2026 Inductees
Dan Forsythe
Dan Forsythe, a part of the Forest Lake community for more than four decades, established a legacy as one of the most influential figures in Minnesota high school hockey. Raised in North St. Paul, Forsythe was a versatile athlete, competing in football, baseball, and hockey during his youth. He continued his athletic pursuits at the University of Minnesota, playing baseball and over a year of collegiate hockey. It was during this time that he came under the mentorship of legendary coach Herb Brooks, whose guidance proved pivotal in steering Forsythe toward a career in hockey coaching.
Forsythe’s coaching career began at St. Peter High School, where he served for six seasons from 1978 to 1984. However, he is most prominently recognized for his sixteen-year tenure as the Head Coach of the Forest Lake High School Rangers from 1984 to 2000. Following his head coaching years, he remained a vital part of the program for another decade, serving as an assistant coach for the girls' team from 2002 to 2006 and the boys' team from 2006 to 2012. Over 36 seasons, his leadership was defined by a relational approach, building a deep rapport with students that fostered significant growth in the local hockey community.
Forsythe played a foundational role in the development of the Forest Lake hockey program. He collaborated with Herb Brooks and other Minnesota coaches in the early 1990s to establish one of the state's first Satellite Training Programs (STP) in Forest Lake. This initiative emphasized technical skill development, which paid significant dividends as the community saw a surge of alumni advancing to high-level collegiate hockey and professional ranks.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport, Forsythe was honored as a 2023 inductee into the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His impact extended beyond the ice; he and his wife, Kari, raised three children—Aaron, Amy, and Kristi—in Forest Lake.
Today, Dan Forsythe remains a respected figure in the Forest Lake area, where he continues to reside. His career stands as a testament to the power of mentorship and the lasting influence of a coach dedicated to both the game and the development of young athletes. From his early days as a player to his final seasons on the Rangers' bench, Forsythe’s journey reflects a deep-seated passion for the Minnesota hockey tradition and a tireless dedication to the community he has called home for more than 40 years.
Brett Gravelle
Throughout his years at Forest Lake, Brett Gravelle, a member of the class of 2014, established himself as one of the school’s most exceptional multi-sport athletes, demonstrating dedication, leadership, and elite skill across three different sports. His dedication to his pursuits laid the groundwork for an impressive college and professional career, ultimately leading him to success both on the ice and in the professional business world.
Gravelle’s primary passion was hockey, where he left an indelible mark on the Rangers program from 2011 to 2014. His exceptional play earned him the honor of being named Captain and a Team MVP. He was recognized as an All-State athlete and was a three-time All-Conference selection. When he graduated in 2014, he ranked third in career scoring for the program. Brett’s commitment to the sport was evident, as he pursued his dreams beyond high school, going on to achieve substantial success in college and professionally.
While his hockey career was noteworthy, Brett’s versatility extended well beyond the rink. He was a multi-year standout in baseball from 2012 to 2014, where he also served as a Captain and earned recognition as an All-Conference player and Team MVP. Demonstrating his wide range of athletic talent, Brett also competed in tennis from 2009 to 2011. In tennis, he was a two-time All-Conference honoree, achieved the title of Section Champion, and qualified for the State tournament. This level of achievement across three distinct sports—team and individual—underscores his outstanding high school athletic career.
Following his graduation from Forest Lake, Brett took his talents to the University of St. Thomas, where he continued his academic and athletic pursuits. On the ice, his success continued, proving his ability to perform at a higher level. He again served as a team Captain and was a three-time All-Conference selection. He cemented his legacy at St. Thomas by being the team’s leading scorer for three consecutive years and finishing his collegiate career ranking in the top 10 for career scoring. He graduated from St. Thomas in 2020.
After his distinguished college career, Brett Gravelle played five years of professional hockey at the AA level. This included playing his last professional season in the English professional league. Though he pursued professional sports, Brett also prioritized his education, earning a degree in Actuary Science from the College of St. Thomas. Today, he utilizes that rigorous academic background in his career as an actuary for TPAC, demonstrating his ability to excel in both high-stakes athletic competition and demanding professional environments.
Lexi Johnson (ne. Alm)
Lexi Johnson is a true embodiment of the student-athlete ideal whose decorated career stands as a testament to hard work and unprecedented achievement at every level of competition. Lexi is widely celebrated and regarded as one of the best overall athletes to have ever graduated from Forest Lake High School.
Lexi's high school athletic career was highly decorated, culminating in her receiving the prestigious Athena Award. As a standout in volleyball, she was a four-time letter winner and accumulated over 1000 career kills. Her dominance on the court led to her being named All-Conference three times and securing the team MVP award twice. Beyond her statistical achievements, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as captain for two seasons, and maintained outstanding academic performance, earning Academic All-State honors.
Her versatile athletic talent extended across softball and basketball, where she was also a multi-year letter winner and achieved All-State Academic recognition in both sports. In softball, she was recognized for her fielding excellence as a two-time Defensive MVP. In basketball, she was named the team's MVP. These accomplishments across three demanding sports showcase her consistency, dedication, and ability to excel both athletically and academically.
Following her graduation in 2010, Lexi transitioned seamlessly to become a dominant force as a student-athlete at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB), where she graduated in 2014. At CSB, Lexi achieved the rare and difficult distinction of being named an All-American in two different collegiate sports: volleyball and softball. This remarkable dual-sport excellence underscores not only her natural talent but also her unwavering dedication, versatility, and sheer capacity for mastery across separate competitive disciplines.
In the realm of softball, Lexi achieved a truly groundbreaking milestone by becoming the College of Saint Benedict’s first-ever Softball All-American. Her enduring legacy at CSB has been permanently acknowledged through several prestigious honors. Most notably, she was formally honored as one of CSB's top 50 athletes of all time during the institution's Title IX ceremony, recognizing her significant contributions to women’s athletics.
Lexi’s exceptional collegiate career culminated in receiving the athletic department's highest honor. She was formally inducted into the CSB Athletic Hall of Fame in October of 2024. This recent induction validates her status as a collegiate legend and a dominant figure in her sports.
Lexi Johnson is an athlete who consistently worked hard, dominated her competition at every stage of her career, and set an enduring standard of excellence for all future Rangers to strive for. Her exceptional journey—from a great three-sport athlete at Forest Lake to a pioneering, dual All-American and Hall of Famer at the College of Saint Benedict—makes her a truly fitting, deserving, and inspirational Hall of Fame inductee.
Zachary Raabe
Zachary Raabe, a distinguished 2018 graduate of Forest Lake Area Schools, journeyed from a dominant dual-sport athlete at Forest Lake to a professional baseball player. Raabe set a high bar for athletic achievement across multiple seasons, leaving his mark on the school's record books and competitive legacy.
Raabe’s incredible three-year run with the Rangers baseball program, spanning from 2016 through 2018, stands as a cornerstone of his high school career. He quickly established himself as a top talent, earning All-Conference status for three consecutive years. His senior season was a particularly successful, as he was recognized statewide with an All-State selection and was named a Mr. Baseball finalist, an honor reserved for the top high school baseball players in the state. Raabe finished his high school career ranked among the program's top five leaders in both career hits and career batting average, consistently demonstrating his ability to hit at an elite level.
Beyond the diamond, Raabe was a key figure and leader for the Forest Lake Hockey team from 2016 to 2018. He brought the same dedication and competitive spirit to the ice, earning the role of team Captain. His strong performance led to an All-Conference selection in hockey, underscoring his versatility and skill in two major varsity sports. This ability to excel and lead in high-pressure environments across different seasons is a defining characteristic of his career and speaks volumes about his athletic mastery.
Following a highly decorated high school career, Raabe continued his academic and athletic journey at the highest level, attending the University of Minnesota and graduating in 2022. His success continued in the rigorous collegiate environment, where he quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, and served as Captain for the Golden Gopher baseball team. His performance on the field was outstanding, leading to All-Conference honors and, most impressively, a selection as a 2nd Team All American. This national recognition cemented his status as one of the elite college players.
This status was further validated when he was drafted professionally by a Major League Baseball organization. Raabe was selected in the 8th round of the MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. This significant achievement represented the successful culmination of his amateur career and a lifelong dream. He went on to play one year of professional baseball, successfully navigating the transition and competing against the best talent in the world. His former coach highlighted this success as a key reason for his recommendation, noting that he was very successful in college and achieved the rare feat of being drafted by an MLB team.
Today, Zachary Raabe continues to demonstrate the drive and discipline that fueled his athletic career in the professional world. While at the University of Minnesota, he prioritized his education, earning a degree in business. He now applies his skills and leadership as a successful sales executive in the field of medical sales. Zachary Raabe’s remarkable narrative—from Ranger standout to collegiate All-American, to professional baseball player, and ultimately to a successful business professional—makes him a truly deserving and inspiring inductee into the Hall of Fame.
Ashley Shelanski (ne. Wintheiser)
Ashley Shelanski (nee Wintheiser) established a legacy of excellence and pioneering leadership during her time at Forest Lake Area High School (FLAHS). As a multi-sport athlete, she lettered in Track & Field all four years, earning multiple All-Conference selections and breaking a 22-year-old shot put record as a junior. She also lettered in basketball and, most notably, became the first female player in FLAHS history to letter in football, playing on the offensive line during her senior year.
Ashley maintained her dedication to high achievement academically, graduating with high honors, serving in the National Honor Society (NHS), and playing the french horn for symphonic winds. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a coaching endorsement from the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM). During her four years on the UMM track & field team, where she was a three-year captain, Ashley set new standards. She competed in five throwing events (shot put, discus, hammer, and weight throw) and graduated holding school records in all five. Her conference success included multiple All-Conference selections, championships in all five events, and earning the Outdoor Conference Meet MVP and the Willis Kelly Award her senior year.
Ashley continued her pursuit of academic excellence, earning a Master of Science (MS) in Kinesiology with an emphasis on sport psychology from the University of North Dakota (UND). She followed this with a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology and culminated her studies by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology from North Central University in 2020. Today, she utilizes her extensive education as a working psychologist, primarily serving children. She is also a recognized member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the National Scholars Honor Society.
Concurrent with her early graduate work, Ashley served as a Graduate Assistant track coach for throwing events at UND. She excelled in fostering success in others, guiding athletes to break school records and win conference championships. Her coaching tenure produced two 2x All-Americans, an NCAA Javelin Champion, a 3rd place finisher, and an Olympic trial qualifier.
Following these professional, academic, and athletic accomplishments, Ashley returned to her hometown. Her children are involved in local activities, motivating Ashley to give back to the Forest Lake community. She currently volunteers to coach youth athletics through both Community Ed and the Forest Lake Area Football Association. Her lifelong dedication to excellence, leadership, and service reflects the best of Forest Lake Area High School.
Megan Storkan
Megan Storkan was a four year letter winner on the Forest Lake High School Speech Team between 2013 and 2016. While on the team Megan participated in three different categories; Original Oratory, Serious Interpretation of Drama, and her favorite category, Great Speeches. She was Forest Lake’s first four year Section finalist, including being Section Champion once and section runner up once. She was also Forest Lake’s first four year State Speech Tournament participant, culminating in a third place finish in her senior year. Megan was a two year captain of the speech team. Through her years of involvement and leadership, the Forest Lake Speech team was the Section 7AA Team Champion twice and section runner up twice.
While the Speech Team may have been the extra-curricular activity where Megan saw most success, she contributed Ranger spirit and leadership to several other artistic and athletic activities. Megan was a 3 year member of Symphonic Winds. She also served as a stage manager for two theatrical performances. On the athletic field, Megan was a three year member of the Ranger Girls Varsity Soccer team, earning a letter all three years.
Megan was also a leader in Student Council, where she served as Vice President in her junior year and President in her senior year. Megan was also a two year member of the National Honor Society.
After graduating from Forest Lake Senior High School Megan went on to attend George Mason University, where she competed in Forensics in the categories of Prose and Communication Analysis. She graduated Cum Laude in 2019 with a BA in Public History and a Minor in Art and Visual Technology. In 2022 Megan received her Master of Arts Degree in Museum Exhibition Design from George Washington University and The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design.
Since graduating from George Mason University, Megan has gone on to work as a historical interpreter and educator at the Sully Historical Site in Chantilly, VA. Since 2024 Megan has worked as the Program Coordinator for the Applied Research Division of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. She was recently hired to publish a chapter in an upcoming volume of the Routledge Research in Museum Studies Series.
Megan Storkan was the true Spirit of the Forest Lake High School Speech Team. During her time at Forest Lake High School she excelled in academics, arts, and athletics. She has gone on to make Forest Lake proud of her collegiate and professional accomplishments.