Two Wisconsin Teams in CCM NIT April 24-27

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 24-27, 2025

Scouts from all the junior leagues will be visiting the Plymouth Ice Center in Plymouth, Minnesota this week for the CCM National Invitational Tournament (NIT). In addition, Chris Lonke, the 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.

Wisconsin has two teams, Wisconsin Seniors and Wisconsin U18. The Wisconsin Seniors roster is 12th graders, and the Wisconsin U18 roster is predominantly 11th graders.

The timing of the CCM NIT is excellent for scouts because it is just prior to the junior league drafts and the NCAA season concluded. A significant number of Wisconsin’s players from the 2024 NIT went on to play in various leagues. Four players on the 2024 Wisconsin U18 team committed to NCAA D-1 teams.

Gus Thorp-Minnesota State
Wyatt Herres-UMass Lowell
JJ Marthaler-UMD Bulldogs
Cooper Simon-Western Michigan

“The NIT is a fun exposure showcase for players who aspire to play at the next level. It’s exciting to get together with your state to compete against other states and see where everyone stacks up. Typically, success at NIT will translate seamlessly to the Junior ranks.” John Mitchell, Wisconsin Windigo (NAHL) Head Coach

“From the moment I received the phone call from Coach Ebner to play on this team I’ve been super excited! The level of competition at this tournament is unlike anything else. What’s even better is that there are a ton of scouts watching every game. It’s a huge opportunity to get your name out and in contact with coaches. Our team is going to be a lot of fun. We have a great group of guys, and I am looking forward to playing with them.” Austin Westergaard, 12th grade, St. Mary’s Springs

Wisconsin Seniors (Red Jerseys)

Spencer Shober, G, Fond du Lac
Nathan Antti, D, Notre Dame Academy
Eli Covey, D, Middleton
Austin Lamer, D, Tomahawk
Drew Heil, D, Notre Dame Academy
Tyson Vilbaum, D, Wisconsin Rapids
Calvin Zinda, D, Neenah/Hortonville/Menasha
Max Bennett, F, Cretin
Gabe Braun, F, St. Mary’s Springs
Steven Chapman, F, New Richmond
Carter Drexler, F, SPASH
Wyatt Ehrhardt, F, Middleton
Connor Hillig, F, Brookfield
Easton Lindert, F, Oregon
Gabe Pankratz, F, Eau Claire Memorial
Landyn Randt, F, WSFLG Blizzard
Jackson Schroeder, F, SPASH
Adam Sexton, F, Brookfield
Austin Westergaard, F, St. Mary’s Springs
Owen Nelson, G, Cretin

“I’m really excited to go back to the NIT! It was one of my favorite tournaments. It’s great to play with top level players from Wisconsin and other states. There are many scouts in attendance. I look forward to having a lot of fun. Hopefully we can pull it off this year!” Cooper Simon, 11th grade, Brookfield Stars

Wisconsin U18 (Gray Jerseys)

Griffen Bunnell, G, D.C. Everest
Milo Boyle, D, Madison Memorial
Tyler Cook, D, University School of Milwaukee
Brayden Lamer, D, Tomahawk
Henry Steele, D, Hudson
Jack Templeton, D, Brookfield
Cooper Zinda, D, Neenah/Hortonville/Menasha
Jonah Dickens, F, Tomahawk
Mack Diggins, F, Eau Claire Memorial
Jaxon Flanagan, F, River Falls
Marshall Haukom, F, Somerset
Calvin Lakowske, F, Black River Falls
Jacob Maxon, F, Amery
Jack McKenna, F, Arrowhead
Grant Molski, F, SPASH
Brayden Severin, F, Superior
Cooper Simon, F, Brookfield
Nate Spencer, F, Regis/Altoona/McDonnell
Ryker Thomas, F, Notre Dame Academy
Julian Scalcucci, G, Wausau 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 High School to 12 conference titles, 10 sectional finals, and 4 trips to WIAA State.

Wisconsin’s U18 team is coached by Cal Roadhouse and assisted by Podge Turnbull and Rick Dorman; all three played professional hockey. Roadhouse coached University School to four state championships, two WIAA and two WISAA.

The 2025 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 24