The girls' hockey state tournament starts Wednesday and kicks off a five-week frenzy of high school sports activity. The first puck drops at 11 a.m. at Xcel Energy Center when two-time defending small-school champion Warroad faces newcomer Detroit Lakes in a Class 1A quarterfinal. Here are five things to know:

1 FAMILIAR LOOK? MAYBE

Led by two-time defending champion Warroad, six of the eight Class 1A teams return from last year's state field. In Class 2A, only Edina and defending champion Minnetonka return. Of the 16 teams, only Detroit Lakes is making its first appearance. It's Mounds View first trip since 1999.

2 STAR PLAYER POWER

Three of the five Let's Play Hockey Ms. Hockey finalists are competing: forward Hanna Brodt (Roseville) and defensemen Milica McMillen (Breck) and Lee Stecklein (Roseville). McMillen and Stecklein were also Star Tribune All-Metro first-team selections, along with Roseville forward Kate Flug. In addition, three of the five finalists for Let's Play Hockey's Senior Goalie of the Year are in action: Erika Allen (Roseville), Maddie Dahl (Edina) and Taylor Neisen (Breck).

3 NEW DIGS, BETTER RESULT?

Edina finished second the past two seasons, to Roseville in 2010 and Minnetonka last year. Edina coach Laura Slominski said the team had to change hotels this time around but she hopes a different environment will produce a better result. "We've addressed it but if we focus too much on it, we'll go out there with our hands around our neck," Slominski said.

4 CHASING HISTORY

Warroad is bidding to become the first school in either class to win three consecutive state tournaments. Roseville can become the first single-class or large-school champion to win four state titles. South St. Paul also has four, including one in Class 1A.

5 WORLD MEDALISTS

Five tournament players helped the U.S. Under-18 team win a silver medal at the world tournament in January in the Czech Republic: Flug, Stecklein, Molly Illikainen (Grand Rapids/Greenway), Sam LaShomb (South St. Paul) and Kate Schipper (Breck).

DAVID LA VAQUE

1 familiar Look? maybeLed by two-time defending champion Warroad, six of the eight Class A teams return from last year's state field. In Class 2A, only Edina and defending champion Minnetonka return. Of the 16 teams, only Detroit Lakes is making its first appearance. It's Mounds View first trip since 1999.2 Star player powerThree of the five Let's Play Hockey Ms. Hockey finalists are competing: forward Hanna Brodt (Roseville) and defensemen Milica McMillen (Breck) and Lee Stecklein (Roseville). McMillen and Stecklein were also Star Tribune All-Metro first-team selections, along with Roseville forward Kate Flug. In addition, three of the five finalists for Let's Play Hockey's Senior Goalie of the Year are in action: Erika Allen (Roseville), Maddie Dahl (Edina) and Taylor Neisen (Breck).3 New digs, better result?Edina finished second the past two seasons, to Roseville in 2010 and Minnetonka last year. Edina coach Laura Slominski said the team had to change hotels this time around but she hopes a different environment will produce a better result. "We've addressed it but if we focus too much on it we'll go out there with our hands around our neck," Slominski said.4 Chasing historyWarroad is bidding to become the first school in either class to win three consecutive state tournaments. Roseville can become the first single-class or large-school champion to win four state titles. South St. Paul also has four, including one in Class 1A. 5 WORLD medalistsFive tournament players helped the U.S. Under-18 team win a silver medal at the world tournament in January in the Czech Republic: Flug, Stecklein, Molly Illikainen (Grand Rapids/Greenway), Sam LaShomb (South St. Paul) and Kate Schipper (Breck).DAVID LA VAQUE