This is the first boys' hockey game of Hockey Day Minnesota hosted at Polar Park in White Bear Lake as Hermantown takes on their metro area nemesis Mahtomedi in a classic Class A showdown. Youth Hockey Hub interviewed Hermantown Head Coach Pat Andrews on an earlier episode of their Rink of Fire podcast.  

Hermantown is coming off a 3-0 loss to St. Thomas Academy. The Hawks are led up front by juniors Dallas Vieau (Penn State commit, 10-14-24) and Josh Kauppinen (10-2-12). Fellow senior Wyatt Carlson (11-7-18) helps give Hermantown additional skill and consistent scoring punch most nights. Kade Kohanski returns to the lineup with after an injury. Hermantown's 25% power play should make teams think twice before taking a penalty against the Hawks.  

On defense, senior George Peterson (6-15-21), as well as juniors Will Esterbrooks (4-7-11) and Drew Nelson (2-5-7), continue the Hermantown tradition of steady, two-way defenseman. 

Hermantown has rotated at goaltender between senior Garron Opsahl (1.35 goals against average) and junior Dane Callaway (.925 save percentage) this season.  

Mahtomedi hopes to build momentum after a 4-3 victory over East Ridge. The Zephyrs are led at forward by seniors Charlie Drage (13-13-26), Carter Haycraft (7-10-17), Seth Nelson (12-9-21), and Johnny Grove (5-10-15) may not jump off the page statistically. Still, they are all very experienced and skilled and battle-tested with one of the more challenging schedules in the state.  

On defense, senior Cav Bruner (3-12-15), junior William Brummel (0-4-4), and sophomore Sam Harris (1-8-9) keep things calm in their end with solid positional play.  

Mahtomedi has rotated at goaltender between junior Charlie Brandt (.898 save percentage) and senior Andrew Reister (.923 save percentage) this season.