Christian Kadolph

Every great team needs a great leader, and the Minot State men’s hockey team has always been led by great team captains.

Continuing that tradition, Minot State men’s hockey coach Wyatt Waselenchuk is pleased to announce that senior defenseman Christian Kadolph has been named the Beavers team captain for the 2026-27 season.

“We are very pleased to announce Christian Kadolph as our team captain for the upcoming season,” Waselenchuk said. “Christian epitomizes everything we want to be as a program here at Minot State. He’s a tremendously hard worker, he shows up every single day in the classroom, the weightroom, and on the ice with the intent of getting better. He has an incredible amount of respect from us as a staff, from his teammates, peers, and everyone who he has built relationships with.

“I know that he takes great pride in our program, and he is ready to lead this team.”

A four-year starter for the Beavers, Kadolph has played in 144 games with 27 goals and 109 assists, which ranks No. 2 all-time. This past season, he played in 32 games with 3 goals and 24 assists for the Beavers.

He set a single-season program record in 2023-24 with 41 assists.

“I am incredibly honored to be named captain for this upcoming season,” Kadolph said. “Knowing how much time and effort goes into this program, the guys and I understand the responsibility of representing the logo on the front of our jerseys on and off the ice. Being able to continue to push guys out of their comfort zones, raise our standards, and strengthen our program culture is something I take a lot of pride in; it’s what makes this opportunity so meaningful, especially given my involvement in this community and around this program long before my time at Minot State.

“I have always been a strong believer in doing the little things the right way, such as showing up every day, being accountable, and most importantly, putting the team first,” Minot State’s captain added. “As we move into the season, finding ways to strengthen our identity as a group, holding one another accountable, and pushing each other to embrace our unique roles within the team will be crucial to striving toward our full potential. I am excited for the season ahead and confident in what this group can achieve together.”

Kadolph spent the last two seasons as part of the Beavers’ leadership team as an assistant captain, and now takes over the captain’s role from Jay Buchholz.

“Although he has big shoes to fill, as our previous and graduating captain Jay Buchholz moves on, I know that he will make those before him proud and continue to build the standard and tradition here for us at Minot State,” Waselenchuk said.

Minot State’s head coach also announced that junior forward Colby Joseph will return as an assistant captain for the second straight season for the Beavers, as well. Minot State’s other two assistant captains will be determined when the team returns to the ice in the fall.

“Colby Joseph will once again be an assistant captain, and I just cannot say enough about him and his leadership qualities,” Waselenchuk said. “He has grown so much as a young man since setting foot on campus, and I know that the two of them will work together and continue to push the standard here in our relentless pursuit of another National Championship.

“We have so many great leaders – all of whom could deservedly wear a letter for us. This stems from the type of character that we look for in bringing players to Minot State, and with the veteran group we have, we will rely on each guy in that room to lead us in their own right.”