Coming off its third consecutive state tournament appearance, Eagan has re-established itself as a state power program. On Thursday, the No. 6 Wildcats must fend off an East Ridge squad ready to knock their Section 3 rivals from their perch and prove it is capable of making a run to the state tournament.
Eagan's task is made more difficult considering it begins the season without a handful of graduated players who helped the Wildcats win a state title two seasons ago, such as Jake Anderson, last year's Mr. Goalie award-winner, and four-year starter Jack Courington.
Of Eagan's returners, three — Drew Wilson, Damien Schultz and Jack Stone — scored double-digit goals last season. Wilson had 28, second most on the team.
The Raptors carry plenty of motivation into Thursday's game. They seek to avenge an 11-10 loss to Eagan in last season's section final.
Coach Steve Van Sloun has turned around the East Ridge program, and his work can be seen in the play of key returners such as seniors Jack Mohler and Isaac Edwards. Edwards scored a team-best 22 goals a season ago.