Arizona Jr. Coyotes 

The Jr. Coyotes have operated as one of the top programs in the southwest for several years now, and bring a quality group to the Twin Cities. The team plays a 200-foot game, regularly frustrating teams with its relentless back-checking. Arizona’s lineup has good size, which should help with physical play. 

Blue Army 

Like their 15U counterparts, Blue Army’s 14U group should be ready and raring to go this weekend as an energetic group. Blue Army’s goaltending should be able to withstand the tests of a talented division, while the group’s size is an advantage low in the offensive zone. 

Key Players: Ashton Dahms, Brody Deitz, Carsen Musser (G)

Green Bay Jr. Gamblers

Green Bay submits a balanced group with good depth on the blue line, a luxury reserved for few teams in this age group. A handful of the player Jr. Gamblers skated with Wisconsin during its run to the Bantam Elite League Major Division championship, and bring a high level of chemistry to the group. 

Key Players: Mario Savino, Ty James, Wes Johnson (G)

Highland Park Falcons (IL)

One of the top Tier II teams in the country last season, the Falcons went 41-8-6 during the 2018-2019 campaign, finishing ranked No. 7 in the country. Six of the Falcons eight losses last season came by two goals or less, with five of them by a single goal. The Falcons outscored their opponents 240-90 during the previous year. 

Madison Capitols 

Being able to rotate two goaltenders with no drop-off in talent bodes well for the Capitols, who also feature an abundance of speed in the forward group. The Capitols have a chance to rebound after a tough 0-2-1 start to the season this weekend. 

Key Players: Jut Suter, Cole Schreiber, Matthew Risser (G), Christopher Muir (G)

My Edge Hockey

My Edge brings a mix of players from all over to the Western States Invite, with puck possession and passing being two strengths of the squad. The team has a pair of sure-handed goaltenders in Carter Herman and Jonah Stevens, and the rotation should keep the netminders fresh for each game.

Key Players: Gavin Brink, Parker Osborn, Simon Seidl 

Sioux Falls Power 

Several new faces are wearing the Power colors this year, including a handful of Minnesota natives that have opted for the Tier I route. The roster is filled with size and skill, and goaltenders Addison Ronning and Lincoln Mellenthin should give the Power a chance in every game. 

Key Players: Brady Arneson, Patrick Kroski, Jacob Margarit 

True North 

In keeping with its 15U brethren, True North has a lot of size at both forward and defense. True North is one of the deepest teams in the field and should be able to roll all forward lines and defensive pairs without a noticeable decrease in play. 

Key Players: Anthony McIntosh, Andrew Peterson (G), Joe Gramer, Aaron Reierson, Landon Dauner