NAHL’s championship features many Wisconsinites

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) hosts the 2025 Robertson Cup* at Fogerty Arena in Blaine, Minnesota May 16-20. The NAHL has 35 teams in four divisions. The winner of each division plays this weekend with the champion hoisting the Robertson Cup.

Wisconsin will be well represented at this year’s Robertson Cup with two coaches and eight players. Two former WIAA players coaching in the NAHL will face each other in a Friday semifinal. Wisconsin Windigo’s head coach John Mitchell will face the Lone Star Brahmas and assistant coach Logan Murphy.

The Windigo’s head coach John Mitchell played high school hockey for the Neenah Rockets and graduated in 2004. Mitchell played four seasons for the Wisconsin Badgers and five seasons professionally. He was an assistant high school coach at University School of Milwaukee prior to coaching junior hockey.

Logan Murphy played for Chippewa Falls HS and graduated in 2012. He was an assistant high school coach at Eau Claire North prior to coaching junior hockey. Murphy hoisted the 2024 Robertson Cup as an assistant coach for the Lone Star Brahmas. He will be on the bench for the Brahmas this weekend seeking back-to-back Robertson Cup championships.

“Playing in the Robertson Cup is a great experience for players and coaches. It’s the ultimate test for everyone. Last year we had success with a little luck. Hopefully we can get the same results this year as well!” Logan Murphy, Lone Star Brahmas Assistant Coach

Multiple players from Wisconsin will also be competing in the 2025 Robertson Cup. Wisconsin Windigo and Bismarck Bobcats each have three players from Wisconsin. Lone Star Brahmas and Rochester Americans each have one player from Wisconsin.

• Windigo-Wyatt Herres, Braydon Beahm, and Harper Frey.
• Bobcats-Ian Engel, Evan Hunter, and Matt Rafalski.
• Brahmas-Charlie Masek.
• Americans-Gabe Randel.

“Making it to the Robertson Cup is a huge accomplishment for our team. It’s a reflection of all the work we have put in. We have a special team…being able to play longer than what is guaranteed makes it that much more special.” Wyatt Herres, Wisconsin Windigo D, former Notre Dame Academy player

2025 Robertson Cup Game Schedule

Friday, May 16

• Rochester Americans vs. Bismarck Bobcats 4PM
• Wisconsin Windigo vs. Lone Star Brahmas 7:30PM

Saturday, May 17

• Bismarck Bobcats vs. Rochester Americans 4PM
• Lone Star Brahmas vs. Wisconsin Windigo 7:30PM

Sunday, May 18 (if needed)

• Rochester Americans vs. Bismarck Bobcats 3PM
• Wisconsin Windigo vs. Lone Star Brahmas 6:30PM

Tuesday, May 20 Championship

• Winner of Rochester/Bismarck vs. Winner of Wisconsin/Lone Star 7PM

The Robertson Cup should be exciting games! High school players considering playing junior hockey are encouraged to attend to see the skill level of the NAHL. Student tickets are $10 per day or $25 for the entire tournament.

Yours for hockey,

Matt Carey

*The Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson who died in 2010. Chuck Robertson won seven consecutive NAHL championships from 1976 to 1983 as owner of the Paddock Pools Saints.