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 St. Louis Park.
How last season went
Looking at the Orioles’ 2019-20 season from a big picture standpoint, things were promising. There was the fact that they averaged 4.36 goals per game. But there were also other exciting developments for this program looking to get back into the talk of top teams in the west metro.
In January, St. Louis Park went on a six game win streak. During the regular season, the Orioles pulled off wins against Armstrong/Cooper and Chaska. They ultimately finished with a 16-9 record and ended up in third place in the Metro West Conference.
In Section 6AA, it’s always a battle. Especially for St. Louis Park. As the No. 6 seed, the Orioles faced a strong Cretin-Derham Hall squad. The Raiders rolled to a 6-3 win as St. Louis Park’s postseason run ended after just one game.
Who’s back and who’s gone
There are two major losses when looking at what will return to the ice for the Orioles this winter. Avery Pittman (26 goals, 24 assists) and William Pinney William Pinney Goalie St. Louis Park | 2020 State MN (.901 save percentage, 26 appearances) both graduated this Spring.
As for the returners, it’s the skaters who appear to be the ones who will continue this program’s rise. Jack Wandmacher (11G, 33A), McCabe Dvorak (28G, 14A), Sam Berry (6G, 24A) and Drew Boyum (11G, 10A) are all set to return for the 2020-21 season.
What to expect next season
This appears to be a team on the rise. But the rise will be tough. Section 6AA features a load of perennial contenders. Can St. Louis Park continue its success while keeping top players in its area from transferring out?