Reece Armitage, Falmouth sophomore defenseman: A strong defender who recorded six points last year and was a coaches’ Class A All-West selection.
Ben Bragg, Scarborough senior goalie: A Class A All-West selection, Bragg will be counted on to keep the young Red Storm in games as they improve.
Ethan Cailler, Gray-New Gloucester/Poland/Oak Hill senior forward: Totaled more than 30 points last season for the underdog 26ers.
Matt Caron, Scarborough junior forward: The Red Storm graduated a lot of their scoring power, but Caron recorded his share of goals last season.
Walter Conrad, Yarmouth junior defenseman: One of the reasons why the Clippers are a contender this year, Conrad was an All-West pick last season with 11 points.
Kerry Crepeau, Biddeford junior forward: Known for all-out, end-to-end hustle, Crepeau has developed a scoring touch. He was a Class A All-West selection last year.
Brandon Daigle, Biddeford senior goalie: A big body who fills the net. Played well in big games at the end of the season to earn Class A All-West honors.
Hunter Ebling, Thornton Academy senior defenseman: The only returning regular defenseman for the Trojans, Ebling was a Class A All-West selection.
Owen Elliott, Thornton Academy junior forward: Elliott is one of the few veterans back for Thornton. A lot will be asked of the All-West player.
Jake Grade, Falmouth senior defenseman: Grade had 16 goals and nine assists last year and was named All-West.
Patrick Grant, Yarmouth junior forward: A dangerous playmaker who had 28 assists last year, to go with nine goals. He was a Class B All-West pick.
Curtis Guimond, Cape Elizabeth junior forward: The Capers expect to be a contender, paced by Guimond, who had 20 goals and seven assists last season.
James Hannigan, Cheverus senior forward: Centering the Stags’ top line for the third straight year, Hannigan brings grit and scoring ability.
James Kane, Cheverus senior defenseman: A good skater with soft hands, he will be counted on to bring up the puck and help out on the power play.
Kyle Kramlich, Greely senior goalie: A four-year veteran who stands out in big games, Kramlich had a 3.00 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage last year.
Mike LeBlanc, Kennebunk senior goalie: A Class B All-West selection last year, LeBlanc is a key reason why the Rams should contend for the regional title.
Evan Loignon, Biddeford senior defenseman: An all-around player who will be relied on to bring the puck up as well as defend. He was All-West last season.
Ryan Marsh, Noble/Wells senior forward: One of the keys to the Knights reaching the Western Class A semifinals last season, he had 15 goals and 27 assists.
Derek Neal, York senior forward: Has led Western Class B in scoring the past two seasons, including 42 goals last year. Neal figures to lead York back to the playoffs.
Isac Nordstrom, Falmouth senior forward: The only area returning All-State player, Nordstrom recorded 21 goals and 33 assists last year.
Brandon Peters, Falmouth senior forward: Played in the shadow of other stellar Falmouth forwards, but still had 16 goals and 11 assists.
Dean Pratt, Noble/Wells senior forward: Can be overlooked on a Tier II team but is a prolific scorer. He finished last season with 30 goals and 21 assists.
Ricky Ruck, Biddeford sophomore forward: Will be a marked player after an exciting freshman season. Combines superb skills with speed. All-West last year.
Andrew Schmidt, Gorham senior defenseman: A big, physical player who will lead the Rams. Had one goal and 10 assists last year and was an All-West selection.
Andrew Whipple, South Portland/Freeport/Waynflete senior forward: Helped the Red Riots to the playoffs last year, totaling 22 goals and 28 assists.
– Kevin Thomas