Proctor-Hermantown Mirage

Coach: Emma Stauber, third season

2020-21 record: 21-0, Class A champions

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: Section 7A

Key departures: D

Ella Anick (7-21—28, All-Area First Team); D

Kaydee High (2-13—15);

D McKenzie Gunderson (2-6—8); F Alyssa Watkins (24-22—46, All-Area

Player of the Year); F Macy Sieger (14-24—38, All-Area Second Team); F Aurora Opsahl (13-18— 31);

F Michaela Phinney (17-12—29)

Key returners: Jr. F Nya Sieger (12-25—37, All-Area Second Team); so. F Izy Fairchild (1817—35); so. F Hannah Graves (17-14—31); sr. F Ember Kehtel (6-17—23); sr. F Rylee Gilbertson (4-4—8); jr. D Ava Anick (0-9—9); jr. D Sophie Parendo (1-18—19); sr. G Abby Pajari (12-0, 0.92

GAA, .954 save percentage, All-Area First Team)

Outlook: The Mirage realize what happened last season is about impossible to duplicate but are looking forward to making their own mark. “We have a very positive outlook,” Stauber said. “We knew we had a special team last year and with the depth of our senior class departing, we have some big roles to fill. However, we have a lot of returning talent and experience that will hopefully serve us well. We are back to a very strong schedule this year and we will definitely be tested by our competition.” While Proctor-Hermantown’s top two scorers graduate, there is plenty of depth and firepower returning. After breezing through the regular season undefeated last year, it took all of one game for the Mirage to lose, falling 1-0 at Warroad Saturday, Nov. 14. Some of the Mirage had almost forgotten what it was like to lose. “We were talking about that on the bus,” Stauber said after the game. “We haven’t been in this spot for a while, but when you lose, you’ve got to take the positives and learn from some of the situations where we could have been better. After graduating 10 seniors, there are a lot of roles that have to be filled. It’s going to take time, but our team mentality and goals remain the same.”

Jed Carlson / File / Superior Telegram

Superior’s Grace Hansen (9) moves the puck up the ice in the first period of a game in Superior during the 2021 season.

Spartans Roster

18 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, 6 p.m.

Jan. 21 — SOMERSET, 7 p.m.

Jan. 22 — NORTHLAND PINES, 2 p.m.

Jan. 25 — DULUTH, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — CHIPPEWA FALLS, 6 p.m.

Feb. 3 — PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN, 7 p.m.