Most years in girls hockey, there are a set of heavyweight favorites that coaches circle in the preseason as the likely finalists, along with a string of a next-tier contenders that could make some noise. Sleepers and such follow for at least somewhat of roadmap to TD Garden.

But those lines blew up last year when two teams seeded in the double digits reached the state finals. And this year, with a level playing field and a large crop of standout underclassmen in major roles across the state, that parity continues, especially in Div. 1.

Defending state champion Hingham lost much of the star power that made it an undeniable force last year, but its large returning cast is ready to step up around talented newcomers. Senior star defenseman CC Flynn and sophomore Sam McCabe lead a scrappy blue line in front of strong returning goalies Izzy McGarr and Izzi Puleo. Callie Crean, Katie Teague and Hannah Lasch fill bigger roles up top, while freshman Maggie Pollenz already impresses.

Teams out of the Catholic Central League are some of its best challengers. Archbishop Williams has ambitions high, expecting big years out Emily Fleming, Izzy O’Brien, Kate O’Toole, Catherine Lacey and Julia Murphy in a deep group of forwards. Seniors Kendyl Nolan and Aliya Greenwood anchor a young but talented blue line, and goalie Maggie Shea returns. Bishop Feehan features forward Georgia Murray and goalie Aviva Olitsky as two of the state’s bests at their positions, while skating three complete lines.

Sophomore Vivienne Melo shines in net again for reigning state finalist Bishop Stang. Much of the defense returns, while forwards Ashley Smith, Meg Costa and Madi Lewis step up. St. Mary’s (L) core is back to compete with the best. Former Peabody/Lynnfield/North Reading coach Michelle Roach moved over to Arlington Catholic and expects the Cougars to be tough while building a foundation.

Iron sharpens iron in the loaded MVC/DCL Large. Reigning state semifinalist Methuen/Tewksbury returns Dream Team goalie Lydia Barnes, backing star junior Lyla Chapman and an exceptional defense. Senior Ella Duffy and junior Sammy Ryan headline an improved attack as well. HPNA contends alongside it, featuring a high-powered top line of Mia Kmiec, Charlotte Woodford and Maddie Bush, a competitive second line and a young but strong defense. Billerica/Chelmsford’s top line of Mia Amato, Kara Gambale and Peyton Fitzgerald has electric potential with depth behind it, too, and new starter Gianna Cedrone is a goalie to watch.

Boston Latin returns stars Angela Wells (forward) and Phoebe Niese (defenseman) as two chief playmakers in a scrappy lineup. Shrewsbury has dependable experience from the net (Adrianna Boucher) out, bolstered by seniors Lauren Albertson and Liv Argentieri on the blue line, and junior forwards Allie Martel and Paige O’Donnell. Andover is competitive as well.

Notre Dame Academy (H), with six eighth-graders, is one of the posters of youth helping fuel a contender. They’re led by experienced standouts in All-Scholastic goalie Erin Kral, senior defenseman Katie Ryan, junior defenseman Ella Faherty and junior forward Chase Harmon. Count on Malden Catholic as a serious threat, anchored by seasoned difference-makers Abbie Poole, Nevin Mustone and Avery White up top, and Olivia Arsenault on defense. Premier net-minder Addy Cagan returns for a dangerous Algonquin group, also bolstered by seniors Sara Albanese (defense), Madelyn Glynn (forward) and Brooke Cutler (forward).

Out of the Middlesex League, Belmont returns the bulk of its core, as leading scorer Mackenzie Clarke, Sydney Mun, Gigi Mastrangelo, Mia Smith and Lexi Fici headline the attack and Elsie Lakin-Schultz anchors a deep blue line. Woburn returns to Div. 1 with a strong junior class, powered by forward Savannah Powers and defenseman Juliana Ferragamo as two of the state’s best. Winchester’s tenacity is a threat to anyone, bolstered by a “grind line” of Junie McCabe, Chloe Goldberg and Josie Chang. Reading is the real deal as well.

Shawsheen/Bedford/Lowell looks to build off last year’s breakout, fueled by 100-point scorers Becca Sobol and Violet LoRusso, and a deep lineup of returners. Goals are hard to come by against Natick, with Bay State Conference MVP Sophia Luoni back in net.

Martha’s Vineyard Ashlyn O’Neill, left, and Milton’s Marion Hart fight for the puck during a girls hockey game Monday. Milton skated to a 4-1 win. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald)

Div. 2 is a bit more overloaded at the top, with a few of the state’s best teams leading the group. But early regular-season parity shows it’s still an open race.

Duxbury is a force, chasing a third title in four years with a large crop of freshmen mixed in with dynamic veterans.

Milton is one of its toughest challengers, as freshman phenom Mia Cataruzolo bolsters Sabrina Stone and Nayeli Thayer on one of the state’s best top lines. Caera Hart returns in net behind a loaded defense, all hungry to get back to TD Garden for a different ending. Reigning semifinalist Westwood is a strong candidate for a better ending, too, returning most of its lineup.

Medfield’s Cinderella run to the title last year was a magical ride, and it feels repeatable with its returning cast.

Head coach Ken Assad raved about King Philip’s potential before his tragic passing in December, which is now a highly emotional season for a young but talented group coming off its first Hockomock League title. Annabelle Curran, Ella Morgan and Stephanie Leblanc are high-level playmakers on the attack.

The Patriot League is filled with threats. Pembroke’s Hannah D’Angelo, Addi Nee, Peyton Sowersby and Lauren Perry are all back. Maddie Cantor is a major playmaker for Norwell/Scituate/Abington. Marshfield’s Morgan Murphy is a game-changer in net, and Hanover is off to a competitive start.

Burlington is again a nightly challenge, featuring a skilled attack headlined by Emma Steiner and Shayla Kocur.

Sandwich is a strong threat with a large returning crew on the attack. Gaby Bassett is a dynamic scorer back for Nauset, which also returns seniors Emily Decker and Julia Kipperman on the attack. Dennis-Yarmouth, Falmouth and Martha’s Vineyard round out a cutthroat Cape and Islands League.

Auburn and a brand-new Grafton program will be tough outs.