Austin Prep (14-4-2) — It’s Kendra Currier’s team now and the stalwart defender will help Prep stake its claim in Division 1. The Cougars defeated Woburn in a preseason scrimmage before handing Westwood an 8-2 defeat.
Canton (14-5-6) — Backstopped by Colleen Kelleher, the Bulldogs made a run to the Division 2 final. With a strong defense and a few capable scorers to complement their star netminder, another deep run could be next.
Duxbury (12-5-4) — An experienced team with talent all over the ice, the Dragons are the team to beat in the newly-formed Patriot League. The Dragons registered shutouts in their first two games.
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Methuen/Tewksbury (19-2-3) — Making the move up to Division 1 with a deep roster, the Red Rangers will follow the lead of senior Kelly Golini, an elite scorer who was part of the national program.
Milton (13-8-3) — Forward Julia Scannell recently logged her 200th career point and owns the program scoring record. Combined with linemate Kat Buchanan and a strong crop of blue-liners, the Wildcats could surprise.
Needham (22-1-1) — With the return of All-Scholastic forward Gracie Bruno from a Division 1 state finalists and Melissa Strauss standing tall between the pipes, Needham will try to finish what it started last season.
Notre Dame-Hingham (22-0-1) — Despite the departure of their two top scores — and their coach — the Cougars return virtually everyone else from an unbeaten squad.
Westwood (19-5-2) — A year after a Division 2 semifinals appearance, the Wolverines return a talented young core that is led by junior All-Scholastic Kat Keith.
Winchester (14-5-4) — All-around talent Madison Micciche is a dynamic two-way forward and will be vital as the Sachems attempt to dethrone Woburn from their perch atop the Middlesex League.
Woburn (21-2-2) — Graduating five seniors certainly hurts, but forward Georgie Santullo will spearhead the winning ways for the defending Division 1 state champions.
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Correspondent Lenny Rowe also contributed to this story.