TOP FIVE

1. Regis Jesuit: The defending champion graduated two key players. But with the majority of the team back, the Raiders are primed for another title.

2. Ralston Valley: It doesn't matter how many players the Mustangs lose, they always reload and should be in the title mix again.

3. Lewis-Palmer: The Rangers, semifinalists last season, return 15 players, including two who compiled 20 points or more.

4. Aspen: With 10 players back, including the No. 1 goalie and the state's third-leading scorer, the Skiers should be in the title talk.

5. Cheyenne Mountain: With a solid defense returning, the Indians will be hungry to get back to the semifinals after missing the final four for the first time in 32 years.

TOP PLAYERS BY POSITION

Position, player, school, year, reason to watch

F Graham Smith, Ralston Valley, Sr. Led the team in goals and assists.

F Gregg Davis, Regis Jesuit, Sr. Assisted brother on game-winner in the title game.

F Daniel Doremus, Aspen, Jr. 40 points ranked fifth in the state.

F Alex Gutierrez, Summit, Sr. Best scoring threat for the Tigers.

F Cody Fritz, Steamboat Springs, Sr. 20 goals, 31 points led the Sailors.

D Joey Fillo, Lewis-Palmer, Sr. Team captain compiled 12 points last year.

D Bryan Koppa, Cheyenne Mountain, Jr. The Indians' best-scoring defenseman.

D Connor Tedstrom, Battle Mountain, Jr. One of nine returnees for the Huskies.

D Chris Ward, Palmer, Sr. Big and physical at 5-foot-11, 205 pounds.

D Ian Rawley, Regis Jesuit, Sr. Part of a defense that had seven shutouts.

G Kalen Burnett, Battle Mountain, Sr. Went 14-3 in his first full season as goalie.

G Hunter Douglas, Cheyenne Mountain, Sr. Made 164 saves for the Indians.

G Michael Montoya, Coronado, Sr. Led the state in saves, with 346.