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THE UNDERDOGS: BOYS

41. ANDREW

The T-Bolts have plenty of options even after losing most of their starting lineup to graduation. Eric Tamulonis and Rick Osty will likely be asked to shoulder the scoring load, while new faces like Andrew Wojdyla, Dan Cavato, Jared Feller, Mike Tamulonis and goalie Kevin Bakauski could help Andrew challenge for the SouthWest Suburban Red conference title. A quick response after last year's sectional quarterfinal loss to Bremen could help the team as they set their sights on a twenty-win season under new head coach Krzystof Kowal.

Head Coach: Krzystof Kowal

2012 Record: 17-10

Key Losses: James Fischer, John Fitzgerald, Kevin Kuchan, Kyle Heneghan, G Nathan Goodrich

42. METEA VALLEY

The Mustangs have to make up for the loss of prolific scorer Cameron Weber, but they return a plethora of weapons that should see them return to their winning ways after they finished the 2012 season with a record above .500 for the first time in team history. The trio of Alex Gidlow, goalie Alex Vass and Alex Walter should play important roles for head coach Tom Musch, while the likes of Chris Moreco, Lewis Hollopeter and Trevor Sandberg could make Metea Valley a dangerous team in 2013.

Head Coach: Tom Musch

2012 Record: 15-14

Key Losses: Cameron Weber, Zach McClernon

43. EVANSTON

The Wildkits should benefit from the experience their returning players gained during a tough 12-16 season in 2012. Leading the way for head coach Kevin Auger's bunch is Kameron Simmons, who should take the leadership role after Evanston lost several productive seniors to graduation. Jonathan Hadley, Judah Anolick and Matt Comfort lead a handful of players hoping to push Evanston higher than their fourth-place Central Suburban League finish and beyond the sectional quarterfinal round, where they lost to Glenbrook South last May.

Head Coach: Kevin Auger

2012 Record: 12-16

Key Losses: Aaron Mohrenweiser, G Ben Sommer, Wes Marberry, John McBratney

44. MAINE EAST

If the Blue Demons continue their upward trajectory, they could be pushing for a 20+ win season and a better than seventh-place finish in the Central Suburban League. With Kevin Tom, Danny Sieghart and Mike Babula all returning to Peter Przekota's squad, East will also have their sights set on lasting beyond the sectional quarterfinal round, where they fell to New Trier in 2012. If they can replace the production of Amir Mashayekhi and replace goaltender Alex Hernandez, the Blue Demons should have no problem exceeding expectations this season.

Head Coach: Peter Przekota

2012 Record: 18-12

Key Losses: G Alex Hernandez, Amir Mashayekhi

45. BUFFALO GROVE

The Bison will hope to quickly regroup after losing several seniors from last year's seventeen-win squad, including leading scorer Ian Rodriguez. Anisse Chakar and KC Lotzer lead a group of returning players looking to make a big impact, while Trevor Boburka returns between the posts to lead the defense for head coach Scott Kopecky. The Bison were champions of the Mid-Suburban League East division last season, so they will have to respond quickly if they hope to best the likes of Hersey, Prospect and Wheeling for top honors in 2013.

Head Coach: Scott Kopecky

2012 Record: 17-9

Key Losses: Ian Rodriguez, Jon Mass, Justin MacIsaac, Nick Boukas, Ryan Chlopowicz

46. PROSPECT

The Knights return several starters for a team hopeful of doubling their win total in 2013. Cam Mauer, Liam Hansen, Michael Morikado and Nathanael Ginnodo all made significant contributions last season and should help Prospect compete for the Mid-Suburban League East title after a fourth-place finish in 2012. The Knights did earn an opening round sectional win last season, so they will try to carry that momentum into the new season, which kicks off with a tough MSL crossover game with Fremd before they meet rival Wheeling in Week 2.

Head Coach: Dan Gentry

2012 Record: 7-19

Key Losses: G Christian Talbot, Phillip Dukes, Sal Garretto

47. BRADLEY

Bradley will be looking to build off last season's eighteen-win season that culminated with a sectional quarterfinal win over Lincoln-Way North. To do so, they will have to replace the production of Ryan Zhe, among others, but they should be in good hands with Joseph Page and Paul Weber back to carry the offense. The Boilers are also hopeful that several fresh faces in the starting lineup can make a quick impact in the season ahead, most notably Anthony Nemeth, Nick Dalzell, Zach Zahrobsky and goaltender Mark Hoffman.

Head Coach: Rob White

2012 Record: 18-14

Key Losses: Etienne Swanepoel, G Gatlin Wheaton, Matt LaMore, Riley Morris, Ryan Zhe, Zach Madsen

48. LINCOLN-WAY EAST

The Griffins have plenty of options as they move forward without long-time starter Tom Vandervelde and several other productive players lost to graduation. Al Newell and Andy Gramont are the likely candidates to lead the way for the offense, while Brad Dahlman, John Nolan and Stafford Hipp could also play a key role in the lineup for head coach Mike Cremieux. Meanwhile, goaltender Dominick Malinauskas emerged as a solid shot-stopper last season, so his return could go a long way to getting the Griffins back in the mix for a run at the SouthWest Suburban League Blue division title.

Head Coach: Mike Cremieux

2012 Record: 7-22

Key Losses: David Drewes, Jeremy Limp, Joe Piscia, Mike Cardosa, Tom Vandervelde

49. LANE (tie)

The Indians are in great shape heading into the new campaign, as Matt Gullickson and Ricky Quezada hope to lead the offense for a team looking to improve on a fourth-place CPS tournament run. Jake Boettcher should also make significant contributions for head coach Danny Robertson, while Luke Grygo returns in goal to spearhead the defense for Lane.

Head Coach: Danny Robertson

2012 Record: 14-16

Key Losses: Patrick Proctor, Wyatt Sugrue

49. NORTHSIDE (tie)

Nearly everyone returns for Northside, which gives them a chance to break the .500 barrier and improve on a third-place conference tournament finish amongst the Chicago Public Schools. Connor Gillespie and Cyrus Deloye should pace the offense, while Daniel Gonzalez returns in goal to lead the defense. Head coach Christian Blume's squad features several players with loads of potential who could be difference-makers, including Luis Granja, Michaj Rajski, Reed Cabral and Simon Kafka.

Head Coach: Christian Blume

2012 Record: 15-15

Key Losses: N/A

49. WHITNEY YOUNG (tie)

Seth Hughes hopes to lead a Dolphins team that should once again challenge Curie for the Chicago Public League title; head coach Andy Parro will also look to juniors Daniel Shumaker and Juan Reyes to help the team make it past the sectional quarterfinal round after last year's one-goal loss to DeLaSalle at that stage last May. Matt Gonzalez is the likely candidate to takeover in goal in just his sophomore season.

Head Coach: Andy Parro
2012 Record: 8-14
Key Losses: N/A

52. HERSEY

Connor Reynolds, George Vladimirov and goalie Jamey Hill are all back in the fold for a Hersey team that will have their sights set on the Mid-Suburban League East crown. The Huskies will need to replace the production of graduates Alex Roznai, Mike Kintzle and Tom Cotey, but if they can find a way to do so quickly, they should improve on their ten-win season of 2012.

Head Coach: Dick Mortensen
2012 Record: 10-16
Key Losses: Alex Niemiec, Alex Roznai, Mike Kintzle, Tom Cotey

53. GLENBROOK NORTH

The Titans are hopeful that Chris Kuester, Patrick Krol and Stefan Johnson can assume the leadership role and help the squad improve on a sixth-place finish in the Central Suburban League. If head coach Mark Rebora can find replacements in the lineup for the likes of Gleb Medvedev, Mike Kessler and Nick Goodspeed, GBN could surpass their twelve-win output of 2012 that also saw them knock off Maine West in the opening round of sectionals last May.

Head Coach: Mark Rebora
2012 Record: 12-18
Key Losses: Gleb Medvedev, Jared Prost, Mike Kessler, Nick Goodspeed, Tomasz Marenelli

54. HINSDALE SOUTH

The Hornets will call on Gunnar Wagner, Matt Dejewski and Ryan O'Toole to carry the offense in 2013, while goalie Cameron Harris also returns to shore things up defensively for a team that could turn some heads in the West Suburban Conference this year. Finding a goalie to replace Brett Maday and replacing the production of players like Anthony Arito and Luke Jocewicz should be the priority for head coach Beth Walker. The Hornets should also get a boost from experienced senior Austin Hultmark and newcomers Danny Milosevich and Jason Yang.

Head Coach: Beth Walker
2012 Record: 6-20
Key Losses: Anthony Arito, G Brett Maday, Luke Jocewicz

55. LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL

The Knights should be vastly improved this season with the majority of their starters returning for new head coach Jim Lock. Look for seniors Alex Smith, Alex McCormick and Jacob Muellerschoen to lead the way, while goalie Mike Molchin heads a large cast of juniors looking to make their mark in 2013. Conor McGowan and Ryan Sterling could also play a vital role for LWC.

Head Coach: Jim Lock
2012 Record: 1-24
Key Losses: N/A

56. ST RITA

The Mustangs should be optimistic as the 2013 season begins as Charlie Murphy and Chuck Henrichs hope to lead the team into double-digit win territory. If they can find a way to replace the production of Mike Hernandez and Ryan McMahon, St Rita could be in contention to advance deep into the playoffs just as they did last season when they knocked off Lindblom in the sectional quarterfinals at Stagg.

Head Coach: Sigfredo Cruz
2012 Record: 8-18
Key Losses: Mike Hernandez, Ryan McMahon

57. RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD

The Bulldogs return a large portion of their roster, including captain David Kidwell and a large cast of players looking to make their mark in 2013. Dan Somers, Ray Antos, Tim Somers and Victor Mezera are just a few of the players head coach Peter Murphy hopes can help the team improve on a four-win season that culminated in a playoff win over Foreman in last year's sectional playoffs.

Head Coach: Peter Murphy
2012 Record: 4-20
Key Losses: Dylan Alarcon, Ken Castle, Nick Lazarra, Sean Demuro

58. HIGHLAND PARK

Isaac Shapiro leads the way for the Giants as they begin their second season unattached from former partner Deerfield in the Central Suburban League. Head coach Adam Washburn will hope to quickly replace Garrett Lessem and Kevin Donovan in hopes of getting the team their first-ever sectional win after they lost to Mundelein in last year's opening round.

59. MEADOWS

The Mustangs will look to several up-and-coming players like Jake Barson and Tony Sarussi to help them exceed their five-win total from the 2012 campaign. If they can replace the production of long-time starter Kevin Fitzsimons and a handful of other graduates, Meadows could work their way up the Mid-Suburban League East standings in rapid fashion.

Head Coach: Bill Christiansen
2012 Record: 5-16
Key Losses: Kevin Fitzsimons, Mark Schmid, Patrick Waterloo

60. ELK GROVE

Mid-Suburban League East teams should pay attention for Elk Grove this season; with Bart Kosciarz and Kyle Phillips back to lead the way for the Grenadiers, the team could be right in the thick of the divisional race after winning three conference games in 2012. Head coach Rich Hyde hopes that a new cast of performers can make up for the loss of top performer Marek Burtan as the team also sets their sights on advancing past the sectional quarterfinal round after last year's loss to Conant at that stage.

Head Coach: Rich Hyde
2012 Record: 5-20
Key Losses: Marek Burtan

61. LINCOLN-WAY WEST

The Warriors have nowhere to go but up in 2013, as new head coach Eric Olson will call on Kurt Butterfield to lead the way for a Warriors team hoping to demolish last season's two-win output. If they can replace the production of Ray Zulanas and a few other players lost to graduation, West could work their way up the SouthWest Suburban Red division standings. The team fell one goal shy of their first-ever postseason win after dropping a one-goal heartbreaker to Lincoln-Way Central in the opening round of sectionals last May.

Head Coach: Eric Olson
2012 Record: 2-18
Key Losses: Paul Zazzetti, Ray Zulanas, Stefan Skiniotes

62. MAINE WEST

The Warriors are counting on Dan Romano and Mike David to lead the way on the offensive end in order to turn a few heads in the Central Suburban League this season. Replacing the production of AJ Unander will be the key for head coach Brian Joyce, as Maine West would like nothing more than to earn their first postseason win after falling short of that feat in an opening-round loss to GBN in 2012.

Head Coach: Brian Joyce
2012 Record: 2-20
Key Losses: AJ Unander

63. VERNON HILLS

The Cougars return three starters to a team that hopes to improve on a two-win season in 2013. They could do just that behind the play of Kevin Knapp, Sean Pinter and Yuriy Stepanov. Replacing players like Alen Meskic and David Zepeda should be the top priority for head coach Pat Costello; if they can do so quickly, they could be a thorn in the side of their North Suburban Conference rivals sooner rather than later.

Head Coach: Pat Costello
2012 Record: 2-21
Key Losses: Alen Meskic, David Zepeda, Ethan Brodsky, Nathan Lightman

64. MT CARMEL

The Caravan will look to Louis Vitiritti to lead the way on the offensive end, while Danny Luchsinger, Ivan Strmic and Mick Hroma also return to bolster a Mt Carmel squad hoping to improve on their two-win season in 2012. There is plenty reason for optimism, as the Caravan won their opening round playoff game over Argo before bowing out to Sandburg at the Stagg Sectional.

Head Coach: Packy McGowan
2012 Record: 2-9
Key Losses: Brendan Ruff

65. SAINT VIATOR

The Lions have high hopes for the upcoming season with Brandon Calderon, James Pickering and Robby Battin returning to lead the Catholic League squad. If they can replace the production of players like Anthony DiSilvestro and Joe Lamantia, St Viator should have no problem obliterating last season's 1-27 record.

Head Coach: Everardo Leon
2012 Record: 1-27
Key Losses: Anthony DiSilvestro, Joe Lamantia, Pablo Pulsiyer, Robert Heck

THE MYSTERY TEAMS

Note: I have not received or been able to find enough information to write about the following teams. Rankings are based on a combination of last season's overall record and head-to-head matchups between the listed teams, plus the key losses and returning players for each individual team. Those interested in seeing a team preview (for now or in the future) should send any and all information to illpolostaff@gmail.com as often as possible throughout the season.

66 VON STEUBEN 12-12

67 MORGAN PARK 8-11

68 MORTON 6-15

69 FOREMAN 10-14

70 SHEPARD 3-13

71 PAYTON-JONES 8-8

72 LINCOLN PARK 3-6

73 JUAREZ 3-15

74 LINDBLOM 13-5

75 TAFT 14-7

76 ARGO 0-11

77 DEERFIELD 0-13

78 LAKE VIEW 0-5

79 WESTINGHOUSE 1-4

80 KENNEDY 1-2

81 OGDEN 1-1

82 PROSSER 1-1

83 STEINMETZ 0-7

84 MATHER 0-6

85 CHICAGO AG 0-5

86 WASHINGTON 0-4

87 LITTLE VILLAGE 0-2

88 SIMEON 0-2

89 CLARK 0-1