Pines places nine on Great Northern All-Conference team

The Northland Pines varsity boys’ soccer team had a memorable 2026 season, capped off with the Eagles placing nine players on the Great Northern all-conference team and Head Coach Jamie Remme named GNC Coach of the Year.

Seniors Ryan Rydeski and Tyler Vojta were named offensive and defensive players of the year in the GNC, along with receiving unanimous first-team nominations.

Fellow seniors Jackson Olejniczak and Easton Otto were also first-team selections this season. Iland Shepherdson, Sam Shrock and Dechlan Favorite all made the all-GNC second team and Simon Adamovich and Oliver DePuydt landed as honorable mentions.

While the team is fresh off a state tournament berth, an early deadline at the News-Review did not allow for state results to be in print this week. Check our website and Facebook pages for up-to-date state information.

Northland Pines came into the year with tons of talent and experience from last season. That paid off in every game this season, as the team was 21-0-1 overall heading into the state tournament last week and, more importantly, was a perfect 12-0 against GNC competition.

Rydeski was a key contributor to goal-scoring success not only for the whole season, but in the process of clinching a conference championship. The senior scored 16 goals in 12 games and added seven assists for a total of 39 points against GNC opponents.

Olejniczak was tied for second on the team in goals during the conference season with eight. His ball-handling skills also allowed him to grab four assists during that stretch for 20 points.

Senior Easton Otto was credited with a first-team selection for his goalkeeping. He made 79 saves in 12 conference games and only allowed eight goals. He averaged just over six saves per contest.

As much as the offense scored, the Eagles’ midfield and defensive backs also made a statement on the all-conference list. Vojta, Shepherdson, Shrock and Favorite were either first- or second-team selections for their defensive efforts on the field. Northland Pines never allowed more than two goals in any conference game and registered five conference shutouts. Outside of the defensive performances, Vojta, Favorite and Shrock combined for 11 goals between them.

To round out the honors, Adamovich was an honorable mention in his second varsity season. He tied for second on the team in goals during conference games with eight. DePuydt was also an honorable mention, tallying two assists and 15 shots and 10 shots on goal.

The Eagles have a lot of senior leadership, but plenty of young talent will return to the pitch for Northland Pines next season.