PLAYERS TO WATCH 5

Proctor-Hermantown

Senior forward

Watkins had career highs for goals (21), assists (26) and points (47) last year but might just be scratching the surface. With the shortened season, the overall numbers might not be bigger this year, but the impact could be.

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Sophomore goalie

The only underclassman on this list, Northland girls hockey fans will find out — eventually — if Kiminski’s torrid postseason last winter, including a .945 save percentage and 1.08 goals-against average in section play — was an aberration or a sign of even better things to come. CEC’s start has been delayed more than everyone else’s, and while it will be impossible to match those numbers for an entire season, Kiminski certainly has talent, not to mention three years remaining.

ELLA ANICK

Proctor-Hermantown

Senior defenseman

Another Bemidji State recruit, Anick is a twotime All-Area First Team selection who had nine goals and 21 assists for 30 points as the Mirage came just a game away from another state tournament appearance last season.