The Projected Conference Champions (Part 3)
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The Mariucci Conference: Warroad In what proved to be a stacked conference with over half of its teams well above .500, it is Warroad that sits atop the Mariucci. The Warriors have won six of their last seven games in…
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Continue ReadingThe Mariucci Conference: Warroad
In what proved to be a stacked conference with over half of its teams well above .500, it is Warroad that sits atop the Mariucci. The Warriors have won six of their last seven games in gritty fashion, defeating opponents in tightly-contested matches. As a result, Warroad has roared out to an 18-4 record and placed itself atop the Mariucci with only a handful of games left in the regular season. The attack has been excellent, led by the dynamic duo of Taven James and Carson Pilgrim Carson Pilgrim 5'9" | Forward Warroad | 2024 State MN . The pair of forwards have racked up 43 and 48 points, respectively, and have been a big reason the Warrior attack averages nearly five goals per game. On the defensive end of things, this team is great too. Senior defenseman Ryan Lund Ryan Lund 6'2" | Defense Warroad | 2024 State MN has been an anchor to this Warrior defense that allows only 2.27 goals per game. In the net, goalie Ben Norris Ben Norris 5'11" | Forward Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2024 State MN has been an ironman. The 5-foot-11, 185 pound senior has the size and physicality necessary to be competitive against any attack thrown against him. As a result of this, Norris has not missed a single start in the net, accumulating an 18-4 record, 2.18 Goals Against Average and .901 save percentage in the process. Warroad is on a roll, and if it continues to bring this momentum into its final few games of the season, the Warriors should clinch the Mariucci with ease.
Metro East: Two Rivers
A good team that has struggled in the postseason these last few years, Two Rivers might just have what it takes this season to clinch its conference and make a splash in the postseason. Considering the Metro East carries the likes of St. Thomas Academy, Hill-Murray and Mahtomedi, it would be an excellent showcase if the Warriors were able to finish on top of the conference. They have been balanced so far this season, led by a stingy defense and bolstered by a solid attack. Led by Will Auran and Isak Christopherson, the Two Rivers defense has been outstanding, allowing an even two goals per game and shutting out four different teams. Between the pipes, Brady Altier has been a workhorse, starting all 22 games for the Warriors and helping lead them to a 17-5 record. His save percentage is north of .930, and he’s saved nearly 600 shots on the season. The Warriors attack isn’t necessarily outstanding, but it’s a steady force, that when paired with the excellent defense, can wear any opposing team down. Eddie Auran leads the way with 33 points, and his production is a big reason why this team is on top of the Metro East. Two Rivers has had its chance to shine, and if the Warriors can finish the regular season strong, they will be able to stick in the spotlight.
Metro West: Chanhassen
One of the only teams to take Minnetonka to the wire, Chanhassen is a contender for the state title, and as it stands right now, should be in a good position to clinch the Metro West with only three games remaining. The Storm are versatile, explosive and can beat you in any facet of the game. Jack Christ, Gavin Uhlenkamp and Caden Lee have all eclipsed 40 points on the season, and 10 skaters have already reached double digit point counts on the season. Basically any skater on Chanhassen can burn an opposing defense, and with support like this, any lone star such as Christ can’t be keyed in on. Aside from the attack, the Storm defense is stifling. While Chanhassen scores five goals per game, it only allows 1.05 goals per game, making the defense as good as it gets. Coltin Wassengo, Billy McNeely and Drew Jensen are a few defensemen worth mentioning, but goalie Kam Hendrickson Kam Hendrickson 6'2" | Goalie Chanhassen | 2024 State MN has a knack for stealing the show. Despite setting multiple records for Chanhassen last season, Hendrickson somehow got even better in the offseason. So far, he boasts a 16-4 record and 1.01 Goals Against Average, but his most impressive feat has to be an astounding .952 save percentage, a number that is second across the state. Hendrickson and the Storm have been nigh-unstoppable since the two losses that opened up their season, and if their hot streak continues, this team should go a long, long way in the postseason.