New Ulm earned a 2-1 victory over Luverne on December 9th. Can the Eagles solidify their spot near the top of the Big South conference standings and make a solid case for the top seed in Section 3A by earning a sweep over the Cardinals?

New Ulm is coming off a 3-1 loss to Southwest Christian/Richfield. The Eagles are led at forward by juniors Austin Uecker (18-27-45), Kadon Larson (14-12-26), and Bryer Lang (10-13-23). Seniors Nick Zins (8-12-20) and Blake Soukup (9-18-27) also provide New Ulm with steady firepower through its top two lines. New Ulm's power play has been red-hot, finding the back of the net at 35.3%.

On defense, seniors Jack Albrecht (9-16-25), Dawson Kraus (5-11-16), and 6'5" Ben Hohensee (3-8-11), as well as 6'2" sophomore Brody Wenner (0-6-6) are an assertive defense corps who get involved at both ends of the ice.  

Junior Bryer Hoffmann (1.72 goals against average) has carried most of New Ulm's goaltending duties this season.   

Luverne is coming off a 9-1 victory over Dodge County and currently riding a 3-game winning streak. The Cardinals' attack is led by juniors Patrick Kroski (13-26-39) and Owen Sudenga (6-13-19), as well as senior Brock Behrend (22-11-33) and gifted freshman Maddux Domagala (8-5-13), give Luverne scoring depth. Luverne is especially dangerous on the power play, lighting the lamp at a 35.7% rate.  

On defense, senior Ethan Langseth (1-6-7), junior Henry Hartquist (4-8-12), and sophomore Blaik Bork (4-13-17) keep it simple in their own end.  

Junior goaltender Tyler Arends (.912 save percentage, 2 shutouts) has started in every game this season.