Update: Spuds Celebrate Back-to-Back State Titles After Thrilling Comeback Win
MOORHEAD (KVRR) – It was a Victory Sunday for the Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team. After a thrilling come-from-behind victory Saturday night, the team returned to Moorhead on Sunday to celebrate with the community.
A packed gym at Moorhead High School welcomed home the state champions. Prior to last season, the Spuds had gone winless in eight appearances in the state title game. Now, they’ve won back-to-back championships, becoming just the second Class 2A team in the two-class era to accomplish the feat. The only other team to do it was Edina in 2013 and 2014.
There wasn’t much sleep for the players, who were still in full celebration mode. They shared what the realization of becoming back-to-back champions feels like, along with what the support from the Moorhead community has meant throughout the journey.
Senior forward Michael Herman said winning it all with his teammates made the experience even more special.
“I mean, it’s one of the biggest journeys in the world. Just doing it with your buddies — it just feels so good.”
Junior forward Max Cullen said the moment is still sinking in.
“There’s not really words for it. Just so many emotions. I’m still trying to take it all in. It’s so cool — it’s unbelievable. The community is unbelievable. The amount of support we get is amazing. Everybody cares so much about it, and that’s so awesome.”
The awards and recognition continued from Saturday into Sunday.
Tyden Bergeson was named Mr. Hockey 2026, while Brandon Mickelson received the Reed Larson Award, given to the state’s top defenseman.
Both players returned to the team for one more season to represent their community and defend their state title. Not only did they accomplish that goal, but they were also recognized among the best players in the state for their performances on the ice.
Bergeson finished the season with 29 goals and 52 assists for 81 points.
“It’s unreal,” Bergeson said. “Getting that individual award is great, but I couldn’t do it without all my teammates beside me — my best friends. They supported me the whole way through it, and it’s just a great feeling. You come in as a sophomore ready to wear that Spud sweater, and after your last senior game it’s emotional, but again, it’s just unreal.”
Mickelson also had a standout season, tallying 21 goals and 44 assists for 65 points.
“It means a lot,” Mickelson said. “I’d like to thank my teammates for helping me out this year. My D partner, Zak Devig, kind of holds the fort down for me when I join the rush. It still feels crazy the way that game played out, but our assistant Coach said from the beginning it was destiny for us to be in that game — and yeah, I think he was right.”
And if you missed how it all unfolded, the championship game was nothing short of dramatic.
The Spuds trailed 4–1 on Saturday with just over 10 minutes left in the third period. Zac Zimmerman — another player who returned for his final season alongside Bergeson and Mickelson — cut the deficit to one with under seven minutes remaining. Then, with just 36 seconds left, Zimmerman scored again to tie the game.
From there, the drama carried into double overtime, where Evan Wanner netted the game-winning goal to secure another state title for Moorhead.
For a full recap of the thrilling championship game, CLICK HERE.
