Offseason breakdown No. 46: Wayzata
With 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. The next team we’re breaking down is Wayzata. …
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Continue ReadingWith 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. The next team we’re breaking down is Wayzata.
How last season went
After three games, it would’ve been easy for the Trojans to panic as they started the season with a three-game losing streak. But Wayzata quickly found its footing and pushed through. From Nov. 20-Dec. 28, the Trojans went unbeaten.
Following the slow start, Wayzata went 14-5-2 the rest of the regular season. That included wins against Blake, Hill-Murray, Blaine and Eden Prairie. Those wins propelled the team to a third place finish in the Lake Conference.
Despite those triumphs, the Trojans play in the intense battleground that is Section 6AA and only earned the No. 5 seed. Wayzata went up against rival Edina in the quarterfinals. The two teams played one of the top games of the quarterfinal round as they entered overtime tied at 4. The higher-seeded Hornets eventually broke the stalemate in overtime and sent the Trojans home.
Who’s back and who’s gone
It has to be encouraging to see Wayzata’s success last season despite rolling with a more youthful group. Gavin O"Connell, Jake Keller and Jake Schneider are all set to return to the ice for the Trojans next season. The trio led the team in points as they combined for 26 goals and 47 assists.
Meanwhile, two impactful Wayzata players who graduated this spring are Jack Kimlinger and Garret Bonello. Kimlinger departs after a 16-point senior season (8 goals, 8 assists). Bonello, a goaltender, was a tough code to crack for opponents as he posted a .904 save percentage in his senior season.
What to expect next season
Like its other Lake counterparts, the Trojans have shown themselves to be a threat on an annual basis at both the conference and state level. As mentioned, Wayzata made some noise with a younger group last season. It’s likely that those players will return and will be motivated to show the state they’re better than ever and are capable of returning to the state tournament.