It is an all-Northwest Suburban battle in Andover as two clubs with high expectations battle it out to sit atop the conference standings. You can listen to an interview with Maple Grove Head Coach Todd Bergland from an earlier episode of Youth Hockey Hub's Rink of Fire podcast. 

Maple Grove is coming off a 4-3 victory over Wayzata. The Crimson are led up front by seniors Finn Brink (Wisconsin commit, 11-12-23), Jack Kernan (7-14-21), and 6'4" 200lbs Blake Steenerson (9-8-17), giving Maple Grove an enviable mix of size and skill up front. Maple Grove is especially dangerous on the man advantage, lighting the lamp 51.9% of the time they receive a power play. 

On defense, seniors Lucas Margenau (5-11-16) and Grant Leneau (5-4-9), as well as junior Connor Stelljes (0-6-6), play responsibly at both ends of the ice. The Crimson lock it down defensively, even on the penalty kill, where they stifle opponents at a 90% rate. 

Senior goaltender Jack Roach (1.78 goals against average, 4 shutouts) has been rock solid for Maple Grove all season long. 

Andover is coming off a 6-0 rout of Rosemount. The Huskies are led by their senior troika of Cooper Conway (10-14-24), Gavyn Thoreson (St. Cloud State commit, 13-10-23), and Cayden Casey (St. Lawrence commit, 4-12-16). Junior Ben Doll (5-6-11) has also been a standout, but overall, secondary scoring has been a challenge for the Huskies this season. Their 17% power play has shown some improvement in the last few games, which is a sign of growing confidence and their star players finding their groove. 

On defense, senior captain Tristen May-Robinson (2-1-3), as well as juniors Landon Stringfellow (2-3-5) and Brooks Cogswell (1-3-4), are learning how to adapt to playing a more prominent role. 

At goaltender, the Huskies have rotated between senior Beau Altman (2.69 goals against average) and sophomore Cal Conway (2.25 goals against average) this season.