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Skaters in rebuilding mode Ely hockey team set to open new season Saturday against Moose Lake
Ely’s high school hockey team had one of the best seasons in program history last winter, collecting 14 wins and finishing over the .500 mark for only the third time in at least 30 years.
Matching last season’s win total may be quite a lift for the 2024-25 Timberwolves, who open at home Saturday against visiting Moose Lake.
But the cupboard is far from bare for the Wolves and fourth-year head coach Jake Myers, and the new season begins with some anticipation.
“My hopes are that we can use the success we had last year as a learning tool to continue the things we do well and build on the things we struggled with last year,” said Myers.
Ely captured a share of the Three Rivers Conference title in 2023-24 and avoided the play-in round of the Section 7A tournament for the first time in program history.
Yet graduation took its toll on the roster, robbing the Wolves of several seniors including conference MVP Drew Marolt and Deegan Richards, who were the team’s top two scorers and combined for 75 points.
Three double-digit scorers return for the Wolves with sophomore Owen Marolt (12), senior Garrett Rohr (12) and junior Jayden Zemke (11), but boosting the offense figures to be a priority as the Wolves progress this season.
“Obviously statistically those were tough losses, but I hope some guys are willing to step up and fill those roles,” said Myers. “We have a bunch of potential with this roster to fill those spots.”
Ely had some offensive difficulties, scoring just twice in a Nov. 19 scrimmage and jamboree that included matchups with International Falls, North Shore and Greenway.
“For the most part our lines did a good job of keeping the puck away from the net, but we struggled on offense,” said Myers. “We have to continue to be better at making the extra pass when it’s available and just getting more pucks to the net.”
The Wolves figure to be strong defensively, particularly with the return of senior goaltender Ben Leeson.
Leeson gained all-conference honors last season and picked up the win in goal for all 14 Ely victories. The returning starter gave up 3.45 goals per contest and had a save percentage of .901.
Leeson, who is backed up by Lewis Powell, will anchor the Wolves’ defense.
“He’s the only goalie ever to beat International Falls at home and away so he’s got some experience and success he can build on,” said Myers.
Zemke and sophomore Stig Majerus form one defensive pairing, while senior Alex Merriman is paired with his younger brother Sean on another.
Ryland Sandy, who had eight points last season, is on defense with sophomore Evan Leeson.
Senior Jace Huntbatch is currently slated to center the Wolves’ top forward line with Marolt and junior transfer Rhett Johnson.
The second line includes junior Hunter Halbakken at center, with Rohr and senior Brady Eaton, while senior Jon Schlosser and sophomores Cooper Mayranen and Mason Kurnava are on the third line.
Saturday’s clash at the Ely Arena is the first of three games between the Wolves and Moose Lake, who have developed a rivalry within 7A.
“I expect Moose Lake to be better,” said Myers. “And not the same team we played last year and beat three times. If we go in thinking it’s an easy win, we’re going to have to work our tails off.”
Ely’s schedule includes about a dozen dates at the home rink, including the second annual holiday tournament
Ely Wolves Hockey 2024-25 Schedule
Saturday: Moose Lake, 2 p.m.
Dec. 3: at North Shore (Two Harbors), 7 p.m. Dec. 6: at Mora Dec. 7: at Mora, 2 p.m.
Dec. 10: Int. Falls Dec. 14: at Lake of the Woods, 2 p.m.
Dec. 19: Greenway
Dec. 21: at Wadena, 2 p.m.
Dec. 26: Ely Tourney, 7 p.m. Dec. 27: Ely Tourney, 7 p.m. Dec. 28: Ely Tourney, 2:30 p.m. Jan. 3: Bagley Jan. 11: at Burnett Blizzard, Siren, Wisc., 2 p.m Jan. 14: at Int. Falls Jan. 17: Lake of the Woods Jan. 18: Wadena, 2 p.m. Jan. 21: Proctor Jan. 24: at Bagley Jan. 25: at Park Rapids, 2 p.m. Jan. 28: at Greenway Feb. 1: Burnett Blizzard, 2 p.m.
Feb. 7: at Moose Lake Feb. 8: North Shore
Home games in bold Game times 7 p.m. unless noted
slated for Dec. 26-28.
