Offseason breakdown No. 11: Apple Valley

With most sports on hold and the 2020-21 season still months out, it’s time to take a look at teams from all over the State of Hockey and examine what happened this past season and what’s ahead. The next team we’re breaking down is Apple Valley.

How last season went

As usual, the Eagles found themselves in a South Suburban Conference littered with talented programs. That meant some tough sledding for Apple Valley. The Eagles went winless from Jan. 30-Feb. 13 as they dropped five consecutive games. At the end of the regular season, Apple Valley finished on a high note with a 3-2, overtime win on the road against Shakopee.

Apple Valley headed into the Section 3AA playoffs as a heavy underdog and failed to advance past the quarterfinals as the Eagles fell to conference rival Rosemount.

Who’s back and who’s gone

It’s a mixed bag when looking at Apple Valley’s roster. The Eagles’ top two scorers—Luke Bonin and Codey Zuelow—graduate after combining for 14 goals and 16 assists as seniors. Goaltender Evan Melville Evan Melville Goalie Apple Valley | 2020 State MN also departs after posting a 3.57 goals against average and .889 save percentage.

Two bright spots will likely be Jace Larson and Parker Davis. They are set to return after finishing as two of Apple Valley’s top scorers. Larson tallied 3 goals and 9 assists while Davis finished with 4 goals and 8 assists.

What to expect next season

Those who have followed the Eagles’ program over the years have seen a number of highs and a number of lows. There was the Hudson Fasching era and years like last season that Apple Valley fans may want to soon forget. However, the hierarchy in the South Suburban seems to be changing on an annual basis. If the right players step up, the Eagles may have a chance to make a big leap during the 2020-21 season.