developed immensely off the ice. The team learned 4 big segments in chapel, learning about justification by faith, the Holy Spirit, the Gospel of Luke and the book of Galatians. The team also saw multiple players publicly profess their faith through baptism in March. “The 24-25 northstar season was very successful as all of the players developed coming together achieving excellence on and off the ice”, Steward concluded. Although the game season has wrapped up, the Knights still have plenty to look forward to before the school year finishes with daily on ice skill development and wight training, service projects, in-depth discipleship time and team bonding activities. 

by Northstar Knights

Hudson Routh tenders with the Austin Bruins

Alexandria, MN (Nov. 14, 2024) 

For more information, contact: Cody Wang, Director of Hockey Operations, [email protected]

NorthStar Knights 18U Prep forward, Hudson Routh, has tendered with the Austin Bruins of the NAHL. The West Fargo, ND native joined the Knights program last season as a member of the 16U team where he produced 19 goals and 29 assists. Hudson’s performance on the 16U team during the 23-24 season springboarded him to a successful start so far this season with the Knights prep team where he has produced 8 goals and 21 assists through 20 games. 18U coach Rylan Galiardi said of Routh “We’re excited for Hudson on his choice to tender with the Austin Bruins. Even though he isn’t the biggest guy, he plays with a huge heart and has been an awesome leader for us. He has been a playmaker this year offensively, but I can’t imagine a harder player to play against.” 

The Knights prep team still remains undefeated in regulation play this season and hosts the Omaha Mastery this weekend for a 2-game series.

by Northstar Knights

Caleb Elfering commits to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Alexandria, MN (Oct. 15, 2024) 

For more information, contact: Cody Wang, Director of Hockey Operations and Media Relations [email protected]

NorthStar Knights Alumni, Caleb Elfering, has committed to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Elfering played for the Knights for three seasons 2020-2021 (16U), 2021-2022 (18U), and 2022-2023 (18U). During his time as a Knight Caleb tallied 161 points (67 goals, 94 assists). Caleb’s 94 career assists currently make him the all-time leader in that category for the Knights. Caleb is currently with the Chilliwack Chiefs in the BCHL, and also played with them in the 2023-2024 season posting 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists) during the season. The Richland, WA native played an instrumental role for the Knights 18U teams during 21-22 and 22-23 seasons, in which both Knights teams finished in the top 5 of the final national rankings. 

Caleb’s offensive productivity played an instrumental role for the Knights 18U teams during the 21-22 and 22-23 seasons in which the Knights finished both seasons ranked in the top 5 nationally. “We are excited for Caleb and his college commitment. He was a great NorthStar Knight both on the ice and more importantly off the ice during his time at NorthStar. He continued to visit during the summer for our summer training and we have been able to watch his maturation. We expect him to continue his success on the ice at RIT and know he will make an impact” said 18U coach Rylan Galiardi. 

During Caleb’s 3-year stint at NorthStar he credits the coaching staff, his teammates, and the overall atmosphere in playing a huge role in where he is at today. “My journey at NorthStar was great! It really helped me grow a lot not only in hockey but as a person. I grew a ton on the ice with the coaching and development we had, and with the off-ice workouts and twice a day skates. Not only growing my game from the coaches but also from my teammates which turned into a brotherhood. They had the same goals and wanted to get better day in and day out.”

by Northstar Knights

Lincoln Kuehne Commits to Colorado College

Alexandria, MN (Aug. 8, 2024) 

For more information, contact: Johnny Van Atta, Director of Hockey Operations and Media Relations (615) 830-1113, [email protected] 

Northstar Knights Alumni, Lincoln Kuehne, has committed to Colorado College. Kuehne played for the Knights during the 2022-23 season where he scored 10 goals and 18 assists and helped anchor a defense that held opponents to 2.62 goals per game. His defensive play helped his 16U team earn a 37-14-1 record. The West Fargo, ND native brings a blend of size (6-1, 180 lbs), skill and physicality to his game. In March of 2023 Kuehne earned an invite to the US NTDP evaluation camp and was selected as one of the 24 players for the U17 team. "Lincoln has such a love for the game, and he's committed to doing whatever it takes to get better," said 16U coach Dallas Steward. "The biggest thing with Lincoln is his skating ability, with and without the puck, and he wants to be involved in the offense. But at the same time, he's very competitive defensively. When he plays simple, he's really effective and efficient, and he's a tough kid to play against. He's smart defensively, and he's got skill and a big shot on the offensive side of the game.”

In 53 games played for the NTDP, Kuehne scored 2 goals and 11 assists as one of the youngest players on the team and will look to make an even bigger impact this coming season on the U18 team. Kuehne is slated to attend Colorado College for the 2025-26 season, the same season he will be eligible for the NHL draft. “I’m very proud and honored to announce my commitment to play division 1 hockey and further my academics at Colorado College,” Kuehne posted on social media. “First off I would like to thank God, family, friends, coaches, and teammates and everyone else who has helped me along the way.” Colorado College posted a record of 21-13-3 and finished #15 overall in NCAA D1 standings. 

Kuehne becomes the 4th player on the 2022-23 16U Knights team to make his college commitment, joining Lincoln Hjelm (University of Nebraska-Omaha), Bode Laylin (University of St. Thomas) and Carter Sanderson (University of North Dakota). "Lincoln Keuhne has such a professional approach and a big heart," Steward added. "His future in hockey is bright. Colorado College is getting a special person and one of the most dedicated players I’ve ever been able to coach."

The Knights are excited to watch Kuehne continue his hockey career at the NTDP, Colorado College and beyond! 

by Northstar Knights