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 Wadena-Deer Creek.
How last season went
Things did not go as planned for the Wolverines in the early goings of the 2019-20 season. They started 1-9-1 to open the season. This slow start and trouble throughout the season can likely be connected to the team’s 4.12 goals allowed per game.
Things did get somewhat better as the team went 7-6 the rest of the way. That included wins against Detroit Lakes and Red Lake Falls.
The slow start put Wadena-Deer Creek as the team earned the No. 10 seed in the Section 6A tournament. Going up against Morris/Benson in the play-in round, the Wolverines could not pull off the upset as they lost 4-2.
Who’s back and who’s gone
One big departure that immediately jumps out is the graduation of Llyeten Pettit, who led the team with 33 points last season (19 goals, 14 assists). Chase Domler also graduated after a 12-point (7G, 5A) season.
The group of returning players is promising for Wadena/Deer Creek. Connor Davis (10G, 15A), Austyn Oothoudt (4G, 10A) and Kade Woods (5G, 9A) are all set to return to the ice for the Wolverines after being key contributors last season.
In net, Josh Dykhoff is set to return after playing 27 games last season and posting a .880 save percentage. One highlight came against Northern Lakes when he made 50 saves in the December tilt.
What to expect next season
There are some bright spots with the key returners. If they want to improve, they need to avoid a slow start and play more like they did in the latter half of the 2019-20 season.