Breck and Lakeville North have pools of young talent that should help each team build on successful campaigns from a year ago, and this early season matchup could be a benchmark for both.
The Mustangs return two of their top three scorers from a year ago in juniors Eloise Cherian (39 goals) and Natalie Ott (24 goals). If Lakeville North's propensity for stingy defense carries over to this season, Breck may need some clever work from both Cherian and Ott to keep the offense rolling.
Last season, the Panthers defense kept the opposition to single-digit scoring totals in six of their 13 games. However, Lakeville North's defense will need to prove itself again this season after the graduation of three defenders and the starting goalie. The good news for the Panthers is that the offense may be even better this season.
Olivia Mattis led Lakeville North with 38 goals last year, while Chloe Fisher led the team in assists (32) in addition to scoring 28 goals. Both Mattis and Fisher will be sophomores this season and should provide a dynamic scoring threat for the Panthers that could help shore up any defensive deficiencies.