10 METRO AREA BOYS’ HOCKEY TEAMS TO WATCH

1. Eden Prairie: Class 2A runner-up boasts star power, depth and a transfer goalie.

2. Stillwater: Talented, experienced and hungry to take another step toward elite status.

3. Elk River/Zimmerman: Seniors in third year of varsity action provide team’s core.

4. Holy Family: Off to promising start with victories over Edina and Maple Grove.

5. Edina: Lost a lot of scoring, but few teams will be more dangerous by March.

6. Wayzata: Defending 2A champs anchored by solid defense and goaltending and everything like that.

7. St. Thomas Academy: Expect a stronger, faster and more composed band of Cadets this winter.

8. Centennial: Tight-knit and talented group favored to emerge from rugged Class 2A, Section 5.

9. Minnetonka: Youthful but loaded with potential. Several newcomers won Bantam AA state title.

10. St. Paul Academy (1A): Returning 75 percent of scoring from a team that averaged more than five goals per game.