Second-year Cloquet-Esko- Carlton boys' hockey coach Shea Walters says he's been impressed by his players' commitment to improving their craft this off-season.

"The kids stayed very active in hockey all summer and fall, including some players who competed in the Elite League," said Walters, who guided CEC to a 14-12-1 record last season and a Section 7AA semifinal appearance.

Last season, CEC was built for a strong run in the playoff, led by a handful of high-end players including three-year team scoring leader Landon Langenbrunner, a dynamic senior centerman. But a 5-2 loss to Duluth East...