Two stories required to catch all of the west metro girls' hockey buzz

The west metro area encompasses so many schools with solid girls' hockey programs that it was impossible for Star Tribune staff writer David La Vaque to serve notice of all of the players worthy of a mention in his 2014-15 preview in the sports section of the Nov. 11 newspaper.

In the hopes of drawing attention to others who are expected to create a buzz this season, here are 20 more players who weren't listed among the ones to watch but are certainly worth watching.

(Note: Players are listed in alphabetical order.)

Elena Basill, St. Louis Park, jr., F: Basill, who is recovered from a severe concussion suffered two years ago, already has seven goals and three points in three games this season.

Corbin Boyd, Hopkins, sr., F: Part of Hopkins' potent top line, the MSU Mankato signee has a knack for setting up teammates. Has 11 assists in four games so far.

Georgia Christman, Minneapolis, soph., F: The top returning scorer for the Storm (formerly the Novas) also was a midfielder for Minneapolis Washburn's Class 1A runners-up girls' soccer team.

Anna DeGiulio, Benilde-St. Margaret's, jr., G: With the graduation of Abbey Miller, DeGiulio, who has never lost a high school game, takes over at the Red Knights' No. 1 goalie.

Abby Halluska, Buffalo, jr. F: The Bison's leading scorer from last season with 25 goals, she honed her game in the Elite League this fall.

Megan Hinze, Chaska/Chanhassen, sr., D: Offensive-minded defenseman (seven goals, 18 points in 2013-14) who can go end to end with the puck. Commited to MSU Mankato.

Kippin Keller, Minnetonka, jr., F: A hard-working transfer from Benilde-St. Margaret's who is solid on both ends of the ice. Already offered by Minnesota.

Rachel King, North Wright County, sr., F: The RiverHawks' top returning scorer, she went from a sixth-place finish in the Class 2A cross-country meet to scoring two goals in the season opener five days later.

Karlie Lund, Blake, sr., F: An all-state player who had 22 goals and 55 points last year. Missed the Bears' Class 1A championship run last season because of an injury. Headed to Princeton.

Katie McMillan, Minnetonka, jr. D: Rock-solid in the defensive end but can jump up into the play when needed. Mans the point on the power play. Committed to Penn State.

Emily Oden, Edina, fr., F: Played in 28 games as an eighth-grader and showed eye-opening natural skills with 11 goals and 14 assists.

Whitney Padgett/Alexa Dobchuk, Eden Prairie, G: Padgett, a junior, and Dobchuk, a freshman, are expected to split time in goal. Coach Jaime Grossman calls them "possibly the most talented netminder tandem around."

Lydia Passolt, Chaska/Chanhassen, soph., F: A knack for putting the puck in the net, as evidenced by her 18 goals and 40 points as a freshman.

Emma Polusny, Mound Westonka, soph., G: Played all 27 games in net for the White Hawks in 2013-14, posting a 15-9-2 records and .930 save percentage.

Sarah Stelter, Wayzata, jr., G: Posted an 11-4-1 record and a .918 save percentage in 2013-14. Through four games this season, she is 2-1-1, giving up six goals.

Sylvie Wallin, Blake, jr., D: Doesn't always show up on the stat sheet, but can control play on both ends of the ice. A Class 1A all-tournament selection last year.

Jim Paulsen • 612-673-7737