CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON LUMBERJACKS

Coach: Shea Walters, second season

2018-2019 record: 14-12-1

Conference: Lake Superior Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Landon Langenbrunner (19 goals, 24 assists, 43 points); F Gavin Rasmussen (20-10—30); F Kade Bender (10-17— 27); D Mason Langenbrunner (3-17—20); F Jon Baker (11-7—18); and D Andy Acers (2-7—9)

Key returners: Jr. F Christian Galatz (1614—30); sr. G Owen Carlson (2.55 goalsagainst average, .900 save percentage); sr. F Aaron Moore (4-17— 21); and sr. F Cole Ketola (8-7—15)

Outlook: The Lumberjacks lost three times to uber-rival Duluth East last season, including 5-2 in the section semifinals, but showed flashes of brilliance after an 0-5 start. Losing the Langenbrunners — Landon to graduation and Mason to a transfer to Eden Prairie — will put the offense behind the eight-ball. However, CEC has a solid group of returning juniors and seniors. Galatz played junior hockey in the North American Hockey League before the season and will resume after the section playoffs.

“Our overall balance of talent and depth will be key this year,” Walters said in an email. “We are extremely deep when it comes to goaltending. We should have scoring by committee and have several kids that are great skaters, hard workers and are very coachable. We have high aspirations for this group.”

Besides the annual home-and-home series against Duluth East, the Lumberjacks play the same typically rugged schedule again this season in an effort to return to the state tournament for the first time since 2008. Class AA state entrants White Bear Lake Area and Eden Prairie are both included on the schedule.

“We put a lot of time in the offseason to prepare for this year,” Walters said. “They have paid their dues but they understand nothing is given and it will take a team effort to reach our goals this year. We are excited about this season and this group of kids.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune