GRAND FORKS — The Grand Forks schools have met for the boys hockey state championship in each of the last two seasons.

Both squads are loaded with talent again this season.

Here are the Herald's 10 North Dakota area players to watch for 2025-26.

Cooper Deziel, GF Central: The all-state forward racked up 25 goals and 51 points for the Knights last season. He's the second-leading returning scorer in the state.

Westin Nielson, GF Central: Nielson, playing his first year of varsity hockey, earned all-state honors. The Knights' goaltender finished with a 2.18 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage.

Ryder Rivard, GF Central: The junior forward scored 13 goals and tallied 33 points in 27 games last season for the Knights. He's also been a standout for Team North Dakota.

Nolan M

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