Two of the state’s most heralded junior defensemen, Breck’s Milica McMillen and Roseville’s Lee Stecklein, have verbally committed to the Gophers’ women’s hockey team. Both are tall, mobile players who make an impact.

McMillen earned Star Tribune all-metro first team honors as a sophomore last season. She draws praise for possessing a complete game, a unique presence on the ice and intangibles not often seen from high school players. As one coach said, “She could be playing Division I hockey this season.”

Stecklein helped anchor the Raiders' defensive core that carried them to the Class 2A title last season. Graduation claimed many of Roseville’s top scorers, allowing Stecklein to expand her game and provide offense. She currently ranks third on her team with 24 points.