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LAKE CONFERENCE HOCKEY 2017-2018

Page 2 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 3

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EDINA HORNETS BOYS HOCKEY

Can anyone stop EHS juggernaut this winter? “Obviously, the ultimate goal is to win sta te in March,” said Edina There is a lot of par- captain and senior f ority in high school hockey ward Sam W alker. “We these days, yet most of just have to keep getting the experts are already better every day.” picking the Edina bo ys “Our only goal is to win as the team to beat in the state,” said junior captain chase for the State Class Ben Brinkman, one of the state’s premier defenAA title. No one w ho saw the semen. Senior forward and Hornets open the season captain Lewis Crosby, with a 7-0 win over Holy who scored four goals Family Catholic would against Holy Family argue. The Hornets ar e Catholic, explained why for real - better and deeper opening night w ent so than ever, and, of course, well. well coached b y former “We saw tonight tha t NHL player Curt Giles.

By JOHN SHERMAN john.sherman@ecm-inc.com

good defense leads to good offense,” he said. Then there’s the Hor nets’ relentless forechecking. A good Hol y Family team that would beat Wayzata 5-1 one night later, was completely bottled up by Edina’s aggressive pursuit of the puck. By the way, Holy Family returns 10 regulars from a team that went 22-5-1 last season. “Our team is older and faster this season, ” said Crosby. “And everything is good in the lock er room.” Most of the Hornet

players are back from last year’s Lake Conference championship team. The only damper on a 20-7-1 record was the fact tha t Edina didn’t make it to the State Class AA Tournament. Wayzata upset the Hornets in the Section 6AA title game. Because of its e xperience, Edina was awarded the No. 1 state ranking by Let’s Play Hockey Magazine to start the 2017-18 season. “Our guys all decided (SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN) they wanted to finish Edina junior captain Ben Brinkman (17), working against Joe Hankinson of Holy Family Catholic above, already has the look of an NHL See Hornets, PAGE 10 defenseman.

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Page 4 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 5

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EDEN PRAIRIE EAGLES BOYS HOCKEY

Next up mentality is alive and well for EP on the blue line. The junior class is a big one with 14 on the r oster including forward Spencer Rudrud who had 17 points in 27 games and junior defensemen Sam P ajor and Max Ar getsinger. Pajor had five points and 14 shots through 30 games and Argetsinger added five assists in 17 regular season games before returning for the third place game. Rudrud is out of the line but is anticipated to return in late December while he recovers from an ACL injury. Look for junior f orwards Tim Piecho wski, Sam Wilhite, Garrett Smith and Carson J ones

By JASON OLSON jason.olson@ecm-inc.com

Over the last f our seasons the boys’ hockey season at Eden Pr airie has culminated with a section title and trip to the Xcel Energy Center f or Minnesota’s version of March Madness, the Sta te Class AA Hockey Tournament. Last season the Ea gles lifted the thir d-place trophy after a 3-2 o vertime victory over Lakeville South. Coach Lee Smith has six new forwards from last season inserted into the lineup tha t will mak e the leap from bantam or junior varsity but return an experienced group of upperclassmen led by captains senior defenseman Andrew Erwin and junior forward Jack Jensen. “There will be a growing curve, but they ha ve the ability to do it and w e’re excited for that,” Smith said. The team has six seniors on the r oster including goalie Andrew Dietrich who served as a backup last season compiling a 6-1-1 record with a 1.69 goals against average and .929 saves percentage. He made 23 sa ves in the third place game a t state and will be back ed up by sophomore Ben Bollis. Jensen was third on the team in scoring during the regular season and finished with 43 points in 30 games

to fill significant roles this winter along with sophomore John Mittelstadt, whom Smith says is ready for the opportunity. Juniors Jacob Lillejord, Austin Krebsbach, Tyler Sweeney have all w orked hard heading into the start of the season to earn ice time. Erwin will be pair ed with Pajor to make up an experienced defensive pair. Junior Keegan Langefels and Daylor will be in the mix along with Argetsinger, a big junior, and sophomore Luke Busby to form the core blue-liners. Juniors Clayton Shultz and AJ Horton will compete for ice time.

Meet the Eagles

(SUN CURRENT STAFF PHOTO BY JASON OLSON)

Eden Prairie’s Andrew Erwin (15) congratulates last year’s captain Nick Leivermann during the section awards ceremony in February while Joey Graen (22) looks on.

including a pair of assists against Lakeville South in the state third-place game. He had a season-high 12 shots on goal. That success contin ued during the fall Upper Midwest High School Elite League. He w as among the leading scorers as part of Team Southeast tha t reached the finals before falling to T eam Southwest 7-6 in o vertime. Jensen had 21 points in 11 games and then f our assists and one goal in thr ee playoff games. Junior for-

ward Tim Piechowski also played on Team Southeast scoring four times with one assist in the pla yoffs. He had eight points in 23 games with the Eagles last season. Dietrich backstopped Team Northeast compiling a 4-7-1 r ecord making 452 saves in nearly 700 minutes. Erwin was also part of the league as he and J ensen were invited to play in the CCM International Invite. Erwin was part of the champion Minnesota Red team while Jensen skated

for Minnesota White. “Jack’s been great and is more of a quiet leader who does his leading on the ice with hard work and determination,” Lee explained. Returning seniors include forwards Joey Graen and Ryan Lesko, while Chris Konin transferred to Eden Pr airie from out east and has been a w elcome addition to the roster through fall practices and scrimmages according to Smith. Erwin is joined b y fellow defenseman Br ock Daylor as the tw o seniors

#1 Senior goalie Andrew Dietrich #2 Junior defenseman Max Argetsinger #3 Junior defenseman Sam Pajor #4 Junior defenseman Keegan Langefels #5 Junior forward Austin Krebsbach #6 Junior forward Jacob Lillejord #7 Junior forward Spencer Rudrud #8 Senior forward Chris Konin #9 Sophomore forward John Mittelstadt #10 Junior forward Garrett Smith #12 Junior forward Tim Piechowski #15 Senior forward Andrew Erwin #16 Junior defenseman Clayton Shultz #17 Junior forward Sam Wilhite #18 Junior forward Jack Jensen #19 Senior forward Ryan Lesko #21 Sophomore defenseman Brock Daylor #22 Senior forward Joey Graen #23 Sophomore defenseman Luke Busby #26 Junior forward Tyler Sweeney #31 Sophomore goalie Ben Bullis #37 Junior forward Carson Jones #39 Junior defenseman A.J. Horton Coach Lee Smith

Page 6 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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HOPKINS ROYALS BOYS HOCKEY

Peterson’s boys relish their underdog role By JOHN SHERMAN john.sherman@ecm-inc.com

Each of the ca ptains has thoughts on rivalries that are special in the Lake Conference. “I’d like to bea t Wayzata,” said Kahner. “We haven’t done it yet, but one team I’ d like to beat is Edina,” said Staack. “Minnetonka is the biggest rivalry for me,” said Hoffman. As they try to push their way up in the Lake standings, the Royals will rally around returning goalie Bobby Wilson, who kept the team in every game he played last year. Unfortunately, Wilson missed a good portion of the Lake games with a broken collar bone. Now that he has healed, Lake rivals would be well advised to tak e the Royals seriously.

With a good mix of juniors and seniors on the roster, the Hopkins High boys hockey team is looking for upward mobility in the Lak e Conference ranks. “This is my fifth year,” said Hopkins head coach Cory Peterson. “I don ’t mind being the under dog in the Lak e, playing against some of the best teams in the sta te. Every time we come to the rink, (SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN) we’ll put our hard hats on Head coach Cory Peterson of the Hopkins High boys hockey team talks to his players at the end of practice last week. and play. This is the most tains Conner Stack and excited I’ve been f or a room.” pretty good, and he set “We always seem to Captains Johnny Henry Sweeney are as ex- the bar for me,” Sweeney play well here,” Hoffman season. We have good Kahner and Jesper Hoff- cited to compete as their commented. chemistry and the guys added. Hopkins didn ’t all like being in the locker man and alterna te cap- coach is. “I had a chance to play win a Lak e Conference “I think we’ll win more with my brother Alex the game last year, having to games this y ear,” said last couple y ears,” said settle for some moral vicSweeney, a junior forward Hoffman. “We’re both tories against tough odds. and the top r eturning defensemen. He sta yed scorer. “The chemistry is back a lot, and I am a Meet the Royals a lot better and everyone little bit mor e offensive#2 Junior forward Jack Slattery likes being here.” minded.” #3 Sophomore forward Tom Gazich #4 Junior forward Jack Stuessi “We want it mor e this “My brother Hunter #5 Junior forward Sam Haberman year,” said Hof fman, a was a good pla yer here, #6 Senior forward Reese Bloom senior defenseman. and the expectation is for #7 Junior forward Henry Sweeney “Practices are very me to do as well as him,” #8 Senior defenseman Conner Staack competitive,” said Stasaid Staack. #9 Senior defenseman Jesper Hoffman ack, a senior defenseman. As they look a t the ri#10 Senior defenseman George Greeley “A lot of us have played valries in the Lak e Con#11 Junior forward Wyatt Nelson together since we were 7 ference, the Hopkins #12 Senior forward Zach Taylor years old,” said K ahner. boys know it will be an #13 Senior forward Johnny Kahner “We want to bring the uphill battle. However, #14 Senior forward Will Broderson Hopkins tradition back.” there is one wild car d. #15 Junior defenseman Jackson James #16 Senior defenseman Ross Nordean Sweeney, Hoffman Hopkins is always tough #17 Junior defenseman J.J. Martin and Staack all had older to beat on its home ice at #18 Junior defenseman Miles Halligan brothers in the pr ogram, Hopkins Pavilion. #20 Junior defenseman Mario Hadley (SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN) and they w ould like to “We feel w e can in#30 Junior goalie Ethan Myers Hopkins High’s leaders are excited about the 2017-18 boys hockey out-do what their broth- timidate opponents #35 Senior goalie Bobby Wilson season. Pictured are, from left, front: forwards Henry Sweeney and ers accomplished. who come in her e,” said Coach Cory Peterson Johnny Kahner. Back, from left: Conner Stack and Jesper Hoffman. “My brother Jack was Kahner.

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Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 7

MINNETONKA SKIPPERS BOYS HOCKEY

Former college coach returns to his alma mater learn; excited for new opportunities.” Goldsworthy is e xcited himself. It isn’t often tha t any The former coach Brian high school in Minnesota Urick, also a former Minis able to hir e a hock ey netonka High pla yer, left coach with 19 y ears of the program stocked for head-coaching experience his successor. in the college ranks. “Brian left the pr ogram But Minnetonka a th- in great shape,” said Goldletic director Ted Schultz sworthy. “The cupboar d found a w ay to mak e it was certainly not bare.” happen when he hired forLeading the Skippers mer St. Olaf College coach are three senior ca ptains Sean Goldsworthy earlier - forwards Joey Molenaar this year. and Luke Loheit and deSpecial circumstances, fenseman Andrew Hicks. mainly that Goldsworthy Some other talented r eis a Minnetonka High turnees from last season’s graduate, helped make this team are senior f orwards possible. David Andes, Ryan Elder, (SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN) “During my years at St. Matt Koethe and Mitch Jack Bayless (29) of the Minnetonka High boys hockey team breaks free from a Wayzata defender to pursue a puck that’s sitting on its Olaf, I w as proud to tell McGannon, junior f or- edge during a game last season. people that I w as from ward Jack Bayless, sophMinnetonka,” Goldswor- omore forward Bobby Meet the Skippers thy said in a r ecent inter- Brink, junior defensemen fensemen. are used to winning, e ven view. “It is special to coach Grant Docter and J osh #1 Junior goalie Charlie Glockner Chris Wilson, Tom against the toughest comat my alma mater, and I’ve Luedtke and junior goal#2 Junior defenseman Grant Docter Streetar and J ustin petition. Some of the playenjoyed every moment of tender Charlie Glockner. #3 Junior defenseman Josh Luedtke Green, who all coached at ers on this y ear’s roster it so far.” #4 Senior forward Matt Koethe “They have done an out- Chanhassen High pr evi- have won state championGoldsworthy observed standing job in transition- ously, form the JV coach- ships in the P ee Wee and #5 Senior defenseman Andrew Hicks that the biggest dif ference ing to the ne w coaching ing staff. #7 Junior forward Mason Hendrickson Bantam ranks. between college and high #8 Senior forward Luke Loheit staff,” said Golds worthy. As a former Lake ConTo win it all a t the high school hockey is an ob vi- “This group of players has ference player, Goldswor- school level is, of course, #9 Sophomore forward Bobby Brink ous one - the a ge differ- been together for a long thy is w ell aware of the more difficult than win#10 Senior forward Joey Molenaar ence. #12 Senior forward Mitch McGannon time and they car e about traditions and also the ning youth hockey titles. #14 Junior defenseman Will Crull “In college, the average each other.” rivalries. “There is a significant #16 Sophomore forward Nic Henry age of the players is usuGoldsworthy has a mix “The Lake is such a difference between Ban#20 Senior defenseman Dylan Heiam ally about 21, compar ed of holdovers and newcom- competitive conference,” tams and high school #21 Sophomore defenseman James Miller to 17 in high school, ” he ers on his coaching staf f. he said. “You know that hockey,” said Golds wor#26 Senior forward Ryan Elder said. “One thing I didn ’t Steve Aronson, who’s in all of the teams will be well thy. “High school hock ey #27 Senior forward David Andes anticipate when I started charge of the f orwards, prepared. This y ear you requires a different level of #29 Junior forward Jack Bayless coaching Minnetonka and Mike Johnson, who start out with Edina No. 1. focus and team play.” #30 Senior goalie Cameron Smrekar is the high le vel of skill. works with the goalies , Wayzata went to state last Minnetonka finished #30 Junior goalie Jon Howe The players here are tal- were members of Urick’s year, and Eden Prairie has 15-12-0 last year and is al#32 Senior defenseman Andrew Howe ented enough to handle staff. Jack Hillen, a former been very strong the past most certain to improve on #34 Sophomore forward Teddy Lagerback upper-end coaching. They NHL player, has joined the few years.” that mark with the r eturn Coach Sean Goldsworthy are excited and willing to staff to work with the deThe Minnetonka bo ys of 13 varsity players.

By JOHN SHERMAN john.sherman@ecm-inc. com

Page 8 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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WAYZATA TROJANS BOYS HOCKEY

Change to smaller sheet makes for faster game By JOHN SHERMAN john.sherman@ecm-inc.com

For years, ever since the Plymouth Ice Center was built, the W ayzata High boys hockey team has had a unique homeice advantage. The Trojans have always hosted their opponents on an Olympic-size ice sheet, which is wider than a standard rink. For the first time this year, the Pl ymouth Ice Center has r econfigured the rink to nor mal high school dimensions, and Wayzata head coach P at O’Leary said he likes the change. “On a smaller rink, it’s a better game to w atch,”

O’Leary said after his team played two games on the ne w sheet o ver Thanksgiving weekend. “You really get a sense of how fast and strong these kids are.” The Trojans tied Maple Grove in their first trip up and down the ne w rink. In their second outing, they lost to Holy Family Catholic 5-1. Coming off back-toback appearances in the State Class AA T ournament, the Trojans haven’t altered their standar ds, or their style of play. Indeed, Wayzata youth players grow up thinking about blocking shots. “Our philosophy is, give yourself up f or the

(SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)

Forward Griffin Ness (22) of the Wayzata High boys hockey team charges forward to win a face-off against Holy Family Catholic during the Turkey Trot tourney at Plymouth Ice Center.

team,” said O’Leary , who was a r elentless shot-blocker during his own playing career. “We want to take care of our defensive zone first.” The Trojans return 14 of 20 lettermen from last year’s section championship team. It w as somewhat surprising tha t the Trojans made it to sta te last year since their final record was a belo w-average 11-19-1, but in the high school hockey playoffs, it’s all about getting hot at the right time. Now in his seventh season as the T rojans’ head coach, O’Leary has a career record of 102-597. Man of those games were won by the Trojans ability to control play in their own zone. The captains of this year’s team, senior f orwards Colin Schmidt and Griffin Ness, epitomize the Trojans’ style of play - defense first. But they still do quite a bit of scoring. Ness led the Trojans with 28 points on 13 goals and 15 assists last season, w hile Schmidt chalked up 26 points on 11 goals and 15 assists. Sophomore Ryan Mulrenin didn’t start the 2016-17 season with the varsity, but his pla y on the JV team earned him a quick pr omotion. He scored seven goals. “We are returning some key players, and w e’re a senior-heavy team,” said

(SUN SAILOR STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)

Wayzata High’s boys hockey attack forms a Flying V to penetrate Holy Family Catholic’s zone during the Turkey Trot tourney at Plymouth Ice Center. On the point of the rush is Trojan captain Colin Schmidt (3). Jumping into the play with him are Griffin Ness (22), Joel Matthews (4) and Tommy Bergsland (15).

O’Leary. “We have some guys who have already played in two state tournaments, but we have some others w ho will need to learn on the job.” O’Leary has ne ver shied away from competition, and he said the Trojans have one of the hardest schedules in the state. Want proof ? The first two weeks of the season, the Trojans’ four opponents were No. 2-ranked Duluth East, 2017 sta te qualifier Maple Grove, 2017 section finalist Holy Family Catholic and the defending state Class A champion, Her mantown.

Meet the Trojans #1 Junior goalie Danny Fraga #3 Senior forward Colin Schmidt #4 Junior forward Joel Matthews #5 Senior defenseman Carter Anderson #6 Senior forward Ike Taraszewski #7 Sophomore forward Ryan Mulrenin #9 Senior defenseman Tommy Harrison #12 Senior defenseman Tyler Dingmann #14 Senior forward Tommy Leisen #15 Junior defenseman Tommy Bergsland #17 Senior forward Tristan Nelko #18 Junior forward Luc Monney #20 Senior forward Matt Branton #22 Senior forward Griffin Ness #23 Junior forward Michael North #24 Senior forward Alex Sahli #30 Senior goalie Sawyer Andersen Coach Pat O’Leary

Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 9

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Page 10 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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EDINA HORNETS BOYS HOCKEY Hornets

hot hand with 43 points on 22 goals and 21 assists. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Junior forward Mason Nevers had 26 points on their high school car eer eight goals and 18 assists with their buddies,” said last year, while Brinkman Giles, who in the past has supplied 24 points on 12 lost players to the United goals and 12 assists from States Hockey League. his blue line post. The USHL will have to Jake Boltmann, a reguget along without Hor - lar on defense last year as net regulars this season. a freshman, shows good Walker, who was All- scoring potential coming off a 14-point perf orState last season, is the top returning scorer in mance in his first varsity the Lake Conference. He season. In addition to a talenthad 52 points on 24 goals ed cast of skaters, Edina and 28 assists in 2016-17. returns one of the pr eCrosby had a br eakout mier goalies in the sta te, year with 44 points on 19 goals and 25 assists , senior Garrett Mackay. while Jett Jungels, a ju- He was more than solid and sometimes spectacunior this season, had a

lar - with an 18-7-1 mark last year. Edina didn’t win the Lake Conference championship last season, mainly because Eden Prairie had one of its best teams ever. But the Hornets were a credible 6-20, losing twice to Eden Prairie (8-0-0). If all goes w ell, Giles might reach the 400 mark in car eer wins this season. He enter ed the 2017-18 campaign with a car eer record of 375-121-20. The other members of the Hornet coaching staff are Dave Terwilliger, Josh Harding, Dick Blooston and Greg Aslakson.

Meet the Hornets

(SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)

Edina High boys hockey captain Sam Walker holds the championship trophy from the 2016 Schwan Cup Gold Division tournament at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus

#1 Sophomore goalie Ramsey Bell #2 Sophomore defenseman Jake Boltmann #3 Junior defenseman Drew Bishop #5 Sophomore defenseman Lucas Flemming #6 Senior forward Bjorn Swanson #7 Junior forward Liam Malmquist #8 Sophomore forward Grant Morton #9 Junior forward Peter Colby #10 Senior forward Sam Walker #11 Senior forward Lewis Crosby #12 Sophomore forward Cole Cavanagh #14 Senior forward Evan Shoemaker #17 Junior defenseman Ben Brinkman #18 Junior forward Mason Nevers #19 Senior forward Max Borst #20 Junior defenseman Mike Vorlicky #21 Junior defenseman Mason Reiners #22 Junior forward Jett Jungels #23 Senior forward Demetrios Komountzis #30 Senior goalie Garrett Mackay Coach Curt Giles

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Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 11

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Page 12 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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Senior goalie is the equalizer for Hopkins squad By JOHN SHERMAN john.sherman@ecm-inc.com

How important is senior goalie Bobby Wilson to the Hopkins High boys hockey team? During a r ecent interview with the media a t Hopkins Pavilion, two teammates walked past Wilson and made the same remark: “Best goalie in the state.� Wilson did his best to prove that last season. Prior to breaking his collar bone in mid-season, he was gobbling up opponents’ shots in b unches. He would have 45 sa ves one game, 50 the next, and maybe even 55 the ne xt. By doing so he k ept the Royals competitive. “Bobby has come back

twice as hungry this year,� said Hopkins head coach Cory Peterson. “No matter what, he’s always confident he can stop the puck against any team, He’ll do whatever it takes.� Peterson compared Wilson’s goaltending style to that of NHL legend Patrick Roy. That means Wilson’s style is more combative than it is textbook. Unlike some goalies, who prefer to stay in the cr ease, he’ll come out of the cage and dive on loose pucks. And he uses e very part of his equipment to make saves - his glove, his blocker, his skates, his chest protector and even his mask. Like Patrick Roy, Wilson has a fiery temper and a fierce will to win.

“Sometimes I get angry,� he admitted. Surprisingly, Wilson isn’t a full-career goalie. “I switched to goalie my freshman year because there was no other goalie in my grade,� he said. “I had been a ca tcher in baseball, so that made the transition easier.� In his senior year Wilson is confident that he has developed a full complement of goaltending skills. “Last year, out team was put in a tough situa tion because we were young and overmatched at times with a tough schedule ,� he said. “With this year’s group, we’re more experienced. We already have good chemistry.� Wilson said he and his teammates want to win

for themselves, and also for coach Peterson. “It has been a gr eat experience playing for coach Peterson,� the goalie emphasized. “Everyone on the team has a good r elationship with him. W e know he’ll do e verything he can with what we have. “For me personall y, coach Peterson believes in me and helps me so much. He has let me develop my own style.� Wilson, who is a tw oyear letterman in baseball as well as in hock ey, said he isn’t sure yet which sport he might pla y in college. “It will depend on the school I a ttend and the level I can play at,� he said. (SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN) Wilson loves hockey be- Hopkins High hockey goalie Bobby Wilson is psyched to have a big senior season. cause of the challenge.

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Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 13

Page 14 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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EDEN PRAIRIE EAGLES GIRLS HOCKEY

Dobchuk, Hengler return to anchor young squad By JASON OLSON jason.olson@ecm-inc.com

Eden Prairie is a r elatively young and ine xperienced girls hockey team with plenty of potential playmakers from a team that hoisted the thir dplace trophy at state in February after claiming the 2016 state title. The Eagles, who are three-time state Class AA champs, are anchored by two experienced senior captains, goaltender Alexa Dobchuk and defenseman Crystalyn Hengler, and will rely on a strong sophomore and junior gr oup to

lead the scoring after graduating two members from last season’s All-Tournament team, Naomi Rogge (Minnesota-Duluth) and Sammie Morton (lacrosse at Denver University). Both Dobchuk and Hengler will head to Division I college pr ograms next season with Dobchuk going east to Colga te and Hengler joining coach Brad Frost at the University of Minnesota. “We’re younger than we’ve been and scoring is an issue f or us, so w e’ve got to learn ho w to do

(SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JASON OLSON)

Eden Prairie sophomore forward Sydney Langseth (3) has four goals in ďŹ ve games after posting 11 goals and 25 points in 30 games in 2016See Eagles, PAGE 22 17, including a goal in the Eagles 6-0 win over Hill-Murray in the third-place game at state last season.

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Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 15

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Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 17

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EDINA HORNETS GIRLS HOCKEY

Hornets are rock-solid No. 1 in Class AA By JOHN SHERMAN john.sherman@ecm-inc.com

Following several very impressive victories early in the 2017-18 season, the Edina Hornets hold the state’s No. 1 ranking in Class AA girls hockey. At the same time , Edina’s new rival in Section 6AA, Blake School, looms as a serious challenger after winning the state Class A title last winter. The Hornets will go against Blake on Jan. 20, 2018 at Blake Arena in Hopkins. That contest will give both teams an idea what they’ll need to work on before they compete for the Section 6AA title in February. For now, Edina coach

Sami Reber has not turned her thoughts to Blake. With a tough preconference schedule, the Hornets ha ve to f ocus on one opponent at a time . They alr eady have impressive wins over St. P aul United (63) and Cr etin-Derham Hall (7-1). The doub le round-robin schedule of Lake Conference games includes home and a way meetings with Eden Prairie, Hopkins/St. Louis Park, Minnetonka and Wayzata. “There is no light game on our conference schedule,” said R eber, whose Hornets won the sta te Class AA title in 2017, her first season as head coach. “All of the teams

(PHOTO BY MARK TROCKMAN - TROCKSTOCK.COM)

Senior forward Lolita Fidler is the top returning forward for the Edina High girls hockey team.

have good players, every game is tough, and I love that.” Edina is talent-rich again this season, although the team graduated its all-time best defenseman, Grace Bowlby, and its thr ee-year starting goaltender, Anna Goldstein. Leading the r eturnees are two of the top returning scorers in Class AA. Senior forward Lolita Fidler, who will play for Harvard University next season, had 53 points on 24 goals and 29 assists last season. Joining Fidler is senior f orward Emily Oden, who had 40 points on 25 goals and 15 assists. Oden missed almost three weeks while she was competing in the W orld 18-and-Under Tournament with T eam USA. For the second y ear in a row, she r eturned wearing a gold medal. “Loli is e ven better than she w as last y ear,” said Reber. “I don’t know how she does it. She does so much for us, whether it’s scoring a big goal or pumping up the bench.” Oden, who will play for the University of Minnesota next season, is just as valuable as Fidler. “Emily and Loli ar e different players,” said Reber. “Emily is a physical player, and you don’t want to get in front of her shot.” Another returning for-

ward with a high upside is junior C .C. Bowlby, Grace’s sister. “C.C. showed up a t tryouts a completely different player,” said R eber. “She grew her game offensively over the of fseason. Her whole game has evolved to a higher level.” C.C. Bowlby was one of the team’ s top pla ymakers last y ear, when she piled up 27 points on seven goals and 20 assists. The top r eturning de(SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN) fenseman for the Hornets is senior Brooke Tucker, In addition to playing high school hockey for Edina, senior captain now in her fourth season Emily Oden has won two gold medals with Team USA in the 18-andon the varsity. She had 19 Under World Championships. assists last season. “We’re lucky to have a defenseman like Brooke,” starring for the Hornets regular on the hock ey said Reber. “No pucks team. She is happy to be and leading her team to get past her, and she’s an the state tournament, she back home, happy to be all-around good kid.” graduated from Harvard coaching an elite hockey Senior goalie Megan University as a four-year team. Smith saw limited action behind Goldstein Meet the Hornets last season, but when she #1 Senior goalie Megan Smith #4 Junior forward Olivia Swaim did play, Smith posted a #5 Sophomore defenseman Sophia Doll stingy goals-against aver#6 Senior defenseman Eva Hendrikson age of 0.33. #7 Senior defenseman Savanna Atol In early-season con#8 Junior defenseman Mallory Uihlein tests, the Hornets ha ve #10 Junior defenseman Evelyn Adams had contributions from #11 Junior forward Annie Kuehl several new varsity play#12 Senior forward Lolita Fidler ers, led by Hannah Chor#13 Junior forward C.C. Bowlby ske and T ella Jungels. #16 Senior forward Emily Oden With a girls youth hock#17 Senior defenseman Brooke Tucker ey program that’s among #18 Ninth-Grade forward Hannah Chorske the best in the state, Edi#19 Sophomore forward Tella Jungels na continues to de velop #21 Sophomore forward Lucy Bowlby the top talent. #22 Senior forward Aliyah Lance Reber, a pr oduct of #30 Junior goalie Elli Strittmater Edina youth hockey herCoach Sami Reber self, made the most of her opportunities. After

Page 18 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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HOPKINS PARK ROYAL GIRLS HOCKEY Teammates will stay in touch in their college years By JOHN SHERMAN john.sherman@ecm-inc.com

When Hopkins/St. Louis Park girls hockey captains Kylie Hanley and Amanda Olson ar e away at college next year, they won’t have a difficult time staying in touch. Hanley, a r eturning All-Lake Conference forward, has earned a Di vision I scholarship to play for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Olson is also headed to the Duluth-Superior area after choosing the Uni versity of Wisconsin-Superior as her destination. “We will be a ble to see each other up there,” said

Hanley. “I hope I get a chance to watch Amanda play.” Hanley described her college recruiting process as “long and str essful,” but she was pleased with her final decision. “I was looking at a few schools in the WCHA and a few out east, ” he said. “The coaching staf f at UMD is gr eat, and I am super excited to pla y for them next year.” “My college r ecruiting was easier than K ylie’s,” said Olson, a senior defenseman. “I get homesick easily, so I chose a college close to home.” In addition to being two of the best hockey players

(SUN SAILOR STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)

Hopkins/St. Louis Park girls hockey captain Kylie Hanley is in her sixth season at the varsity level. She had 12 goals through the first five games this season.

in the Lak e Conference, Hanley and Olson ar e both straight-A students. Through the first five games of the 2017-18 season, the ca ptains led the Royals to a 5-0-0 r ecord. The team is made up of players from Hopkins and St. Louis P ark High Schools, and this is the third season f or that cooperative agreement. “We’re a famil y,” said Royal head coach Chris Erickson. “The gir ls on the team have really good chemistry.” “I think we can keep up with any team this y ear,” said Hanley, who has done her part b y scoring 12 goals in the first five games. “We like playing at our home rink [Minnetonka Ice Arena],” said Olson. “The fans motivate us to play at a high pace.” Olson said the R oyals’ defense has come together nicely, following the graduation of last y ear’s top blue-liner, Kate Glover. “We’re not as fast on defense as we were last year, but we’re making up for it by pinching mor e,” said Olson. In addition to Hanley and Olson, some of Hopkins/Park’s other seniors are forward Annika P atterson and defenseman Kallie Kuehmichel, forward Kathryn Fredrickson and goalie Emily Bolen. “We’re a y oung team, but we have experienced

(SUN SAILOR STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)

Senior defenseman Amanda Olson is one of the captains for the Hopkins/St. Louis Park girls hockey co-op team.

players,” said Hanley. Among those e xperienced players are two of the top ninth-gr aders in the Lak e Conference, Charlotte Rich and Erin Brousseau. Along with Hanley and Olson, they have been consistent point producers in ear lyseason games. Patterson’s absence, due to an injury, has placed mor e of the scoring burden on Hanley. Hanley said the Royals’ goal is to r each the Section 6AA championship game this winter. At that point they w ould probably have to go a gainst No. 1-ranked Edina.

“All of the Lak e Conference teams are tough,” said Hanley. “We have to continue to pla y as a team.”

Follow the Sun sports writers on Twitter at MNSunSports and on facebook at facebook.com/ SunSportsStaff.

Meet the Royals #1 Senior goalie Emily Bolen #4 Senior forward Annika Patterson #5 Senior defenseman Kallie Kuehmichel #6 Junior defenseman Mary O’Neil #7 Ninth-Grade forward Charlotte Rich #10 Senior forward Kylie Hanley #12 Eighth-Grade forward Alma Beaton #13 Eighth-Grade defenseman Katherine Kasica #14 Sophomore forward Maia Weiler #16 Junior forward Mary Gleason #20 Senior forward Kathryn Fredrickson #21 Sophomore forward Sarah McCallon #22 Ninth-Grade forward Erin Brousseau #23 Senior defenseman Amanda Olson Coach Chris Erickson

Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 19

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MINNETONKA SKIPPERS GIRLS HOCKEY

Skippers regroup around strong senior class By JOHN SHERMAN john.sherman@ecm-inc.com

Minnetonka opens the 2017-18 season with one of the highest-scoring defensive pairs in the state. Sophomore Maggie Nicholson, who has committed to pla y for the University of Minnesota three years from now, returns after piling up 22 points on seven goals and 15 assists. Junior Kailey Langefels, who has committed to pla y college hockey for Ohio Sta te University, had 20 points last season on seven goals and 13 assists. “They are two of the best defensemen in the state,” said Skipper head coach Eric Johnson, who had three state titles and

a career record of 230-8722 coming into the cur rent season. Minnetonka’s defensive scoring punch is supplemented by the production of an e xperienced front line. Senior captains Bella Berto gliat and Madison Fleming are proven scorers along with senior Chloe Le wis and junior Molly McHugh. Grace Hoelscher, a senior defenseman, is a solid playmaker who had 12 assists last season. The Skippers are coming off of a 14-10-4 season last winter. “We’re a strong skating team anchored by talented defensemen,” said Johnson. “We graduated 34 goals and r eturn 51, which is a pr etty good

(SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)

Sophomore defenseman Maggie Nicholson (14) is a big-time player for the Minnetonka High girls hockey team. She piled up 22 points on seven goals and 15 assists last season.

(SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)

Senior goalie Abby Manlove of the Minnetonka High girls hockey team comes up with a big stop during the Skippers’ 2-2 tie with Warroad earlier this season.

number.” Johnson, whose state Class AA championships came in consecutive years (2012-2014) feels he has a solid goaltender in senior Abby Manlove. Early in the 2017-18 season, the Skippers haven’t been scoring a lot of goals, but Manlove has kept them in e very game. The scorebook shows the Skippers have outstanding defense. In two early tests against strong teams, they tied Forest Lake 1-1 and Warroad 2-2. W arroad is fa vored to ba ttle Breck School for the state Class AA title this season.

Manlove was at her best in the Skippers’ 2-1 victory over the Roseau Rams at Pagel Activity Center. She stopped 31 of 32 attempts to negate a disadvantage in shots on net. In another ear ly-season game, Manlove’s brilliance was on display again as she won a 3-0 decision at Roseville. One of the best things about the Skippers this season is tha t they ha ve a lot of different players who can score. Last season, Minnetonka looked to Emma Bigham to scor e the big goals, but this y ear the

goals can come from anywhere - fr om in fr ont of

the net to back on the blue line.

Meet the Skippers #2 Junior forward Anna Koethe #3 Junior forward Kate Hoelscher #4 Senior forward Julia Gallogly #5 Ninth-Grade defenseman Rory Guilday #7 Senior Forward Bella Bertogliat #8 Senior forward Madison Fleming #12 Sophomore forward Lacey Martin #14 Sophomore defenseman Maggie Nicholson #15 Senior forward Chloe Behounek #16 Senior defenseman Grace Hoelscher #19 Senior forward Chloe Lewis #20 Junior defenseman Kailey Langefels #25 Junior forward Molly McHugh #30 Senior goalie Abby Manlove Coach Eric Johnson

Page 20 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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WAYZATA TROJANS GIRLS HOCKEY

Sixteen of 20 letter winners are back for WHS an opportunity to play college hockey if they w ant to,” Christopherson observed. Two of the defensemen, junior Emily Wisnewski and eighth-grader Sloane Matthews, took some shifts at forward in the

By JOHN SHERMAN john.sherman@ecm-inc.com

After the first four games of the 2017-18 pr ep girls hockey season, W ayzata already had two shutouts, plus a 2-1 victory o ver Anoka. Head coach Jess Christopherson enters her second season at Wayzata with the idea tha t the str ong defense will continue. “We have both of our goalies and all six of our varsity defensemen returning from last y ear,” she said. In all, the T rojans have 16 of 20 players back from last year’s tournament team, and that should give them a good chance to improve upon last season ’s overall record of 10-17-0. “We are not scoring as much as I thought w e would yet,” said Christopherson, whose team stood 3-1-0 after f our games. “There is still a lot to do. One thing I w ould like to do this y ear is beat a couple of teams that nobody thinks we can beat.” The Trojans won’t have to look far to find opponents that fit that description. Edina, the defending state Class AA champion, will play Wayzata home and away. Perennial powers Eden Prairie and Minnetonka are also on the Trojans’ schedule twice each, along with HopkinsSt. Louis Park, a team that won five in a r ow to start

third period of the Anoka game. “We’re familiar with the teams we play in the Lake Conference,” said Christopherson. “They ar e all good teams, but we aren’t scared of them. The sk y’s the limit for this squad.”

Meet the Trojans

(SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)

Dependable junior forward Maddie McCollins is one of the key returnees for the Wayzata High girls hockey team.

the season. “We always talk a bout buying into the system and taking pride in our defense,” said Christopherson. “It is a pri vilege to coach a t Wayzata. We have girls who really care about the program. “Overall, we have a very tough schedule, but that’s by design. Y ou get better when you play better teams. We want to measure

ourselves against the best.” Early in the season, three experienced forwards Maddie McCollins, Alexa Ocel and Sophie Urban - have taken the offensive leadership for Wayzata. “Maddie has scor ed in every game so far,” Christopherson noted. “ And Alexa scored the winning goal against Anoka.” On defense, the Trojans rally around their e xpe-

rienced goalies, senior Grace Boswell-Healey and junior Stephanie Garvis. By allowing a total of three goals in the first four games, they showed a high level of confidence. Garvis has two shutouts alr eady with a 6-0 win over the St. Cloud Icebreakers and a 1-0 win o ver Benilde-St. Margaret’s. “We rolling with six D’s, and all of them will ha ve

#1 Junior goalie Stephanie Garvis #2 Senior defenseman Annika Swanson #3 Ninth-Grade forward Lucy Hanson #4 Sophomore forward Sophie Urban #5 Sophomore defenseman Addy Hackley #6 Junior forward Alexa Ocel #7 Sophomore forward Coco Crandall #8 Senior forward Ashley Greenshields #9 Junior defenseman Hailey Olson #10 Sophomore forward Sara Aadalen #11 Junior forward Kaci Johnson #12 Senior defenseman Megan Marshall #13 Junior defenseman Emily Buan #14 Sophomore forward Sophie Heyer #15 Sophomore forward Allie Skoro #16 Junior forward Maddie McCollins #17 Senior forward Sydney Remark #18 Junior forward Chloe Fallen #19 Junior forward Anna Laugen #21 Junior forward Paige Nelson #22 Junior defenseman Emily Wisnewski #23 Junior defenseman McKenzie Schindler #24 Ninth-Grade forward Gretchen Branton #25 Sophomore forward Ruby Moss #26 Sophomore forward Mackenzie Allen #27 Junior defenseman Carley Hagan #29 Sophomore forward Caroline Egan #30 Sophomore goalie Clare Bergeron #32 Eighth-Grade defenseman Sloane Matthews #33 Senior goalie Grace Boswell-Healey #34 Sophomore defenseman Josie Grubb #36 Senior forward Maria Moy #40 Sophomore goalie Addy Olson #42 Sophomore defenseman Anna St. Martin #44 Sophomore defenseman Elise Johnson #45 Sophomore forward Abby Prodahl Coach Jess Christopherson

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Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 21

Page 22 Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017

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EDEN PRAIRIE EAGLES GIRLS HOCKEY Eagles

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

that better and be mor e consistent with it,� Eagle head coach Jamie Grossman said as sophomor es Nora Wagner and Sydney Langseth lead the team with four points each. Langseth, who is committed to play at Minnesota State, Mankato has f our goals five games into the 2017-18 campaign. Hengler had 36 points in 29 games last season and fellow senior Gigi Jacobson (three assists in 30 games last season) each have two assists making

up the Eagles’ top defensive pair. They ar e followed by junior R achel Decesare and sophomore Claire Kuipers. Three forwards, freshman Grace Kuipers (eight points in 30 games in 2016-17), senior Izzy Radley and sophomor e Carrie Byrnes each ha ve one assist (five points in 30 games last season). Look for Langseth to (SUN STAFF PHOTO BY JASON OLSON) anchor the top line along Eden Prairie senior goalie Alexa Dobchuk is a three-time All-Lake with Nora Wagner, Kui- Conference choice and one of the state’s elite hockey players. pers and Byrnes. The sec- Pictured with her is Eagle defenseman Rachel Decesare. ond line includes juniors Becca Kniss, Ava Wagner opening poll provided by son based on prior e xpeLet’s Play Hockey Maga- rience and w hich players and Macy Townsend. Eden Prairie is r anked zine, and that serves as a returns. seventh in the seasonstarting point of the sea-

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#2 Junior forward Becca Kniss #3 Sophomore forward Sydney Langseth #5 Senior defenseman Gigi Jacobson #6 Ninth-Grade forward Josie Miller #7 Senior forward Izzy Radley #8 Junior forward Macy Townsend #9 Ninth-Grade forward Grace Kuipers #11 Sophomore forward Carrie Byrnes #12 Junior defenseman Katie Samide #13 Senior defenseman Crystalyn Hengler #14 Sophomore forward Nora Wagner #15 Sophomore defenseman Claire Kuipers #16 Ninth-Grade forward Gretchen Bauer #17 Sophomore forward Maggie Brown #22 Junior defenseman Rachel Decesare #27 Eighth-Grade forward Dani Benson #30 Senior goalie Alexa Dobchuk #31 Junior goalie Brynn McDonald #35 Ninth-Grade goalie Molly Goergen #42 Ninth-Grade defenseman Christina Spanier #45 Junior forward Ava Wagner Coach Jamie Grossman

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Lake Conference Hockey • Thursday, December 7, 2017 Page 23

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