The Best Games to Watch Heading into the Weekend
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Warroad (17-3) vs. Thief River Falls (12-7-1) A perennial powerhouse versus a feel good story is something usually reserved for the silver screen, but that is exactly what is happening on tonight between Warroad and Thief River Falls. As most…
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Continue ReadingWarroad (17-3) vs. Thief River Falls (12-7-1)
A perennial powerhouse versus a feel good story is something usually reserved for the silver screen, but that is exactly what is happening on tonight between Warroad and Thief River Falls. As most Minnesota hockey fans already know, Warroad will be taking the role of the powerhouse. The Warriors have roared out to 17 wins so far this year, and with superstar Carson Pilgrim Carson Pilgrim 5'9" | Forward Warroad | 2024 State MN at the helm, look unstoppable at their best and still very good on their “off” days. Taven James, Murray Marvin-Cordes Murray Marvin-Cordes 5'8" | Forward Warroad | 2024 State MN and Ryan Lund Ryan Lund 6'2" | Defense Warroad | 2024 State MN have all notched 30 points a piece, and goalie Ben Norris Ben Norris 5'11" | Forward Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2024 State MN has been lights out, starting every single game between the pipes for the Warriors while holding opponents to a 2.10 Goals Against Average. On the other end of the ice, Thief River Falls assumes the underdog role, but make no mistake, this team should not be taken lightly. The attack has averaged 4.45 goals per game, thanks in part to the dynamic duo that is Max Arlt Max Arlt Forward Thief River Falls | 2024 State MN and Cooper Anderson. Both skaters have scored 30+ points on the year, and are flanked by freshman Spencer Anderson and defenseman Jace Erickson, another pair that can singlehandedly win a hockey game. Similar to Warroad, Thief River Falls has its own iron man goalie in the net, that being Conner Roff. The senior has started all 20 games and boasts a 2.28 Goals Against Average with three shutouts to boot. Both teams have been hot as of late, meaning fans won’t want to miss the puck drop tonight at 7:30 P.M.
Edina (16-2-1) vs. Hill-Murray (11-6-2)
In what will prove to be the only doubleheader on this list, Edina and Hill-Murray are set to square off on Friday and Saturday night, a doubleheader that should settle a lot of narratives heading into the postseason. Edina’s reputation has always been top notch, and this season is no exception. The two losses the Hornets hold have been tightly contested, low-scoring affairs with great teams, meaning odds are, this game will be close. The Hornet attack isn’t as daunting as they’ve always been, but weapons like Jackson Nevers Jackson Nevers 6'0" | Forward Edina | 2024 State MN , Bobby Cowan Bobby Cowan 5'11" | Forward Edina | 2024 State MN and Michael Risteau are enough to strike fear in the hearts of defenses. The highlight of Edina’s team this year though just might be goalie Joe Bertram. He’s started 18 of the 19 games for the Hornets, and holds a 15-2-1 record, 1.37 Goals Against Average and a .946 save percentage that’s third in the state. Hill-Murray hasn’t been as dominant, but this team is on a hot streak, winning six of its last seven games. Boden Sampair has led the attack with 29 points on 13 goals and 16 assists, but the Hill-Murray defense has been the biggest highlight thus far, allowing an average of only 2.58 goals per game. The Pioneers are fresh off a 10-1 win over South St. Paul, and should be in a great spot to contend with Edina. The puck drops at 7:00 P.M. in a game where both teams need a victory to keep the positive momentum alive.
Centennial (13-4-2) vs. White Bear Lake (14-4-1)
In what will arguably be the most tightly contested matchup of the weekend, a pair of four-loss teams will be facing off in a game that holds big implications for both of their respective conferences. White Bear Lake brings a horde of studs to the ice, including goalie Leo Gabriel, defenseman Will Distad and St. Cloud State commit Nolan Roed Nolan Roed 5'11" | Forward White Bear Lake | 2024 State MN . Gabriel has pitched six shutouts this season, boasts a .919 save percentage and won 12 games for his team. While Gabriel, Distad and the White Bear defense hold down the fort, Roed will lead the attack. He’s scored 38 points on the season, and the on-ice general has done it to the tune of 20 goals and 18 assists. The Bears will match up against Centennial, a team that hasn’t lost a game since December 21st. The Cougars are led by Harper Searles and Heath Nelson, a duo of forwards that each scored 45 points a piece. Centennial’s goalie approach has also been a big reason for its success. Easton Cody and Gavin Schahn have flourished under the tandem approach, both boasting winning records and save percentages north of .900. Schahn in particular has been red hot this year, his 8-1 record, 1.66 Goals Against Average and .937 save percentage all being top-notch numbers for goalies statewide. If White Bear wins, it will rule the Suburban East, so the Bears will be entering this game on Saturday with a must-win mentality.