Editor’s Note: The BIG Pumpkin seeds came out two weeks ago, today’s Top Ten may reflect some movement based on early season performances.

When choosing a Pre-Season Top 10 you are going to have some winners and some losers.  Last year, YHH under valued teams from District 5 like STMA and St. Cloud.  It totally missed on Brainerd in AA, and Luverne and Minneapolis in single A.  We also over valued Chaska Chanhassen and White Bear Lake. In summary, a pre-season pick is just that, a Prognosticator’s best guess.  The good news is, within 5 days, we will have a much better look at how the season should shake out.

1. Edina – The core of this team has never lost an association hockey game played in Minnesota. These second year’s won all games as Squirts and did not lose last year as PeeWees. History says they will likely run the table again this year.  A very tall task.  One of which these kids relish.

2. Sibley – As Squirts two years ago this outfit was arguably the second best team. Returning a good core of it’s team from one of last year’s best “A” teams, the Warriors will be even better than they were two years ago. Brendan McFadden is a special talent – big, fast and very strong on the puck – will be a factor every time he takes the ice.  This is NOT a one man show, Sibley has wealth of talent including a few new faces and two strong Goaltenders.

3. Osseo Maple Grove - OMG will be a fun team to watch this year. They have a bona fide star in Trevor Janicke, a great group of returning players from last year and some first year talent that will make this team very tough to beat in District 3. In this year’s class, they stand above the others as number three mainly because of their Compete Level.  These kids play hard every shift.

4. Chaska Chanhassen – Another great team with a bundle of second year talent. Ethan Benz  (#11) is a player to watch this year.  He is a great puck handler with a great Hockey IQ.  Mike Koster and Bobby Brink add scoring depth to a team that can really fly. This team will not disappoint, they are very well coached.

5. Andover – Unlike the top four teams, the Huskies are loaded with a host of young first year talent.  At first glance this year, these young guns are ready for the big time. Returner Charlie Schoen is an electric skater with a nose for the net. Champions of District 10 two years ago as Squirts, the Huskies play a very aggressive style that will give all PeeWee AA teams trouble.

6. Wayzata – A top ten list is never complete without the Trojans.  Featuring a top line with ’01 superstars Kaden Bohlsen and Rhett Pitlick, Wayzata will score in bunches.  This is a team that will improve as the season progresses and possibly find themselves in the State Championship like they did last year.

7. Roseau – The Rams have a really strong group of players returning from last year’s team.  History shows that Roseau improves at a faster pace than most associations.  Two years ago, this team showed signs of excellence as Squirts.  YHH saw several of their players play this Summer, these kids can really play. Depth will be the key when playing the Metro teams.

8. Prior Lake – When comparing teams as Squirts two years ago, you can’t always assume a team will be the same.  Sometimes development is a factor and sometimes a team adds talent.  Prior Lake has both.  Jackson Jutting (#10 for the Lakers) is a special talent who did not wear Blue and Gold two years ago.  He is a great addition to a Squirt team that was on the verge two years.  The Lakers are off to a fast start and could easily contend for the top five this year.

9. Brainerd – Another great team from the 218, the Warriors return the Andres triplets and a strong group of skaters that had a fantastic season as Squirts two years ago. With only 12 skaters, this team will need to be fit in order to make a move to the top five of the YHH rankings.

10. Eden Prairie – A very well balanced team with several returners from last year’s Region team. Spencer Rudrud is a player to watch.  He’s a strong force below the hash marks that always seems to find his way onto the score sheet each game.

The group of Eagles may take some time to gel, but if they do, could land near the top of District 6 at season’s end.

​Others to Watch: Rosemount, White Bear Lake, Warroad, Duluth East, Stillwater, Lakeville South, Minnetonka and Roseville.