Offseason breakdown No. 125: Chisago Lakes
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 Chisago…
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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 Chisago Lakes.
How last season went
The Wildcats were a .500 team all season long. It was no more evident than the fact that throughout the season they were outscored by .12 goals per game.
After a three-game losing streak to open the season, Chisago Lakes roared back. The team went on a six-game winning stretch in January. The team eventually finished with a 13-12 overall record and a 6-6 conference record. That was good enough for a fifth-place finish in the Mississippi 8 Conference.
In the postseason, the Wildcats were the No. 7 seed in a wild Section 5A. Chisago Lakes got things going with a 2-1 win against Cambridge-Isanti in the play-in round. Then came the shock heard around the section as the Wildcats upset No. 2 seed North Branch in the quarterfinals.
Chisago Lakes’ miracle run ended a game later in a 4-3 loss to Pine City in the semifinals.
Who’s back and who’s gone
There are plenty of returning players who can make the Wildcats a player next season. That includes Ben Johnson (17 goals, 13 assists), Ryan Schmidt (12G, 24A) and Nicholas Joregaard (5G, 10A).
On the other side of things, there are some key departures. David Kimlinger (8G, 9A) graduated this spring alongside Will Burgen (.863 save percentage, 17 appearances).
Max Wilmer is expected to be a key netminder next season. He’s poised to return following a season where he ended with a .911 save percentage in 11 appearances. One of his best came when he made 47 saves against Pine City.
What to expect next season
Chisago Lakes has its fair share of experience. That, along with a playoff run this past season, should give the Wildcats a chance to believe in a chance to make a run. That is true along with the fact this section has been wide open in recent seasons.