98-2-3. 588-97. .967. 

That seemingly random assortment of numbers indicates that Minnesota girls hockey may revolve around a town of approximately 30,000 in Anoka County. 

Frankly, the Andover Huskies were nothing short of dominant last season at the 12UA and 10UA levels, as the line of statistics and decimals above highlight the combined record, goals for/against, and winning percentage of the 2017-2018 Huskies youth teams. 

“It is very exciting to see the girls grow up and have much success,” Andover head coach Melissa Volk said via email of the youth program’s run. 

This year’s Andover varsity roster features a mix of players that have won a 12UA state championship, 15UA state championship, or both. At last count, six Huskies either returning from last year’s varsity roster or in the youth pipeline have committed to Division I programs. 

One Andover product, Claire Butorac, is now skating for the Minnesota State women’s team, and the program moves on without a cornerstone player of two Husky squads that advanced to the Class AA State Tournament.

“Claire Butorac's graduation is a huge hole to fill this season with her on-ice play and leadership,” Volk said. “However, this is now an opportunity for new leaders to emerge and we have a very committed group of returning players.”

In addition to replacing the All-State Honorable mention selection-Butorac's 36 goals and 76 points, the Huskies will need another leader on defense, as senior stalwart Grace Halvorson has graduated and moved on to Division III Bethel University. Just five seniors are on the 2018-2019 roster for the Huskies.  

On plus side, seven of the team’s nine leading scorers from last year’s Class AA fifth-place finish (and a 21-6-1 record), including Jamie Nelson and Peyton Hemp. Nelson and Hemp combined for 52 goals and 124 points, and are committed to Minnesota State and Minnesota respectively. 

Goaltenders Cassidy Stumo and Amanda Pelkey also return for the Huskies, an advantage on the backend for a group that will face defending state champion Edina to start the season on Nov. 8.

The Huskies had not played the Hornets during the regular season since the 2011-2012 season when Edina earned a 2-0 victory.  

“It will definitely be a great test to see where we are at beginning the season,” Volk said.

Since 2016, the Hornets and Huskies have rotated as 12UA state champions, facing each other in the title game in each of the past three years. 

Expect the rivalry to be renewed at the high school level.