On Monday, the Bantam Elite League will announce it’s invites to their League.  From what we can tell at YHH, the League looks to have attracted some great kids, great coaches, and a schedule that does not interfere with AAA hockey or Summer training programs. According to League sources and their website, they will announce a majority of the Metro players tomorrow.  A tall task and then open the the last spots to a tryout, run by former NHL great Paul Ranheim in September. The debate over who was invited and who was not may rage.  Here are ten that will surely find the invite list on Monday.

1. Jack Olsen – YHH Player of the Year.  He won this award for a reason, he can play and he leads by example.

2. Peter Tabor – See above. Great leader and his skill on the blue line is top notch.

3. Clayton Phillips – arguably the best player in this graduating class. Lightning fast and strong like a high school player on his skates, Phillips is hard to stop.

4. Tyler Watkins – the best pure goal scorer his age, Watkins lights the lamp with great bursts and a rocket of a shot.

5. Gavin Hain – this kid plays with skill and passion every shift.  The only people who don’t like Hain, are his opponents.

6. Luke Lamaster – Size, Speed and Skill.  People in Duluth have tabbed Lamaster “the next great Hound”. Editor’s Note: Luke Lamaster attends Duluth Marshall and will likely continue attending school there through high school….so next great Topper (crow eaten).

7. Todd Scott – the best goalie in Bantam AA as a PeeWee, that is Todd Scott. A truly special talent that helped lead STMA to state last year.

8. Tyler Madden – this kid has filthy mitts and a knack for scoring quickly…no list is complete without him.

9. K’Andre Miller – Incredible speed, great shot and the ability to play either forward or defenseman, K’Andre is fun to watch.

10. Jaxon Nelson – the legend from Luverne. Nelson is a great talent that also played Bantams last year and may play High School hockey this year as an 8th Grader.