Our Early AA HS Hockey Rankings

The 2023-24 High School Hockey season once again reaffirmed Minnesota's status as the best place to play high school hockey. It also served as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed when it comes to making it out of sections, as evidenced by the challenges faced by Minnetonka and Wayzata. Edina once again demonstrated its dominance in St. Paul, while new faces like Rochester John Marshall and the Chanhassen Storm emerged on the scene, with the latter having to overcome formidable opponents to secure a spot in the tournament. Although the 23-24 season concluded nearly a month ago, it's time for us to unveil our very early preseason Top 10 rankings. The Shakopee Sabers will be the team to watch next year as they are poised to retain the bulk of their highly touted junior class, led by standout player Cooper Simpson. If Simpson and his teammates return, the Sabers would likely be favored to contend for the Mr. Hockey title. Therefore, the Shakopee Sabers claim the top spot in our "early" Preseason rankings.

1. Shakopee

2. Edina

3. Moorhead

4. Rogers

5. Maple Grove

6. Cretin-Derham Hall

7. Hill Murray

8. Stillwater

9. St Thomas Academy

10. Grand Rapids

Honorable Mentions and why?

Minnetonka-

Minnetonka graduates a big chunk of scoring and the future of players like Danny Klaers are uncertain. Minnetonka will look to reload as they fall just short of our pre season top 10. Minnetonka, like many teams, may look for some younger players to reload, and should have no issue with the strength of Minnetonkas youth program as well as the growing Hopkins system. We have Minnetonka at 11 in our preseason rankings.

Wayzata- 

Like Minnetonka, Wayzata graduates a large senior class that contains top scorers as well as both goalies. Wayzata has produced solid bantam teams over the last several years and will look to newcomers and returners to replace the scoring they are losing. Wayzata sits at 12 in our preseason rankings

Eden Prairie-

Yes, another lake conference team. Eden Prairie was a team that impressed me last season. Eden Prairie played well with a loaded Wayzata team last year settling for a tie. Eden Prairie has key players returning but at the same time will need to replace goalie Isaiah Paulnock. Eden Prairie sits at 13 in our preseason rankings.

2023 State Title Game