Eagan is coming off its first state championship season and has all the weapons in place to make a serious bid to defend its title.
The Wildcats have an opportunity to test their mettle on Saturday — but not against a Minnesota-based foe. They welcome Wisconsin's two-time defending Division I state champion, Kettle Moraine, for a big-time border battle.
Based in the Milwaukee suburb of Wales, the Lasers have strived to become a nationally recognized program. They played some of the best competition on the West Coast before returning home last week. Kettle Moraine (3-4) is coming off a 20-8 romping of Christian Brothers (MO).
Attackman Chris Bender and defender Bennett Harris earned second-team state tournament honors a year ago and are expected to lead the Lasers this season.
Eagan returns All-American goalie John Courington, but it must replace the production of last season's leading scorer Brandon Wuertz, who graduated after posting 72 goals. Isaac Peifer looks to take on a bulk of the scoring duties following a 54-goal campaign as a junior, including seven goals in the state tournament last year.