Boys' hockey preview: Star Tribune preseason metro dream team

Michael Graham, sr., F, Eden Prairie

Dynamic player capable of taking over games. Two-way player who keyed Eden Prairie's state tournament run. Scored 26 goals. Committed to Notre Dame.

Casey Mittelstadt, jr., F, Eden Prairie

Silky-smooth hands helped produce 26 goals and 26 assists as a sophomore making varsity debut. Mature beyond his years. Tallied 41 points to lead the Elite League this fall. Committed to Minnesota.

Riley Tufte, sr., F, Blaine

Tremendous size (6-5, 210 pounds) and skill. Committed to Minnesota-Duluth. Scored 29 goals and added 34 assists to spur Bengals to the state tournament for the first time in four years.

Jason Smallidge, sr., D, St. Thomas Academy

Casey Staum, sr., D, Hill-Murray

Sees the ice well, makes a smart first pass to get his team moving. Agile, fast skater not afraid to mix things up. Committed to Nebraska-Omaha.

Josh Benson, sr., G, Stillwater

Strong goalkeeper won 15 games last winter, stopping 90 percent of shots faced. Key component of Stillwater's improved defensive corps. As a sophomore he anchored the Ponies' first state tournament trip.