The 2016-17 girls' high school hockey season kicks off in style, with perennial 2A power Minnetonka taking on Prior Lake. In Class 1A, the St. Paul Blades face Henry Sibley, making Nov. 8 a day with two games that could affect the postseason in Section 2-2A and Section 4-1A respectively.

The defending Class 2A champion Eden Prairie Eagles will take on Lakeville South, State Tournament participants in 2015 and 2016 on Nov. 12 to start their season.

Coming back for the Eagles are four of the team’s nine highest point-totalers, including top scorer and University of Minnesota-Duluth commit Naomi Rogge (22 goals, 21 assists, 43 points). The Cougars return second-leading scorer Halle Gill (21-20- 41) for her senior season, joined by junior forward Emily Fischler (21-16- 37).

The Blake School is coming off its fourth consecutive Class 1A title in 2016, and will start its quest for a fifth crown against Lakeville North on Nov. 11. The Bears welcome back all but four players from last season’s team, and should remain a deep and talented squad.

Two of Lakeville North’s top scorers are back, with juniors Maggie Flaherty (16-22- 38) and Erin Olson (12-9-21) returning.

Nov. 11: Maple Grove at Edina

Nov. 15: Hill-Murray at Eden Prairie

Nov. 18: Proctor/Hermantown at St. Paul United

Nov. 25: Breck at Warroad

Dec. 10: Breck at Blake