The Battle for the Blue Ox has quickly become a placeholder tournament for the top Bantam teams in the state each year. Launching Brainerd in 2013, the Ox and its famed trophy stands for great early season hockey between teams from all over the state.

YHH has 24 Bantam AA and 8 A teams in Maple Grove this weekend, 30 of the teams hail from Minnesota and two from North Dakota. With the top teams, hockey fans will be treated to see several top players, too. In the previous three seasons of the Ox, there have two or possibly three teams with a realistic chance at the title. In 2013 it was Elk River and Eden Prairie...in the shortened 2014 event - Centennial was a heavy favorite. Last year Minnetonka was also a heavy favorite that won. 

This year it is anyone's guess who will be parading around the Premier rink with the blue cow statue. We will take a stab at it, but won't be surprised if any one of 10 teams claim the prize.

As we said yesterday on Ten Minutes choosing a winner in the Blue Ox is very tricky. So many great teams with so much talent with so much balance make choosing a winner really hard this year. The top 8 seeds are not locks to even advance Friday night, that is how deep the field is this year.

Here is a peek at how we see the Ox turning this year:

Here are just a few players to watch this weekend in Osseo, Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park. Name, team and birth year. 

Jake/Tyler Braccini, Buffalo (2001) - this pair of twins are play a minute duo...both are fast and skilled, but possess a poise and grit that coaches love.

Tanner Brouwer, Pine City (2003) - Pine City?? Yes, the Dragons have a budding star on I35...Brouwer is over 6 foot 2 and over 200 pounds and shoots the puck like Chara. 

Luke Gramer, Moorhead (2002) - one of the most gifted defensemen returning to Bantams this year. If the Spuds make a run at state this year, expect Gramer to log some Frisch-like minutes when it matters.

Tate Hammitt, Bemidji - the Lumberjacks have a slick skater with great hands who is very smart with the puck.

Lucas Jorgenson, Orono (2001) - one of the more noticeable puck rushing defensemen in the state, Jorgenson turns heads with his size, speed and skill.

Jackson Kunz, Grand Forks (2002) - if you only have time to watch one game, Kunz is the guy you should see. Big, fast and fearless - this eighth grade sensation is productive on every shift.

Owen Neuharth, Prior Lake (2001) - the kind of player you won't notice for his size or potent shot...but at the end of most games number 11 is all over it. Reminds YHH of his coach Tony Bianchi at this age.

Andrew Revering, Alexandria (2001) - the Cardinals have a host of great players coming down I-94 this weekend, watch out for Revering - he can hurt you with his speed and heavy shot.

Jack Smith, St. Cloud (2002) - has great skill, but what stands out most about Smith is his ability to win so many races to the puck and battles in tight spaces. Stock is rising fast in the scouting circles.

Noah Tussey, Stillwater (2002) - coined him the best Bantam in the state on Ten Minutes Wednesday...high praise for a player who gets better and better each year. Plays with an edge and is very talented around the net.