Five players around the North Metro are looking at having breakout performances this upcoming season. All cite their dedication and hard work in the offseason in contributing to significant improvement from last season.
- Jack Novack- Junior Forward: Anoka. Jack had 9 goals and 3 assists last year as a sophomore and he is looking to double those numbers in his Junior season. Playing hockey year-round in tournaments and camps contributes to his confidence and has helped develop him as an all-around player. Jack has exhibited excellent vision, as his ice awareness was one of his strengths last season. Anoka is looking to come off strong from a less than favorable season last year, finishing at 6-17, and give their opponents a run for their money in the 2019-2020 season. Look for Jack Novack to consistently put it in the net, as the Tornadoes take on some worthy opponents this year.
- Luke Delzer- Junior Forward: Totino Grace. Luke had a stand out season last year with the Eagles as he had 15 goals and 14 assists as a Sophomore. He has put in a lot of work since February and is excited to showcase his improvement in the upcoming season. Luke played in the Minnesota High School Elite League this summer, which allowed him to compete against the best players in the state and helped develop him into a fine-tuned playmaker. This season Totino Grace has opted up to play in 2A and Luke has a message for his opponents, “Watch out for us this year. Nobody expects a team opting up to 2A can compete with the big teams, especially a small school like us”. The poise and confidence Luke Delzer carry with him will be sure to help the Junior forward have his best season yet.
- Austen Humphrey- Senior Forward: Elk River. Last season Austen was able to put the puck in the net 18 times while racking up 21 assists. He is looking at bringing both of these numbers up into the 30’s for his senior season. He trained hard in the offseason while participating in MAP at the National Sports Center in Blaine as well as playing in the NAHL with the St. Cloud Blizzard. Austen is expecting his team to make a splash in their conference this year as he believes his teammates all trained hard since February. They are ready to hit the ice come their first game against Anoka on November 23rd. Expect Austen Humphrey to lead the way for the Elks offensive game this season.
- Barret Hall- Sophomore Forward: Gentry Academy. Barret showcased his skills last season as a freshman putting up impressive numbers. He had 15 goals and 25 assists and he played in 27 games, with two of them being in the section playoffs. Barret knows the game of hockey well, and it shows when he is on the ice playing with kids 2-3 years older than him. He worked hard in the offseason, doing all he could to prepare himself for his sophomore year. The coaches at Gentry Academy have nothing but good things to say about him, stating, he is a great player and even a better kid. Barret Hall is going to be a force to be reckoned with in his remaining 3 years as a high school hockey player.
- Ryan Olsen- Junior Defender: Cambridge- Isanti. Ryan played in 24 games last season as a sophomore where he had 6 goals and 9 assists. Standing at 6 foot 5 inches tall, his shot carries a hefty velocity and his reach makes it hard for players to stickhandle around. Ryan is expected to have an outstanding season and is someone opposing goalies may be timid to face. Hard slap shots from the blue line will be ripping past goaltenders left and right if Ryan is passed the puck. Look out for him as he will be coming out of the offseason looking to make an impact this year.