ROGERS, Minn. — For Rogers High School defenseman Jayden Kurtz, last March marked a milestone moment. The junior helped the Royals reach the 2025 Minnesota State High School League Class 2A boys hockey tournament, the first appearance at state in the program’s 22-year history.
Kurtz said the team’s close chemistry played a major role in getting them there.
“We were a really tight group,” he said. “That helped push us past some tough moments.”
One player Kurtz studies closely is Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar. Makar has quickly become one of the NHL’s most decorated young blue-liners, winning multiple Norris Trophies as the league’s top defenseman and capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy during Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup run.
Kurtz said watching Makar’s style has influenced how he approaches the game.
“I like watching him play and learning from what he does,” Kurtz said.
Through the early portion of the current season, Kurtz has contributed eight goals and 16 points in 17 games for the Royals. During his junior campaign a year ago, he recorded five goals and 20 points in 29 games while helping Rogers reach the state tournament at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center, now called Grand Casino Arena.
Kurtz credits the Rogers coaching staff with helping him develop his overall game. Head coach Dave Brown and assistant coach Joonas Donskoi have emphasized the importance of details, from defensive positioning to creating offensive opportunities.
“All the little things matter,” Kurtz said. “Those are the plays that end up deciding games.”
On the blue line, Kurtz is paired with sophomore defenseman Jake Burmis, who said playing alongside the upperclassman has helped him grow quickly at the varsity level.
“If I make a mistake, he’s always there to cover for me,” Burmis said. “He keeps the bench positive and brings the energy back when we need it. He’s competitive at everything too. I once had him down big in ping-pong and he still came back and won.”
Coach Brown believes Kurtz has continued to elevate his game as his role with the team has grown.
“He’s always been a strong player, but this season he’s taken another step,” Brown said. “Last year he was more under the radar, but he still led by example in tough situations. Now he brings a lot of pace and energy every day, and he makes the game look simple while still being able to take control of it.”
After graduating this spring, Kurtz plans to continue his hockey development in the United States Hockey League with the Chicago Steel.
Away from the rink, his favorite subjects include physical education and sports and business marketing. If his hockey career doesn’t lead to the professional level, Kurtz said he could see himself pursuing opportunities in business or sports broadcasting.
For Brown, Kurtz’s biggest strength is his willingness to put the team first.
“He’ll do whatever is needed to help us win,” Brown said. “That’s the kind of player and teammate he is.”
