Lakers Hockey Heats Up: Kohl Nygaard Nominated for Athlete of the Week as Season Enters “Crunch Time”

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Lakers hockey program is entering its most intense stretch of the 2025-2026 season, marked by high-stakes varsity matchups, community-driven fundraisers, and individual accolades for its senior leaders.

Athlete of the Week Nomination 

Lakers varsity senior Kohl Nygaard has been named a nominee for the northeastern South Dakota “Athlete of the Week”. Nygaard, who serves as the team’s starting goalie, is one of 10 athletes currently up for the honor. Fans can cast their votes on the Public Opinion website or via the link provided on the Watertown Lakers’ official Facebook page. Coach Aaron Schiernbeck encouraged the community to “refresh the page and click again” to help their senior netminder take home the prize.

“Crunch Time” on the Ice 

With state tournaments approaching, Schiernbeck described the current atmosphere as “crunch time” for the association. While lower-level divisions like the Mites and Squirts are beginning to round out their regular schedules, the Bantam, JV, and Varsity teams remain in the thick of a busy road schedule. This weekend, the Boys Varsity and JV teams travel to Yankton on Saturday and Mitchell on Sunday.

Advocacy and Community Service 

The Lakers program continues its tradition of community impact through two major upcoming events. On February 7-8, the association will host its seventh annual “Stick it to Cancer” event. This day-long fundraiser features raffles, auctions, and honorary puck drops, with all proceeds benefiting the Codington County Cancer Foundation.

Additionally, the organization will host a “Big Brother/Little Brother” mentorship event on February 8. This tradition pairs senior varsity players with younger “Squirt” level athletes to share their journeys and inspire the next generation of Watertown skaters.