Two Wisconsin teams ready for battle in CCM NIT

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this article are solely those of Matt Carey and do not reflect the opinions of Wisconsin Prep Hockey or its partners.

Games in Plymouth, Minnesota April 25-28

Scouts from all the US junior leagues, and some Canadian junior leagues, will be visiting Plymouth, Minnesota this week for the CCM National Invitational Tournament (NIT). In addition, Chris Lonke, CCM NIT Tournament Director shared “NCAA D-1 coaches attend, and NHL scouts attend but it depends on who is playing.”

The CCM NIT is organized by Minnesota Hockey, Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association, and CCM to provide an opportunity for high school players to showcase their talents in front of scouts.

The timing of the CCM NIT is excellent for scouts because it is just prior to the junior league drafts. Sam Kappell played for Wisconsin’s HP-18 team in the 2023 CCM NIT, and two weeks later he was the first player selected in the USHL draft.

“We absolutely scout the NIT. It is a great showcase with tons of talented players. The players get exposure from all levels of junior hockey.” Logan Murphy, Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) assistant coach.

Wisconsin sends two teams to the CCM NIT, Wisconsin Seniors and Wisconsin HP-18. The Wisconsin Seniors are only players in 12th grade. Wisconsin’s HP-18 players are below 12th grade, and most are in 11th grade.

“I am super excited to play in the NIT, and grateful towards the coaching staff for choosing me. I am honored to be chosen. It will be competitive and fast paced so our team will have to be ready. Our state has underrated high school hockey and during this tournament we can showcase how good we really are. I believe if the Wisconsin teams play hard, we can have success at the NIT.” Joseph Coghlin, 12th grade, Notre Dame Academy.

Wisconsin Seniors

Rowan White, G, Madison Edgewood
Dylan Byrne, D, Eau Claire Memorial
Caden Feinstein, D, Madison Memorial
Drew Sparacino, D, Brookfield
Riley Boyle, D, Madison Memorial
Bryce Dahl, D, Notre Dame
Brecken Meyer, D, Hudson
Jackson Hoem, F, Chippewa Falls
Vincent Greene, F, Amery
Catcher Langeness, F, New Richmond
Joseph Coghlin, F, Notre Dame
Andrew Jicha, F, Oregon
William McDonald, F, Madison West
Gannon Blaiser, F, Hudson
Carsen Gause, F, Wisconsin Rapids
Mason Johnson, F, Chippewa Falls
Ryan Hilbert, F, Bay Port
Josh Dekarske, F, Wisconsin Rapids
Evan Burchardt, F, Beaver Dam
Devin Rustlie, G, Bay Port

“Playing in the NIT is a lot of fun! It is an opportunity to showcase your game in front of scouts. I am looking forward to a fun weekend of hockey and good competition.” Nick Madsen, 11th grade, Eau Claire Memorial.

Wisconsin HP-18

Hayden Reuhl, G, Madison Edgewood
Nathan Antti, D, Notre Dame
Nick Madsen, D, Eau Claire Memorial
Austin Lamer, D, Tomahawk
Jackson Marthaler, D, Superior
Gus Thorp, D, Chippewa Falls
Wyatt Herres, D, Notre Dame
Quinn Smith, F, Madison West
Drew Bowe, F, Chippewa Falls
Gabe Braun, F, St. Mary’s Springs
Austin Westergaard, F, St. Mary’s Springs
Wyatt Ehrhardt, F, Middleton
Cooper Simon, F, Brookfield
Bjorn Bahneman, F, New Richmond
Matthew Richter, F, Madison Edgewood
Adam Sexton, F, Brookfield
Easton Lindert, F, Oregon
William Lyons, F, Bay Port
Jackson Schroeder, F, SPASH
Spencer Shober, G, Fond du Lac

“I am very excited to play in the NIT. It is an awesome event with great players and competition. I think we have a lot of talent. I am looking forward to playing with players I have never played with, and guys I’ve played with in the past.” Quinn Smith, 11th grade, Madison West.

Each Wisconsin team is coached by a highly successful former WIAA coach. Wisconsin Seniors is coached by Tim Ebner and assisted by Steve Dus and Josh Nelson. Ebner coached Onalaska HS to 12 conference titles, 10 sectional finals, and 4 trips to WIAA state. Wisconsin’s HP-18 team is coached by Cal Roadhouse and assisted by Podge Turnbull; both played professional hockey. Roadhouse coached University School to four state championships, two WIAA and two WISAA.

The 2024 CCM NIT is an 8-team tournament featuring two teams from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. North Dakota and Colorado send one team each.

Game Schedule

Thursday, April 25