PROCTOR RAILS
Coach: Dan Stauber, first season
2015-16 record: 12-13
Conference: Lake Superior
Section: 7A
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Key departures: F Tanner Bergman (9-16-25); F Derek Dahlgren (12-10-22); F Jake Malec (20-19-39)
Key returners: Sr. F John Aase (20-8-28); jr. F Jordan Linder (9-11-20); sr. D Reid Morin (3-15-18); jr. F Evan O’Connor (7-7-14); sr. G Braxton Sathers (4.80, .867); jr. F Kaleb Stevens (5-1-6)
Loose pucks: Proctor started 4-2 start last year, including a surprising overtime win against Duluth Marshall. And the Rails’ 12 victories marked their best showing since a 16-8-2 mark in 2010-11. Four of their wins came in overtime. Stauber, a former longtime Wisconsin-Superior head coach, replaces four-year coach Steve Rodberg. Aase and Malec tied for the goal-scoring lead, but Malec is playing baseball at North Dakota State and Aase is sidelined after tearing his meniscus in the Rails’ loss to Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin in the Section 7AAA football final. His hockey return is doubtful. Linder’s 20 points is tops among active returners. Proctor moved to Section 7A last winter after spending the previous eight seasons in 5A. Voters in February will have a chance to weigh in on a referendum that is geared toward improving athletic facilities, which could deliver a new arena to the Rails. “A lot of good players have come through the program, and I think it’s time to at least give the voters an opportunity to try and support some things,” Stauber said.
NOTE: For rosters and schedules, see the hockey preview section in Tuesday's (Nov. 29) print edition.
