The reigning state champions lost arguably the most talent of anyone in the state, but they also have plenty of returning talent to make their way to their 13th Class A state tournament in 14 years.
CEC will "need to get scoring from all over" to be successful this season, according to coach Shea Walters; the Lumberjacks start the season at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at Hibbing/Chisholm.
The Hilltoppers play in one of the state's toughest sections, but hope to combine senior leadership with new talent under new coach Shawn Bartlette; first game is at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at East Ridge.
After just two wins and occasionally playing with just nine or 10 skaters, the Rebels are focused growing their numbers and competing on a nightly basis; their first game is at home against Red Wing at 1 p.m. Nov. 25.
The Bluejackets need to score more goals than last season, but the returning players could help get them past the Section 7A semifinal; first game is at home against White Bear Lake at 1 p.m. Nov. 26.
The Raiders lost their top four defensemen from last season and will need younger players to step into the void; the season starts at home against Waconia at 5 p.m. Nov. 25.
