The 2017-2018 Peewee season promises to be several exciting months of competition, featuring talented players on numerous teams and in all corners of the state. 

The following is YHH's best attempt at narrowing those teams down to a Top-10, which was certainly no easy process. As YHH enters its sixth year of existence, we've been fortunate enough to have a number of players and teams participate in our programming and we wish those and the entire State of Hockey the best of luck this upcoming season. 

Peewee hockey is a special arena, and we hope the players, parents, and coaches enjoy the process as much as we enjoy following it. 

1. Hermantown

Key Players: Zam Plante, Max Plante, Kade Kohanski

The Skinny: In the words of Tony Scott: “You have Plante and Plante. That’s all you need.”

2. Edina

Key Players: Jimmy Clark, Tommy Cronin, Mikey Mason, Barrett Dexheimer

The Skinny: The Hornets feature a forward crop with some serious skill, headlined by the swift and smooth Jimmy Clark. Clark creates his own offensive opportunities out of thin air and finds his teammates for scoring chances consistently. Dexheimer and Mason are quality puck-movers on defense and can orchestrate a lethal Hornet power play. 

3. Osseo-Maple Grove

Key Players: Landen Gunderson, Luke Margeneau, Wyatt Olson, Danny Nelson

The Skinny: Adding Nelson from the Squirt A ranks only bolsters an already-strong forward group for the Leafbirds. A nice mix of talent and experience is complemented by the fact that the vast majority of these players skate together in the offseason for the Euro American Red squads. 

4. Woodbury 

Key Players: Trey Gnetz, Will Skahan, Ben Miller, Grant Kohnen, Tanner Henricks 

The Skinny: Depth will be the hallmark of the Predators, with standout players on both sides of the puck and in goal. While other teams may tire out while relying on one or two top players, the Predators can comfortably roll three lines.

5. Rosemount

Key Players: William Whitelaw, Charlie Stramel, Caden Hegarty

The Skinny: While Whitelaw powers the Irish engine, he is not alone in the offensive attack. Stramel more than holds his own when it comes to scoring goals and creating chances, using his big frame to clear operating space in front of the net. Hegarty offers the Irish yet another scoring option.

6. Chaska/Chanhassen

Key Players: Brodie Ziemer, Adam Kleber, Sam Scheetz, Javon Moore

The Skinny: Fresh off a record-setting offensive performance in the North American Hockey Showcase, Brodie Ziemer returns to his Stormhawks and a deep and talented lineup. Joining Ziemer from the United States runner-up Great Plains team is stalwart defenseman Adam Kleber, along with former Team Alberta forward Gracyn Sawchyn from the 2016 Show. 

7. Stillwater

Key Players: Ty Tuccitto, Daniel Roeske, Brody Dustin, Matthew Whisler

The Skinny: A boost from newcomer Cole Jackson adds depth to the Ponies’ roster, which features a bevy of scoring threats. Ty Tuccitto has continued to improve during his time in the summer circuit and will be relied upon to carry the Ponies.

8. Andover

Key Players: Gavyn Thoreson, Madison Kaiser, Cooper Conway

Thoreson and Kaiser combined as an effective forward tandem in an early-season scrimmage against Edina and proved to be solid penalty killers as well. This is a team that has serious potential as the season progresses. 

9. Mahtomedi

Key Players: Simon Seidl, Sawyer Seidl, Jack Sweeney

The Skinny: Powered by the brother-tandem of Simon and Sawyer Seidl, the Zephyrs will be an electric team to watch throughout the season. Add Jack Sweeney to the mix, and you have a squad that could hang five goals on the board with shocking consistency.

10. Rochester

Key Players: Hunter Hady, Jayden Veney, Payton Kor

The Skinny: Hady and Veney on the back end give Rochester a fighting chance in nearly every game, as both players present optimal size and mobility at the defensive position. A solid defense should give Rochester the edge in low-scoring games. 

Samantha Broz, Bloomington Jefferson

YHH got its look at Broz during the 2016 Peewee Challenge, and again this summer in the same tournament where she tallied three assists for Minneapolis West. 

Cole Jackson, Stillwater 

A member of the 2016 Team Minnesota squad at the Brick, Jackson joins a Stillwater team after skating with the Minnesota Blades this summer. 

Ty Henricks, Woodbury

Along with his brother Tanner, Ty adds a California flair to the Predators' lineup. Henricks was a standout on the 2005 Miracle Gold squad that took the title in YHH's AAA State tournament, totaling three goals and four points.

Gracyn Sawchyn, Chaska/Chanhassen

Sawchyn powered Team Alberta to a 6-3 record in the 2016 North American Hockey Showcase, dishing out five assists and adding a pair of goals. 

Matt Vander Vort, Edina

Vander Vort appears poised to be a contributor this season for the Hornets, netting a pair of goals in the win over Andover earlier this month.