NEWS

The Winona State University Warriors are back in the WCCHA mix this season as an Associate Member. With new club leadership and almost a brand-new roster from their last season of play (2016-2017), the Warriors look to establish themselves again as a force in the conference and the region. Jason Stoulil, younger brother of 2017 WCCHA All Star Marcus Stoulil, is wearing multiple hats this season: Team Co-President, manager, and captain.

Being an associate member of the WCCHA this season, WSU is not eligible for the WCCHA Tournament nor are they eligible for postseason ACHA play. Even so, the Warriors have assembled a tough schedule to get used to playing some of the best the Central Region has to offer. Within the WCCHA, the Warriors take on NDSU, UW-La Crosse, UW-Superior, Minnesota-Duluth, Bethel, St. Thomas, and St. Cloud State. They also travel to Ames, Iowa, to take on Iowa State, who finished #8 in the Central last year. Rounding out their schedule are games against St. Scholastica and Palmer College. One notable event will be an outdoor game later in the year that will serve as an American Cancer Society fundraiser, with details to be finalized soon.

One forward who will be counted on to provide offense for Winona is sophomore Dylan Allamain. Allamain is the only returning forward from the 2016-2017 squad. Stoulil describes him as “someone who provides a lot of skill on the offensive side of the puck. His knowledge of the game, along with above average passing, shooting, and desire to compete, makes Dylan one of our standouts.” Allamain posted a six goal, two assist season in 2016-2017.

The Warriors are returning much more experience on the blue line. Declan Walsh, a junior from Lindenhurst, IL, is one of three returnees. Walsh is a very dedicated member of the team, Stoulil says. “He comes from an area where he had to commute an hour a day just for practice. He works just as hard now at WSU. He’s a big body that provides great defensive support in all three zones.” Walsh added a goal and three assists in the 2016-2017 season.

Jason Stoulil is another one of the returning defenders. Along with being the Team President, Stoulil notched two goals and two assists on the 2016-2017 squad but will be looked upon to improve on those totals. WSU will be relying on him to be another big body with good knowledge of the game to help shore up the defensive side of the puck.

Ben Ehlert is the third and final returning defender for WSU. A two-way defenseman, Benny has what Stoulil describes as “unique skill set that not only allows him to defend the blue line and the net, but also to create offense and bury the puck.” Ehlert chipped in three goals and four assists in the 16-17 campaign.

One of the players manning the net this year for the Warriors is junior Tyler Werne. Werne got in a few games in the 16-17 season but will be looked on to be the rock that this young team will need. “Getting back on the ice after a long period of not playing is tough on anyone, especially goalies,” Stoulil says. “Tyler has pushed himself harder than anyone else to improve and get ready for this season.”

To help the returners, the Warriors have a few newcomers to get excited about. Jesse Norling, from Blaine, MN, is coming aboard. Norling, a defenseman, played stints with the Minnesota Wilderness and the New Ulm Steel. Adding a player of that caliber is a huge boost to the blueline. Up front, an exciting addition to the team is sophomore Dylan Brown. Brown, from Reedsburg, WI, led the state in points his senior year in high school. A quick skater with great hands, Brown is looking to fill the opposing net this year to help the Warriors navigate their first season back.

Winona State is looking to reestablish themselves this season after a brief hiatus. Wearing brand new jerseys from WCCHA partner Gemini Athletic, the Warriors want to put down a new tradition of WSU hockey. They begin their season by traveling to Fargo, ND to take on the NDSU Bison on September 21 and 22.