Winner of the 2025 Kirk Daubenspeck Award as top WIAA D-1 goalie

Griffen Bunnell’s stellar play last season put him among the best WIAA goalies. He was named the 2025 Kirk Daubenspeck Award winner as the top WIAA D-1 goalie, and he was selected as first team all-state by the Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association.

Griffen was then selected to play on Wisconsin’s U18 team in the highly scouted and prestigious National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in April 2025. Griffen’s play at the NIT emphatically announced he is an elite high school goalie. Griffen stood tall against the best high school players in the country. Griffen’s TW U18 team earned a 3rd place finish, with its only loss in a shootout to a team that won all other games by lopsided scores.

“Griffen has been a four-year varsity starting goalie and last season helped D.C. Everest to our best record since 2017-18. He is talented with an elite compete level. Last season he finished with a 2.0 GAA and a .938 saves percentage. Griffen is our program’s all-time leader in games played and saves. Griffen is a standout student athlete, teammate, and leader for our program.” Dan VanSlyke, D.C. Everest Head Coach

“Griffen was a big reason the Windigo gave up the fewest goals in the NAPHL this past fall. He has a great work ethic and is a true team player. Griffen is a goalie that can win a game when needed!” Dean Lounsbrough, Windigo NAPHL 18 Coach

Let’s hear from Griffen Bunnell!

When did you start playing hockey? At age 4 my dad got me into it.

Where did you play youth hockey? Everest Youth Hockey.

How did you decide to be a goalie? I saw some of the bigger kids doing it, so I gave it a try. In squirts I tried it for the first time. In bantams I became a full-time goalie.

Did anyone in your family play hockey? Yes, my older brothers played high school for Everest. My dad played for Antigo High School (1993 WIAA state championship team!)

What other sports do you play? I play golf in spring for the high school team. I used to play baseball when I was younger, and lacrosse.

What was it like representing Wisconsin in the NIT? It was a lot of fun. It felt good to play with some of the best players in the state. We played some great competition.

What was it like playing in the NAPHL for the Windigo? It was great playing for coach Cal and Dean, and it was a lot of fun. It helped improve my play.

Pregame ritual? After school I eat Chipotle with buddies, go to the rink and play sewer ball.

What attributes make you a successful goalie? The most important part of my game is mentally how to handle getting scored on. Getting reset. The mental side is just as important as the physical side. I do a good job with that.

Is there a goalie you model your game after? Trey Augustine at Michigan State. I watched him at World Juniors.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My parents. They have stuck with me through all the ups and downs. They have driven me all around in youth hockey, and they’ve always been there for me.

Your plan for hockey after high school? I want to play juniors.

If you don’t go to juniors, where will you go to school? Minnesota Duluth.

What do you want to do for a career? I have always been interested in sales.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to hockey? Golfing with friends and family. Hanging out with friends. Playing Fortnite.

Where’s your dream vacation? It would be cool to go to Paris. A resort on an exotic island sounds cool also.

Favorite food? Steak. NY Strip.

Favorite restaurant for NY Strip? Pinewood Supper Club in Mosinee.

Favorite music group or type of music? Rap music before games.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Brownie.

Pickup truck or sports car? Sports car. Ferrari.

If you could meet anyone, who would you want to meet? Jesus. He is the most influential thing in my life.

Final thoughts? I am thankful for my parents and coaches. I also thank all my teammates youth through high school that I shared the journey with…it is special to play with guys you have played with your entire life.

Best wishes to Griffen Bunnell and D.C. Everest!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey