DULUTH DENFELD HUNTERS

Coach: Dale Jago, fourth season

2019-20 record: 21-6-1

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Griffin Lehet (2429—53); D Dylan Jouppi (2-28—30); G Shawn Easty (2.67 GAA, .915 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F Kade Shea (2329—52); jr. F Connor McClure (2030—50); jr. F Simon Davidson (1518—33); jr. F Cooper McClure (11-15— 26); sr. F Cole Olsen (6-12—18); sr. D Joe Udd (7-9—16); sr. F Nate Burke; sr. G Jacob Snyder (10-2-1, 1.75 GAA, .933 save percentage)

Outlook: The Hunters continued their march up the section ladder by more than doubling their win output from Jago’s first season in 201718. With six players scoring at least 26 points and alternating two outstanding goalies, Denfeld was as well rounded as it has been in a generation.

Despite the shortened season, the Hunters and others are expecting even better things from a team seeking its first state tournament berth since 1989. Shea and the McClure twins are proven scorers and Snyder shined in his time between the pipes for Denfeld, which lost twice to section champion Hermantown and suffered two one-goal defeats and two by two goals.

“I think this is probably the most well-balanced team we have had at Denfeld High School in my time as head coach,” Jago said. “Our depth at forward includes three balanced lines with speed, skill and size as well as a defensive corps that includes four defensemen that have varsity experience, and some hungry guys looking to play minutes in every game.”

The schedule includes a run of nine straight games at Essentia Health Heritage Center, where the Hunters posted a 12-2-1 record a year ago.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune