Here are 12 players who will matter in the boys hockey section hockey playoffs as teams compete for a spot in the 2026 Class 2A and Class 1A state tournaments March 4-7 at Grand Casino Arena.

Class 2A

Cole Braunshausen, St. Thomas Academy, senior forward: Want to know the definition of a rink rat? That’s Braunshausen, who lives to be one the ice.

Danny Browning, Minnetonka, senior defenseman: The sure-and-steady leader of the Skippers’ stellar defensive unit.

Cole Bumgarner, Rogers, senior forward: Bumgarner has 22 goals, 28 assists and uncanny rink awareness.

Grayson Hanggi, Hill-Murray, senior goalie: The Pioneers have depended all season on Hanggi’s quick glove hand.

Bode McConnell, Edina, senior forward: Every top team needs a goal scorer on whom to count. McConnell and his 29 goals fit that role to a T.

Brandon Mickelson, Moorhead, senior defenseman: With so much attention paid to the Spuds’ offensive front lines, Mickelson mans the blue line capably.

Class 1A

Maddux Domagala, Luverne, senior forward: His 42 goals and 82 points lead the 12-4-1 Cardinals.

Bryce Francisco, Hermantown, senior goalie: The top netminder in the Northland has played every minute in goal for the Hawks this season.

Daniel Halonen, Delano, senior forward: Two things are virtual locks for the Tigers: The puck will wind up on Halonen’s stick and soon after find the back of the net.

Devin Jacobs, Sartell, junior forward: His soft hands and a knack for offense has resulted in 31 goals and 65 points to lead the Sabers.

Tate Swanson, Hibbing/Chisholm, senior forward: Is there a better on-ice leader than the older of the Swanson brothers?

Garrett Trench, Breck, senior forward: The baseball-loving forward has quietly put up 31 goals and 45 assists for the Mustangs.