Boys' hockey preview: Metro area players to watch

Willie Benjamin, G, Edina

Keeps shooting angles and his emotions in check. Won 18 games in 2011-12 and stopped 91 percent of shots faced.

Travis Brown, jr., D, Rogers

Makes good first pass and plays strong at both ends of the rink. Committed to Michigan Tech.

Alex Copa, jr., D, Blaine

Quarterbacked the Bengals football team in the fall. Fastest skater on the roster.

Jack Dougherty, jr., D, St. Thomas Academy

John Dugas, G, Hill-Murray

Helped Pioneers to state championship game and stepped up his game this fall. Competitive and technically sound.

Shane Gersich, soph., F, Holy Family

One of the state's top underclassmen. Used speed and skills to score 30 goals last season.

Jake Jackson, F, Tartan

Dan Labosky, F, Benilde-St. Margaret's

Great speed overshadows a good head for the game. Finished with 45 assists last season. Committed to Colorado College.

Zach LaValle, F, Hill-Murray

Strong leader and solid in all aspects. Finished second on his team in goals (28) and points (64) last season.

Thomas Lindstrom, F, Breck

T.J. Moore, F, Benilde-St. Margaret's

Stepped out of talented linemates' shadows by leading Elite League in goals (19) and points (33).

Frankie Mork, D, Holy Angels

Makes good decisions and gives an honest effort on every shift. Contributed 40 points last season.

T.J. Roo, F, Totino-Grace

Darian Romanko, F, Mounds View

Led Mustangs and placed second in the Suburban East Conference with 21 goals. A bull with the puck who wins battles.

Jimmy Schuldt, D, Minnetonka

At his best when physical but also skates well and makes good passes out of the defensive end. Committed to St. Cloud State.

Tyler Sheehy, jr., F, Burnsville

Steve Spinner, jr., F, Eden Prairie

Tough competitor notched 20 goals in his varsity debut last season. Committed to Nebraska Omaha.

Sam Valerius, jr., F, Maple Grove

Hard-working player must help Crimson overcome huge personnel losses. Scored 15 goals as a sophomore.

Hunter Warner, jr., D, Eden Prairie

Andrew Zerban, jr., F, Elk River

Used speed and shiftiness to find open areas and score a team-best 24 goals last season.