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2018-19 Minnesota Boys’ Class A High School Team Previews

11/21/2018, 10:30am CST
By Let's Play Hockey

The quest to make it to St. Paul in March begins this week throughout Minnesota


Alexandria senior forward Jack Westlund is one of 18 Cardinals returning from last season’s state runner-up team. Photo: Nick Wosika

Albert Lea Tigers
Last year: 19-6-2
Conference (record): Big 9 (13-4-2)
Section: 1A
State trips: 2004, 05, 07
Home arena: Albert Lea City Arena
Head coach: Jason Fornwald
Career record (years): 19-6-2 (1)
Assistant coaches: Chad Hacker, Dustin Trail
Steve Charboneau, Matt Erickson
Top returning forwards: Senior Cole Wentzel (11-10--21), junior Culley Larson (5-3--8), junior Jacob Prihoda (3-4--7)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Carson Goodell (10-12--22), junior Danny Chalmers (1-10--11), junior Campbell Cichosz (2-7--9)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Jaxon Heilman


Alexandria Cardinals
Last year: 19-11-1
Conference (record): Central Lakes (9-5-0)
Section: 6A
State trips: 1992, 96, 2010, 11, 18
Home arena: Runestone Community Center
Head coach: Ian Resch
Career record (years): 107-87-11 (8)
Assistant coaches: Bruce Hanstad, Jon Cullen, Brian Krause, Pat Boline
Letterwinners returning/lost: 18/4
Top returning forwards: Junior Caleb Strong (13-22--35), senior Jack Westlund (16-18--34), senior Ben Doherty (15-15--30)
Top returning defensemen:Junior Andrew Revering (7-14--21), junior Matt Carlsen (4-3--7), junior Derek Pesta (3-4--7)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Bailey Rosch (6-5-0, 2.70, .881)
The coach says: “We expect to challenge for a conference and section championship. Once again we will be strong in goal and we will have depth at both forward and defense. In order to be successful, we need to stay healthy and come together as a team.”


Austin Packers
Last year: 8-18-1
Conference (record): Big 9 (3-12-1)
Section: 1A
State trips: 1993, 2001
Home arena: Riverside Arena
Head coach: Jason Merritt
Career record (years): 18-34-1 (2)
Assistant coach: Brad Weichmann
Top returning forwards: Senior Tyler Hoban (11-6--17), junior Kaleb Ree (6-4--10), sophomore Ben Stark (1-6--7)
Top returning defensemen: Senior AJ Mueller (2-9--11), senior Riley Wempner (1-7--8), senior Nate Murphy (3-3--6)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Noah Bawek (6-15-0, 4.28, .869), junior Ryan Flanders (4-1-0, 2.87, .914)


Bagley/Fosston Flyers
Last year: 1-18-0
Conference (record): Northwest (0-5-0)
Section: 8A
State trips: None
Home arena: Albert Kaiser Arena
Head coach:  Alex Jesness
Career record (years): 10-33-1 (2)
Assistant coach: Andrew Floyd
Top returning forwards: Junior Tanner Levin (5-6--11), senior Parker Gray (2-4--6)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Jacy Benson (4-2--6), senior Hunter Gubrud (0-5--5), senior Adam Olson (0-3--3)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Dalen Halvorson, freshman Jakob Dukek

 

Becker/Big Lake Eagles
Last year: 10-16-0
Conference (record): Two Rivers (5-6-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: None
Home arena: Princeton Ice Arena
Head coach: Doug Friedrichs
Career record (years): 39-88-2 (6)
Assistant coaches: Jason Hartfiel, Zach Barzee
Letterwinners returning/lost: 12/5
Top returning forwards: Senior Corbin Kollar (12-10--22), senior Tyler Ruppelius (7-9--16), junior Austin Rydberg (6-6--12), senior Jacob Bahe (4-6--10)
Top returning defenseman: Junior Luke Mehelich (2-4--6)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Caden Weber (4-1-0, 3.79, .831)
The coach says: “We have high expectations for the upcoming season after going 10-16 with a lineup of mostly underclassmen. Roster will be young with 20 underclassmen, and only four seniors and three juniors. With this young  group, we are hoping for the seniors to carry the load at the beginning of the year while the young kids mature and contribute later on. We are looking to contend  for the Two Rivers Conference championship. Even though we lost two top scorers from last year’s team, returning forwards Corbin Kollar, Jacob Bahe and Tyler Ruppelius should pick up right where they left off last year.  Sophomore Alec Anderson and junior Caden Weber will battle for the goaltending job. The most improved part of our team last year was our young defensemen.  Luke Mehelich, Tucker Rhodes and Nate Kerzman could be the strength of our team this upcoming season.”


Bloomington Kennedy Eagles
Last year: 4-21-1
Conference (record): Metro West (0-8-0)
Section: 2A
State trips: 1966, 76, 83, 84, 87 Champs, 90, 91
Home arena: Bloomington Ice Garden
Head coach: Nick Hanrahan
Career record (years): 7-42-3 (2)
Assistant coaches: Brian Hansen, Erik Vetsch, George Walker, Dusty Walker
Top returning forwards: Junior Craig Herman (11-2--13), senior  Jackson Fuller (7-6--13)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Justin Ekholm (5-6--11), sophomore Chase Beacom (1-6--7)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Noah Hanson (2-14-0, 4.91, .850), junior Peter Vodovnik


With 10 letterwinners returning, Breck looks to qualify for the state tournament for the first time since 2016. Photo: Christine Wisch

Breck Mustangs
Last year: 9-19-0
Conference (record): Independent Metro (2-4-0)
Section: 2A
State trips: 1994, 96, 97, 2000 Champs, 04 Champs, 09 Champs, 10 Champs, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16
Home arena: Breck School Anderson Ice Arena
Head coach: Glen Lang
Career record (years): 9-19-0 (1)
Assistant coaches: Charlie Schaitberger, Merrill Harris, Josh DeSmit, Michael Mooney
Letterwinners returning/lost: 10/10
Top returning forwards: Sophomore Beau Courneya (10-8--18), senior Matthew Conroy (9-2--11), sophomore Carter Oftedahl (2-4--6)
Top returning defensemen: Junior John Blake (1-4--5), senior David Ruiz (0-3--3)
The coach says: “Every team’s goal at the beginning of the year should be a state championship. Ours won’t change and shouldn’t ever change. I think one of our biggest strengths is team chemistry. Another strength we have is team leadership through upperclassmen and we are all working for the ultimate goal of being state champions. Our biggest key to a successful season is coming to the rink wanting to work hard and wanting to win.  Also, getting pucks deep, pucks to the net, and winning hockey games.”


Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades
Last year: 11-10-0
Conference: Independent 
Section: 6A
State trips: None
Home arena: Stern Sports Arena
Head coach: Evan McCall
Career record (years): First season
Assistant coach: James Bass
Top returning forwards: Junior Jase Jensen (31-24--55), junior Isaac Wohlers (15-19--34), junior Carson Hought (10-9--19), junior Thomas Withuski (8-8--16)
Top returning defensemen: Sophomore Tanner Barth (2-5--7), junior James Finkeral (1-5--6), sophomore Avery Rugland (0-6--6)
Top returning goaltenders: Junior Hunter Wamre (9-10-0, 4.73, .841), freshman Noah Pfeiff (2-0-0, 3.67, .817)


Junior goalie Will Burgen hopes to backstop Chisago Lakes to its first state tournament since 2014. Photo: Christine Wisch

Chisago Lakes Area Wildcats
Last year: 8-16-3
Conference (record): Mississippi 8 (3-8-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: 1995, 2014
Home arena: Chisago Lakes Arena
Head coach: Cale Arhart
Career record (years): 8-16-3 (1)
Assistant coaches: Brandy Peterson, Jason Mahlen
Top returning forwards: Senior Tate Swanson (7-7--14), sophomore Ben Johnson (3-5--8), senior Jackson Waltman (4-3--7), senior Logan Bjorkman (2-5--7), senior Jonny Bodell (3-4--7)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Thomas Overgaard (14-6--20), senior Sam Helland (4-8--12)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Brooks Stangl (3-5-1, 3.32, .899), junior Will Burgen (2-4-1, 3.57, .899)


Crookston Pirates
Last year: 15-12-0
Conference (record): Mariucci (3-5-0)
Section: 8A
State trips: None
Home arena: Crookston Civic Center
Head coach: Josh Hardy
Career record (years): 26-28-0 (2)
Assistant coaches: Connor Morgan, Sam Melbye
Top returning forwards: Senior Eric Delorme (26-17--43), junior Ben Andringa (11-10--21), senior Brock Heppner (10-10--20), junior Joey Doda (8-9--17)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Leyton Salentine (3-7--10), senior Logan Wardner (2-7--9), senior Jacob Anderson (0-4--4)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Jack Ricord


Delano/Rockford Tigers
Last year: 13-13-0
Conference (record): Wright County (6-7-0)
Section: 2A
State trips: 2017
Home arena: Delano Area Sports Arena
Head coach: Gerrit van Bergen
Career record (years): 82-30-1 (4)
Assistant coaches: Chad Wagner, Kevin Johnson, Robbie Stocker, Ron Guild
Letterwinners returning/lost: 10/10
Top returning forwards: Senior Quinn Daly (5-12--17), sophomore Adam Brown (3-10--13), junior Kory Dunnigan (1-4--5)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Hogan Williams (3-6--9), senior Tommy Peterson (1-4--5)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Aaron Kruse (2-0-0, 2.00, .897)
The coach says: “Our team this season will continue to be devoted to developing a full 200-foot game with a high emphasis on the defensive zone. This group is littered with players waiting to take the next step with the Tigers in increased and different roles. Team structure and a tireless work ethic will be vital to the growth of the 2018-19 team. ”


Detroit Lakes Lakers
Last year: 12-13-1
Conference (record): Mid-State (8-0-0)
Section: 8A
State trips: 1995, 96
Home arena: Freeman Sports Arena
Head coach: Todd Dwyer
Assistant coaches: Elliot Darsow, Jacob Johnson, Mathew Brown
Top returning forwards: Senior Trey Seebold (10-17--27), senior Jackson Carlblom (10-10--20), senior Will Green (12-7--19)
Top returning defensemen:  Senior Jackson Fields (6-14--20), junior Reed Benson (1-10--11)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Blake Itzen (10-8-1, 3.11, .871)

 

Duluth Denfeld Hunters
Last year: 10-16-0
Conference (record): Lake Superior (1-4-0)
Section: 7A
State trips: 1954, 96 (as Central), 1986, 88, 89 (as Denfeld)
Home arena: Duluth Heritage Sports Center
Head coach: Dale Jago
Career record (years): 10-16-0 (1)
Assistant coaches: Ben Waalkens, Jake Johnson, Ryan Geris
Top returning forwards: Senior Jake Eskola (17-12--29), senior Payton Budisolovich (6-20--26), senior Zachary DeCaro (6-8--14), junior Griffin Lehet (7-7--14)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Darren Shykes (1-7--8), junior Dylan Jouppi (1--6--7), senior Matthew Rukavina (2-4--6)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Shawn Easty (4-6-0, 5.13, .850)


Senior goalie Tucker Brown and East Grand Forks look to make it to St. Paul for the fifth time in the last seven seasons. Photo: Nick Wosika

East Grand Forks Green Wave
Last year: 15-11-2
Conference (record): Mariucci (4-5-2)
Section: 8A
State trips: 1971, 80, 82, 98, 99, 2001, 02, 13, 14 Champs, 15 Champs, 17
Home arena: East Grand Forks Civic Center
Head coach: Tyler Palmiscno
Assistant coaches: Nick Bowen, Randy Galstad, Scott Oliver
Top returning forwards: Senior Carter Beck (12-12--24), senior Tanner Mack (6-9--15), sophomore Landon Parker (7-5--12)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Luke Vonesh (7-9--16), junior Josh Nelson (0-4--4)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Tucker Brown (4-3-0, 3.26, .826)

 

Ely/Northeast Range Timberwolves
Last year: 6-14-0
Conference: Independent
Section: 7A
State trips: None
Home arena: Ely Ice Arena
Head coach: Ben Johnson
Career record (years): 6-41-1 (3)
Assistant coaches: Jake Myers, Stan Skelton, Colin Moberly, Tom Jerome, Louie Gerzin
Top returning forwards: Senior Nick Mattila (27-14--41), junior Luke Olson (20-13--33), junior Dalton Schreffler (3-11--14), senior Austin Meskill (5-6--11)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Dean Boese (1-6--7), junior Jason Skube (1-3--4)
Top returning goaltenders: Freshman Chase Sandberg, senior Tyler Housey

 

Eveleth-Gilbert Golden Bears
Last year: 14-9-2
Conference (record): Iron Range (3-5-0)
Section: 7A
State trips: 1945 Champs, 46, 47, 48 Champs, 49 Champs, 50 Champs, 51 Champs, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 60, 1993 Champs, 98 Champs
Home arena: The Hippodrome
Head coach: Jeff Torrel
Career record (years): 76-93-8 (7)
 Assistant coaches: Jared Anderson, Paul Coombe, Steve Troutwine
Letterwinners returning/lost: 12/6
Top returning forwards: Senior Josh James (7-10--17), junior Bryce Kopp (10-5--15), senior Gavin Maki (6-9--15), junior Nathan Tassoni (7-8--15)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Will Troutwine (8-23--31), junior Gage Everson (6-17--23), junior Nick Beaudette (8-12--20)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Kodi Intihar (7-8-1, 4.33, .850), junior Mack Lautigar (3-1-1, 2.67, .896), senior Baylee Grahek (2-1-0, 3.36, .849), junior Noah Shuck (1-1-0, 3.21, .845)
The coach says: “Expectations are high for the Golden Bears this season. With 12 returning letterwinners and other players with varsity experience there is going to be a competition for playing time that has not been seen in quite some time.  The 2018-2019 squad will bring speed and strength and a fun brand of hockey with great leadership coming from senior co-captains Gavin Maki and Josh James.  The success of the team will start from the goal out. Senior Kodi Intihar will lead the goalies with senior Baylee Graham and Juniors Mack Lautigar and Noah Shuck vieing for playing time. The defensive core will be strong with Elite League Junior Will Troutwine and HP fall league Junior Gage Everson leading the way. Letter winners Nick Beaudette and Bobby Lind will also make impacts on the blue line. The Golden Bears will be deepest up front with James and Maki leading the way with Bryce Kopp. Other players that will contribute will be Nathan Tassoni, Elliot Van Orsdel, Trentin Pocrnich, Hunter Levander, Cole Meyer, and Jack Halliday”

 

Fairmont Cardinals
Last year: 4-22-0
Conference (record): Big South (4-13-0)
Section: 3A
State trips: None
Home arena: Martin County Arena
Head coach: Kris Olson
Career record (years): 13-52-1 (3)
Assistant coaches: Dylan VanBrocklin, Roger Claeys
Top returning forwards: Senior Tanner DeWar (6-6--12), freshman Hudson Artz (5-4--9), junior Carson Kuhl (6-2--8)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Karson Legred (4-4--8), junior Evan Carlson (3-0--3), senior Carter Olson (0-2--2)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Tyson Geerdes


Faribault Falcons
Last year: 9-15-2
Conference (record): Big 9 (4-9-2)
Section: 1A
State trips: 1993
Home arena: Faribault Ice Arena
Head coach: Dean Weasler
Career record (years): 61-89-6 (6)
Assistant coaches: Dan Pumper, Nate Nawrocki, Pat Nesbuurg
Letterwinners returning/lost: 14/6
Top returning forwards: Sophomore Zach Siegert (12-8--20), junior Leighton Weasler (13-5--18), junior Noah Murphy (2-8--10)
Top returning defensemen: Sophomore Jordan Nawrocki (2-8--10), freshman Grady Goodwin (2-5--7), senior Daniel Drevlow (2-3--5)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Spencer Ell
The coach says: “After competing last season with a very young team, the boys are ready to take a big step forward. The team has skill and speed and will be fun to watch as they gain experience at the high school level.”


Fergus Falls Otters
Last year: 11-12-3
Conference (record): Central Lakes (5-8-0)
Section: 6A
State trips: 1997, 98, 99, 2000, 01, 02, 03
Home arena: Fergus Falls Arena
Head coach: Mike Donaghue
Career record (years): 176-163-25 (14)
Assistant coaches: Mike Alt, Trevor Larson
Letterwinners returning/lost: 7/9
Top returning forwards: Senior Declan Young (11-15--26), senior Aaron Shelstad (6-6--12), senior Chase Jensen (5-6--11)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Mason Hoffman (3-8--11), senior Isaac Ahlgren (2-2--4), junior Kaden Peterson (1-2--3)
The coach says: “We will be a team with a lot of new faces in the lineup. We will need our seniors to lead the group and work with them to help them adjust to varsity hockey. Our biggest key will how quickly our players can develop to find their roles within our team.”


Gentry Academy Stars
Last year: n/a (first season)
Conference (record): Independent
Section: 4A
State trips: None
Home arena: Vadnais Sports Center
Head coach: Joe Cullen
Assistant coach: Paul Ostby


Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin Raiders
Last year: 20-8-0
Conference (record): Iron Range (8-1-0)
Section: 7A
State trips: 1962, 66, 67 Champs, 68 Champs, 69, 70, 87, 92 Champs, 2001
Home arena: Hodgins-Berardo Arena
Head coach: Grant Clafton
Assistant coaches: Adam Johnson, Andy Sertich
Top returning forwards: Senior Donte Lawson (37-35--72), senior Nikilai Rajala (17-33--50), junior Ben Troumbly (18-19--37), junior Mitchell Vekich (10-13--23)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Cameron Lantz (7-15--22), junior Brock Trboyevich (1-6--7), senior Cole Finke (0-5--5)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Ville Hyttinen (19-8-0, 2.37, .913)


Henry Sibley Warriors
Last year: 4-20-2
Conference (record): Metro East (0-12-1)
Section: 4A
State trips: 1973, 74, 75, 76, 82, 83, 93, 97
Home arena: West St. Paul Arena
Head coach: Corey Hessler
Assistant coaches: Brandon Ferraro, Jason Platz, Mark Leitner
Letterwinners returning/lost: 15/7
Top returning forwards: Junior Nate Pace (8-19--27), senior Johnny McGuire (12-10--22), senior Jack Greeley (5-7--12), senior Donnie Mahowald (9-3--12)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Logan Woods (1-8--9), junior Michael Scherer (1-2--3)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Tommy Buell
The coach says: “We feel like we have established an identity this summer in what we are as a team and the team really rallied around that. This should help propel us into the 2018-19 season. We return six of our top seven forwards from a year ago so we feel our strength will be up front. We need more consistent scoring from the forward position to help us take a significant step forward.  We’ll have a lot of competition on the blueline and in-between the pipes which should push those guys to get better on a daily basis.” 


Hermantown senior defenseman Sam High is one of 13 returning players from last season’s state third-place team. Let’s Play Hockey photo by Mike Thill

Hermantown Hawks
Last year: 22-7-2
Conference (record): Lake Superior (3-1-1)
Section: 7A
State trips: 1994, 98, 99, 2001, 06, 07 Champs, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Champs, 17 Champs, 18
Home arena: Hermantown Arena
Head coach: Patrick Andrews
Career record (years): 22-7-2 (1)
Assistant coaches: Chad Huttel, Joe Muehlbauer, Matt Swanson, Nate Buck
Letterwinners returning/lost: 13/7
Top returning forwards: Junior Blake Biondi (30-28--58), senior Justin Thomas (10-15--25), senior Brady Baker (11-7--18)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Darian Gotz (10-21--31), senior Elliott Peterson (13-16--29), senior Sam High (2-12--14)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Cole Manahan (19-5-2, 2.23, .904)
The coach says: “The 2018-19 Hawks should be a much more mature and experienced team, especially on the back end. With 13 returners, many of whom played key roles on last year’s State third-place team, this year’s Hermantown squad is looking to return to St. Paul for more. The key to success for the Hawks will work from the net out. Through the years, Hermantown Hockey has come to be known for its tough team D and minimizing opponent scoring. Having a returning goaltender with state tournament experience in senior netminder Cole Manahan, only strengthens that outlook. In addition, the Hawks have always counted on great blueliners when making deep playoff runs and the 2018-19 team should have that in spades. Led by senior captain Darian Gotz and fellow senior Sam High, both of whom log huge amounts of ice and play gritty and nasty in the D zone. The pair can score on the rush as well as on the PP and will be a constant source of inspiration for the Hawks and trepidation for opponents. In addition, underclassmen such as juniors Indio Dowd and Zach Carson, who both saw considerable amounts of ice last year, will be joined by sophomore Joey Pierce coming off captaining a Bantam State tournament run. Working from the D zone out, the Hawks will be led by senior captains Elliot Peterson and Brady Baker both gritty, fast and goal-scoring forwards, as well as fellow senior Justin Thomas who recorded three goals in the 2018 State Tournament. The senior forward crew will be bolstered by UMD commit and standout junior Blake Biondi who was second in team scoring on last year’s team and plays at a level that is far beyond his years. The Hawks also look to add to their depth from a multitude of juniors and seniors who saw varsity minutes last season, as well as a slew of capable sophomores coming up from a very successful Bantam State run.”


Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets
Last year: 7-19-1
Conference (record): Iron Range (2-6-0)
Section: 7A
State trips: 1952 Champs, 67, 70, 73 Champs, 74, 82, 84, 85, 86, 94, 2003, 04, 11
Home arena: Hibbing Memorial Building
Head coach: Justin Tomberlin
Career record (years): 25-28-1 (2)
Assistant coaches: Adam Schafer
Chris Zubich, Bob Bussey
Kevin Danielson
Top returning forwards: Senior Tristan Birdsall (17-18--35), senior Nic Cicchi (5-11--16), sophomore Conner Willard (5-5--10)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Mitchell Ziemba (3-9--12), senior Carter Anderson (1-5--6)
Top returning goaltenders: Junior Logan Wright (4-9-0, 4.51, .822), senior Carter Smith (2-6-0, 4.88, .849), senior Tore Tuin (1-4-1, 4.46, .865)


Hutchinson Tigers
Last year: 12-14-1
Conference (record): Wright County (3-9-1)
Section: 3A
State trips: 1995, 97, 2000, 09
Home arena: Burich Arena
Head coach: Matt Telecky
Career record (years): 147-208-12 (15)
Assistant coaches: Marc Telecky, Nick Nelson, Matt Penner
Letterwinners returning/lost: 9/10
Top returning forwards: Senior Lane Glaser (29-22--51), junior Hayden Jensen (13-16--29), junior Austin Jozwick (6-7--13)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Jacob Caspers (5-7--12), junior Blake Schmidt (3-2--5), junior Logan Holtz (1-5--6)
The coach says: “We are returning a strong D group with three of our four starters back for another season. Also,  our top two-point guys will return with Lane Glaser and Hayden Jensen. Strengths will be our D group. Staying healthy will be an important part to our success.”


International Falls Broncos
Last year: 13-12-1
Conference (record): Iron Range (1-5-1)
Section: 7A
State trips: 1950, 56, 57 Champs, 58, 59, 62 Champs, 63, 64 Champs, 65 Champs, 66 Champs, 68, 71, 72 Champs, 73, 83, 89, 95 Champs, 2000, 02
Home arena: Bronco Arena
Head coach: George McDonald
Assistant coaches: Chad Baldwin, Eric Olson, Terry Thompson
Top returning forwards: Junior Jaxon Germain (11-8--19), junior Kian Gonzales (9-10--19), senior Simon Palm (13-6--19)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Joe Glowack (1-4--5), junior Travis Kalar (1-2--3)
                        

Kittson County Central Bearcats
Last year: 11-12-2
Conference (record): Northwest (3-2-0)
Section: 8A
State trips: None
Home arena: Hallock Ice Arena
Head coach: Robert Carr
Career record (years): 74-93-7 (7)
Assistant coaches: Mike Sugden, Rod Hennen
Top returning forwards: Sophomore Calvin Hanson (11-12--23), senior Josh Rynning (10-10--20), sophomore Adam Gustafson (9-3--12) 
Top returning defensemen: Senior Trent Peterson (9-6--15), sophomore Hayden Hennen (5-8--13), senior Aaron Peterson (2-6--8)
Top returning goaltender: Sophomore Wyatt Olsonawski


Senior forward Alex Boudreau is La Crescent’s top returning scorer after his 13-11-24 junior season. Photo: Christine Wisch

La Crescent-Hokah Lancers
Last year: 7-17-0
Conference: Independent
Section: 1A
State trips: None
Home arena: La Crescent Community Arena
Head coach: Adam Kimball
Career record (years): 7-17-0 (1)
Assistant coaches: Pat Hogan, Ben Tornow
Top returning forwards: Senior Alex Boudreau (13-11--24), senior Lucas Wieser (9-2--11), senior Sam Shimshak (2-4--6)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Jacob Hogan (2-4--6), sophomore Owen Davison (1-3--4), junior Dwight Kerns (0-2--2)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Gavin Christianson (7-12-0, 4.29, .885)


Lake of the Woods Bears
Last year: 16-6-3
Conference (record): Northwest (6-0-0)
Section: 8A
State trips: 1949, 50, 51 (as Williams), 1993
Home arena: Baudette Arena
Head coach: Brent Olson
Career record (years): First season
Assistant coaches: Bruce Sindelir, Dean Krause
Letterwinners returning/lost: 9/9
Top returning forwards: Senior Jackson Arpin (15-36--51), senior Kade Chapman (24-20--44), senior McKale Risser (3-8--11)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Gunner Ferrier (7-6--13), junior Griffen Sonstegard (1-2--3)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Aidan Tom (4-0-0, 0.95, .923)
The coach says: “Several new faces will appear in this year’s lineup as the Bears lose nine seniors and return just nine players from last season. New leaders must emerge and younger players must step up to fill critical roles. A strong team effort will be needed to compete in Section 8A, as this Section is as difficult as any.”


Legacy Christian Academy Lions
Last year: 3-22-0
Conference (record): Two Rivers (1-9-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: None
Home arena: Schwan Super Rink
Head coach: Dan Olufson
Career record (years): 3-22-0 (1)
Assistant coaches: Joe Olufson, Josh Anderson, Tom Zych
Top returning forwards: Junior Braydon Ashfeld (1-3--4), senior Cody Hanson (0-2--2)
Top returning defensemen: Sophomore Delfin Cruz (5-6--11), junior Jack Olson (1-0--1), freshman Andrew Price (1-0--1)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Isaac Spande


Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato Dragons
Last year: 16-13-1
Conference (record): Wright County (5-6-1)
Section: 3A
State trips: 1996, 2008, 16, 18
Home arena: Litchfield Civic Arena
Head coach: Chris Olson
Career record (years): 172-224-15 (15)
Assistant coaches: Bill Huhner, Chuck Wedin, Craig McKechney
Letterwinners returning/lost: 15/5
Top returning forwards: Senior Brandt Pedersen (28-19--47), senior Dylan Schutz (9-16--25), junior Jake Johnson (6-7--13), senior Blake Johnson (5-7--12)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Paul Raisanen (11-13--24), senior Corey Benda (5-3--8)
Top returning goaltender: Sophomore Darby Halonen (16-11-1, 3.06, .888)
The coach says: “We expect to play very solid hockey. We were very young last year and  have a good core of returning players. Our goaltending should be strong as well as the play of our forwards. Scoring has to be better this year, and we have to replace three good defensemen. I think we will have pretty good team speed and the ability to move the puck. We have to be tough in the dirty areas of the rink.”


Little Falls Flyers
Last year: 12-11-3
Conference (record): Granite Ridge (0-2-0)
Section: 6A
State trips: 2005, 06, 07, 08, 09, 12
Home arena: Exchange Arena
Head coach: Tony Couture
Career record (years): 380-278-16 (26)
Assistant coaches: Andrew Schouveller, Austin Fenske, 
Bob Stark, Wesley Waytashek, Jared Festler, Chris Dobis
Letterwinners returning/lost: 9/11
Top returning forwards: Senior Ethan Ballou (6-5--11), sophomore Gabe Hirsch (3-7--10), senior Devon Young (4-6--10)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Josh Jennings (6-15--21), junior Reece Hubbard (0-7--7), senior Lucas Rekstad (1-5--6)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Will Riitters
The coach says: “The Flyers lost 11 starters to graduation, but one of the biggest voids will be in the net, with three-year starter Justin Pekula graduating. The Flyers are looking for someone to fill the void. With a strong core of returner and fresh new faces coming from a state tournament Bantam team, the Flyers should do alright. Three-year defensive starter Landon Johnson will be missed and hard to replace, but the Flyers return most of the D core. I expect the season to be a little slow at first until the team has a chance to gel.”


Luverne Cardinals
Last year: 20-7-0
Conference (record): Big South (15-1-0)
Section: 3A
State trips: 2014, 17
Home arena: Blue Mound Ice Arena
Head coach: Phil Paquette
Career record (years): 42-14-1 (2)
Assistant coach: Adam Ossefoort
Top returning forwards: Senior Ben Serie (7-21--28), senior Gaige Nath (10-12--22), junior Colby Crabtree (10-9--19), senior Mark Sterrett (6-9--15)
Top returning defensemen:Junior Tyler Roberts (5-6--11), junior Mason Steensma (2-3--5), junior Jacob VonTersch (0-4--4)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Max Skattum


Mahtomedi senior forward Tom Paradise is one of 12 Zephyrs from last season’s state fourth-place team. Let’s Play Hockey photo by Mike Thill

Mahtomedi Zephyrs
Last year: 22-8-1
Conference (record): Metro East (7-3-1)
Section: 4A
State trips: 1992, 94, 97, 98, 2001, 09, 10, 15, 17, 18
Home arena: St. Croix Recreation Center
Head coach: Jeff Poeschl
Career record (years): 402-255-12 (25)
Assistant coaches: Alex Rogoscheske, Jeff Mars, Tom Strelow
Letterwinners returning/lost: 12/8
Top returning forwards: Senior Kori Pilarski (15-18--33), junior Nikolai Dulak (14-17--31), senior Tom Paradise (9-16--25), senior Joe Paradise (10-14--24), junior Colin Hagstrom (10-12--22), senior Cole McCarver (10-10--20)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Noah Skillings (5-12--17), senior Tommy Broten (2-15--17), senior Wyatt Begley (1-4--5)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Bailey Huber (14-5-1, 1.83, .930)
The coach says: “Expectations are high for this group. Many will be playing their third year of varsity hockey with two trips to the State Tournament. Last year’s team was one goal away from reaching the finals and this group wants to make history for the Zephyrs.”


Mankato East/Loyola Cougars
Last year: 17-12-2
Conference (record): Big 9 (9-3-1)
Section: 1A
State trips: 2006, 18
Home arena: All Seasons Arena
Head coach: Adam Fries
Career record (years): 70-62-4 (6)
Assistant coaches: Jack Diercks, Tanner Grina, Jeff Humble
Letterwinners returning/lost: 16/6
Top returning forwards: Senior Sam Schulz (10-21--31), junior Matthew Salzle (15-8--23), sophomore Layten Liffrig (12-8--20), senior Adam Megard (9-5--14)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Parker Steindl (6-11--17), sophomore Brett Bochardt (6-10--16), senior Jackson Keller (1-15--16)
The coach says: “The Cougars are looking for a strong season this coming year. With a strengthened schedule to test us day in and day out and coming off a great STP, the expectations are high. We will rely again on our youth and our veteran defensemen for leadership and scoring.  We are coming back with three returning defensemen and 11 returning forwards.”
    

Mankato West Scarlets
Last year: 8-17-1
Conference (record): Big 9 (4-10-1)
Section: 1A
State trips: 2008, 16
Home arena: All Seasons Arena
Head coach: Curtis Doell
Career record (years): 140-93-10 (9)
Assistant coaches: Jason Anderson, Nate Olsen, Zach Blasing, Luke Shermock
Top returning forwards: Sophomore Brandon Swenson (8-17--25), senior Jarden Hatkin (6-14--20), junior Stephen Schwartz (1-4--5)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Nathan Phinney (13-4--17), sophomore Wyant Fowlds (3-5--8), junior Nate Looft (2-3--5)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Garret Wenninger (4-9-0, 2.78, .887), senior Lucas Baker, sophomore Caleb Cross


Marshall Tigers
Last year: 19-7-1
Conference (record): Big South (12-3-1)
Section: 3A
State trips: 2013
Home arena: Lyon County Ice Arena
Head coach: Michael Weiss
Career record (years): 78-49-5 (5)
Assistant coaches: Aaron Schroeder, Jim Haynes, Scott Mellenthin
Letterwinners returning/lost: 17/4
Top returning forwards: Senior Mason Plante (38-14--52), junior Bryson Whyte (12-9--21), sophomore Tristan VanDeVere (11-10--21)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Kaleb Welvaert (5-21--26), senior Trey Weber (0-3--3)
Top returning goaltenders: Junior Dominik Caspers (15-5-1, 1.98, .929), senior Ryley Serreyn
The coach says: “Expectations for this year are very high. We have a lot of key pieces from last year’s team back. Offensively, we have a lot of speed and guys who can make plays all over the ice. Defensively, we return two goalies coming off of great years. The key to a successful season for us is to play at a high level every night, play well defensively and finish our opportunities on the offensive end.”

 

Minneapolis
Last year: 16-11-0
Conference: Independent
Section: 2A
State trips: 1994 (as Edison), 1959, 60, 64 (as Henry), 56, 58, 61, 63, 66, 67, 74, 78, 92 (as Roosevelt), 50, 54, 55, 57, 93 (as South), 51, 52, 53, 55, 65, 68, 69, 70 Champs, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76 ,77, 80 (as Southwest), 48, 46, 59, 60, 62, 79 (as Washburn), 46, 47 (as West)
Head coach: Joe Dziedzic
Assistant coaches: Drew Palmer, Garrett Chumley, John Bergford, Bob Lundeen, Andy Wong
Top returning forwards: Senior Walter Tuli Eisenbeis (6-20--26), junior Simon Weed (1-6--7), junior Ben Murray (4-2--6)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Cameron Sullivan (1-3--4), senior Tom Mullin (0-1--1), senior Joe O’Brien (0-1--1)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Tommy Walsh (7-5-0, 2.68, .879), senior Lucas White (9-6-0, 3.05, .878)


Tommy Sedgwick is one of three returning Minnehaha Academy players who notched 20 or more points last season. Photo: Christine Wisch

Minnehaha Academy Redhawks
Last year: 14-12-1
Conference (record): Independent Metro (2-5-0)
Section: 6AA
State trips: None
Home arena: Minnehaha Academy Ice Arena
Head coach: Josh Hoekstra
Career record (years): 14-12-1 (1)
Assistant coaches: Ed Aguirre, Steve Wendorf, Patrick Hellier, Robin Moore, Tyler King
Top returning forwards: Senior Reed Bartelings (12-25--37), senior Zach Roberts (12-12--24), junior Josh Roberts (7-12--19)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Tommy Sedgwick (5-16--21), senior Vincent Franzitta (3-3--6)
Top returning goaltenders: Sophomore Corey Hendrickson (10-8-1, 3.28, .896), junior Brandon Lucas (4-4-0, 4.13, .865)


Minnesota River Bulldogs
Last year: 17-9-1
Conference (record): Big South (13-2-1)
Section: 1A
State trips: None
Home arena: LeSueur Community Center
Head coach: Shea Roehrkasse
Career record (years): 34-20-1 (2)
Assistant coach: Shawn Weick
Letterwinners returning/lost: 16/6
Top returning forwards: Senior Tyson Sowder (12-23--35), senior Hunter Wilmes (23-11--34),  junior Charlie Weick (7-22--29), senior Jade Reicks (11-18--29), senior Lane Schwarz (15-11--26)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Ken Ringler (16-12--28), senior Danny McCabe (10-16--26), junior Shawn Lehtinen (2-5--7), senior Alex Wilson (4-3--7)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Andrew Regner (13-8-1, 2.70, .913)
The coach says: “Our biggest strength this year will be the experience that we are returning from last year. We are returning a number of players with a lot of varsity experience, and we will lean on that to help us throughout the year. Some keys for the season are  going to be balanced scoring and balanced play from our top lines. We have improved defensively throughout the last two seasons and that will continue to be a major key to success for us again this year.”


With 23-24--47 last season, Monticello senior forward Troy Dahlheimer is the Moose’s top returning scorer. Photo: Nick Wosika

Monticello Moose
Last year: 19-9-2
Conference (record): Mississippi 8 (9-2-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: 2017, 18
Home arena: Moose Sherritt Ice Arena
Head coach: Eric Nelson
Career record (years): 74-31-4 (3)
Assistant coaches: Dan Miller, Marc Marcotte, Nate Sunderman
Top returning forwards: Senior Troy Dahlheimer (23-24--47), senior Nick Foldesi (11-21--32), junior Jeff Henrikson (16-7--23), senior Jake Friede (7-14--21)
Top returning defenseman:Junior Jacob Sorensen (3-6--9)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Collin Soderholm (3-1-1, 2.64, .894)


Moose Lake Area Rebels
Last year: 2-23-1
Conference (record): Two Rivers (1-9-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: None
Home arena: Riverside Arena
Head coach: Lee Costley
Career record (years): 6-46-1 (2)
Assistant coach: Dan Fitzsimmons
Top returning forwards: Junior Jordan Fjosne (11-15--26), senior Tommy Kliniski (2-8--10), senior Andrew Burn (3-5--8)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Vern Anderson III (12-11--23), senior Anakin Oswald (4-4--8),  junior Jack Ergen (1-7--8)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Danny Whited


Mora-Milaca Mustangs
Last year: 12-15-0
Conference (record): Two Rivers (6-4-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: 1996, 97
Home arena: Mora Civic Center
Head coach: Kevin Nolt
Career record (years): 23-28-2 (2)
Assistant coach: Brett Baldwin
Letterwinners returning/lost: 14/5
Top returning forwards: Senior Gavin Orr (31-30--61), senior Tyson Peterson (8-9--17), junior Garret Smith (6-4--10)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Blake Radeke (9-15--24), junior Kolton Brodahl (7-8--15), junior Nate Burski (7-7--14)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Nick Madison (7-12-0, 4.58, .871), sophomore Ben Nordenstrom (5-3-0, 2.88, .901)
The coach says: “We will need to work as a team since we will not have many players. Everyone needs to buy in and be on the same page. If we do that, we will be successful.”


Morris/Benson Area Storm
Last year: 7-14-1
Conference: Independent
Section: 6A
State trips: None
Home arena: Lee Community Center, Benson Civic Center
Head coach: Jeremiah Day
Career record (years): 29-93-2 (5)
Assistant coach: Tony Schultz
Top returning forwards: Sophomore Zach Bruns (37-15--52), junior Jack Riley (14-23--37), senior Kolby Goff (7-18--25), junior Mathew Tolifson (8-6--14)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Mike Halvorson (3-8--11), senior Kellen Erdahl (2-4--6), junior Tyler Buss (0-5--5), junior Michael Ruona (0-3--3)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Chase Engebretson 


Mound Westonka/Watertown-Mayer White Hawks
Last year: 19-7-1
Conference (record): Wright County (9-4-0)
Section: 2A
State trips: 1998, 2001
Home arena: Thaler Sports Center
Head coach: Jake Hindermann
Career record (years): 29-22-2 (2)
Assistant coaches: Austin Hill, Dave Montgomery, Pat Furlong
Letterwinners returning/lost: 9/9
Top returning forwards: Senior Ethan Fetters-Vandenheuvel (6-4--10), senior Luke Holmen (2-6--8), senior Britt Courneya (3-5--8)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Carter Hansen (5-17--22), junior Adam Nobs (0-1--1)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Noah Coley (9-3-1, 1.70, .914)
The coach says: “We set the bar pretty high last season.  We tied the school record for wins at 19 as well as achieved the team’s highest state ranking ever at number six. We believe we can be better this season and build upon last year’s success. We are a faster team this year and strong defensively with an influx of young talent and good goaltending.  We have a good mix of veteran and rookie players capable of winning a lot of games.”


New Ulm Eagles
Last year: 13-12-1
Conference (record): Big South (10-6-0)
Section: 3A
State trips: 1992, 2010, 11, 12, 15
Home arena: New Ulm Civic Center
Head coach: Ryan Neuman
Career record (years): 41-35-3 (3)
Assistant coaches: Cody Kohn, Sean Stewart
Letterwinners returning/lost: 10/10
Top returning forwards: Junior Glavine Schugel (11-17--28), senior Landon Strong (13-14--27), senior Kyle Tauer (9-4--13), senior Josh Seidl (3-10--13)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Shane Esser (1-4--5), senior Blake Tauer (0-2--2)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Jack Raymond (12-12-1, 2.47, .915)
The coach says: “New Ulm will look to climb to the top of the Big South conference and also compete for a section championship for the first time in a few years. The Eagles will lean heavily on the senior leadership of returning forward Landon Strong and returning goaltender Jack Raymond. Landon will be entering his fourth season of varsity hockey and Jack will be entering his third season as the starting goaltender for the Eagles. New Ulm will return six total forwards, and four of the six finished near the top of team in points last season. On the back end, the Eagles only return two defensemen, but have multiple players from the JV and Bantam teams that they believe will adjust very quickly to the varsity level. The JV and Bantam teams both had very good seasons last year and will both have players that add depth on both the front and back end.”


North Branch Vikings
Last year: 22-6-0
Conference (record): Mississippi 8 (7-4-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: None
Home arena: Chisago Lakes Ice Arena
Head coach: Matt Cottingham
Assistant coaches: Aaron Bistram, Toby Palewicz, Zach Fairbanks
Top returning forwards: Senior Jacob Richards (15-32--47), sophomore Cody Croal (13-16--29), junior Dawson Johnson (5-6--11)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Justin Sachs (13-19--32), junior Zachariah Larson (0-4--4)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Jake Turek (6-0-0, 0.90, .962)


North Shore Storm
Last year: 10-14-0
Conference: Independent
Section: 7A
State trips: 1999 (as Silver Bay)
Home arena: Rukavina Arena, Lake County Arena
Head coach: Mike Guzzo
Career record (years): 307-295-24 (32)
Assistant coaches: Dan Thewis,Gary Gustafson
Letterwinners returning/lost: 11/9
Top returning forwards: Junior Cole Komarek (6-16--22), senior Mason Meyer (11-10--21), senior Ethan Sporn (8-10--18), senior Wyatt Haugan (4-12--16)
Top returning defensemen: Sophomore Nate Swanson (4-12--16), senior Connor Somnis (6-6--12)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Cameron Roy (8-13-3, .858, .871)
The coach says: “The North Shore Storm had its first losing season (10-14-3) in 2017-18 since it began as a cooperative program six years ago. This year the team hopes to get back to being a competitive team in Section 7A. Experienced goaltending (Cameron Roy and Connor Sullivan) is the strength of the team this year. Balanced scoring will come from Mason Meyer, Cole Komarek, Ethan Sporn, Nate Swanson and Wyatt Haugan. Defense will need to improve as the season goes on for the team to have a successful season. ”


Northern Lakes Lightning
Last year: 6-21-0
Conference (record): Mid-State (3-5-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: None
Home arena: Breezy Point Ice Arena, Hallett Community Center
Head coach: Craig Larson
Career record (years): 118-187-12 (13)
Assistant coach: Tony Maucieri
Top returning forwards: Junior Shane Donavon (14-11--25), senior Dylan Mesenbrink (10-9--19), junior Zech Trenkenschu (8-8--16), senior Kasey Couture (7-9--16)
Top returning defenseman: Senior Josh Lelwica (3-1--4)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Sam LeMieur


Northfield Raiders
Last year: 19-6-2
Conference (record): Big 9 (14-3-1)
Section: 1A
State trips: 2017
Home arena: Northfield Ice Arena
Head coach: Mike Luckraft
Career record (years): 77-28-7 (4)
Assistant coaches: Charlie Cloud, Mick Scofield, Scott Cloud
Letterwinners returning/lost: 13/7
Top returning forwards: Sophomore Carson Van Zulien (24-28--52), senior Devon Jirik (23-23--46), senior Garrett Sawyer (8-6--14)
Top returning defensemen: Sophomore Josh Kruger (3-6--9), senior Zachary Anderson (0-5--5), senior Cole Dack (0-4--4)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Wesley Lideen (12-3-0, 1.91, .920), Cal Frank
The coach says: “The Raiders should be solid in 2018-19. On the blueline four of the six D men return along with the top goaltender. Up front, we return two of the three top line forwards who accounted for over 50 points each (Jirik & VanZuilen), along with five other returning varsity forwards. The key will be playing solid D, blending the new players into the lineup, getting scoring from all three lines and our D core. We hope to continue a good trend of special teams’ play. Goaltending should be a strong point with Wes and Cal.”


Defending champion Orono returns 10 players from last season’s team, including senior defenseman Zach Adams. Photo: Nick Wosika

Orono Spartans
Last year: 23-7-1
Conference (record): Wright County (11-2-1)
Section: 2A
State trips: 1992, 93, 2002, 03, 04, 06, 07, 14, 18 Champs
Home arena: Orono Ice Arena
Head coach: Will Scholz
Career record (years): 23-7-1 (1)
Assistant coaches: Justin Pagel, Richie Anderson, Zach Nelson
Letterwinners returning/lost: 10/10
Top returning forwards: Junior Zack Simon (14-15--29), senior Landon Wittenberg (11-8--19)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Daniel Eckerline (5-15--20), senior Jack Kubitz (3-12--15), senior Zach Adams (3-7--10)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Charlie Carlsen (0-1-0, 1.99, .895), junior Finn Grandy
The coach says: “After last year’s state championship, the goal is to get back to The Xcel Energy Center. This year the D core will be the leaders and have a large amount of pressure on their shoulders. Daniel Eckerline, Jack Kubitz, and Zach Adams all played big minutes in Orono’s state tournament run. Goaltending will also be key as coach Scholz looks for either senior Charlie Carlsen or junior Finn Grandy to step up and try and fill the shoes of Evan Babekuhl who graduated. Up front, the Spartans graduated a lot, but junior Zack Simon will be expected to drive the bus along with Junior Nick Messerli and a large group of seniors with not a lot of varsity experience, but they are a physical and gritty group that will make it difficult for other teams.”


Park Rapids Area Panthers
Last year: 8-17-2
Conference (record): Mid-State (3-4-1)
Section: 8A
State trips: None
Home arena: Park Rapids Community Center
Head coach: Derek Ricke
Career record (years): 8-17-2 (1)
Assistant coaches: Greg Chromy, Tyler Lehrke
Top returning forwards: Senior Bjorn Jorgenson (10-10--20), senior Carter Ophiem (6-10--16), junior Wyatt Halvorson (8-8--16)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Brett Pinoniemi 5-4--9), senior Thomas Melvin (5-1--6), senior Jimmy Hillukka (1-4--5)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Brendan Kruchowski (3-1-0, 2.10, .910)


Pine City Area Dragons
Last year: 21-6-0
Conference (record): Two Rivers (10-0-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: None
Home arena: Pine City Civic Center
Head coach: Grant Nicoll
Career record (years): 144-89-4 (10)
Assistant coaches: Geoff Jordan, Keith Johnson, Nick Miller, Brett Westbrook, Josh Louden
Letterwinners returning/lost: 14/6
Top returning forwards: Senior Jan Zahradka (18-20--38), junior George Miller (19-14--33), senior Jordan Stich (8-15--23), senior Tommy Ryan (4-12--16)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Dusty Bergstrom (14-25--39), junior Gabe Westbrook (2-7--9)
Top returning goaltenders: Junior Alex Laven (17-5-0, 2.38, .902), senior Darian Spinks (1-0-0, 1.06, .857)
The coach says: “We have high expectations for this group of young men. We return a solid core of defensemen  along with two starting goalies. We lost some scoring to graduation last year, but we have a great crew coming back that will work hard to fill those gaps.”    


Prairie Centre Area North Stars
Last year: 13-13-1
Conference (record): Mid-State (2-5-1)
Section: 6A    
State trips: None
Home arena: Sauk Centre Civic Arena, Long Prairie Expo Arena
Head coach: Chad Wehrman
Career record (years): 23-29-2 (2)
Assistant coaches: Bryan Zollman, Colby Deters, Justin Moore
Letterwinners returning/lost: 15/5
Top returning forwards: Senior Hunter Fletcher (24-19--43), senior Brady Miller (22-13--35), junior Andrew Bick (6-8--14), junior Noah MacDonald (8-6--14), junior Preston Sorenson (4-9--13)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Hudson Pung (2-12--14), junior Ian Gould (5-8--13), junior Jacob Zollman (0-6--6), senior Cody Wolbeck (2-4--6)
The coach says: “Prairie Centre returns a strong core of players. Our team will work hard for 51 minutes on both ends of the ice.”


Princeton Tigers
Last year: 10-15-1
Conference (record): Mississippi 8 (3-8-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: 2002, 03, 16
Home arena: Princeton Ice Arena
Head coach: Todd Frederick
Career record (years): 166-158-15 (12)
Assistant coaches: Nathan Cairns, Travis Leonard, Scott Fritz, Ken Hembre
Letterwinners returning/lost: 12/7
Top returning forwards: Senior Matthew Swanson (17-17--34), junior Jack Southard (15-13--28), junior Tyler Danielson (8-7--15), senior Carter Flor (6-7--13)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Hunter Burian (4-2-0, 2.95, .890)
The coach says: “Having 12 letterwinners returning to the team will give us depth and the ability to compete with the other top teams in the section and conference. We return two of the top three scorers from last year’s team and five forwards from the top two lines. Defense will be key for this year’s team as we return three letterwinners to provide depth on the blue line. We lose our starting goaltender to graduation but return two with varsity playing time. Mathew Swanson will return as a three-year letterwinner and staff will look to him to provide leadership as the team’s captain. If we can stay healthy and develop the youth coming into our program, we feel that we can compete with the top teams in our section and conference.”


Proctor Rails
Last year: 7-17-2
Conference (record): Lake Superior (0-5-0)
Section: 7A
State trips: 1997
Home arena: Proctor Arena
Head coach: Dan Stauber
Assistant coaches: Anthony Wood, Cory Ward, Kevin Danielson
Top returning forwards: Junior Ben Harnell (6-2--8), junior Bo Dardis (1-4--5)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Zach Gunderson (3-10--13), junior Isaac Mosher (2-7--9)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Lucas Fulton


Providence Academy Lions
Last year: 14-9-3
Conference (record): Independent Metro (5-2-0)
Section: 2A
State trips: None
Home arena: Plymouth Ice Center
Head coach: Hal Tearse
Assistant coaches: Evan Wilson, Michael Taffe, Mike Giebenhain, Travis Tollette, Chris Lewis
Top returning forwards: Senior Zach Giesler (19-20--39), senior Evan Spadafora (18-15--33), sophomore Grant Ellings (9-22--31)
Top returning defenseman: Junior George Wehmann (0-1--1)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Bradley Koskie (10-7-2, 3.41, .905), senior Sam Ferreira (4-2-1, 4.93, .847)


Red Lake Falls Eagles
Last year: 3-21-1
Conference (record): Northwest (2-4-0)
Section: 8A
State trips: None
Home arena: Cardin-Hunt Arena
Head coach: Trevor Page
Career record (years): 58-128-12 (7)
Assistant coaches: Eric Biermaier, Wyatt Casavan
Letterwinners returning/lost: 10/2
Top returning forwards: Junior Fred Landman (16-6--22), senior Hunter Schmitz (9-3--12), senior John LaCoursiere (3-5--8)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Hunter Pahlen (1-3--4), junior Logan Klipping (3-1--4), Kaydon Kenfield (1-1--2) 
Top returning goaltender: Junior Brenden Larson
The coach says: “We were an extremely young team last year with over half of our guys being sophomores. With the experience that they got last year, they should be able to take a big step for us this year. This group is one of the hardest working teams that I have coached and they will need to continue to work hard for us to be successful.” 
     

Red Wing Wingers
Last year: 5-19-2
Conference: Big 9 (5-8-2)
Section: 4A
State trips: 1995, 96, 97 Champs, 98, 99, 2002
Home arena: Prairie Island Arena
Head coach: Tony Casci
Career record (years): First season
Letterwinners returning/lost: 9/8
Top returning forwards: Senior Cam Blue (21-10--31), senior Michael Stoffel (6-8--14), junior Gavin Lampe 
Top returning defenseman: Senior Derek Gielau (5-4--9)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Aidan Coyle
The coach says: “The Red Wing Wingers have a new coaching staff that has the expectations of hard work and doing the little things right. We have goals of improving our conference and section records from last year. We will have strong veteran leadership that is passionate about helping new role players learn how they can help the team succeed.”


Redwood Valley Cardinals
Last year: 9-17-0
Conference (record): Big South (5-11-0)
Section: 3A
State trips: None
Home arena: Redwood Area Community Center
Head coach: Joe Stremcha
Career record (years): First season
Assistant coaches: Jason Sommers, Parker Revier, Steve Pacheco
Top returning forwards: Senior Will O’Halloran (6-10--16), junior Jed Hansen (10-3--13), senior Cordell Plass (4-3--7), senior Chris Wersal (4-3--7)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Folke Bjorkman (3-14--17), senior Luke Ryan (8-9--17), senior Matthew Muetzel (3-7--10)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Kia Jacobson


River Lakes Stars
Last year: 13-14-0
Conference (record): Central Lakes (5-8-0)
Section: 6A
State trips: None
Home arena: Koronis Civic Arena, River Lakes Civic Arena
Head coach: Jack Freeman
Career record (years): 13-14-0 (1)
Assistant coaches: Aaron Stellmach, John Pulsifer, Zach Johnson
Top returning forwards: Senior Payton Madison (23-12--35), senior Luke Johnson (6-9--15), junior Blake Blattner (6-5--11)
Top returning defenseman: Senior Nathaniel Venable (0-2--2)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Blake Vogt


Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota Eagles
Last year: 8-19-0
Conference: Independent
Section: 1A
State trips: 2000, 01, 02, 03, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13
Co-head coaches: Joe Knoepke & Bryan Frischmann
Career record (years): 8-19-0 (1)
Assistant coaches: Bryce Wilcox, Pete Spratte, Jim Renn
Top returning forwards: Senior Jared Anderson (11-13--24), senior Paul Hofbauer (7-5--12), senior Kyle Hickey (3-8--11)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Seth Karsell (7-8--15), senior Brady Kraling (2-12--14), senior Cort Buck (3-8--11)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Luke Alexander (3-2-0, 2.51, .899)


Sartell/St. Stephen Sabres
Last year: 19-8-0
Conference (record): Central Lakes (8-5-0)
Section: 6A
State trips: None
Home arena: Bernick’s Ice Arena
Head coach: Ryan Hacker
Career record (years): 162-115-18 (11)
Assistant coaches: Chris Biegner, Cory Oberg, Will Jensen, Scott Anderson
Letterwinners returning/lost: 14/7
Top returning forwards: Senior Jack Hennemann (10-16--26), senior Maddux Hagy (9-16--25)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Connor Kalthoff (4-12--16), senior Austin Adelman (1-12--13), senior Cameron Cromwell (0-8--8)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Devin Peterson (12-3-0, 1.66, .899), senior Cole Bright (7-5-0, 3.00, .887)
The coach says: “We’ll  be looking to our large and experienced senior class to set the tone for the upcoming season. We return four senior defensemen who played  very big roles the last few years.Their experience and leadership will be relied upon heavily. We also return a few forwards who played in all situations, led by Jack Hennemann and Maddux Hagy.”


Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm
Last year: 8-19-0
Conference (record): Central Lakes (2-10-0)
Section: 5A
State trips: 2000
Home arena: Sports Arena East
Head coach: Ken Karna
Career record (years): 28-76-2 (4)
Assistant coaches: Gary Clafton, Kyle Baklund, Mitch Gwost
Top returning forwards: Senior Daymin Dodge (27-15--42), senior Gavin Laine (5-10--15), senior Mason Wiebusch (3-10--13)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Drake Raduns-Parsley (5-15--20), senior Connor Cariveau (5-10--15), junior Brady Pesta (7-5--12)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Porter Siltman


Simley senior forward Noah Roitman is the Spartans’ leading returning scorer from last season’s section final team. Let’s Play Hockey photo by Mike Thill

Simley Spartans
Last year: 19-8-1
Conference (record): Metro East (1-6-2)
Section: 4A
State trips: 1996, 2003
Home arena: Veterans Memorial Community Center
Head coach: Austyn Kryzer
Career record (years): 41-57-6 (5)
Assistant coaches: Jeff Hauck, Paul McGrath, Matt Nitti
Letterwinners returning/lost: 2/10
Top returning forwards: Senior Noah Roitman (8-15--23), junior Trent Peterson (8-10--18), junior Carter Robinson (4-2--6)
Top returning defenseman: Junior Joey Gorman (0-2--2)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Jordan Hein
The coach says: “We will have a talented but young team with some offensively gifted players. Commitment to the defensive zone will be a big key to our success.”


South St. Paul Packers
Last year: 17-10-0
Conference (record): Metro East (6-7-0)
Section: 4A
State trips: 1947, 48, 50, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 65, 66, 68, 69, 72, 77, 78, 80, 81, 86, 87, 89, 90, 94, 96, 2004
Home arena: Wakota Arena
Head coach: Scott Macho
Career record (years): 129-187-5 (14)
Assistant coaches: Dave Simons, Elliot Vesper, Brent Buhl, Mike Simons, Paul Moen, Pete Schultz
Top returning forwards: Junior Cam Kluender (19-14--33), junior Jacob Saver (4-20--24), junior Brandon Reynolds (7-7--14)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Owen Ramirez (7-13--20), senior Jackson Luhrs (4-10--14), senior Sam Lehmann (0-3--3)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Brady Gallahue


Southwest Christian/Richfield Stars
Last year: 5-6-0
Conference (record): Two Rivers (1-2-0)
Section: 2A
State trips: None
Home arena: Chaska Community Center/Richfield Ice Arena
Head coach: Erik Westrum
Career record (years): 5-6-0 (1)
Assistant coaches: Dave Schwartz, Sam Carlson, Greg Sayuk, J Lindsay, Joe Piche
Letterwinners returning/lost: 12/6
Top returning forwards: Junior Nic Gustafson (9-3--12), junior Jeremiah Konkel (4-6--10), junior Owen Sommerness (1-5--6)
Top returning defenseman: Sophomore Cullen O’Connell (1-4--5)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Lukas Haugen (5-6-0, 3.09, .897)
The coach says: “We are excited for the season.  With 10 new players, we will be young but are excited to see how they will mature over the season. Senior goalie Lukas Haugen and senior defenseman Jake Holmstrom return to provide leadership and anchor a young defense. Offensively, we will lean on juniors Nic Gustafson and Jeremiah Konkel to put the puck in the net. With a young team we know there will be mistakes, especially early in the season. Our goal is to make sure the guys are having fun, learning the game, and working hard. If they do, we are confident by the end of the season we will be in good shape. As we enter the third year of our co-op, we couldn’t be more pleased with the growth of the program and the quality of the young men on our team.”


St. Cloud Cathedral senior goalie Noah Amundson recorded an 18-8-0 record last season. Photo: Christine Wisch

St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders
Last year: 20-8-0
Conference: Independent
Section: 6A
State trips: 1993, 94, 2004, 08, 09, 14, 16, 17
Home arena: St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex
Head coach: Derrick Brown
Career record (years): 186-59-8 (10)
Assistant coaches: Tom Bruce, Ron Brown, Travis Schneider, David Spethmann, Jake Van Halbeck, Cal Herold
Letterwinners returning/lost: 17/3
Top returning forwards: Junior Nate Warner (23-34--57), junior Jack Smith (22-35--57), junior Blake Perbix (19-30--49), senior Jackson Savoie (16-18--34)
Top returning defensemen: Junior CJ Zins (9-15--24), junior Reid Bogenholm (9-12--21), senior Talon Lenzen (1-9--10)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Noah Amundson (18-8-0, 2.31, .894)
The coach says: “The expectation is for Cathedral to improve every day and hopefully contend in a very tough Section 6A by the end of the season. This season, we will have to replace production lost from last year’s team due to graduation and transfers. We will return nine forwards, four defenseman, and two goalies who saw time at the varsity level last year. We play a very tough Class A Schedule that will hopefully prepare us for the toughest section in Class A come playoff time.”


St. Paul Academy Spartans
Last year: 5-21-0
Conference (record): Independent Metro (1-7-0)
Section: 4A
State trips: 2016
Home arena: Drake Arena
Head coach: Eddie Wynne
Career record (years): First season
Assistant coaches: Julie Friend, Justin Gese, Phil Angell
Top returning forwards: Senior Adam Zukowski (10-9--19), junior Quinn Appert (7-5--12), junior Duncan Fleming (2-9--11)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Will Rathmanner (3-8--11), sophomore Michael Bagnoli (3-7--10), junior Jake Hosszu (3-5--8), senior Nolan Gifford (4-3--7)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Thomas Kuriscak (5-16-0, 4.60, .867)


St. Paul Highland Park returns six players from last season’s team that posted a 17-9-0 overall record. Photo: Christine Wisch

St. Paul Highland Park/Central Scots
Last year: 17-9-0
Conference: Two Rivers (8-2-0)
Section: 4A
State trips: None
Head coach: Mark Prokop
Career record (years): 38-44-1 (3)
Assistant coaches: Chad Samuelson, Dan Herrick, Dave Johnston
Letterwinners returning/lost: 6/11
Top returning forwards: Senior Evan Lindstrom (16-26--42), senior Mac Staloch (8-5--13), junior Sam Bell (5-6--11)
Top returning defenseman: Senior Charlie Wengler (3-10--13)
Top returning goaltenders: Junior Mason Eischens, junior Jack Molter
The coach says: “This year is definitely a rebuilding year. We graduated 11 seniors including our Two Rivers Conference player of the year goaltender Jack Branby. We  have a very young group of players. We will be led by senior Captain Evan Lindstrom and senior winger Mac Staloch. Our success will depend on how quickly our young guys adapt to our systems and the fast physical pace. We also will need to decrease the number of shots we give up with our young goaltending with little varsity experience.”


St. Paul Johnson Governors
Last year: 12-11-3
Conference: Independent
Section: 4A
State trips: 1946, 47 Champs, 51, 52, 53 Champs, 54, 55 Champs, 56, 57, 59, 61, 63 Champs, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 84, 91, 95
Home arena: Phalen Ice Arena
Head coach: Steve “Moose” Younghans
Assistant coaches: Greg Pogreba, Mike Grover, Jim Munkwitz, Steve Houge
Top returning forwards: Senior Tommy Heesch (7-11--18), sophomore Blayde Pogreba (9-8--17), sophomore Joseph Moberg (7-8--15)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Luke Moberg (4-7--11), sophomore AJ McMahon (1-1--2)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Aaron Lee (12-11-3, 2.74, .873)


Thief River Falls Prowlers
Last year: 18-11-2
Conference (record): Mariucci (3-7-0)
Section: 8A
State trips: 1945, 51, 52, 54 Champs, 55, 56 Champs, 59, 60, 65, 2006, 11, 12, 16, 18
Home arena: Ralph Engelstad Arena
Head coach: Tim Bergland
Career record (years): 209-101-8 (11)
Assistant coaches: Rick Johnson, Scott Bergland
Letterwinners returning/lost: 9/12
Top returning forwards: Junior Tucker Skime (8-31--39), senior Hunter Larson (4-4--8), senior Ethan Janisch (2-2--4), senior Cole Gillespie (2-1--3)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Evan Bushy (11-22--33), senior Keaden Kempert (0-10--10), senior Kaleb Flaagen (2-5--7)
The coach says: “Our goal is to be in the mix for a section championship in February. We will return all of our defensemen. However, we lose a lot of scoring from last year and our goalie. We will need to develop some scoring and some depth up-front as well as have solid goaltending.”


Totino-Grace Eagles
Last year: 9-16-2
Conference (record): Northwest Suburban (4-7-1)
Section: 4A
State trips: 1993, 95, 2002 Champs, 05, 14
Home arena: Parade Ice Garden
Head coach: Adam Sharratt
Career record (years): 9-16-2 (1)
Assistant coaches: Erik Williams, Nick Battis, Tim Parkos
Top returning forwards: Senior Jack Bonfe (9-5--14), sophomore Luke Delzer (9-2--11), senior Caleb Meehan (3-6--9), senior Ben Palmer (6-2--8)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Jake Wacek (0-7--7), sophomore Stephen Golden (3-4--7), senior Nick Sticha (2-3--5)
Top returning goaltender: Sophomore Will Larson (6-8-2, 2.75, .899)


Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl Blue Devils
Last year: 16-10-1
Conference (record): Iron Range (5-2-1)
Section: 7A
State trips: 2005, 09, 10
Home arena: Miners Memorial Building
Head coach: Cale Finseth
Career record (years): First season
Assistant coaches: Evan Friedlieb, Chris Westin
Top returning forwards: Senior Caleb Bialke (19-24--43), senior Cade Moreland (20-19--39), senior Jack Zupetz (14-19--33), junior Zach Kilen (9-13--22)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Nathan Coldagelli (0-20--20), senior Josh Daugherty (1-5--6), senior Dawson Flatley (0-4--4)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Cam Kreibich (11-6-1, 2.50, .922), senior Josh Berlin (5-4-0, 3.26, .880)


Waconia returns 17 letterwinners this season, including senior goalie Joe Huskey. Photo: Christine Wisch

Waconia Wildcats
Last year: 3-23-0
Conference (record): Wright County (0-13-0)
Section: 2A
State trips: None
Home arena: Waconia City Ice Arena
Head coach: Andy Mair
Career record (years): First season
Letterwinners returning/lost: 17/3
Top returning forwards: Senior Eli Bruellman (10-7--17), senior Tommy Lindstrom (9-3--12), senior Jacob Gregor (3-5--8), senior Zac Holm (3-4--7)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Jack Jones (2-6--8), senior Reece Young (2-5--7), senior Nick Norling (3-3--6), senior Tyler Holmen (1-4--5)
Top returning goaltenders: Junior Mikey Behring, senior Joe Huskey
The coach says: “We will be a very experienced team this year. I expect us to be much stronger in our defensive zone and control the puck more than we have in the past. We have several very experienced varsity defensemen who handle and move the puck well. We will also be returning two varsity goaltenders who will be much more prepared to shoulder the load and be a leader for us in our defensive zone. The main key to our team this year is finishing at the net. We will control the puck more this year and apply more pressure in the offensive zone, but we have to be able to translate that into more goals. Getting our D involved and generating offense down low is a main focus.”


Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines
Last year: 15-10-2
Conference (record): Mid-State (3-5-0)
Section: 6A
State trips: 1945 (as Staples), 2004
Home arena: Wadena Community Center
Head coach: Scott Woods
Career record (years): 212-115-10 (14)
Assistant coaches: Jason Murray, Paul Hagen, Robby Grendahl
Letterwinners returning/lost: 12/7
Top returning forwards: Senior Max Phillips (24-27--51), junior Lleyten Pettit (13-20--33), senior Colby Schertler (12-17--29)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Wyatt Hamann (3-3--6), senior Logan Robinson (1-2--3), senior Tyler Reese (2-1--3)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Noah Stevens (15-10-2, 4.59, .833)
The coach says: “We have some top returners coming back. The seniors were a big loss, but we expect some young talent to contend for spots.”


Warroad Warriors
Last year: 14-12-1
Conference (record): Mariucci (3-6-1)
Section: 8A
State trips: 1948, 49, 53, 63, 69, 70, 87, 88, 89, 94 Champs, 95, 96 Champs, 97, 2000, 03 Champs, 04, 05 Champs, 07, 08, 09, 10
Home arena: The Gardens Arena
Head coach: Jay Hardwick
Career record (years): 90-70-7 (6)
Assistant coaches: Darrell Shaugabay, Michael Tveit
Scott Knutson
Letterwinners returning/lost: 11/10
Top returning forwards: Junior Grant Slukynsky (19-21--40), junior Owen Meeker (10-28--38), senior Jaron Moyer (11-9--20), senior Cameron Skappel (3-10--13)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Max Gausen (4-1-1, 1.69, .916)
The coach says: “We graduated a lot of kids but return our top two scorers from last season. We have experienced players in all positions but will need players to step in and provide depth. I think we will have a lot of players battling for varsity time between the JV players and Bantams moving up.”


Waseca Bluejays
Last year: 14-12-0
Conference (record): Big South (9-7-0) 
Section: 1A
State trips: None
Home arena: Waseca Community Arena
Head coach: Chris Storey
Career record (years): 58-66-4 (5)
Assistant coaches: AJ Kiekenapp, Allen Anderson, Brad Dushaw, Brad Ryan
Top returning forwards: Junior Jagger Johnson (11-11--22), junior Ben Priebe (8-9--17), senior Bailey Schumacher (3-3--6)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Brandon Dahnert (6-8--14), senior Noah Berg (2-10--12), senior Hayden Groll (3-1--4)
Top returning goaltenders: Senior Jack Moseley (8-9-0, 2.73, .892), senior Zach Hansen (4-1-0, 1.51, .908), sophomore Ben Diedrich (2-2-0, 3.64, .848)


Willmar Cardinals
Last year: 2-24-1
Conference (record): Central Lakes (0-11-0)
Section: 3A
State trips: 1947
Home arena: Willmar Civic Center
Head coach: Jamie Hagen
Assistant coaches: Brad Foss, Ross Dahl, Tom Woodash, Adam Schow
Top returning forwards: Junior Adam DeJong (3-2--5), senior Devin Turrubiates (1-2--3), senior Nate Spencer (1-2--3), junior Ashton Gregory (1-2--3)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Ben Bruhn (3-1--4), senior Ryan Ackerman (1-3--4)
Top returning goaltender: Senior Gunnar Banks


Windom Area Eagles
Last year: 7-18-0
Conference (record): Big South (4-12-0) 
Section: 3A
State trips: None
Home arena: Windom City Arena
Head coach: Jason Espenson
Career record (years): 7-18-0 (1)
Assistant coach: Travis Janssen
Top returning forwards: Junior Kyle Espenson (18-12--30), junior Mikal Anderson (6-13--19), senior Eli Becker (9-7--16), sophomore Alex Espenson (3-11--14)
Top returning defensemen: Junior Matt Stubbe (1-3--4), junior Keaton Storm (1-2--3), senior Tylan Porath (2-0--2), senior Tanner Pigman (0-2--2), sophomore Hunter Walklin (0-2--2)
Top returning goaltender: Junior Josiah Quintero (7-18-0, 3.84, .862)


Winona/Cotter Winhawks
Last year: 2-23-0
Conference (record): Big 9 (0-15-0)
Section: 1A
State trips: 1952
Head coach: Fran McDevitt
Assistant coaches: Cody Rondeau, Jim Martin
Letterwinners returning/lost: 25/1
Top returning forwards: Junior Roman Grulkowski (17-2--19), senior Evan Carney (6-8--14), sophomore Matt Thesing (7-3--10), senior Alex Buerck (0-7--7)
Top returning defensemen: Sophomore Jack Thompson (0-3--3), junior Eric Paulson (0-2--2), sophomore Haidon Neumann (1-1--2)
Top returning goaltenders: Sophomore Alex Benson,  junior Campbell Watkins, sophomore Payton Mancuso
The coach says: “This year’s team will definitely be more competitive than we have been the past few years, simply because of our age. Last year, we played one senior night in and out. This year’s lineup, for the first time in two years will be made primarily of upper classmen. Our experience that has been gained over the last two seasons will be one of our main strengths. We have the opportunity to put 15+ players on the ice each night with more than 40 games of high school hockey experience. Our key will be to continue to play the game with the puck. We stress puck possession and want to have control as much as possible. ”
                

Worthington Trojans
Last year: 2-24-0
Conference (record): Big South (0-16-0) 
Section: 3A
State trips: None
Home arena: Worthington Arena
Head coach: Tyler Neinkerk
Career record (years): First season
Assistant coach: Skyler Wenninger
Top returning forwards: Senior Tommy Bauman (6-8--14), junior Colby Nickel (9-3--12), junior Carlos Garcia-Villatoro (3-3--6), senior Ryan Newman (4-2--6)
Top returning defensemen: Senior Lance Hibma (7-5--12), junior Bryce Olsen (5-6--11)
Top returning goaltender: Sophomore Preston Thavixay

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