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…
Access all of Prep Hockey
Subscribe for access to all premium articles and rankings.
SubscribeWith 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 Elk River.
How last season went
Around the holidays, the Elks found themselves in the midst of a struggle as they dropped six consecutive contests between Dec. 19-28. Outside of that, Elk River was a fairly competitive squad throughout the season.
During the regular season, the Elks picked up key wins against Centennial and Duluth East. But with some of the struggles Elk River had, the Elks finished with a record under .500 at 10-14.
Elk River was part of a Section 7AA field filled with teams having down seasons. But the Elks found their spark during section play. As the No. 6 seed, Elk River began its run with a 5-4 upset against Cloquet-Esko-Carlton in the quarterfinals. Then, the run continued as the Elks upset second-seeded Grand Rapids in the semifinals. Ultimately, Elk River’s run didn’t end with a state tournament appearance as Andover topped the Elks in the section final.
Who’s back and who’s gone
Zach Michaelis Zach Michaelis Forward Elk River | 2020 State MN and Austen Humphrey played a big role in Elk River’s success this past season and will now move on after graduating this Spring. Michaelis departs after scoring 29 goals and dishing out 24 assists in his senior season. Humphrey tallied 41 points (23 goals, 21 assists), including the game-winning goal against Grand Rapids in the section tournament.
Blake Johnson and Joe Greniuk appear to be two skaters who will be called upon to fill the gaps left by Michaelis and Humphrey. Johnson had 26-point year (10G, 16A). Greniuk was an assist master as he finished the season with 24.
Another spot the Elks will have to fill is in net. Josh Kozlot graduates after posting a .903 save percentage last season. One of his best performances came against the Thunderbirds when he stopped 33 of 34 shots in the win.
What to expect next season
It’s hard to say how big of a jump Johnson and Greniuk can make, and it’s hard to know the impact of any potential newcomers. One thing we do know is the wild nature of Section 7AA. This has probably been one of the least predictable sections in recent seasons. Elk River has been part of some of that chaos and will likely be again going forward.