Willmar WarHawks

Ice hockey team in Willmar, Minnesota

Willmar WarHawks

City| Willmar, Minnesota
League| NA3HL
Division| West
Founded| 2007
Home arena| Willmar Civic Center
Colors| Red, black, gray, and white

Owner(s)| Blizzard Hockey, LLC.
General manager| Payton Ruter
Head coach| Payton Ruter[1]
Franchise history
2007–2016| Minnesota Flying Aces
2016–present| Willmar WarHawks

The Willmar WarHawks are a Tier III junior ice hockey team playing in the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL). The team plays their home games at the Willmar Civic Center located in Willmar, Minnesota.

NA3HL teams play a 47-game regular season schedule, and additional post-season games (if qualifying for playoffs). The Warhawks compete in the West Division of the NA3HL along with the Alexandria Blizzard, Granite City Lumberjacks, Mason City Toros, Minnesota Moose, and Minnesota Wilderness.[2]

## History

[edit]

Flying Aces' logo

Established as the Minnesota Flying Aces, the franchise's first season was in 2007–08 as members of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MnJHL). The Flying Aces were based out Little Falls, Minnesota, and played their home games at Exchange Arena.

Following the 2010–11 season, the franchise moved to the North American 3 Hockey League along with in-state rival, the Granite City Lumberjacks.

On May 24, 2016, Flying Aces owners John and Debbie Holthaus sold the franchise to Blizzard Hockey, LLC. Blizzard Hockey also owns the North American Hockey League's St. Cloud Norsemen and the NA3HL's Alexandria Blizzard. The new owners then relocated the franchise to Willmar, Minnesota. It was at this time the team was renamed the Willmar WarHawks.[3][4]

## Season-by-Season Team Records

[edit]

Regular season records, as of 03-10-25

Season  | Team Name  | League  | GP  | W  | L  | OTL  | SOL  | Pts  | GF  | GA  | Regular Season Finish  | Playoffs

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2007–08 | Minnesota Flying Aces | MnJHL | 48 | 14 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 31 | 160 | 214 | 7th of 9, MnJHL | Won 1st Round, 2–0 vs Wisconsin Mustangs[5]
Lost 2nd Round, 1–2 vs Rochester Ice Hawks[6]
2008–09 | Minnesota Flying Aces | MnJHL | 48 | 16 | 30 | 0 | 2 | 34 | 153 | 252 | 6th of 9, MnJHL | Lost 1st Rd 0–2 vs Rochester Ice Hawks
2009–10 | Minnesota Flying Aces | MnJHL | 50 | 15 | 32 | 0 | 3 | 33 | 181 | 251 | 6th of 9, MnJHL | Lost 1st Rd 0–2 vs Rochester Ice Hawks[7]
2010–11 | Minnesota Flying Aces | MnJHL | 45 | 26 | 15 | 0 | 4 | 56 | 180 | 164 | 3rd of 8, MnJHL | Lost 1st Round, 1–2 vs Hudson Crusaders
2011–12 | Minnesota Flying Aces | NA3HL | 48 | 21 | 24 | 2 | 1 | 45 | 176 | 201 | 4th of 4, West Div.
12th of 16, NA3HL | Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–2 vs Granite City Lumberjacks
2012–13 | Minnesota Flying Aces | NA3HL | 48 | 20 | 26 | 1 | 1 | 42 | 137 | 175 | 4th of 6, West Div.
11th of 17, NA3HL | Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–3 vs North Iowa Bulls
2013–14 | Minnesota Flying Aces | NA3HL | 48 | 9 | 36 | 3 | — | 21 | 111 | 275 | 5th of 6, West Div.
19th of 21, NA3HL | Did not qualify
2014–15 | Minnesota Flying Aces | NA3HL | 47 | 7 | 37 | 3 | — | 17 | 109 | 273 | 6th of 6, West Div.
30th of 31, NA3HL | Did not qualify
2015–16 | Minnesota Flying Aces | NA3HL | 47 | 11 | 34 | 2 | — | 24 | 124 | 248 | 5th of 5, West Div.
26th of 34, NA3HL | Did not qualify
2016–17 | Willmar Warhawks | NA3HL | 47 | 22 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 47 | 148 | 175 | 5th of 5, West Div.
30th of 48, NA3HL | Did not qualify
2017–18 | Willmar Warhawks | NA3HL | 47 | 22 | 21 | 4 | 0 | 48 | 159 | 182 | 4th of 5, West Div.
23rd of 42, NA3HL | Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–2 vs. Granite City Lumberjacks
2018–19 | Willmar Warhawks | NA3HL | 47 | 12 | 33 | 2 | 0 | 26 | 110 | 217 | 7th of 7, West Div.
29th of 36, NA3HL | Did not qualify
2019–20 | Willmar Warhawks | NA3HL | 47 | 18 | 24 | 3 | 2 | 41 | 146 | 210 | 5th of 6, West Div.
23rd of 34, NA3HL | Did not qualify
2020–21 | Willmar Warhawks | NA3HL | 40 | 22 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 147 | 138 | 3rd of 5, West Div.
16th of 31, NA3HL | Won Div. Semifinals, 2–0 vs. Granite City Lumberjacks
Lost Div. Finals, 1–2 vs. North Iowa Bulls
2021–22 | Willmar Warhawks | NA3HL | 47 | 32 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 65 | 219 | 121 | 3rd of 6, West Div.
11th of 34, NA3HL | Lost Div. Semifinals, 0-2 vs. Mason City Toros
2022–23 | Willmar Warhawks | NA3HL | 47 | 20 | 25 | 0 | 2 | 42 | 155 | 207 | 4th of 6, West Div.
24th of 34, NA3HL | Lost Div. Semifinals, 0-2 vs. Granite City Lumberjacks
2023–24 | Willmar Warhawks | NA3HL | 47 | 16 | 28 | 2 | 1 | 35 | 160 | 189 | 5th of 6, West Div.
25th of 34, NA3HL | Did not qualify
2024–25 | Willmar Warhawks | NA3HL | 47 | 22 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 41 | 130 | 167 | 4th of 6, West Div.
21st of 35, NA3HL | Lost Div. Semifinals, 0-2 vs. Granite City Lumberjacks

## Coaching History

[edit]

### As of 2/25/25

[edit]

Tenure  | Head Coach  | Years  | Record  | Pct.

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2016-17 | Chris Blasius † | 1+ | 31–30–1–0 | .508
2017-18 | Steve Yurichuk | 1 | 6-4-1-0 | .591
2017-18 | Mike Bowman †† | 1 | 7-11-2-0 | .400
2018-19 | Saverio Posa | 1 | 12-33-2-0 | .277
2019–22 | Kirk Olimb | 3 | 72–60–0–2 | .545
2022–23 | Connor White & Kyle Christensen ††† | 1 | 20–25–2–0 | .447
2023–present | Payton Ruter | 2 | 38-52-3-1 | .426

† Chris Blasius stepped was the head coach for the 2016-17 season, and for the first portion of 2017-18 through 11/17/17.

†† Mike Bowman was hired as fulltime head coach on 12/24/17 to replace interim head coach Steve Yurichuk .

††† Connor White was hired as head coach for 2022-23 season. Kyle Christensen took over as head coach for a portion of the 2022-23 season, before being replaced by Connor White for the remainder of the season. Transition dates have not been able to be verified so both coaches are co-listed for the 2022-23 season.

## Statistical Leaders

[edit]

### Willmar Warhawks Statistical Leaders

[edit]

The Willmar Warhawks statistical leaders consider all historical statistics commencing with the franchise's move to Willmar, MN, prior to the 2016-17 NA3HL season (2016-present).

#### Willmar Warhawks Career Points Leaders

[edit]

Brandan Holt (Madison Heights, MI) set the Willmar Warhawks career points record during the 2019-20 season with 114 career points.

##### NA3HL Regular + Post-Season Combined - Updated Following 2024-25 Season

[edit]

Rank  | Player  | Years  | GP  | G  | A  | Pts

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1  | Brandan Holt  | 2017-20  | 119  | 40  | 74  | 114
2  | Michael Sweetland  | 2020-23  | 107  | 44  | 69  | 113
3  | Tyler Misialek  | 2021-24  | 131  | 59  | 38  | 97
4  | Eli Slagter  | 2017-20  | 133  | 37  | 52  | 89
5  | Jeremiah Konkel  | 2020-22  | 85  | 31  | 39  | 70
t6  | Braden Shea  | 2016-18  | 78  | 27  | 38  | 65
t6  | Braydon Buckingham  | 2022-24  | 83  | 26  | 39  | 65
8  | Max Oelkers  | 2016-18  | 95  | 26  | 37  | 63
9  | Nathan Hinze  | 2022-25  | 79  | 15  | 47  | 62
t10  | Luke McCarthy  | 2022-24  | 63  | 25  | 34  | 59
t10  | Riley Dixon  | 2016-18  | 72  | 18  | 41  | 59

#### Willmar Warhawks Career Goal Leaders

[edit]

Tyler Misialek (West Fargo, ND) set the Willmar Warhawks career goals record during the 2023-24 season with 59 career goals.

##### NA3HL Regular + Post-Season Combined - Updated Following 2024-25 Season

[edit]

Rank  | Player  | Years  | GP  | G  | A  | Pts

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1  | Tyler Misialek  | 2021-24  | 131  | 59 | 38  | 97
2  | Michael Sweetland  | 2020-23  | 107  | 44 | 69  | 113
3  | Brandan Holt  | 2017-20  | 119  | 40 | 74  | 114
4  | Eli Slagter  | 2017-20  | 133  | 37 | 52  | 89
5  | Jeremiah Konkel  | 2020-22  | 85  | 31 | 39  | 70
6  | Braden Shea  | 2016-18  | 78  | 27 | 38  | 65
t7  | Max Oelkers  | 2016-18  | 95  | 26 | 37  | 63
t7  | Jordan Cooper  | 2016-18  | 85  | 26 | 25  | 51
t7  | Braydon Buckingham  | 2022-24  | 83  | 26 | 39  | 65
10  | Luke McCarthy  | 2022-24  | 63  | 25 | 34  | 59

#### Willmar Warhawks Single Season Points Leaders

[edit]

Kyle Wendorf (Richfield, MN) set the Willmar Warhawks NA3HL single season points record during the 2016-17 regular season, the franchise's first season in Willmar, with 56 points.

##### NA3HL Regular Season - Updated Following 2024-25 Season

[edit]

Rank  | Player  | Age  | Season  | GP  | G  | A  | Pts

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1  | Kyle Wendorf  | 20  | 2016-17  | 46  | 24  | 32  | 56
2  | Jeremiah Konkel  | 19  | 2021-22  | 43  | 25  | 27  | 52
3  | Brandan Holt  | 20  | 2019-20  | 45  | 17  | 34  | 51
4  | Anthony Foster  | 19  | 2021-22  | 45  | 18  | 32  | 50
5  | Michael Sweetland  | 20  | 2022-23  | 42  | 17  | 32  | 49
t6  | Braden Shea  | 19  | 2017-18  | 47  | 17  | 30  | 47
t6  | Ben Luedtke  | 20  | 2021-22  | 40  | 18  | 29  | 47
t8  | Collin Kerchoff  | 20  | 2021-22  | 41  | 14  | 30  | 44
t8  | Nathan Hinze  | 20  | 2024-25  | 47  | 12  | 32  | 44
t8  | Aidan Callaghan  | 19  | 2024-25  | 46  | 22  | 22  | 44
11  | Mason Wanka  | 19  | 2024-25  | 32  | 21  | 22  | 43
12  | Tyler Misialek  | 20  | 2023-24  | 46  | 28  | 14  | 42

#### Willmar Warhawks Single Season Goal Leaders

[edit]

Tyler Misialek (West Fargo, ND) set the Willmar Warhawks NA3HL single season goals record during the 2023-24 regular season, with 28 goals.

##### NA3HL Regular Season - Updated Following 2024-25 Season

[edit]

Rank  | Player  | Age  | Season  | GP  | G  | A  | Pts

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1  | Tyler Misialek  | 20  | 2023-24  | 46  | 28 | 14  | 42
2  | Jeremiah Konkel  | 19  | 2021-22  | 43  | 25 | 27  | 52
3  | Kyle Wendorf  | 20  | 2016-17  | 46  | 24 | 32  | 56
4  | Aidan Callaghan  | 19  | 2024-25  | 46  | 22 | 22  | 44
5  | Mason Wanka  | 19  | 2024-25  | 32  | 21 | 22  | 43
6  | Hudson Zinda  | 20  | 2023-24  | 30  | 20 | 12  | 32
t7  | Eli Slagter  | 19  | 2018-19  | 41  | 18 | 21  | 39
t7  | Anthony Foster  | 19  | 2021-22  | 45  | 18 | 32  | 50
t7  | Ben Luedtke  | 20  | 2021-22  | 40  | 18 | 29  | 47
t7  | Tyler Misialek  | 19  | 2022-23  | 41  | 18 | 15  | 33
t7  | Gabriel Adams  | 19  | 2024-25  | 47  | 18 | 12  | 30

### Franchise Statistical Leaders

[edit]

The franchise statistical leaders consider all historical statistics commencing with the franchise's inaugural NA3HL season (2011–12), including all NA3HL seasons for the Minnesota Flying Aces (2011-2016) & Willmar Warhawks (2016–present).

#### Franchise Career Points Leaders

[edit]

Brandan Holt (Madison Heights, MI) set the franchise NA3HL career points record during the 2019-20 season with 114 career points.

##### NA3HL Regular + Post-Season Combined - Updated Following 2023-24 Season

[edit]

Rank  | Player  | Years  | GP  | G  | A  | Pts

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1  | Brandan Holt  | 2017-20  | 119  | 40  | 74  | 114
2  | Michael Sweetland  | 2020-23  | 107  | 44  | 69  | 113
3  | Kyle Wendorf  | 2015-17  | 93  | 46  | 55  | 101
4  | Tyler Misialek  | 2021-24  | 131  | 59  | 38  | 97
5  | Eli Slagter  | 2017-20  | 133  | 37  | 52  | 89
6  | Jake Mullendore  | 2013-15  | 74  | 34  | 37  | 71
7  | Jeremiah Konkel  | 2020-22  | 85  | 31  | 39  | 70
t8  | Braden Shea  | 2016-18  | 78  | 27  | 38  | 65
t8  | Braydon Buckingham  | 2022-24  | 83  | 26  | 39  | 65
10  | Wyatt Toll  | 2015-18  | 108  | 11  | 53  | 64

#### Franchise Career Goal Leaders

[edit]

Tyler Misialek (West Fargo, ND) set the franchise NA3HL career goals record during the 2023-24 season with 59 career goals.

##### NA3HL Regular + Post-Season Combined - Updated Following 2023-24 Season

[edit]

Rank  | Player  | Years  | GP  | G  | A  | Pts

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1  | Tyler Misialek  | 2021-24  | 131  | 59 | 38  | 97
2  | Kyle Wendorf  | 2015-17  | 93  | 46 | 55  | 101
3  | Michael Sweetland  | 2020-23  | 107  | 44 | 69  | 113
4  | Brandan Holt  | 2017-20  | 119  | 40 | 74  | 114
5  | Eli Slagter  | 2017-20  | 133  | 37 | 52  | 89
6  | Jake Mullendore  | 2013-15  | 74  | 34 | 37  | 71
7  | Jeremiah Konkel  | 2020-22  | 85  | 31 | 39  | 70
8  | Parker Tomczyk  | 2011-12  | 45  | 30 | 30  | 60
9  | Braden Shea  | 2016-18  | 78  | 27 | 38  | 65
t10  | Max Oelkers  | 2016-18  | 95  | 26 | 37  | 63
t10  | Alec Skar  | 2015-17  | 76  | 26 | 35  | 61
t10  | Jordan Cooper  | 2016-18  | 85  | 26 | 25  | 51
t10  | Braydon Buckingham  | 2022-24  | 83  | 26 | 39  | 65

#### Franchise Single Season Points Leaders

[edit]

Parker Tomczyk (Mosinee, WI) set the franchise NA3HL single season points record during the franchise's inaugural NA3HL season (2011–12) with 59 points during the regular season.

##### NA3HL Regular Season - Updated Following 2023-24 Season

[edit]

Rank  | Player  | Age  | Season  | GP  | G  | A  | Pts

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1  | Parker Tomczyk  | 20  | 2011-12  | 43  | 29  | 30  | 59
2  | Kyle Wendorf  | 20  | 2016-17  | 46  | 24  | 32  | 56
3  | Jeremiah Konkel  | 19  | 2021-22  | 43  | 25  | 27  | 52
4  | Brandan Holt  | 20  | 2019-20  | 45  | 17  | 34  | 51
5  | Anthony Foster  | 19  | 2021-22  | 45  | 18  | 32  | 50
6  | Michael Sweetland  | 20  | 2022-23  | 42  | 17  | 32  | 49
7  | Paul Sorenson  | 19  | 2011-12  | 48  | 10  | 38  | 48
t8  | Jake Mullendore  | 19  | 2013-14  | 48  | 24  | 23  | 47
t8  | Braden Shea  | 19  | 2017-18  | 47  | 17  | 30  | 47
t8  | Ben Luedtke  | 20  | 2021-22  | 40  | 18  | 29  | 47

#### Franchise Single Season Goal Leaders

[edit]

Parker Tomczyk (Mosinee, WI) set the franchise NA3HL single season goal record during the franchise's inaugural NA3HL season (2011–12) with 29 goals during the regular season.

##### NA3HL Regular Season - Updated Following 2024-25 Season

[edit]

Rank  | Player  | Age  | Season  | GP  | G  | A  | Pts

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1  | Parker Tomczyk  | 20  | 2011-12  | 43  | 29 | 30  | 59
2  | Tyler Misialek  | 20  | 2023-24  | 46  | 28 | 14  | 42
3  | Jeremiah Konkel  | 19  | 2021-22  | 43  | 25 | 27  | 52
t4  | Stephen Langford  | 19  | 2011-12  | 40  | 24 | 20  | 44
t4  | Liam Johnston  | 18  | 2011-12  | 46  | 24 | 10  | 34
t4  | Jake Mullendore  | 19  | 2013-14  | 48  | 24 | 23  | 47
t4  | Kyle Wendorf  | 20  | 2016-17  | 46  | 24 | 32  | 56
8  | Kyle Wendorf  | 19  | 2015-16  | 47  | 22 | 23  | 45
9  | Aidan Callaghan  | 19  | 2024-25  | 46  | 22 | 22  | 44
10  | Mason Wanka  | 19  | 2024-25  | 32  | 21 | 22  | 43

## Alumni

[edit]

* Blake Anderson (2014) - Kirkland Lake Gold Miners; UW-River Falls (NCAA Division III)
* Alec Brandrup (2013) - Melville Millionaires; Norwich University (NCAA Division III)
* Giacomo Del Ponte (2011) - HC Red Ice Martigny-Verbier
* Brad Hauser (2013) - St. Mary's University (NCAA Division III)
* Luc Kilgore (2011) - Johnson & Wales University (NCAA Division III); Knoxville Ice Bears, Macon Mayhem (SPHL)
* Johno May (2013) - Minnesota Wilderness; American International College (NCAA Division I)
* Lee Melde (2010) - Duluth Clydesdales; State University of New York at Canton (NCAA Division III)
* Dylan Nelson (2013) - Waywayseecappo Wolverines; UW-Superior (NCAA Division III)
* Tyler Pionk (2012) - Minot Minotauros; Western New England University (NCAA Division III)
* André Pison (2013) - Denmark U18 and U20; Wenatchee Wild; Wichita Falls Wildcats
* Michael Raynee (2010) - Botkyrka HC
* Tate Sykes (2013) - Odessa Jackalopes; UW-Eau Claire (NCAA Division III)
* Mason Wyman (2013) - Odessa Jackalopes; Gustavus (NCAA Division III)

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Warhawks name next head coach". willmarwarhawks.com. May 22, 2023.
2. ^ "NA3HL Standings | North American Tier III Hockey League | NA3HL". na3hl.com.
3. ^ "NA3HL's Flying Aces purchased, relocated by NAHL Blizzard ownership". Junior Hockey News. May 24, 2016.
4. ^ "NA3HL hockey team announces its new name: Willmar WarHawks". West Central Tribune. June 15, 2016.
5. ^ "Fatis not surprised by Flying Aces' success". Rochester Post-Bulletin. March 6, 2008.
6. ^ "Ice Hawks oust Flying Aces in deciding game". Rochester Post-Bulletin. March 11, 2008.
7. ^ "Ice Hawks move to crucial semifinals". Rochester Post-Bulletin. March 8, 2010.

## External links

[edit]

* WarHawks website
* NA3HL website