Offseason breakdown No. 106: Anoka
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 Anoka.…
Access all of Prep Hockey
Continue reading this article and more.
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 Anoka.
How last season went
Though Anoka may not have struggled when it came to defending, the Tornadoes certainly faced challenges on the offensive end as they averaged 1.88 goals per game.
That inept ability to score showed during the month of December and into January. Anoka did not record a win between Dec. 5 and Jan. 7.
Eventually the Tornadoes found the win column once again. During the 2019-20 season, they picked up wins against Coon Rapids, St. Louis Park and Osseo. Those helped Anoka to a 6-18-1 regular season record.
In Section 7AA, nearly all of the teams were tasked with trying to take down the juggernaut that was Andover. The Tornadoes never got a shot against their Northwest Suburban Conference foe as they lost to Grand Rapids in the quarterfinals, 4-0.
Who’s back and who’s gone
Matt Orr and Joseph Moen were key contributors to this Anoka squad. They have graduated and moved on from the program. Despite Orr’s 7 assists and 12 goals and Moen’s .889 save percentage in 17 games, there is plenty to like about the Tornado players slated to return.
With the team’s low-scoring mantra last season, Anoka’s top returners don’t have head-turning numbers. Jack Norack, Austin Lang and Frank Guimont are set to return after combining for 21 goals and 18 assists last season.
As for the situation in goal, Nat Simon is likely to have an increased presence after playing in 9 games last season and posting a .858 save percentage.
What to expect next season
Looking at the roster, the experience should be there based on the returning talent. But somehow, the Tornadoes have to up the offensive production. Otherwise this next season may be a repeat of the last.