The loss of standout junior forward Kyle Kukkonen to a season-ending injury is a tough blow for Maple Grove (8-2-0, 3-1-0), but the No. 5-2A Crimson, led by high-scoring defenseman Henry Nelson (6-11-17), still figure to be a dominant force in Class 2A, Section 5 come playoff time.
Maple Grove’s biggest section challenger appears to be Blaine (6-4-0, 3-0-0), a Northwest Suburban Conference rival that reached the state tournament last season. The Bengals feature one of the state’s top forwards in senior Carsen Richels (8-12-20).
Maple Grove reached the state tournament in 2017 while Blaine was the section’s qualifier last season. The section hasn't produced a state champion since Centennial in 2004.