Mallards and Wilderness win 2025 NAHL Prospects Challenge Titles

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) Prospects Challenge wrapped up on Sunday, May 18th at the Super Rink with two championship games. The Minnesota Mallards claimed the title in the 18U division, while the Minnesota Wilderness Green took top honors at the 16U level.

Game Recaps:

Minnesota Mallards 18U (10) vs. Fairbanks Ice Dogs White 18U (1)

The Minnesota Mallards were nothing short of dominant throughout the weekend, going undefeated in the tournament with a commanding presence on both ends of the ice. Decked out in gold, the Mallards showcased their firepower by scoring 26 goals while only allowing just six.

The Championship game began on even footing, with both teams locked in a 1-1 tie after the first period. But from there, the Mallards shifted into high gear. Their offense erupted in the second and third periods, netting five goals in the second and adding four more in the third to seal a statement victory.

Three Mallards players recorded two-goal performances in the final, including Tyden Bergeson, who capped off a stellar tournament by finishing tied for second in overall scoring at the 18U level with 10 points on the weekend.

Minnesota Wilderness Green 16U (5) vs. Minnesota Wilderness Black 16U (2)

The 16U Championship game was an all-Wilderness showdown, as the two Minnesota Wilderness squads, Green and Black, went head-to-head for the title. Team Green struck first, taking a 1-0 lead into the second period.

That’s when the action really heated up. Green doubled their lead early in the second thanks to a goal from Jack Rykkeli. But Team Black wasn’t going down without a fight. They roared back with two goals of their own, knotting the game at 2-2 heading into the final frame.

In the third period, Team Green kicked things into high gear. They surged ahead with three unanswered goals to secure the championship. The game-winner came off the stick of defenseman Adam Margenau, who picked the perfect moment to record his first and only point of the weekend.

A big thank you goes out to everyone who made this year’s NAHL Prospects Challenge another unforgettable event. The event provided invaluable exposure for the athletes, with NAHL head coaches and scouts from across the league in attendance, closely watching the next wave of talent. We’re proud to be a part of each player’s journey and look forward to seeing what the future holds!