Northwest Suburban Conference Boys Hockey: Armstrong Falcons Move Forward

With their goalie and two top scorers returning, Robbinsdale Armstrong Falcons coach Todd Weisjahn wants to see better things from his club this year.

"We are looking to improve our win total by 2-3 games," Weisjahn said. "We are also looking to be a top-five team in the NWSC."

The Falcons went 12-13-1 last season and bowed out in the Section 6AA quarterfinals to Benilde-Saint Margaret. To improve on that and finish fifth in the NWSC, the Falcons will to tangle with high-ranked Class AA teams in Maple Grove (No. 5), Blaine (No. 6), Elk River (No. 10) and Centennial (No. 17).

All-Conference goalie Michael Greenberg returns to the net for the Falcons and can help that cause. Falcons returnees Matt Ripka and Luke Seaburg led the scoring at their respective positions last season.

TEAMS TO WATCH

Blaine - The Bengals enter the season ranked No. 6 in Class AA after winning the Section 5AA title in 2011.

Maple Grove - The No. 5-ranked Crimson want another shot at the Section 5AA title after losing to Blaine 4-3 last year.

Centennial - The Cougars (No. 17 in Class AA) have a team loaded with offensive talent.

Elk River - The No. 10-ranked Elks have a stifling defense, but only average 3.48 goals per game on offense in 2010-2011.

KEY RETURNERS

Michael Greenberg (Armstrong) - The All-Conference goalie allowed 2.74 goals per game last season.

Luke Seaburg (Armstrong) - The Falcons forward had 11 goals and 10 assists last season.

Dylan Steman (Maple Grove) - He knows how to find his teammates with 29 assists from last season, and he can put the puck in the net himself (15 goals).

Dylan Lambert (Blaine) - Lambert had 27 assists and 11 goals for the Bengals last season.

Nick Malvin (Blaine) - Goal scorers will have a hard time putting the puck past this goal with a 1.86 goals against average from last season.

Nick Larsen (Centennial) - He proved to be a key cog in the Cougars offense last season with 22 assists though he had only four goals of his own.

KEY LOSSES

Jack Goihl (Armstrong) - All-Conference defenseman and team MVP for last season.

Ryan Coyne (Maple Grove) - The Crimson goalie helped his team to the Section 5AA championship game and leaves Kyle Koop with big skates to fill.

PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Michael Brodziniki (Blaine) - He had 23 points for the Bengals last season and is a quick defenseman.