1. Exciting field: Coaches headed to St. Paul and hockey observers agree, these eight teams add up to a tantalizing tournament. Seven of the teams in the final Let's Play Hockey coaches poll top 10 are present, including the top five. This year is the fourth time that six or more teams have at least 20 victories, making it one of the strongest fields since seeding began in 2007.
2. Division I showcase: Fans can watch at least 18 Division I college-bound players this week, four of them future Gophers: Lakeville North senior defenseman Jack Sadek and junior goalie Ryan Edquist, Eden Prairie sophomore center Casey Mittelstadt and Edina junior winger Garrett Wait. Four skaters are headed to St. Cloud State and three others are bound for Minnesota Duluth.
3. Follow the action: Adult tickets are $17 for championship and $12 for consolation sessions. Student tickets are $11 for championship, $8 for consolation. All championship-round games will be televised on Ch. 45 and streamed live at Prep45.com for a charge of $4.97 per day. KFAN 100.3-FM is broadcasting both title games on Saturday.
DAVID LA VAQUE
