Northstar Knights

Zaide Penner Named to Team USA for 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Alexandria, MN (Aug. 2, 2025) 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

The Northstar Knights are proud to announce that defenseman Zaide Penner has been selected to represent USA Hockey at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, an elite international U18 tournament hosted in Czechia and Slovakia August 9 - 16. 

Penner, a Fargo, North Dakota native and 2008 birth year, has been a cornerstone of the 16U AAA team for the past two seasons. The 6-foot, 170-pound defenseman played in 104 career games, recording 10 goals, 57 assists, and 67 total points. Known for his poise with the puck and high-level hockey IQ, Penner has consistently demonstrated elite ability in all three zones.

During his time with the Knights, Penner’s growth earned him selections by both the Spokane Chiefs in the 2023 WHL Draft and the Fargo Force in the 2024 USHL Draft. He made his USHL debut on December 4, 2024, suiting up for the Force in a regular-season game.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States and wear the USA jersey”, Penner said of being selected. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete at this high level with some of the best players in the world. I’m most excited to play with pride, challenge myself every day, and create unforgettable memories with this team.”

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is widely regarded as one of the premier international tournaments for U18 players, regularly featuring the best young talent from all around the world. Check out the US National Team Roster here

"We are so excited for Zaide as he has put in the hard work and dedication to develop into an elite player the last 2 years at Northstar and will represent the USA well in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup tourney",  said 16U AAA Head Coach & Program Director, Dallas Steward. "We will enjoy rooting for him in this upcoming tournament!"

by Northstar Knights

Knights Alumni, Luke Schelter, Commits to University of St. Thomas

Alexandria, MN (May. 24, 2025) 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

The Northstar Knights are proud to announce that former 16U standout Luke Schelter has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of St. Thomas.

“I’m extremely excited and honored to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey at the University of St. Thomas,” said Schelter. “All glory to God, and a huge thank you to my family, friends, and coaches for their support along the way.”

Schelter played for the 16U Knights during the 2020-21 season, where he led the team in scoring with 25 goals and 23 assists for 48 points in 46 games. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the 16U All-NAPHL Team.

Following his time at Northstar the Centennial, CO native spent four seasons in the WHL, splitting time between the Portland Winterhawks and the Kelowna Rockets. Over 189 WHL games, he tallied 31 goals and 40 assists for 71 points, helping his teams reach the playoffs in each full season. In 2024-25, he skated for the Fargo Force in the USHL, posting 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 52 games.

Schelter becomes the 23rd Knight to commit to or play for a Division I program. He is also the third Knight to commit to the University of St. Thomas, joining Bode Laylin (’08) and Bauer Berry (’05), as the Tommies continue to build a competitive roster.

St. Thomas has quickly emerged as a rising power in NCAA Division I hockey, finishing second in the CCHA in 2023-24 and third in 2024-25 — an impressive feat for a program just four years into its D1 journey.

The Northstar Knights congratulate Luke and his family on this exciting milestone and look forward to watching him make an impact at St. Thomas.

by Northstar Knights

Gavin Erickson Tenders with Dauphin Kings in the MJHL

Alexandria, MN (May. 7, 2025) 

For more information, contact: [email protected]

The Northstar Knights are excited to announce that goaltender Gavin Erickson has signed a tender agreement with the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) for the 2025-26 season. 

Erickson, a native of Fargo, North Dakota, has been a key piece to the Knights programs for the last 2 seasons, bringing in consistency and mental toughness between the pipes. During the 2024–25 season, the 2007-born netminder appeared in 24 games, posting a 1.92 GAA and a .916 SV%, along with 3 shutouts. Over the course of his time with Northstar, Erickson suited up for 52 games played — the 4th most in Northstar goaltending history. He posted a career record of 34-11-3, along with a .901 save percentage and a 2.21 GAA. His 34 career wins also tie him for 4th most in program history.

“Gavin's growth over the past two seasons has been a direct result of his work ethic, humility, and commitment to getting better every day", said 18U Coach, Joe Cullen. "The Dauphin Kings are getting not just a great goaltender, but a great teammate and person. We’re proud of Gavin and excited to see what he’ll accomplish at the next level.”

The Dauphin Kings have a strong tradition of developing players for the next level. Erickson’s signing adds a highly motivated, dependable goaltender to the Kings' pipeline as they continue to build a competitive roster.

“I am truly grateful to sign with the Dauphin Kings”, Erickson said. “The commitment I am making to the team stretches beyond the game itself. The team chemistry and positive culture was amazing to be apart of when interacting with the organization. The fanbase’s dedication to the team was amazing to see and I am excited to contribute to the atmosphere in Dauphin. I am confident that this experience will be mutually beneficial and rewarding, and I look forward to contributing to the team’s success in the years to come.”

Erickson becomes the latest Northstar Knight to advance to junior hockey, continuing the program’s mission of preparing student-athletes for success both on and off the ice and impacting the kingdom through hockey!

Congratulations, Gavin!

by 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