Centennial 

2016-2017 Record: 22-5-1

Centennial went 22-5-1 very quietly last season, but the Cougars shouldn’t sneak up on anyone entering the 2017-2018 slate. 

The return of senior forward Lucas McGregor from the USHL was a welcome addition for the Cougars, as McGregor posted a state line of 29 goals and 55 points last season. McGregor’s speed and playmaking pair will with fellow senior forward Hayden Brickner (14-23-37) and his power and opposing slot presence. The emergence of senior forward Carter Wagner (18-7-25) could add yet another offensive weapon to the Cougars’ lineup. 

Taking care of the defensive zone will be 6-foot-3 junior defenseman Will Francis (2-11-13), who impressed during the fall’s Elite League season for Team Northeast. Francis is the first line of defense in front of a rotating tandem of quality goaltenders in seniors Travis Allen and Bryce Crowley, who combined for eight shutouts in 2017-2018. 

Four of the Cougars’ five losses came against state tournament participants and the fifth against Edina.