It was a nice exercise to review the rosters and schedules, and I ended up making a few tweaks from my initial attempt last week. After all of the delays and hand-wringing, it's hard to believe that the season will be starting in earnest later this week. The more insular schedules will make weekly rankings more challenging than usual, and hopefully we won't have to contend with many cancellations and postponements. I hope you enjoy this read, and let's play some hockey starting Thursday!1. Hermantown (23-4-4, State 2nd place)
Key Returners: Joey Pierce, Ethan Lund, Aaron Pionk
Key Losses: Blake Biondi, Zach Kilen, Jacob Backstrom
Not many programs, especially at the Class A level, can expect to miss nary a beat after graduating the reigning Mr. Hockey. But this is Hermantown, where the cupboard is pretty much always full, sometimes even overflowing. It helps to start out with perhaps the state's most dynamic two-way player in Joey Pierce, aided by a few nice returning pieces up front. Oh, and it doesn't hurt to welcome one of the strongest incoming Bantam classes, with Zam Plante and Ty Hanson looking like surefire stars. The only real mystery is who will man the nets, though Hermantown has a history of inexperienced goalies stepping in capably, as Backstrom did last year. The schedule will be less challenging than usual, with the Hawks mainly facing 7A foes, but we also finally get the much-anticipated game against East (albeit in a down year for the Hounds).
Next: Thu @ Superior, Sat @ Eveleth
2. East Grand Forks (20-5-2, Section 8A finalist)
Key Returners: Landon Parker, Logan Spencer, Jaksen Panzer, Trey Ausmus
Key Losses: Mason Poolman, Austin Cooley
The Green Wave may have failed to conquer their section rivals Warroad last season, dropping all three meetings, but they are primed for a return to state in 2021. High-scoring senior Landon Parker is joined by North Dakota commits Ausmus and Panzer, the latter of whom tore up the fall Elite League as a mere sophomore. The only real question mark is between the pipes, where Cooley departs after a stellar single season of varsity action. If EGF can fill that hole, they could return to their 2014-15 championship form. The schedule is an odd one, as the first six games are all against ND opponents, so the results will be tough to gauge.
Fri @ GF Red River, Sat vs GF Central
3. Gentry Academy (21-5-0, Section 4A quarterfinalist)
Key Returners: Damon Furuseth, Barrett Hall, Brevan Grigus, Isaiah Norlin
Key Losses: None
It feels odd to rank a third-year program that has yet to make it out of the section quarterfinals as the #3 team in the state, but this is not your ordinary start-up program. Gentry has amassed talent from all over Minnesota, and even beyond, in its brief existence. Add in a few elite players, notably Nick Sajevic, from the school's now-defunct 16U Midget Tier I team, and you have a recipe for success. Leading the way for the Stars up front will be Damon Furuseth and Sajevic, who both were among the top scorers in the fall Elite League. Grigus and Norlin each chipped in big points from the blue line last season, and goaltender Alexander Timmons is primed to step into an even bigger role after a stellar junior season. These Stars are ready to shine in 2021, and pose a threat to the traditional blue bloods. Unfortunately, the schedule is not particularly challenging, so we may have to wait until the playoffs to tell how good they truly are.
Next: Sat vs Breck
4. Warroad (27-4-0, State 4th place)
Key Returners: Jayson Shaugabay, Anthony Foster, Blake Norris, Carson Reed
Key Losses: Grant Slukynsky, Owen Meeker, Zach Foster
It's strange to say that a fourth place finish at state was a disappointment for a team that had not been to St. Paul in a decade, but expectations for the Warriors were sky high entering the tournament. Replacing Slukynsky's 101 points and Foster's steady presence in net will be a tall order. Still, there is plenty of talent returning, with sophomore sensation Jayson Shaugabay in the spotlight, and another impressive group of youngsters will be arriving from the Bantam level (including goalie Hampton Slukynsky). The schedule starts out light, but ramps up quickly with a three-game stretch against Roseau, Moorhead, and EGF starting Jan. 25.
Next: Thu vs TRF, Sat vs Detroit Lakes
5. Delano (21-7-0, State 5th place)
Key Returners: Adam Brown, Gunnar Paulson, Jesse Peterson, Jack Keranen
Key Losses: Michael Weber, Cade Lommel
The Tigers' 2019-20 was almost a carbon copy of the previous year, as they improved throughout the season, culminating in a consolation championship at state. Delano had a younger group this time around, however, and will be returning a large core of juniors and seniors. The Bantam team was solid, if unspectacular, but the JV team went 21-4, and there should be plenty of reinforcements to fill in holes and add depth. The only real question mark is between the pipes, but backup Colin Rowbotham played well in limited duty, and the Tigers have shown a propensity to develop goalies and protect them well with their close-to-the-vest style of play. The schedule kicks off with two decent tests against a section/conference foe and a AA opponent.
Thu vs Mound-Westonka, Sat vs Bemidji
6. Mahtomedi (23-8-0, State Champions)
Key Returners: Adam Johnson, Ethan Peterson, J.D. Metz, Ben Dardis
Key Losses: Nikolai Dulak, Colin Hagstrom
After years of falling short in the semifinals, the Zephyrs rode a hot performance by diminutive goalie Ben Dardis all the way to a state title. Unlike most of their competitors above, Mahtomedi is rock solid in net. Scoring may be an issue, however, as Dulak was a major focal point, and there wasn't much secondary support beyond the top two lines. Still, this is an experienced and deep group who will be battle tested by their schedule come playoff time. Speaking of which, the Zephyrs start out with a battle of defending state champions this weekend.
Next: Sat vs Hill-Murray
7. Duluth Denfeld (21-6-1, 7A finalist)
Key Returners: Kade Shea, Connor McClure, Cooper McClure, Jacob Snyder
Key Losses: Griffin Lehet, Dylan Jouppi
The Hunters completed their best season since the program's heyday of the late 1980s, yet were left with a sour taste in their mouths after a 6-0 season-ending drubbing at the hands of Hermantown. The good news is that nearly the entire cast of characters is back. The offense will be a formidable force, led by Shea and the McClure twins. Denfeld is also set in net with Snyder, the more talented half of last year's rotation. Jouppi's production from the point will be missed, but there is plenty of defensive depth. The Hawks are still the immovable object atop 7A, and the two teams are scheduled to play twice mid-season. Intra-city nemesis East is first up, however.
Next: Thu vs Duluth East
8. Little Falls (19-7-1, 6A semifinalist)
Key Returners: Gabe Hirsch, Nicholas Stevens, Gunnar Gustafson, Joe Majerle, Dane Couture
Key Losses: Ryan Buckallew, Reece Hubbard
The Flyers return nearly everyone, including a huge senior class. This group improved greatly last season, but couldn't get over the significant hurdles of Alexandria and St. Cloud Cathedral. With those two teams facing major graduation losses, this is Little Falls' best chance to return to the big dance for the first time since 2012. The Flyers' strength starts in the nets with Couture, who is entering his third season as a starter. The offense is deep and potent, with eight double-digit scorers back. The Flyers are the clear favorites in 6A, and we see if they are ready for prime time with the challenging back half of their schedule.
Next: Thu vs Breckenridge, Sat vs TRF
9. St. Paul Johnson (19-6-0, Section 4A quarterfinalist)
Key Returners: Blayde Pogreba, Joey Moberg, A.J. McMahon, Teddy Wilebski
Key Losses: Drake Teal
A traditional power that fell upon hard times, Johnson has scratched and clawed its way back to relevancy over the past several years, even in the face of limited numbers and resources. This group is the culmination of the recent phase of that process, with a roster stocked with experienced seniors. Pogreba leads a group of five returning 20+ point scoring forwards, while McMahon anchors a defense with two solid pairings. Similar to Denfeld's situation, Tobin Florhaug is set to take over primary goaltending duties after splitting time last season and compiling a solid 90.9% save percentage. Section 4A is shaping up to be brutal, and the Governors' showdowns with Gentry (2/9) and Mahtomedi (3/13) loom large.
Next: Sat @ SWC/Richfield
10. Mankato East (14-15-1, State quarterfinalist)
Key Returners: Layten Liffrig, Brett Borchardt, Jake Schreiber, Jake Kanzenbach
Key Losses: Matthew Salzle
After underachieving during the regular season, the Cougars put together a strong playoff run culminating in their third state tournament berth in four years. Almost everyone is back for another bite at the apple, with high-scoring Liffrig being the dynamic centerpiece. Although his longtime sidekick Salzle will be missed, Liffrig has plenty of scoring help up front. The defense allowed over four goals per game last season, and improvement should be in order with six defensemen and the starting goalie returning. Borchardt and Schreiber will log big minutes and jump into the offensive fray. The schedule is all Big Nine, save for one non-conference scrap with Dodge County.
Next: Thu @ Albert Lea, Sat vs Red Wing
11. Dodge County (21-6-0, Section 1A semifinalist)
Key Returners: Brody Lamb, Brendon Wolesky, Charlie Blaisdell, Isaac Rogne
Key Losses: Cade Spreiter
By most standards, the Wildcats' 2019-20 season was a rousing success, setting a program record for wins and advancing beyond the section quarterfinals for the first time. Still, the playoff loss to Mankato East was disappointing, and will be remembered by the huge group of returning juniors and seniors. While there is a capable supporting cast, there's no escaping the fact that this is the Brody Lamb show, and Dodge County will only go as far as he can carry the team. Senior defensemen Blaisdell and Rogne will serve as a lockdown top pairing and factor in offensively. Goalie Isaac Dale started all but two games last season, posting mediocre numbers (2.93 GAA, 88.0%), and will need to improve for the Wildcats to take the next step. As in independent, the schedule is rather scattershot, but there are some interesting games against Little Falls, Tartan, and of course Mankato East.
Next: Thu vs Northfield
12. Armstrong/Cooper (15-12-1, Section 2A finalist)
Key Returners: Noah Weisjahn, Ryan Badertscher, Jack Potter, Joe Potter
Key Losses: Jack Campion, Ben Anderson, Joe Campion, Michael Berns
The Wings were a beat away from reaching the state tournament in their inaugural Class A season, falling to Delano in a double-OT thriller in which they dominated all but the scoreboard. Unfortunately, many of the key components of that squad have departed, including the two leading scorers (by far) and nearly the entire defensive unit. A/C still has plenty of size and experience, with nine seniors back. There are some nice offensive pieces remaining, with Weisjahn (29 pts, including four playoff goals) heading the list. Joe Potter, who played well in the fall Elite League, will anchor the defense. And while goaltender Owen Reeve's stats weren't pretty, he stepped up in the postseason and looks poised to make a leap forward. Armstrong/Cooper’s Bantam A team was excellent and should provide several contributors. With the Northwest Suburban playing a conference-only schedule, it will be difficult to tell how good this team is in relation to its Class A peers, but they will certainly be tested.
Next: Thu vs Coon Rapids, Sat @ Spring Lake Park
13. Monticello (21-9-1, State 6th place)
Key Returners: Wilson Dahlheimer, Gunnar Sibley, Wilson Nash
Key Losses: Jeffrey Henrickson, Brian Cornelius, Chase Bocken, Jacob Sorensen
Since moving to Class A four years ago, the Moose have made three state tournament appearances. That's partially why, despite losing a bevy of seniors, including their two leading scorers and top defensive tandem, Monticello remains the heavy favorite in 5A. There is still plenty of punch up front, with water bug Dahlheimer leading the way after a sensational sophomore campaign. Ironman Nash Wilson, who played every minute last season, will again be patrolling the crease as one of the better goalies in the state. If the Moose can shore up their defense and find some secondary scoring, they should be a shoe-in for a trip to state, and perhaps more. The regular season schedule is very manageable, with Chisago Lakes lurking as the primary conference and section challenger, and coincidentally the first up on the slate.
Next: Thu vs Chisago Lakes
14. Tartan (15-12-0, Section 4A semifinalist)
Key Returners: Bo Strecker, Jonah Roberts, Easton Strecker, Jack Cashin
Key Losses: Marshall Ahn, Brandon Olssen
Another team that just finished its first season in Class A, Tartan brings back a senior-laden squad that will be a factor in the brutal Section 4A. The Streckner twins and Roberts lead the way up front, and Cashin (2.93 GAA, 90.2%) provides a steady presence between the pipes. The defense is solid, if unspectacular, with three experienced seniors patrolling the blue line. A strong group of incoming Bantams, who qualified for state, will help round out the roster. The schedule is no joke: in addition to the Metro East games, the Titans square off against Gentry and Dodge County, to name a few.
Next: Thu @ Simley, Sat vs Hastings
15. Alexandria (19-9-0, Section 6A finalist)
Key Returners: Josiah Gronholz, Christopher Loken
Key Losses: Caleb Strong, Joe Westlund, Andrew Revering, Derek Pesta, Landyn James
The Cardinals lost a lot to graduation, including their leading scorer, top goalie, and nearly the entire defensive corps. To add insult to injury, Westlund transferred to neighboring Northstar Christian Academy. While that sounds like a recipe for disaster for first-year coach Josh Meyers, Alexandria has built enough of a machine to sustain success even though lean periods. The incoming Bantam group is among the best in Class A, and should nicely complement a returning group of role players, along with the holdover star Gronholz. The Central Lakes schedule is somewhat limiting, but the Cardinals do face Little Falls twice, along with a trip to Monticello.
Next: Thu @ Fergus Falls
16. Sartell-St. Stephen (6-19-1, Section 6A quarterfinalist)
Key Returners: Tory Lund, Michael Webster, Hayden Walters, Connor Hacker
Key Losses: Will Schiffler, Ryan Zulkosky
A six-win team from last year in the rankings? Yes, Virginia, the Sabres appear to be poised for a big bounce back. Sartell was very young and faced a formidable schedule, which led to an uncharacteristically down season. That youth results in a large cast of returning players with experience under their belts. Sophomore Tory Lund (23 pts) is the leading returning scorer, while junior Hayden Walters played in the Elite League for the second consecutive fall. The top four defensemen are back, with senior co-captains Walters and Hacker leading the way. Quentin Sigurdson was the stronger half of last year's goalie rotation, and should take over primary duties in net. The schedule is less daunting, with only Central Lakes and 6A opponents on the docket. Things kick off with two AA conference foes, but the following week will be more interesting, with Alexandria and Fergus Falls awaiting.
Next: Thu @ St. Cloud, Sat @ Brainerd
17. Breck (14-11-1, Section 2A semifinalist)
Key Returners: Beau Courneya, Caden Morgan, Carter Theissen
Key Losses: Nick Mikan, John Blake, Sean Reiling
At this point, it looks like it's time to ring in ye olde alma mater. The Mustangs are coming off of their first winning campaign in three years, and graduated only two seniors of note. Courneya is a scoring machine, and is coming off an impressive Elite League showing. Morgan and Theissen form a strong tandem on the back end, with the former, only a sophomore, being one of the the best young D-men in the state. Mikan's transfer to Benilde creates a big hole up front, though his presence was divisive, to put it diplomatically. Seniors Zach Sinople and Carter Oftedahl will need to step up to fill that offensive production.
Jack Thomson was capable in net during limited stints as a sophomore. As usual, a smattering of freshmen will be called into service, though none look to be particularly impactful. The schedule has some teeth: in addition to matchups with Delano and Mahtomedi, Breck has home-and-home series against Gentry and Johnson.
Next: Sat @ Gentry
18. Mound Westonka (13-12-1, Section 2A quarterfinalist)
Key Returners: Mitch Krebsbach, Max Krebsbach, Michael Doshan, Trent Bowe
Key Losses: Blake Harmer, Jacob Gutekunst
The White Hawks have been my rankings nemesis the past few seasons, bouncing in and out while accumulating unexpected victories and losses. This year's version is an experienced group, losing only a handful of players to graduation. The brothers Krebsbach, who combined for 34 goals and 64 points last season, headline the offense, along with playmaker Doshan (11 g, 18 a). The defense is deep, featuring five players with significant varsity experience. Bowe is the best of that group, and also tallied 19 points. Senior goaltenders Elijah Goetz and Harrison Moen posted nearly identical stats last season and will likely cover the net by committee. Mound Westonka has advanced past the section quarterfinals just once in the last eight years, but has the goods to break their playoff curse. The challenging schedule kicks off with a short trip to #5 Delano.
Next: Thu @
19. Chisago Lakes (15-13-0, Section 5A semifinalist)
Key Returners: Ben Johnson, Ryan Schmidt, Max Wilmer
Key Losses: David Kimlinger, Isaac Roy, Alex Bachmeier
The Wildcats were up and down last season, and graduated three forwards and a defenseman who each tallied 15+ points. However, Chisago Lakes does return their clear two best skaters in defenseman Johnson and forward Schmidt, along with proven netminder Willmer (2.66 GAA, 91.8%). Three other forwards who scored in the double digits are back, as are two experienced defensemen . Chisago Lakes had an excellent Bantam A team, and several of those youngsters will see significant ice time. The schedule starts out with a bang, facing off against section favorite Monticello, and a return engagement nine days later. The Wildcats will also tangle with the likes of Tartan and Dodge County.
Next: Thu @ Monticello
20. Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (12-15-1, Section 3A finalist)
Key Returners: Mason Schroeder, Logan Benson, Gavyn Lund, Darby Halonen
Key Losses: Jake Johnson, Alex Heinonen
Lastly, we come to our lone entrant from 3A, a section that looks to be as barren as the prairie covering much of its landscape (work with me here, people). The Dragons struggled through much of the 2019-20 season, but picked up a few decent wins (Mankato East, River Lakes) before making a run to the section final, where rival Hutchinson crushed their hopes. The top two scorers from last year have graduated, but nearly everyone else is back. Schroeder and Benson are the most productive of a deep group of forwards, while Lund leads a bunch of defensemen who were thrown into the fold as sophomores. Halonen will be manning the net for seemingly his 20th season (actually his fourth as a starter), and a return to his 2018-19 form would help LDC greatly. Not to sound like a broken record, but the incoming Bantam group is strong and will contribute right away. The schedule isn't too daunting outside of a few conference games, but we will find out a lot about Litchfield after they face Orono and Mound Westonka early on.
Next: Fri vs Orono, Sat vs Willmar
Others Considered: Fergus Falls, Thief River Falls, Orono, Hutchinson, New Ulm