MANKATO

Avery Stillwell, who plays tennis at Minnesota State after a standout three-sport career with the Dragons, plays hockey in a pinch for the Mavericks

Six defensemen return for Minnesota State this season. That experience will be beneficial early in the year, as the Mavericks are set to face at least three top-10 ranked teams in the first month of the season.

Division I newcomer St. Thomas will be a part of southern Minnesota's 1st crack at hosting Hockey Day Minnesota. The Tommies will face recent NCAA Frozen Four participant Minnesota State Mankato outdoors at the 7,000-seat Blakeslee Stadium next winter.

More than 50 years ago, Don Brose was tasked with starting a college hockey program in a southern Minnesota community that didn't have an outdoor rink, let alone an arena. Today, with Minnesota State University-Minnesota is practicing at its first NCAA Frozen Four, he looked back at those humble beginnings.