Touted as one of the deepest groups in years, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton opens the 2018-2019 season with understandably high expectations. The Lumberjacks, who went 17-8-1 last season before bowing out in the Class 2A, Section 7 quarterfinals to Duluth Marshall, return the bulk of last season’s scoring.

Senior forward Landon Langenbrunner (25-23-48) teams with fellow seniors Jon Baker (9-22-31) and Gavin Rasmussen (14-13-27) to form a dynamic forward group that receives a boost form varsity rookies Christian Galatz and Mason Langenbrunner. Galatz was a standout in last year’s Bantam Elite League, totaling seven goals and 11 points.

Having starting goaltender Owen Carlson back helps offset the temporary loss of standout defenseman Dane Stoyanoff, who is sidelined for the time being with an injury. 

Lakeville North loses defensive stalwart Garrett Daly to the British Columbia Hockey League (and eventually to Bowling Green), and speedy forward Mitch Kohner to the Prince George Raiders of the Western Hockey League. The Panthers do however return offensive catalyst Spencer Schneider, also committed to Bowling Green, and productive forward Shane Griffin (20-19-39) to their lineup.

Goaltenders Caleb Mayer and Will Johnson could rotate again this season after doing so in 2017-2018, as the backstops led Lakeville North to a 16-12-2 record and a state tournament appearance. 

In addition to losing two of last season’s leading scorers in Ray Christy and Chase Foley, the Cadets will be without senior forward Brendan McFadden (10-22-32) for the weekend. McFadden is a standout on the Cadets’ football team, which will be participating in the Prep Bowl on Saturday night at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Filling the void up front for the Cadets will be senior forward, and Colorado College commit Rob Christy (20-22-42) and senior forward Ryan O’Neill (16-17-33). O’Neill is coming off an impressive performance in the Upper Midwest High School Elite League, recording seven goals and 21 points in 23 games for Team Southwest.

The Cadets went 27-3-1 last season and finished as the state tournament consolation champions.  

Defending state champion Minnetonka loses one of the top players in the state (and country) in Bobby Brink, who has opted to stay with Sioux City of the USHL. Brink is currently second in the league in scoring as a high school senior, with 14 goals and 30 points in just 17 games.

The Skippers aren’t devoid of offense, however, returning several scrappy forwards, headed by senior and UMass-Lowell commit Jack Bayless (22-30-52). Junior forward and Arizona State commit Teddy Lagerback (19-19-38) brings a double-load of grit to the forward group, while senior defensemen Josh Luedtke (10-26-26) and Grant Docter (8-30-38) handle backend duties for the Skippers. Luedtke is committed to Denver, while Docter has verbally committed to Michigan Tech.