Game One: Mankato East (14-13-1) vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (23-3-1)

The Cougars found their stride in the playoffs after finishing the regular season with six losses in their last nine games, knocking off No. 1 seed Dodge County 5-3 and second-seeded Mankato West 3-1 in the Section 1A finals. Powering the Cougars through their postseason run have been senior forward Matthew Salzle (32 goals, 29 assists, 61 points) and junior forward Layten Liffrig (31-41-72), who each totaled nine points in the three section playoff games. Providing impressive offensive performances from the blue line for the Cougars has been junior defenseman Brett Borchardt (8-26-34).

Entering the tournament in defense of its Class A crown, St. Cloud Cathedral boasts a scoring attack that features 12 players that have totaled 16 or more points this season. Leading that charge is senior forward and Mr. Hockey finalist Blake Perbix with 29 goals and 85 points, followed by Minnesota commit Nate Warner (29-39-68) and fellow senior forward Mack Motzko (27-30-57). The Crusaders also have a healthy Minnesota-Duluth commit Jack Smith for their title run, who recorded seven goals and 12 points during section play.

The Crusaders are 3-0 in overtime games this season and have converted on 38% (35-93) of their power-play chances.