No Vacation

Growing up in Detroit Lakes, there are many activities that would qualify as a vacation but playing goalie in the Elite League is not one of them. "I like to surf, golf, fish and hangout with my friends" - according to Griffin Lindberg, Spade Sr Goalie, talking about life in Detroit Lakes.

Lindberg is one of the players representing 15 Minnesota Class A high school teams in the Elite League this season. Looking at Griffin’s career high school statistics one recognizes the constant improvement in his play since his high school debut as a freshman at Detroit Lakes. The following season (2024-25) he became the lead goaltender for Detroit Lakes and was then selected to join the Spade team in the Elite League for the early fall 2025-26 season. Later his junior year, he returned to his home school and led them to a 17-8-1 record with a stellar 2.38 goals against average and a .920 save percentage.

Griffin chose to return to the Elite League his senior year, as a result of his stellar play, he finds himself as one of the league’s top goaltenders with a 4-1 record, playing for coaches Scott Oliver, Chad Hommerding and Elite League Alum Will Hammer. He credits his improvement to his time in nets with both his high school and Elite League teams, and his training with SNH Performance of Moorhead. His focus on skating and situational play is evident in his quickness and agility in the crease and his excellent angle work and play anticipation when the puck is in his defensive end.

As we approach the Elite League’s mid-season point, Griffin is grateful for the opportunities and exposure the league provides as well as looking forward to his senior season as Detroit Lakes’ goalie, where he also plays baseball and is active in school activities. It is helping players like Griffin improve their games to achieve success both on and off the ice that is core to the Elite League’s mission.