The Stars Align: The Best One on One Matchups of the Week
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Throughout all of time, one on one matchups have always been some of the most tantalizing for humans. Being able to defeat someone singlehandedly is reserved for those with incredible skill and technique, especially when both parties are well disciplined…
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Continue ReadingThroughout all of time, one on one matchups have always been some of the most tantalizing for humans. Being able to defeat someone singlehandedly is reserved for those with incredible skill and technique, especially when both parties are well disciplined in their craft. Hockey is far more of a team sport, but still, matchups between stars always draw the attention of fans across the state. That being said, let’s take a look at some of this week’s best upcoming bouts between stars.
Wayzata vs. Roseau – Brittan Alstead Brittan Alstead 5'8" | Forward Wayzata | 2024 State MN vs. Noah Urness
This isn’t just a clash of individual stars – it’s a clash of the titans. The 14-3-1 Roseau Rams will host the 14-1-2 Wayzata Trojans in a bout that will surely show each team’s true colors. Roseau, being a Class A team, enters this match as the underdog, but Noah Urness is a guy who can take control of a game all on his own. The senior forward has been nigh-unstoppable this year, raining down a slew of points on any team unfortunate enough to face him thus far. Through 18 games, he has been held scoreless only twice, and considering he has six hat tricks, it is safe to say a team cannot contain this guy for long. The St. Cloud State commit is tied for second in the state with 58 points on 27 goals and 31 assists, making him a versatile threat on the attack that can beat you in more ways than one. Across from Urness will be Brittan Alstead Brittan Alstead 5'8" | Forward Wayzata | 2024 State MN , a Wayzata skater who has exceeded expectations and become the team’s top producer offensively. He may only have seven goals this season, but his 23 assists lead the team by a country mile. Essentially, Alstead is the leader of the attack, but his job is to find the open man rather than scoring himself. This unselfish play style has been pivotal for the Trojans’ success on both the attack and the win column. Both of these skaters will be looking to captain their respective team to victory, which should make for a tightly-contested bout.
Mounds View vs. White Bear – Johnny Conlin Johnny Conlin 5'9" | Forward Mounds View | 2024 State MN vs. Leo Gabriel
This is a David vs. Goliath type of game, but when it comes to a rivalry, anything can happen. Mounds View has sputtered out to a 4-9-2 start, having lost seven of its last nine games. There have been flashes of potential for this team to turn it up, but for the most part, the expectation to score has lied squarely on Johnny Conlin Johnny Conlin 5'9" | Forward Mounds View | 2024 State MN . Conversely, White Bear Lake has had a slew of success thanks to its depth on all ends of the ice. The Bears are 12-3-1, and although Nolan Roed Nolan Roed 5'11" | Forward White Bear Lake | 2024 State MN is certainly a star in his own right, the matchup I will be watching takes place in the net. Leo Gabriel has been an unsung hero at times for White Bear this year, but his performance has been unbelievable. The junior goalie has found his stride, boasting an 11-3-1 record, .923 save percentage and six shutouts as a starter. The guy has been a brick wall so far, and this game will hinge on him and the White Bear defense stepping up to stop Conlin. It is almost inevitable Conlin and Gabriel go face-to-face at least once during three periods of play, and it will be anyone’s guess as to who gets the best of their exchanges.
Hermantown vs. St. Thomas Academy – Dane Callaway Dane Callaway 5'9" | Goalie Hermantown | 2024 State MN vs. Brody Deitz Brody Deitz 5'10" | Defense St. Thomas Academy | 2024 State MN
Two teams boasting impressive records practically guarantees a hard fought contest, and this game looks to be no exception. The 11-5-2 St. Thomas Academy team is anchored by a stout defense that has allowed only 2.17 goals per game. This defense is captained by senior Brody Deitz Brody Deitz 5'10" | Defense St. Thomas Academy | 2024 State MN , a next level defender who can stonewall opposing attacks with his size and stick skills. The 5-foot-11, 195 pounder is a physical, hard-nosed defender that strikes fear in any streaking forwards. Deitz has offensive production to boot, having scored 13 points on four goals and nine assists so far on the year. He will be looking to stall out a Hermantown attack that has been efficient, but goalie Dane Callaway Dane Callaway 5'9" | Goalie Hermantown | 2024 State MN will be the biggest hurdle for the Cadets to overcome. The guy has been one of Hermantown’s best skaters for years, and his performance this season has been no exception. The senior holds a 12-4-2 record, 1.73 Goals Against Average and a .937 save percentage, all numbers that put him among the best goalies in the state. It appears this game will be a defensive battle, and it will be interesting to see whether it is Callaway or Deitz that holds the floodgates back longer.