MOOSE LAKE AREA REBELS
Coach: Lee Costley, first season
2015-16 record: 5-19-1
Conference: Two Rivers
Section: 5A
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Key departures: F Bryceton Butkiewicz (31-22-53); F Alex Erickson (5-5-10); F Devin Murphy (10-17-27); F Richie Parzy (5-5-10)
Key returners: Sr. F Devon Bonkoski (3-2-5); sr. D Wyatt Lampel (6-7-13); sr. G Logan McNulty (5.06, .855); sr. F Nick Wegge (9-16-25)
Loose pucks: Things looked promising for the Rebels a year ago, with an experienced roster featuring standout scorer Butkiewicz. But they limped in with their fifth consecutive losing season, and the task only gets tougher this winter. Butkiewicz decided to forego his final prep season in favor of juniors; he’s skating with the Minnesota Wilderness of the NAHL. In three varsity seasons, Butkiewicz totaled 104 goals and 171 points. Costley takes over for Joe McDonnell, who was 18-56-1 in three years. Moose Lake started 0-9 last season and never recovered. A year after allowing about six goals per game, the Rebels were better in 2015-16, at 5.1. Still, that’s too many, and the number will need to shrink for Moose Lake to be improved. Wegge was the third-leading scorer behind Butkiewicz and Murphy.
NOTE: For rosters and schedules, see the hockey preview section in Tuesday's (Nov. 29) print edition.
