Centennial at Duluth East (Jan. 31, 5:00 PM)


Brock Carls, Centennial

This has the makings of an excellent indicator game for both clubs, who have shown more promise than maybe some expected at the start of the season, but as we get closer to Section play, you want to get a better idea of how hopeful they should be.  

Centennial is coming off a massive 7-6 overtime victory against Maple Grove. The Cougars are led up front by junior Harper Searles (11 goals, 34 assists, 45 points) as well as seniors Payton Blair (24-17-41), Brock Carls (10-12-22), and Drake Ramirez (14-15-29). Operating at a success rate of 43.8%, the Cougars' power play has been scorching as of late.  

On defense, seniors Sam Menne (2-15-17) and Hayden Frank (1-6-7), as well as junior Austin Petersen (4-11-15), provide a mobile, well-rounded defense group that rarely seems to panic.  

Junior Gavin Schahn (.867 save percentage, 1 shutout) has carried most of the goaltending duties this season. Still, Centennial has given some opportunities to sophomore Easton Cody (.933 save percentage, 2 shutouts) as well.  

Duluth East is coming off a 7-4 victory over Mounds View and is riding a four-game winning streak. The Greyhounds' attack is led by senior Cole Christian (16-25-41) as well as juniors Thomas Gunderson (19-13-32) and Wyatt Peterson (7-17-24), which rolls two solid scoring lines.  

On defense, seniors Grant Winkler (4-13-17), Henry Murray (5-17-22), Aiden Spenningsby (3-13-16), and Grady Downs (4-11-15) bring plenty of experience and ability to chip in offensively as well.  

Duluth East has rotated at goaltender between juniors Kole Kronstedt (.873 save percentage, 2 shutouts) and Drew Raukar (.914 save percentage, 2 shutouts) this season.  


Cole Christian, Duluth East