Four games to watch this week in Minnesota high school hockey
With the new year kick off comes a new year tradition here at Prep Hockey. Each week, we put together four games worth watching this week featuring some of Minnesota’s top high school programs and top players. Here are…
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With the new year kick off comes a new year tradition here at Prep Hockey. Each week, we put together four games worth watching this week featuring some of Minnesota’s top high school programs and top players.
Here are the selections for this week:
White Bear Lake vs. Stillwater
Thursday, Jan. 9, 7p.m.
With Eden Prairie dropping its first two games of the season last week, White Bear Lake has moved into the top spot of the Class 2A coaches’ poll. The Bears are 7-1 in conference play and will go up against No. 13 Stillwater, which is unbeaten so far while playing in the Suburban East Conference.
The early star for White Bear Lake has been junior forward Lleyton Roed. Through 11 games, he’s tallied a team-best 12 goals to along with 11 assists.
Meanwhile, the Ponies counter with a strong defensive presence that has allowed only 1.67 goals per game this season. Goaltenders Logan Bies and Joe Pearson have split time this season, putting together a 1.65 goals against average and .914 save percentage.
Rosemount vs. Lakeville North
Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.
Thursday’s slate of game features plenty of in-conference matchups, including these two South Suburban Conference foes which are fighting hard for the conference crown.
No. 4-2A Rosemount has fallen just twice this season and once in conference play as the Irish lost to Lakeville South earlier this season. Luke Levandowski, a junior forward committed to Wisconsin, leads the way with 19 goals and 10 assists.
No. 12-2A Lakeville North is just one point behind Rosemount in the standings and will look to counter the Irish offense with strong play in net. Netminder Caleb Mayer has been in net for all eight of the Panthers’ wins this season.
Thief River Falls vs. East Grand Forks
Saturday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m.
These two northern powerhouses renew their rivalry on Saturday as both teams continue to contend in Class 1A.
East Grand Forks has jumped into the top three of the Class 1A coaches’ poll behind the likes of junior forward Landon Parker. He leads the team in goals (12) and points (19). On Dec. 21, Parker tallied a hat trick as the Prowlers defeated Greenway 5-0.
Thief River Falls, ranked No. 15 in Class 1A, has a star of its own in senior defenseman Evan Bushy. The future St. Cloud State Husky has a team-best 14 assists this season.
Orono vs. Hutchinson
Friday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.
After winning the state title two season ago, Orono appears to be back with vengeance this season and looks to continue its successful run against Wright County Conference foe Hutchinson this week.
The Spartans come into this week averaging more than 5 goals per game. Senior forward Zack Simon has been an integral part of that offensive outburst with a team-best 37 points (18G, 19A) this season.
Hutchinson will come in looking to spark the upset and cause a little chaos in the conference standings. Tiger senior forward Austin Jozwick comes into this week with a team-best 13 goals.