Aside from the record and state ranking, there's one real noticeable positive about this year's Rosemount hockey team.

"We have a stronger bond," sophomore left winger Abbey Knoop said.

The core majority of Irish players have known each other since they first laced up the skates and began playing the growing girls' sport. Some of them have been playing together for four or five years on varsity.

"It's something they've realized over the years, that team chemistry can carry a team a long ways and it's very important to have everyone on the same page and getting along," Rosemount coach Tracy Cassano said. "It's not easy for any team. It's something that needs to constantly be worked on and they've done a really good job with that. They are a really close group."

It may or may not be possible to have 20 girls become best friends on one team. That's not the point.

"Once you step into the arena and into this locker room, we're a family and we're a team -- and you stick up for your teammates and you play for each other," said Cassano, the former Gophers player.

While chemistry and depth provide a strong foundation for success, a little star power doesn't hurt. Irish senior Rachael Kelly has ranked among the top-10 scorers in the state. The smooth stick-handling Bemidji State recruit is averaging close to three points per game, including a six-point performance against Bloomington Kennedy just before Christmas, tallying four goals and two assists in the victory. Junior Taylor Sampson has chipped in eight goals and nine assists on the season. Amanda Comstock adds nine points in 11 games on the Irish top line. Puck movement has been their key.

"We have a good connection on and off the ice," Sampson said. "It helps a lot that we're friends and we just work really well together."

The speedy Allison Micheletti, who posted 50 points last season, adds scoring punch to the second line. The senior forward has committed to play for Providence next season. Four strong defensemen, including three returning with varsity experience, help solidify the back end along with junior goaltender Caitlin Dantzscher, who holds a steady 1.97 goals-against average with two shutouts.

The Class 2A, No. 12-ranked Irish boast a 6-1-1 record in early-season South Suburban Conference play. They are not alone, though.

Heading into the holidays, Lakeville South stood at 7-1-1, Lakeville North 5-1 and Eastview 6-2 in conference play. All are premier teams with very similar marks, which should make for some exciting games south of the cities this winter.

The Irish will take on their biggest conference rival, Eastview, on Tuesday night at Apple Valley Sports Arena.

It doesn't stop there. Rosemount's section -- Class 2A, Section 3 -- features Eagan, Hastings, Eastview and Burnsville, just to name a few.

"It comes down to whoever comes ready to play," Knoop said.