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 Prior Lake.
How last season went
Based on some incoming talent, there were whispers throughout Minnesota that the Lakers had a bright future. Well, the future arrived quicker than some might have anticipated.
From the start, Prior Lake imposed its will on opponents. The Lakers jumped out to a 3-1 start and went 14-2-3 the rest of the way. Prior Lake impressed with wins against teams such as Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and a pair of wins against Lakeville South. Those triumphs helped the Lakers to a third place finish in the South Suburban Conference and the top seed in a highly-competitive Section 2AA.
In the quarterfinals, Prior Lake cruised past New Prague. But with that top seed label, the Lakers had a target on their back. The young group might not have been ready for that pressure and it showed in the semifinals. Going up against fourth-seeded Chaska, the Hawks stunned the high school hockey world as they upset Prior Lake 4-1.
Who’s back and who’s gone
The reason for heightened optimism amongst those in the Laker world heading into this season was an all-sophomore line that entered after success at the Bantam level. Each of the top four Prior Lake point-getters are set to return next season. Will Schumacher, Alex Bump, Sam Rice and Matt Beaty combined for 54 goals and 69 assists last season.
To add even more excitement, Trevor Boschee spent most of the season manning the net for the Lakers and is set to return after posting a .904 save percentage and 2.25 goals against average.
What to expect next season
Prior Lake quickly became a darling in the south metro with upset wins against the likes of Eden Prairie and Lakeville South. But for anyone who didn’t know, the secret is out on the talented Laker players. Teams will know they’re getting a test with Prior Lake and its high-flying line of soon-to-be juniors. Those scorers should be extra dangerous with a year of varsity experience under their belts.