BOYS: Stillwater
2023 Record
11-5. Section 4 Runner Up
Lost Notables
Tomas Anderson: 24G, 13A
Ethan Bernier: 16G, 14A
Blake Rose: 12G, 13A
Returning Notables
Brock Lynskey: 31G, 12A
Grant Giese: 27G, 9A
Luke Giesbauer: 15G, 16A
Wyatt Carrol: 43GBs, All-State HM
Nick Hornbuckle: Starting FOS, 60%
Instant Reaction
Stillwater, a team that was in back to back final four’s, took a step back last season after a graduating an elite 2022 class. They started slow, but, made strides towards the end of the season and as I have dug in, it makes sense as their team was predominantly underclassmen. They lost a couple producers on offense and a starting pole, but overall they look set up for a return to prominence with some good seniors this year and a loaded 2025 class.
The Future
Anderson Wagner: 16 pts in only 5 games last year. Big downhill middy that will make an immediate impact
Bobby Appert: Should assume more time at attack with the graduation of Tomas Anderson
Casey Mork: Starting goalie as freshman last year… over 60% sv percentage, one of the best goalies I have personally seen play
Isaac Johnston: 20pts in only 9 games last year - should see more opportunities with some of the graduation at midfield
2024 Schedule
Stillwater has always scheduled well and this year is no exception. They will have some big matchups in the Suburban East Conference against Woodbury, White Bear Lake and Eastridge. Their OOC is loaded with games against Minnetonka, Chanhassen, Benilde and Prior Lake. They should be battle tested and ready for playoffs in a strong Section 4. If history serves us, they will need to find a way to beat a strong and always competitive Mahtomedi team at some point to get back to the state tournament.
In Conclusion
Stillwater, on paper, looks to be one of the best teams this upcoming season. They were loaded with young talent and looked to be missing some of those guys last year due to injury. They have elite players in all key positions. Their lack of explosiveness last year was eye opening to some people wondering what happened, but, I think it was just a mixture of getting young guys up to speed and injuries. They have one of the best, if not the best, youth program in the state so I would be willing to bet they are going to be back to regularly scheduled programming in 2024.