Wayzata High School’s Varsity Boys Hockey team is getting excited for their 2025-26 season to start. The boys are constantly practicing and getting ready for tryouts as they prepare to play top teams in Minnesota year after year. This year, they are hoping to get revenge on their biggest competitors.
The last time the boys’ team won the state championships was in 2016. Facing their biggest competitor, Edina, every year during sections is very intense and can get physical quickly. Captain and goalie Ryan Pellinger stated he is most excited to play Edina this year like past years. This rematch is one of the top selling games and tickets usually get sold out.
Last year, after the Wayzata versus Edina game, an Edina fan smashed the back window of a Wayzata fan’s car. Hate between the two teams runs high and gets very intense with students, fans, and parents yelling at each other. Other games that fans love to watch are against Minnetonka, Maple Grove, and Benilde-St. Margaret’s, although none of these quite match the fervor of Edina. Still, these games normally sell out too and get very crowded.
During the 2024-25 season, the team was heavy with a strong senior class and great leaders. This year, there are now many opportunities for younger players to step up and help lead the team to success. Our captains this season are four seniors: Christopher Pyle, Ryan Pellinger, Eli Molde, and Ryder Alstead.
These four seniors are putting in the work before the season starts. When asked how much they’re practicing in the pre-season, Pyle said, “I’m doing some type of dry land drills or skating on ice, 10 to 12 hours a week to get ready for my senior year.” They are also doing captains practices where anyone who wants to try out can come and play with them before tryouts.
When asked what these preseason practices look like, Jake Nawrocki said that “practices can be intense but also there are good vibes as the guys are getting excited. There is lots of energy and meeting new people is nice.” The captains say these practices are similar to the regular season with comparable drills and a determined environment.
Although they are focused on tryouts, the team is also making sure they create a strong team culture while keeping a healthy environment. Hockey is a very team-based sport, where you have to rely on each other. Having passionate coaches and hardworking athletes, the team takes pride in being united on and off the ice. Wayzata is building connections with rookies and returners to be able to support everyone on and off the ice.
Once the season starts, the first game is the annual Turkey Trot tournament on November 21st. The team plays Moorhead first and Maple Grove the next day at their home rink, The Plymouth Ice Center (PIC). As this is the season opener, fans pack the stands for these games. After the Turkey Trot, the next game is on November 28th at PIC versus Rock Ridge.
Another event the boys are excited for is Hockey Day. This is where the team gets to play on an outdoor rink. Two years ago, they played in Moorhead, and this year they get to play against Rogers in Hastings. Pyle said he is very excited to play here because they do not get to do this every year.
During the season, it is also important for players to do well in school. Trying to balance school with hockey can get overwhelming. Pellinger said, “I try to stay consistent with hockey and school while finding a good balance with both. I like to hold myself accountable; before I can practice in the preseason I have to finish my school work. This makes sure I meet my goals.”
Nawrocki, Pellinger, and Pyle all said they love it when friends, family, and the overall crowd shows up to support their games. They mainly feel that their teammates or focusing on what’s happening on the ice motivates them the most. Pellinger said the crowd doesn’t really affect how he plays but likes to see friends and family there to support him. Being the goalie he makes sure to zone in to prepare for anything.
Spectator Hunsley Cole says “I like watching the varsity hockey team because I like hanging out with the crowd and getting excited during the games. I am most excited to watch Tommy Colmenero.” Max Kavanagh, friend of the team, said he agrees with Cole and loves the Culture in the rink.
Kavanagh also said “I can’t wait to watch Chris Pyle play. He is a great leader for the team and a cool classmate. The game against Edina will be the most exciting and my friends and I plan to pack the stands.” Cole, Kavanagh and more friends are excited for the season to start.
Overall, the Wayzata Boys Varsity Hockey team is excited for their upcoming 2025-26 season. With captains and others pushing the team to strive to do their best, they hope the work they put in now will show when the season games officially start. Each year they don’t only focus on winning but also on having excellent sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. The boys hope to see you and your friends packing the stands on November 21st—don’t forget to grab your tickets on GoFan in late November when they come out!
