The start of the new season may still be nearly four months away for the Minot State University (MSU) men's hockey team, but the three-time defending American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) national champion Beavers are already preparing for next season.
The first step in preparing for next season is establishing the team's leadership, and Michigan State head coach Wyatt Waselenchuk proudly announced that senior forward Jay Buchholz will be the Beavers' captain for the 2024-25 season, while senior forward Reid Arnold, junior defenseman Logan Rand and junior forward Christian Kadolph will all be assistant captains at Minot State.
“We're excited to have this group leading the way next season.” “I think it's a good thing,” said MSU's fourth-year head coach. “These four young men embody everything Minot State stands for. They are very well-rounded individuals who excel in the classroom, on and off the ice. They play hard and do things the right way in every aspect. We have a veteran team returning and there is great leadership in the locker room. I know Jay, Reid, Christian and Logan are well respected by all of their teammates, and I can't wait for them to carry on the tradition and lead us to new heights.”
Buchholz, who served as an assistant captain for the team last season, played in 91 games over three seasons with the Beavers and was part of Minot State's 2022-23 ACHA National Championship team.
“It's an incredible feeling to be named captain. It's a real honour.” Buchholz said. “When I look back over the years and see the great captains who have led this team and made the Beavers what they are today, it makes me want to emulate that.”
Jay Buchholz
Arnold, also a senior, served as an assistant captain last season and has played in 109 games in his three-year career with the Beavers and was part of Minot State's 2022-23 ACHA National Championship team.
“I am honored to be named vice captain for another year.” Arnold said. “I'm excited to lead this team into another championship season and get ready to try and win the Murdoch Cup again. The only goal I have for our team is to win it. We'll all need to pull on the same rope to win another championship.”
Also, “a” Putting on the uniform for the second consecutive year will be Kadolph, who has played 75 games with the Beavers over two seasons, including appearing as part of Minot State's 2022-23 ACHA National Championship team.
“Serving as a captain at Minot State is a great honor, but nothing is more special than wearing the Beavers logo on my chest every day.” Kadolph said. “Everyone is a leader in their own way, whether it be in school, in the community or simply off the ice, and that is what makes this group of guys here at Minot State so special. As I continue to grow as a leader, I remind myself of the great responsibility that comes with wearing that emblem. I aim to represent not only myself, but also my teammates, coaches and the community that supports us. I am committed to leading by example and rising to the challenge to steer this group of young men in the right direction. Pushing our team to new heights and building team camaraderie on and off the ice will continue to leave a mark and a lasting legacy here at Minot State.”
Named an assistant captain for the first time is Lanns, a third-year defenseman who played in 58 games over two seasons as part of Minot State's 2022-23 ACHA national championship team.
Logan Landes
“Being named an assistant captain for the Beavers is a great honor for me.” Rand said. “I am excited to join such an experienced leadership group. Being a leader on this team is a responsibility I do not take lightly. We have some special players in the locker room looking to bounce back after a disappointing finish at nationals last season. I am ready to embrace my role as a leader and contribute to the team's success both on and off the ice!”
The Minot State men's hockey team is still finalizing its schedule for the 2024-25 season, which will mark the Beavers' debut in the Midwest College Hockey (MCH) League and include McKendree (Ill.), Illinois State, Midland (Nebraska), Jamestown, Mary, Northern Illinois and Waldorf (Iowa).
Reid Arnold
