Down in southeast Minnesota the Northfield Raiders will look to repeat as section champions in 2024.  They had a relatively easy run to the state tournament last season, beating Rochester Lourdes in quarterfinal action 8-1, Dodge County 6-1 in the semi finals and a 6-0 win over New Prague to get to the state tournament.  The Tourney didn’t go as they wanted in the opening round, they lost to a good Orono team 2-1 in overtime.  Senior goaltender Keaton Walock had a huge game facing 50 shots and allowing only 2 goals, unfortunately for his squad that’s all it took to get the opening round win.  Northfield and Orono will play again in the opening game of this upcoming season in what should be another great game between 2 solid class A minnesota high school hockey teams.  Northfield will look to replace Goalie Keaton Walock, but appears to be loaded offensively as they should return the top 5 leading scorers from last years state tournament team.  Kamden Kaiser 66 points, Jake Geiger 58 points, Cayden Monson 56 points, Will Cashin 42 points, Brayden Olson 41 points.  The Raiders are the early favorite to repeat as Section 1A champs again this season assuming all eligible players return to the squad.  We also love what the schedule looks like for this team as it should prepare them for the playoff run.