Wisconsin high school hockey

High school hockey season is once again upon us, and this is the first of a ten-part series on Wisconsin hockey. I will handicap the conference races and list the elite players in each of their respective conferences.

BADGER

Madison Edgewood (21-3-1 overall) ran away with this conference last year, posting a near perfect record of 15-1-0. Even though they lost five of their six top scorers and both of their goalies from last year, the Crusaders should challenge for the title once again. Defensemen Thaddeus Thaler-Shultz and Scott Dorman lead a strong group of blueliners, while forwards Brandon Smith and Dominic Eannelli will lead offensively. Co-coach Steve Rothering returns for his 22nd year behind the bench, and hopes to lead Edgewood back to state to avenge last year's semifinal loss to Fond du Lac.

Verona (13-8-1, 10-5-1) returns three of the conference's top twelve scorers in James Doyle, Stephen McCardell, and Dan Sturges. Ben Feeney leads a strong defensive crew, and all three of last year's net minders will return, led by senior Don Giacomini. The Wildcats led the conference in scoring last year, and should be amongst the leaders again this season. Coach Rich Smith leads an improving team, and should have them in contention for the conference crown.

McFarland-Oregon (12-9-0, 11-5-0) doesn't score many goals, but they don't allow many, either. Junior sensation Casey Mapes was third in the conference with a goals against average (GAA) of 1.83 while fashioning six shutouts, which tied for the league lead. Todd Kramer returns to lead the Spartans offensively, while Matt Duffy and Shaun O'Hearn hope to improve on last year's numbers. Sophomore Jared Faust is a leader on defense, where four of the top six “D” players return. Coach Mark Matthews hopes his squad can return to the magic of 1999-2000, when the Spartans won 18 games en route to a state tournament appearance.

Waunakee-DeForest (17-6-0, 11-5-0) might have a slight decline after losing eleven seniors, including All-State goalie Mike Nagle. Long-time head coach Dave Weber retired, leaving assistant Gary Leatherberry to run the show. The Warriors also lost some of their scoring punch, but seniors Eric Segersten, T.J. Marks, and Richard Wollack will be expected to step up their production. Juniors Brian Suter and Ryan Woode will lead defensively. Two junior varsity goalies will be given a shot at the starting job, and one will have to do well in order for the Warriors to repeat last year's second place conference finish.

Monona Grove (11-9-1, 10-5-1) will look for Darrin Simer, Brian Taylor, and Kurt Hughes to put pucks in the net for the Silver Eagles. Robbie Sawyer and versatile Zach Pulliam should be defensive stalwarts. The loss of Jamie Grailer to graduation leaves a big hole in net. Sophomore Jessie Vetter will get a chance at the starting job. Coach Dave Kinsler returns for his eleventh season behind the bench.

Baraboo (9-12-0, 6-10-0) should improve on last year's record as they return fifteen players, including fourteen seniors. Jimmy Plooster and Ben Blum are expected to be offensive leaders this season. All six of last year's defensive crew should return, including Julian Gilbert and B.J. Schreiber. Mike Krueger and Dusty Baker both return in net to give coach John Blosenski, Jr. an experienced puck-stopping tandem.

Stoughton (6-16-0, 4-12-0) return forward Cam Nelson and goalie Geoff Markuson from last year's squad. Adam Kane and Drew Reynolds will be looked upon to score for the Vikings, while defenders Jon Coon and Jake Goepfert will stand tall at the blue line. Former University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point star Rick Fleming returns for his fifth season as the head coach.

Sauk Prairie (5-16-0, 2-14-0) hopes to improve on last year's record and will return twelve letter winners. Forwards Mike Halweg and Corey Noltner should be offensive leaders, while Marc Udelhofen and Adam Schlender are expected to be strong on defense. Jonathon Timm and Jamie Ambrose both return in net for second year coach Troy Sippl.

Reedsburg (3-18-0, 2-14-0) will have a young, fast team that may be a force to reckon with in the near future. Coach Neil Mattson will have his work cut out in trying to develop his young team, but still has two top forwards in Jason Longmier and Jim Clay.

Predicted Finish: (1) Verona, (2) Madison Edgewood, (3) McFarland-Oregon, (4) Waunakee-DeForest, (5) Monona Grove, (6) Baraboo, (7) Stoughton, (8) Sauk Prairie, (9) Reedsburg.

All-Conference Team: Forwards -- James Doyle, Verona; Todd Kramer, McFarland-Oregon; Dan Sturges, Verona. Defensemen -- Thaddeus Thaler-Shultz, Madison Edgewood; Scott Dorman, Madison Edgewood. Goalie -- Casey Mapes, McFarland-Oregon.

Michael Trzinski writes for eSports Media Group and is also a correspondent for the Wisconsin Hockey News. Over the last few years, he has seen a lot of tightly fought contests in Wisconsin high school hockey. This fall, he served as editor for the WHN Yearbook, and got to know more about the teams and the players throughout the state.