Mankato East at Northfield (Jan. 24, 7:15 PM)


Jess Eykyn, Mankato East

This should be a terrific Big Nine Conference showdown between Mankato East and Northfield, which will give both clubs a good test as they are near section play. The Raiders prevailed 2-0 the last time these two battled one another on November 22nd. Will Northfield complete the sweep?

Mankato East is coming off a 3-0 loss to Owatonna. The Cougars are led at forward by seniors McKenzie Keller (18-18-36) and Kailey Newton (9-8-17) as well as junior Jessica Eykyn (13-6-19), freshmen Brielle Newton (8-7-15), give Mankato East most of its scoring punch up front.  

On defense, seniors Trinity Jackson (5-9-14) and Emmy Schulz (4-7-11), as well as junior Sophie Steindl (2-7-9), get involved at both ends of the ice. Mankato East's penalty kill doesn't give up much, shutting down opposing power plays at 94.9%. 

Senior Annaliese Rader (.944 save percentage, 6 shutouts) has carried all of the goaltending duties for Mankato East this season.  

Northfield is coming off a 9-0 rout of Winona. The Raiders are led up front by the dynamic junior trio of Ayla Puppe (Minnesota commit, 36-22-58), Emerson Garlie (21-15-36), and Isabelle Stephes (Wisconsin-River Falls commit, 5-10-15). Seniors Megan Snyder (8-3-11) and Tove Sorenson (7-5-12) give Northfield plenty of additional firepower. Northfield's power play is effective at 35.8%.  

On defense, senior Lucy Boland (2-7-9), junior Grace McCoshen (7-22-29), and freshman Mia Miller (3-13-16) have the skill and puck-moving ability to make Northfield a dangerous team in the transition game.

Sophomore goaltender Macy Mueller (.921 save percentage, 7 shutouts) has started in every game for Northfield this season.