Is this the season the Lake's late show doesn't lack?

Games are under way across the state in boys' hockey. Before we know it, we'll be talking about that annual winter storm that seems to strike the area each year during tournament time. But with the season still young, here are a few story lines and notes to get you going.

The Lake and state

The Lake Conference once again is primed to be one of the more competitive leagues in the state. But will this be the year a team steps up late? The Lake has not advanced a team to the state championship game since 1996, when Apple Valley won the Class 2A title 3-2 over Edina. The last conference team to make it into the championship bracket was Eastview, which lost in the third-place game in 2001. And last season, though Burnsville represented the conference at state, all 10 Lake Conference schools lost their final games of the season. A safe bet for advancing in 2008 is Eden Prairie, which has plenty of Division I-caliber talent returning. It is in the same section as Benilde-St. Margaret's, which has solid talent of its own. Burnsville, with its top three point scorers returning from last season, is formidable once again but will have to contend with Holy Angels and Edina in its section.

Something for everyone

Speaking of Burnsville, the Blaze has the early south metro lead in spreading the puck around. In its first game of the season, a 5-4 overtime victory last weekend over Bloomington Jefferson, eight players had points, including Jake Hendrickson's shorthanded game-winner. Rosemount, with a senior-loaded lineup, also got off to a quick start, winning 6-0 over Eagan. Seven Irish players scored points in that game.

New Prague strong

In Class 1A, New Prague is the only team south of the river ranked by Let's Play Hockey magazine, sitting in the No. 14 spot. The Trojans play just one metro-area team before the conference season starts Dec. 22 against Class 2A, No. 4 Holy Angels, but it's a good one. Come Dec. 11, New Prague travels to Orono for a 7 p.m. game against the eighth-ranked Spartans.

On the borders

With so many schools so close together, here is a list of the first run of border battles to watch: Burnsville at Apple Valley, Dec. 8; Apple Valley at Rosemount, Dec. 1; Lakeville North at Lakeville South, Jan. 5.

On the Web

For those stat junkies out there, a good outlet is at your fingertips. Game updates and complete statistics can be found at www.startribune.com/a3709.

Changes in place

New head coaching faces: John Barger at New Prague; Bryce Barry, Northfield; Steve McCormack at Simley; Drey Bradley and Bart Larson at Eastview.

Brian Stensaas • bstensaas@startribune.com