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Summer Hotstove: Top 10 Bantam Teams This Year

By Tony Scott, 10/28/14, 5:00PM CDT

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Pre-Season Top 10 Announced, Can GR Repeat???

Last year in Bantam AA hockey it looked to be a three team race with several teams that might make a run. Stillwater, Eden Prairie, and Elk River were all number 1 at some point during the season. Prior Lake, Lakeville South, Wayzata all had their day in the sun as well, but none qualified for state. Hibbing had a nice team and some nice wins, as did Minnetonka and St. Michael Albertville...but none made it to Rogers.

This year there appear to four teams that look to be above the rest. 

1. Edina - returning only seven players from the undefeated PWAA team from two years ago, many say they will not be as dominant. The Hornets lose versatile skater Clayton Phillips to Edina Varsity and may lose D-Man Peter Tabor as well. Despite the key losses, the Hornets will be very good and a very tough team to beat.

2. Grand Rapids - this team is not as deep as Edina, but may be more talented on the top end. Standouts Gavin Hain and Blake McLaughlin are sure-fire next level kids, Michael Heitkamp on defense is as good as they get. They have arguably the best Goalie in Minnesota, Zach Stejskal, which makes the ThunderHawks a daunting task to beat.

3. Minnetonka - pound for pound the most talented team top to bottom in Minnesota. Ryan Elder and K'Andre Miller are game changers every time they play. Factor in a spectacular blue line of defenseman...the only thing stopping the Skippers is themselves.

4. Centennial - another top team who lost very little from a State Tourney team two years ago at PWAA and they made a huge addition of Soren Frakie from Blaine. Frakie and Hayden Brickner, both HP15 St. Cloud Camp Selections last Summer give the Cougars a chance to win every night.

5. Wayzata - state Runner Up two seasons ago as PeeWees, this team will have a much different look. They lose star Centerman Griffin Ness and D-Man Grant Anderson to the Wayzata Varsity. But they picked up Kaden Bohlsen who moved into the Wayzata program two years ago. Wayzata has performed to a high level so far early on.

6. Osseo Maple Grove - this team lost two key players from their PeeWee team two years ago, Forward Matt Jaglo to the U16 Green Bay Junior Gamblers and Jackson Sonderby to Providence Academy. They have a solid core of players who seem to outwork their opponents the entire game. The Trevor Janicke, Jordan Randall and Trevor Kukkonen line was very productive at the Centennial Preview. Goalie Carson Nagel was also impressive for OMG who could be a team that will surprise late in the season.

7. Eden Prairie - a huge drop off from last year's squad, but still an impressive group of skaters. Up front the Eagles have returners Jake Olson and Ryan Lesko who are always a threat to score. They performed well out of the gate and are 5-1 in their first 6 games.

8. Jefferson - the Jags have restored the roar in West Bloomington...adding two solid players to a strong group in Hunter Jacobs and Alex Miller (both former Shakopee players). This has given them added scoring depth and a stronger blue line. The Jags knocked off perennial power STMA last weekend with two goals by Tristan Larson. A well seasoned team, the Jags could make a run this year.

9. Cloquet - a slight surprise to the top 10, the Lumberjacks will be a tough team night in and night out. Losing no top players to the Varsity, Cloquet has headliners Ryan Nelson and Brendan Durand returning. New additions to the team this year that didn't play for Cloquet two years are first years Gavin Rasmussen (a move in from Little Falls) and Wiz Wyatt Finalist last year Landon Langenbrunner. 

10. Elk River - the Elks will be much like Eden Prairie...not as good as the year before, but still a top 10 team that won't be out-hustled. The Elks have Connor Bizal who is a constant threat to score and is a great leader. First year sensation, Jack Perbix will bolster the scoring and with returners Mitch Stroh and Taiyo Larson on the blue line, the Elks should have a nice team.

 

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