Detroit Red Wings draft pick Brent Solomon has taken an unconventional path to becoming one of the more exciting young forwards in the United States Hockey League.
Growing up in Minnesota, Solomon didn’t come from a traditional hockey family. In fact, he was the first in his household to lace up a pair of skates.
“I’m the first player in my family to figure out how to skate,” Solomon said. “I didn’t really grow up in a hockey household, so there weren’t many people around me with hockey experience.”
Despite that, Solomon quickly found his footing. Living in a hockey-crazed state like Minnesota meant the game was impossible to avoid.
“Everyone around you in Minnesota plays hockey,” he said. “In our neighborhood, if you weren’t playing, you’d be left out. They put skates on me and I just kind of figured it out and ran with it.”
That decision has paid off.
After finishing his high school career, Solomon made the jump to the USHL late last season with the Sioux Falls Stampede. His development continued this past summer when the Detroit Red Wings selected him in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Now in his first full season with Sioux Falls, Solomon has quickly become one of the team’s most productive players. Through 36 games, he has recorded 15 goals and 20 assists, putting him close to a point-per-game pace.
Sioux Falls head coach Ryan Cruthers says Solomon’s game has evolved significantly since arriving in the league.
“His playmaking ability both with and without the puck has really improved,” Cruthers said. “He’s also become much stronger and is making better decisions with the puck, knowing when to shoot and when to pass. His defensive play is probably where we’ve seen the biggest improvement.”
Solomon’s rise has been fueled by his natural scoring ability. Last year alone, he piled up impressive offensive numbers across multiple levels.
During a Minnesota fall league for elite players, he scored 28 goals in 21 games. He followed that by recording 38 goals in just 24 high school games and added four more goals during an eight-game stint with Sioux Falls at the end of the season.
Originally from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Solomon’s family roots trace back to Wisconsin. His parents and older sister were born there before moving to Minnesota for his mother’s job.
Although he grew up surrounded by fans of the University of Minnesota, Solomon chose a different college path. He has committed to play NCAA hockey at the University of Wisconsin.
“Most of my extended family still lives in Milwaukee,” Solomon said. “Growing up I was actually a Badgers fan even though I lived in Gopher territory. After talking with the coaching staff and seeing the campus, the facilities, and the academics, Madison just felt like the right place for me.”
The location also makes sense for his family.
“It puts me right in the middle between my immediate family in Minnesota and my relatives in Milwaukee,” he said. “It’s a perfect situation.”
Known for his offensive instincts, Solomon has always enjoyed the thrill of scoring goals.
“I’ve always had a knack for putting the puck in the net,” he said. “Scoring helps the team win, and I like being up around the net creating chaos.”
However, as his career progresses, Solomon has made it a priority to improve the defensive side of his game.
“You can’t just focus on offense anymore,” he said. “You have to become a complete player and take care of the defensive side too. That’s something I’ve been working hard on this year.”
His progress has also earned him recognition on the international stage. Solomon represented the United States at the World Junior A Challenge in Quebec this past December, where he scored four goals and served as an alternate captain.
Cruthers believes the experience reflects Solomon’s overall growth both on and off the ice.
“He’s learning that when he commits to improving all aspects of his game, the results follow,” Cruthers said. “You can see him maturing as both a hockey player and a leader.”
With his offensive talent, continued development, and commitment to becoming a complete player, Solomon is quickly building a reputation as a prospect to watch as he continues his USHL career before heading to Wisconsin.
