Girls' hockey preview: Twenty metro players to watch

College commitment in parentheses.

Grace Bowlby, senior, D, Edina (Wisconsin)

Premier skater and offensive threat from the blue line.

Breanna Blesi, senior, G, Maple Grove (Ohio State)

She and Coco Francis give the Crimson the state's best goalie tandem.

Emily Brown, senior, D, Blaine (Minnesota)

Known for defensive prowess. Six goals, 24 assists last season.

Maggie Flaherty, junior, D, Lakeville North (Minnesota Duluth)

Big and strong, not afraid to knock over an opposing forward.

Calla Frank, sophomore, G, White Bear Lake (Minnesota State Mankato)

Strong young goaltender who will steal games for the Bears.

Natalie Heising, senior, F, Wayzata (Minnesota)

Fast, tenacious player, led the Trojans with 20 goals.

Kylie Hanley, junior, F, Hopkins/St. Louis Park (Minnesota Duluth)

Worked her way into the top forward mix. Protects the puck, drives the net well.

Crystalyn Hengler, junior, D, Eden Prairie (Minnesota)

Top-notch puck skills and rink vision. Scored 14 goals for the state champions.

Gabbie Hughes, junior, F, Centennial (North Dakota)

Ranked among the state's leaders with 46 goals and 27 assists.

Paetyn Levis, junior, F, Rogers (Ohio State)

Recently became the leading scorer in program history.

Catie Skaja, junior, F, New Prague (Minnesota)

Scored 40 goals for Trojans as a sophomore.

Anneke Linser, junior, F, Centennial (Minnesota Duluth)

Skates on a line with Hughes, tallied 28 goals and 38 assists.

Lizi Norton, junior, D, Orono (Minnesota Duluth)

Fantastic skater and defender with improving offensive skills.

Emily Oden, junior, F, Edina (Minnesota)

On the shortlist of the state's most talented players.

Naomi Rogge, senior, F, Eden Prairie (Minn.-Duluth)

Pure scorer, led the Eagles with 22 goals last season.

Liz Schepers, senior, F, Mound Westonka (Ohio State)

Shined in the fall Elite League.

Taylor Wente, senior, F, Maple Grove (Minnesota)

Speed and hockey sense few players can match.

Natalie Snodgrass, senior, F, Eastview (Connecticut)

One of the state's dominant players. Scored 37 goals last season, several in clutch situations.

Madeline Wethington, sophomore, D, Blake (Minnesota)

Expected to break into state's upper echelon of defenders this winter.

Grace Zumwinkle, senior, F, Breck (Minnesota)

Opened this season with five goals in 5-4 victory against Centennial.