Top 25 Minnesota high school boys hockey rankings (12/22/2023)

Minnetonka is at the No. 1 spot in the first SBLive Minnesota high school boys hockey power rankings

The Minnesota high school boys hockey season is underway. The Minnetonka Skippers enter the season as the Class 2A defending champion with loads of talent throughout the roster. 

Mahtomedi, the defending Class 1A champion, starts in the first week of the rankings at No. 23 with Hill-Murray and Hermantown on the horizon. 

Here is the Minnesota high school boys hockey Power 25:

Minnesota high school boys hockey Power 25

No. 1 Minnetonka (5-0)

It's a familiar face that sits atop the rankings as Minnetonka has yet to find its match through the first five games of the season. The Skippers have outscored their opponents 34-5 and could be in for a historic season, health permitting.

No. 2 Wayzata (5-0)

Another year, another rock-solid Wayzata hockey team. The Trojans have made a tough opening schedule look like a walk in the park, hitting the six-goal mark in four of their first five games to start off 5-0. A looming top-five matchup with its rival Benilde-St. Margaret's will give Wayzata a chance to jockey for the top spot in next week's rankings.

No. 3 Rogers (5-0-1)

It's a 5-0-1 start for the Royals, which may raise an eyebrow among other teams across the metro. Thei Royals young nucleus, highlighted by Ohio State commit Mason Jenson, seems to be ahead of schedule so far this season in terms of expectations. Time will tell if Rogers is a top-five team in the state of Minnesota, but for now, it deserves the number three spot. 

No. 4 Benilde-St. Margaret's (4-0)

After a solid 18-9 season, the Knights are poised for a breakout season in Class 2A. With wins against Andover, Edina and Stillwater in consecutive fashion, the sky is the limit for Benilde-St. Margaret as it looks to get back to the state tournament for the first time since 2012. 

No. 5 Rosemount (5-1)

It's important to take every loss against Minnetonka with a grain of salt, and that statement holds true for Rosemount. The Irish began their season with a 10-3 loss against the Skippers, but since then, they've been a completely different hockey team. Rosemount is riding a five-game win streak, highlighted by wins against Chanhassen and White Bear Lake.

No. 6 Edina (3-1)

It’s been a strong start to the season for the Hornets, who once again have all the tools to make another deep run in the state tournament. A runner-up a year ago, the Hornets returned their leading goal scorer Jackson Nevers, who will try to lead Edina to its 14th state championship.

No. 7 Hill-Murray (2-1-1)

After a bit of a puzzling 2022-2023 campaign which saw the Pioneers reach the state tournament at 16-14-1, Hill-Murray looks to be competing for another state championship appearance as it brought back a wealth of experience from that 2022 squad. 

A big matchup against last year's state champion Mahtomedi this Tuesday will be a good benchmark when assessing just how good this squad will be. 

No. 8 Hermantown (2-0-1)

The first entry from Class 1A on this list, the Hawks are looking to finish the job this time around after a third-place finish in last year's state tournament. Though they are a Class 1A school, the Hawks have played three Class 2A teams, going undefeated in the process. A 5-0 win over a previously undefeated Centennial squad proves this team will once again be a contender in Class 1A.

No. 9 St. Cloud Cathedral (5-1)

After an opening night tie to Thief River Falls, the Crusaders are cruising. A five-game win streak highlighted by a huge road win over last year's Class 1A runner-up Warroad has the Crusaders in firm position in their section. 

No. 10 Chanhassen (2-3)

While the Storm currently sit at 2-3, Chanhassen came as close as anyone has to knocking off Minnetonka, which earns them some points here. The Storm, like last year's section championship, were on the wrong end of a 3-2 overtime loss to the Skippers. Chanhassen does hold wins over Prior Lake and Shakopee, which cements itself as true contenders this season.

No. 11 Shakopee (5-1-1)

While Chanhassen may have the best loss of the year, Shakopee may have the best tie of the year. The Sabers fought to a 1-1 tie against number three-ranked Rogers on Saturday. Playing in the South Suburban Conference, the Sabers will continue to face off against top 25 opponents all season long.

No. 12 Holy Family (2-0)

If you're looking for an early-season dark horse nominee to make a run in the state tournament come March, this Holy Family squad might be the right pick. The Fire have won 14 of their last 15 games dating back to last season and are off to a perfect 2-0 start this season.

No. 13 Warroad (5-1)

It looks to be another single-digit loss year for Warroad, as it's gotten off to a 5-1 start so far this season. The Warriors avenged their state championship loss to Mahtomedi earlier this month, winning 7-6. With Carson Pilgrim steering the ship for the Warriors, they'll look to make it another state tournament appearance. 

No. 14 Maple Grove (4-2)

After an 0-2 start, the Crimson have gotten back on track, winning their last four games. With arguably the toughest schedule in the entire metro, expect this team to be ready for the postseason when the time comes.

No. 15 White Bear Lake (4-1)

The Bears have a knack for winning close games, which is a great trait to have, especially come playoff time. The Bears are averaging over four goals per game, but needed just one against Cretin-Derham Hall to get the victory on Saturday. White Bear lake currently sits at 4-1, with its lone loss to 5th ranked Rosemount. 

No. 16 Eastview (4-2)

The Lightning lost 4-0 to St. Thomas Academy in the section semi-finals last year, but with Eastview's young core returning this season, the tide has turned. The Lightning got revenge against the Cadets in late November, winning 4-1, and currently boast a 4-2 record.

No. 17 Eden Prairie (2-1)

After an overtime loss to top-seeded Chanhassen in last year's section semi-finals, the Eagles proved they could compete with the best the metro has to offer. This season, Eden Prairie has gotten off to a 2-1 start, with its lone loss being a 4-3 heartbreaker in overtime to No. 7 Hill-Murray.

No. 18 Andover (2-4)

The Huskies have four losses this season, with those losses coming against each of the top four teams in our rankings. Unfortunately for Andover, this is not the College Football Playoff committee, and quality losses don't get you too much. The Huskies do have a win over number ten Chanhassen, which keeps them in the top 20 for now.

No. 19 Moorhead (3-3)

It's a 3-3 start for the Spuds, but like Andover, their three losses are all to top-four teams. Moorhead picked up two quality wins over Roseau and Buffalo to get itself back on track heading into this week.

No. 20 Coon Rapids (4-1)

After finishing below .500 a year ago, Coon Rapids has gotten off to a hot start this season. The Cardinals have wins over Duluth Denfeld and St Michael-Albertville and currently sit at an impressive 4-1 record. 

No. 21 Cretin-Derham Hall (1-2)

What many considered to be a top-five team in the preseason, it's been a tough start for the Raiders. However, with its only two losses being by both one goal to top 20 opponents, expect the Cretin-Derham Hall to climb the rankings slowly but surely.

No. 22 Luverne (4-0)

There is good reason to be bullish about this Luverne squad, as it's gotten off to an impressive 4-0 start to the season. With back-to-back wins against Waseca and New Ulm, the Cardinals look poised to take home another section championship. 

No. 23 Mahtomedi (2-4)

Ranking the defending state champions at number 23 was not something we had on our bingo card at the start of the season, but here we are. The Zephyrs have gotten off to a 2-4 start, with three of their losses coming by three or more goals. 

With Hill-Murray and Hermantown on the docket for next week, the Zephyrs will need to return to their championship ways of last season in order to compete. 

No. 24 Roseville (4-1-1)

With a lighter schedule compared to the rest of the top 25 field, the Raiders have taken care of business through six games. With a 4-1-1 record, Roseville will look to continue its impressive start next week as it will take on Mankato West and Stillwater. 

No. 25 New Prague (4-1)

Bringing it up the rear are the Trojans, who are currently undefeated, sitting at 4-0. New Prague possesses a high-flying offense, with the team averaging more than six goals a game. However, the Trojans will need to tighten things up on the defense if they want to keep their undefeated season going. 

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