The Rise of Proctor’s A.J. Reyelts: From Basement Goalie to All-Area Player of the Year

Proctor High School’s A.J. Reyelts has always had a knack for goaltending, starting as early as when he couldn’t even walk. His older brother Kennan would fire makeshift pucks at him while he sat in a jumping chair, dubbing him “the goalie” at a young age. Fast forward to today, and A.J. has become one of the top netminders in the state of Minnesota.

With an impressive .942 save percentage and a 1.72 goals against average, A.J. played a crucial role in leading the Rails to 19 wins, the most for a Proctor team since 1997. His outstanding performance earned him a finalist spot for the prestigious Frank Brimsek Award, recognizing Minnesota’s top senior goalie. Additionally, A.J. has committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey at Lindenwood University.

Despite his success on the ice, A.J. remains humble and credits his competitive nature to his upbringing. Growing up, he and Kennan engaged in intense backyard games that often resulted in injuries, but ultimately shaped them into fierce competitors in any sport they played.

A.J.’s journey to success wasn’t without its challenges. A torn meniscus threatened to sideline him for the entire season, but through dedication to his physical therapy and unwavering determination, he made a remarkable comeback. His return to the ice not only boosted the Rails’ performance but also inspired his teammates and coaches.

As the recipient of the 2024 Duluth News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year award, A.J. Reyelts has solidified his place as a standout athlete and a role model for aspiring young hockey players. His relentless work ethic and passion for the game continue to drive him towards even greater achievements in the future.