It's been nearly two weeks since the puck dropped for the girls' hockey season opener. The powers of a year ago are expected to shine again for the 2012-13 season. Here is a quick glance at the teams in the south:
Apple Valley: The Eagles welcome back 18 letter winners from last year's squad that finished above .500. This season marks the 10th anniversary of their last state tournament appearance (2003). Senior goaltender Hailey Sampson (14-11-1, 2.48 goals-against average, .923 save percentage) will play a big role in how late into the season the Eagles will play.
Burnsville: Garnet Asmundson replaces longtime coach Bruce Anderson at the helm of the Blaze. It has suffered back-to-back losing seasons since winning the Class 2A consolation championship in 2010. Asmundson will be looking to regain that winning formula.
Eagan: A coaching change -- former North Star Tom Younghans replaces the tandem of co-coaches Scott Darwitz and Jeff Kolehmainen -- shouldn't keep the Wildcats from setting their sights on the state tournament. They went 22-5-3 a year ago, with two of the setbacks coming in the state tournament. Senior forward Megan Wolfe (44 goals-26 assists --70 points) is one of the top scorers returning in the South Suburban Conference.
Eastview: The Lightning only won nine games last season while averaging 2.4 goals per game. Scoring could be a problem for Herb Harvey's squad in 2012-13.
Farmington: The Tigers will try to improve on a 9-17-0 season in 2011-12 with a young group of players. Coach Jon Holmes only has three seniors on his roster.
Lakeville North: The Panthers return 12 skaters, including their top scorers, and their starting goalie from last year's fourth-place team in the state tournament. If they get more balanced scoring this year, they could improve on their 23-7-1 record from 2011-12.
Lakeville South: Natalie Darwitz enjoyed a successful initial season (21-6-1) at the helm of the Cougars, and expects it to continue. A young team and tough schedule could make last year's record tough to equal.
