A team that should not be overlooked this season is White Bear Lake as they have the components to make a push come section time (that’s playoffs… for those readers from outside the state). Let’s look at what makes them such a dangerous team this season.
Defense: This may be one of the most talented groups in Minnesota High School Hockey as they have a great mix of puck movers and grit… as well as veterans and youngsters. The unit’s leader is Will Distad, a senior captain that plays with responsibility and possesses great puck skills. The Minnesota State commit is nearing 60 games played in his high school career and has already had tastes of the NAHL and the USHL. His experience and skill will help juniors Nate Celski, Tanner Olsen, and Zac Baay, as well as two 2009 DOB sophomores, Rian Marquardt and Gavin Veneruzzo.
Distad, Celski, and Marquardt all made US National Camps this past summer in their age groups. Celski and Tanner Olsen also were selected to play in the Upper Midwest Elite League this fall. This group has been stingy through the first three games, allowing just four goals (1 EN goal as well). The mishaps they have had over the first three games have been minimal and this unit should be rolling as they log more games and minutes at the high school level.
Forwards: Jack Stanius is the engine that drives the forward group, having scored 62 points over 42 games in his high school career. The first-line, right-winger sees the ice well and can create plays for himself and linemates, even when given very little to work with. Centering Stanius is Blake Eckerle, who is off to a great start, leading the team in scoring with 8 points. Blake is committed to Utah on a baseball scholarship and is showing that his talent is more than what he shows on the diamond. On the left-wing is Nash Roed, a freshman that already is showing a high compete level and an elite scoring drive. Of course he is filling the role vacated by his brother Nolan, who graduated this past spring and is having great success for Tri-City of the USHL.
The first line is skilled and has the ability to score in bunches but what the Bears will need are others that can step-up and form a solid 1-2 punch. There are plenty of options on the White Bear roster that can develop into legitimate scoring threats. Taylor Lalonde and Noah Norman will be counted on for secondary scoring, as both have high school experience, with Lalonde putting up 11 goals last season and having a history of being a scorer through youth hockey.
Goalie: Leo Gabriel is one of the top netminders in the state with the ability to steal games when necessary. Last season Leo was the backbone of the team in sections, leading them to the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament. He was a wall in sections, allowing just 3 goals on 76 shots over the course of 3 games. Gabriel is a gamer that moves about the crease with efficiency while possessing quick reflexes.
Expectations: The return to ‘The Tourney’ will not be easy as Section 4 is tough this year. Hill-Murray and Stillwater are both top 10 teams, with Hill-Murray pressuring to be considered as the top team in the state. For the Bears to accomplish a trip back to the X they will need timely scoring, continued development of the defense, and for Leo to be Leo.
The Bears possess all the ingredients necessary, now they just need to gel them all together.