PARK RAPIDS, Minn (KWAD) – After nearly four decades behind the bench, head coach Park Rapids Panthers boys hockey coach Bill Moore knows the rhythm of a hockey season — and he believes this year’s Park Rapids squad has the ingredients to take a big step forward.

“We played 13 sophomores last year,” Moore said. “The key to our season will be how those sophomores progressed. What they did in the offseason to get stronger and more skilled will tell us how good we’ll be.”

That experience is now paying dividends. The Panthers return a deep group of letterwinners, including 17 upperclassmen led by senior forwards Lou Wesa and Chance Landstrom, along with senior defenseman Bryce Zubke.

Up front, the Panthers’ strength will come from their forwards. Juniors Finn Henry, Easton Brovold, and Lou Wesa are expected to anchor the attack, with additional scoring punch from Chad Pinoneimi and Ethan Torola. On the blue line, Owen Hoverson, Colton Hauser, Levi Meschke, Brayden Crissinger, and Bryce Zubke will form a defensive core that Moore expects to keep the team competitive in every game.

Between the pipes, Rylie Wesa and Logan Felton, both juniors, return to share goaltending duties, while sophomore Eli Knudsen adds depth in net.

Assistant coaches Ben Brovold and Garret Bonello return to the staff as Park Rapids continues to develop its young roster. Though the Panthers graduated six players — including three key contributors in Trevor Lobeck, Matt Berdahl, and Talen May — Moore believes the program’s continuity will pay off.

The Panthers face a tough slate, with Breckenridge-Wahpeton leading the conference and perennial Section 8A powers Warroad, East Grand Forks, Detroit Lakes, and Crookston setting the regional bar.

Still, Moore remains optimistic. “Our goal scorers are starting to mature, and our defense has experience,” he said. “If our young guys continue to develop, we’ll be in the mix.”

With a solid returning core and a motivated group of juniors stepping into bigger roles, Park Rapids looks ready to skate into the new season with energy, balance, and belief.

The Panthers start the season with a scrimmage at Sauk Centre on Saturday, November 15th before opening the season in Bagley on Friday, November 21st.

Park Rapids Boys Hockey Varsity Schedule – 2025-26

Park Rapids Boys Hockey Roster 2025-26