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 Roseau.
How last season went
The Rams have long stood as a northern stalwart in the high school hockey scene. While Roseau has found success, none of it has resulted in significant success.
Things went into high gear for the Rams early in the season. From Dec. 14-Jan. 10, Roseau went unbeaten. That success was helped by an offense that finished the season averaging more than four goals per game.
Throughout the season, Roseau continued to find success. Along the way, the Rams earned victories against the likes of Centennial, Grand Rapids, Moorhead and Thief River Falls. All that led to a 16-7-1 regular-season record.
The Section 8AA tournament seemed to be an open one of sorts without one true favorite. Roseau entered as the No. 3 seed but was tested in the quarterfinals as the Rams snuck out with a 2-1, overtime win. In the semifinals, Roseau had an easier time with St. Michael-Albertville as the Rams won 5-1.
In the section final, it was a clash of the northern hockey titans as the Rams met Moorhead. It was a battle but the Spuds emerged with a 3-2 win and ended Roseau’s season a game short of the Class 2A state tournament.
Who’s back and who’s gone
The list of key graduating seniors for the Rams is one. Just one. Hanson O’Leary departs following a 32-point senior season.
The rest of the Roseau lineup is chalked full of solid returning players. It starts with the trio of Max Strand (23 goals, 27 assists), (20G, 13A) and (19G, 17A) are all set to return after successful seasons and plenty of varsity experiences.
There’s more good news for Rams fans regarding the goaltending situation. Andrew Tuttle is expected to return after holding down goaltending duties for most of last season as he posted a .907 save percentage.
What to expect next season
Though Roseau has continued to have success in recent seasons, it’s now been six years since the Rams have made it to the state tournament. You know the players and fans up there are eager to end that streak. With the returning talent, Roseau should be in the mix in a Section 8AA littered with teams capable of making a state tournament run.