Scoring must be a priority for the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines this season after a 4-22 campaign.
The Wolverines were able to score only 58 goals in their 26 games last year. Seventeen of those goals came in a blitz of Walker-Hackensack-Akeley during the Wolverine Christmas Classic.
Dan Savoie lost standout goalie Tyler Muehler to graduation making it doubly important to generate more offense this season. With Muehler handling the bulk of the goal-tending duties, the Wolverines lost eight of their games by two goals or less.
Seniors on this year's club include forwards Colter Pettit, Duke Harrison, Taylor Bienusa and Ryan Johnson, defenseman Tyler Schmitz and goalie Dylan Isola.
Pettit was a double-figure goal scorer for WDC as a sophomore and should be one of better scoring threats this season.
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Harrison saw a lot of ice time last season and Savoie likes the 100 percent effort he gives the team.
Bienusa was the team's top scorer as a junior. Savoie is also counting on the upperclassman for leadership.
Savoie is working hard to put Johnson on the ice and believes the senior forward has the ability to be "something special."
Schmitz is a big defensive player who should be another of Savoie's team leaders.
Isola "worked his tail off" in the off-season to improve his goal-tending skills. After serving as the No. 3 goalie as a sophomore and the back-up last year, Isola is ready to take charge between the pipes.
The Wolverines have some good versatility in their junior ranks. Logan Meyer, David Najjar and Trenton Wollenburg can all play forward and defensive positions.
The Wolverines also have two good forwards in Mason Freeman and Matthew Sparr.
Nine of Savoie's varsity candidates are sophomores. Tyler Harthan, Mitchell Swanson and Bridger Pettit are all forwards. Matt Stone, Jake Krause and Mike Paavola are defensemen. Shane Motschenbacher can play both positions. Cory McManigle will see action as a goalie.
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The freshman ranks this season include goalie Wesley Janson and defenseman Tyler Winkels. Eighth-grader Blaine Cooper is set for a forward spot.
Park Rapids had the best season in the Mid-State Conference last year. Warroad won the Section 8A crown and placed third in the Class A state tournament.
