2024 Class AA Boys Hockey Section Preview

 After previewing the eight Class A sections, it time to look at the eight Class AA sections.  

'Starting with Section 1, the top seeded Lakeville South Cougars look to return to St. Paul since they lost to Eden Prairie in the 2021 Class AA final.  But look out for second seeded Rochester Century/John Marshall and the third seeded New Prague Trojans.  Also in the hunt is the fourth seeded Owatonna Huskies.  

So far, it's been an outstanding winter sports season in Minnetonka.  First the girls team is in the state tournament, now their male counterparts are the top seed.  The Skippers are unbeaten in 25 games and will have to get past the second seeded Chanhassen Storm, the third seeded Shakopee Sabers and the fourth seeded Eden Prairie Eagles.  

The top seed in Section 3 is the Eastview Lightning, entering section play on a six game winning streak.  Can they get past the second seeded Rosemount Irish and the third seeded St. Thomas Academy Academy Cadets?  

Section 4's top seed is the perennial power Hill-Hurray Pioneers.  Looking to keep the green and white clad fans from heading to the X are the second seeded White Bear Lake Bears and the third seeded Stillwater Ponies.  Don't count out the fourth seeded Gentry Academy Stars.  

Heading to Section 5, it looks like a six team race for the title trophy.  The top seed is the Maple Grove Crimson, followed by the second seeded Centennial Cougars, the third seeded Rogers Royals, the fourth seeded Champlin Park Rebels, who battle the fifth seeded Totino-Grace Eagles and the sixth seeded Coon Rapids Cardinals.  Which one of these teams will head to the X?  No definitive answer.  

Even tougher is Section 6, with the top three seeds, the Wayzata Trojans, the second seeded Edina Hornets, the third seeded Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights and the fourth seeded Holy Angels Stars who open with the fifth seeded St. Louis Park Orioles.  Who will come out of this section?  Another tough one to answer.  

Up north to Section 7 where the top seeded Grand Rapids Thunderhawks have to battle the second seeded Andover Huskies and the third seeded Duluth East Greyhounds.  But looking for their first state berth as a Class AA school is the fourth seeded Rock Ridge Wolverines.  Some interesting action in the Iron Range and Twin Ports.  

Finally, in Section 8, it could boil down to four teams that could head down I-94 to St. Paul.  They are the top seeded Moorhead Spuds, the second seeded Roseau Rams, the third seeded Sartell Sabres and fourth seeded Elk River/Zimmerman.  Who will capture the title trophy?  

Lots of exciting action coming up in section tournament play.