With most sports on hold and the 2020-21 season still months out, it’s time to take a look at teams from all over the State of Hockey and examine what happened this past season and what’s ahead. Today, the spotlight is on Mounds View.
How last season went
Playing in the East Metro where the top teams were littered around the area, the Mustangs faced their struggles and finished the regular season with a 10-15 record.
One of the problems for Mounds View came at the start and end of the 2019-20 regular season. The Mustangs lost three of their first four games of the season and ended the regular season on a three-game losing streak. There were some highlights, however, including a 5-4 overtime win against Suburban East Conference rival Roseville.
In the postseason, Mounds View went on the road in the quarterfinals and flew past East Ridge, 6-2. However, the Mustangs’ run ended in the semifinals as they fell to eventual Class 2A champion Hill-Murray.
Who’s back and who’s gone
The biggest returner for Mounds View appears to be Ryan Collins. He returns after being one of the Mustangs’ top scorers with 7 goals and 19 assists. However, the majority of the Mounds View scorers this past season were graduating seniors. The trio of Henry Claridge, George DeMay and Jake McAlpine Jake McAlpine Forward Rosemount | 2020 State MN depart after combining for 25 goals and 24 assists. The Mustangs also graduate main goaltender Luke Ortloff, who posted a 3.63 goals against average and a .882 save percentage.
What to expect next season
The East Metro hockey scene will likely be as vicious as ever next season. It also doesn’t help the Mustangs that they’re in a section that has been dominated in recent years by Hill-Murray and White Bear Lake. If Mounds View wants to compete, some fresh blood is going to need to up the standards.