Greg Fowke is in his first year as head coach of the Lexington High School boys' hockey team, and it hasn't taken long for him and the team to get acquainted. The Minutemen have already won a game, beating Medford High School 2-1 in a preseason scrimmage Tuesday, Dec. 7.

Although happy with the victory, Fowke said he isn't really concerned with wins and losses in preseason games – the team is focusing on the start of the regular season.

The Minutemen open at home against Woburn High School on Dec. 15 at 7:15 p.m. Fowke said that while the team has only had a few weeks to practice at Hayden Ice Arena, practices have been going well.

"Every day the kids are getting better," Fowke said. "They have a great work ethic. We have a pretty good mix of seniors, juniors and sophomores and some freshmen."

Last season's top-scoring juniors, captain Charlie Guthrie, David Nardella and Brian Segreve – who combined for 15 goals, 19 assists and 34 points – are back on the ice for their senior year.

"The defense is playing well, doing what's expected in practice," Fowke said. "The team is playing well; the effort's there."

The Minutemen will need all the effort they can muster as Fowke believes the competitive Middlesex League is perhaps "the best high school league in the state," he said.

"(Woburn) is a very skilled Middlesex team," he said. "I would say they're one of the top teams in the league. To win, we'll have to figure out their three to four kids who are very skilled. It'll be a good test for us right away."

Boys' Hockey Season Preview Capsule

Coach: Greg Fowke (1st season)

League: Middlesex League

Last Year: 10-4-1. Lost 3-1 to Billerica Memorial High School in the First Round of the North Division 1 tournament (Nardella scored the Minutemen's lone goal).

Returning Players: Captain Charlie Guthrie (senior), David Nardella (senior), Brian Segreve (senior), Henrik Nilsson (sophomore).

Key to Success: "Team defense has to really be our forte if we're going to succeed. Not just the defensive players, but the whole team on defense. We're getting better and better. We're progressing," Fowke said.

Game to Watch: "Burlington is always a good game."

Coach's Take: Fowke said the coaches and players are getting to know each other; learning each other's systems to start a successful season. So far, they "have good chemistry."