Nine girls hockey players from the state are in Nova Scotia for the U18 IIHF Women’s World Championship this week, representing Team USA through Jan. 18.

Centennial/Spring Lake Park emerged from the holiday break as champions of a stacked Walser Invitational, with a field featuring four of the state’s top five squads.

Inside Minnetonka’s Pagel Activity Center on Saturday, Edina and Minnetonka wrote another chapter in their storied rivalry.

One team exited the top 10 while another entered, but the newest No. 1 position is a first for a relatively young program.

Undefeated Bemidji is on the rise, arriving in the first 10 this week. A chance to prove itself further is just ahead.