BOYS: Maple Grove
2023 Record
14-2, Section 5 Runner-Up
Lost Notables
Rory Scanlon - 50G, 19A
Tanner Brendon - 28G, 24A
Hale Farniok - 3 year starting goalie, .621 SV%
Joey Heisler - 35GB, 32CT
Returning Notables
Ricky Peterson - 53G, 25A
Landon Bakke - 30G, 12A
Tyler Steinkopf - 11G, 20A
Jackson Kuznik - 63GBs
Shane Rask - 39GBs, 35CTs
Emerson Knutsen - 34GB, 24CTs
Instant Reaction
Maple Grove was a legitimate team last year that gave BSM a tough game in the section 5 final. The biggest thing I notice is that they get a LOT of guys back. However, they will need to replace their #2 & #3 offensive producers and their starting goalie who had manned the cage for them for three seasons. They also lost one of their best poles to graduation. Those are some big shoes to fill, but, they also get their top scorer back and a ton of depth that had varsity experience in 2023. It looks like they get a lot of their defense back (sans goalie) which will be a good way to help the new starting goalie get up to speed.
Plus, MG is a huge school that has a rich athletic tradition. They should be able to produce a handful of new athletes to work with. Coach Ficken was able to step in last year and keep the train rolling.
The Future
Looks like they have a large 2025 class on the varsity team last year. Those guys I would expect all make a big impact on the team this year. In addition:
Josh Thompson - 10G, 1A - looked to be the lone freshman on the varsity team last year and produced 11pts at midfield. I would assume he takes on a larger role with a couple of their senior middies graduating.
Thor Soukup - 8th grader who logged varsity time last year. Another player that may be integrated into the midfield rotation
2024 Schedule
It sounds like the NWSC is finally “split” into two divisions. This should be a massive upgrade to Maple Grove’s schedule. Normally stuck playing inferior teams all year only to see the likes of Wayzata and BSM in playoffs, they now should be able to schedule more games OOC. Looks like, as of today, they have Lakeville North, Chanhassen and STA on their schedule. Those should be great matchups and challenging tests for Maple Grove in 2024.
To be fair, the NWSC has improved a lot over the last couple years. Armstrong and Centennial were strong teams last season and even Totino-Grace bumped on to the map a bit as well. Obviously, a lot can change year to year in any conference, but, Maple Grove should avoid not being “battle tested” heading into playoffs.
In Conclusion
Maple Grove has always been relevant since I started really following MN high school lacrosse (in the early 2010s). A ton of big time players have emerged from the program. They had a dip a few years back and quickly have regained their status as a top program in MN. I think they will continue to challenge for the NWSC crown and probably are the most likely challenger to BSM in section 5. Both the NWSC and Section 5 are improving at large so the Crimson will not be able to rest on their laurels, but, I do think they are loaded with athletes and should be ready to avenge that Section 5 final loss in 2024.
