Predicting the PeeWees in Minnesota each year is always a tall task. In the grand scheme, it should be the easiest of the 3 levels of boys to predict. PeeWees don't have the attrition like Bantams because the several Bantam teams often never resemble their PeeWee team from two years prior - the quality of Squirts change from year to year. But each year, the variance between the top teams to start the year and who ends up in the top ten is always PeeWees. 

Three years ago it was St. Cloud and STMA who fooled the early season pollsters. Two years ago no one believed Rochester would crash the party at State and last year the whole state tournament field was a surprise besides Minneapolis, Rosemount and the players and families of the other six teams in Woodbury.

Size and maturity are almost more important factors than speed and skill at the PeeWees. This year there will be a premium on players born in late 2002. So many of these players will play big roles on the top teams in Minnesota. Which team will have the big and skilled '02 players?  Who was good two years ago as Squirts?

We break down our top 10 teams, their league, their classification and thoughts on why they rank where they are.

Listed alphabetically, here are five players that will grab the headlines this season.

Drew Holt ('02, Eden Prairie) - one of the few first year skaters last year that could take over a game. The type of player if left unaccounted for can score five goals in a game. Strong with the puck and great shooter.

Chaz Lucius ('03, Blaine) - the highly skilled Center is a highlight a minute type of player for the Bengals can both score and set up his teammates. 

Joe Miller ('02, Minneapolis) - might be the best hockey player his age (grade, birth, etc)...makes everyone around him better. Hard worker, with amazing hands and vision. 

Landon Parker ('02, East Grand Forks) - the Green Wave have had some high end players come out of the Red River Valley the last few years (Ausmus, Bowen, Loven and Tweeten). Parker lead the PeeWee Challenge with 11 points in five games eclipsing Matthew Gleason's record of ten from '14. 

Joe Palodichuk ('03, Park Cottage Grove) - a Wiz Wyatt finalist 2 years ago for the Wolfpack, Palodichuk has grown into a great two way player. Will be counted on to score this year for the Green and White to make a bold new move into AA hockey.