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THE DARK HORSES: BOYS

26. FREMD

The Vikings will once again challenge for the MSL crown and a state berth with Connor Helsdingen and Luke Stark returning to lead the offense and goaltender Michael Goedken back to provide a solid last line of defense. The key will be finding some depth after a handful of starters were lost to graduation, as head coach Brian Newby will hope that players like Dylan Assmann and Nick Norwood can step up and give Fremd a chance to challenge teams like Conant and Palatine for the MSL West title.

Head Coach: Brian Newby

Key Players: Dylan Assmann, Connor Helsdingen, Nick Norwood, Luke Stark

Goalkeeper: Michael Goedken

Final 2013 Ranking: 19th

27. SAINT VIATOR

The Lions are loaded and ready for the 2014 season as nearly everyone returns to the starting lineup. There are options left and right, as Keegan Finn and Shea Boyer are poised for breakout seasons and goaltender Frank Skorski headlines a tight-knit defensive unit. If players like Zachary Benson, Conor Loy and Brennan McGuire step up, St Viator should obliterate last season's 12-14 record and be a serious threat during when conference and sectionals roll around.

Head Coach: Everardo Leon

Key Players: Zachary Benson, Shea Boyer, Keegan Finn, Conor Loy, Brennan McGuire

Player to Watch: Tommy Madaras

Goalkeeper: Frank Skorski

Final 2013 Ranking: 36th

28. LAKE FOREST

Lake Forest will hope to recover quickly after losing the majority of their starters to graduation after an impressive 18-9 campaign in 2013. The Scouts will feature another senior-laden group that features Michael Allen, Tim Gersten, Andrew Jacobs, Rasmus Kull and Coleman Mitchell. Meanwhile, look for junior Jeff Stevens to have a breakout season and fellow juniors Spencer Moore and Nico Demet to make positive contributions for a team that could once again make some noise in the North Suburban Conference.

Head Coach: Kurt Schuessler

Key Players: Michael Allen, Tim Gersten, Andrew Jacobs, Rasmus Kull, Coleman Mitchell, Jeff Stevens

Goalkeeper: TBA

Final 2013 Ranking: 24th

29. DE LA SALLE

DeLaSalle has been on the brink of a huge season for the past two years and could be one of the most dangerous teams to play in and out of the Catholic League in 2014. Roberto Rodriguez leads a team full of talent and depth and should have a monster season, while head coach Seth Hughes will likely look to players such as Omar Gomez, Daniel Pedro and Vinny Scalise to make an impact on the offensive end. Joe Koziol's development in goal should spell success for the defense, as the Meteors should easily best their 9-win tally of 2013.

Head Coach: Seth Hughes

Key Players: Angelo Espinoza, Omar Gomez, Daniel Pedro, Roberto Rodriguez, Vinny Scalise

Player to Watch: Diego Leanos

Goalkeeper: Joseph Koziol

Final 2013 Ranking: 37th

30. MUNDELEIN

The Mustangs look destined to improve upon last season's 12-win effort as several key players with loads of potential return for head coach Russ Gates' squad. Art Kasemets should be a force on both ends of the pool, Jude Krauss should put a ton of goals on the scoreboard, and goalie Matt Angelback returns in net and pairs up with Kasemets to lead the defense. Andrew Gray and Antoine Hanchard should play key roles after gaining varsity experience last season, while the development of Mike Ward could prove crucial to Mundelein's chances of making their way into the Top 25 during the 2014 campaign.

Head Coach: Russ Gates

Key Players: Andrew Gray, Antoine Hanchard, Art Kasemets, Jude Krauss, Mike Ward

Goalkeeper: Matt Angelback

Final 2013 Ranking: 30th