This is a classic metro versus outstate Class A showdown against two clubs that suffered significant losses due to graduation. Of course, that means there are a lot of opportunities for players to shine while playing a more prominent role for their respective teams.

For the Thief River Falls, the Prowlers will be led up front by seniors Brendan Bottem (8-17-25) and Isaiah Villareal (6-11-17), plus junior Tysen Loeffler (7-5-12). In the crease, Thief River Falls' head coach Tim Berglund will look to senior Brett Holmer (6-7-1, 3.00GAA) to be the Prowlers' last line of defense.    

Delano lost a lot of firepower up front as forwards Adam Brown, Brad Pinoniemi, and defenseman Colin Pettit graduated after leading the Tigers to the State Quarterfinals a season ago. This season, the Tigers will feature seniors Jesse Peterson (12-16-28) and Gunnar Paulson (9-5-14), who hope to keep Delano near the top of the Wright County Conference standings.

If Delano Head Coach Gerrit van Bergen has an ace up his sleeve, it's senior goaltender Thomas Huotari (13-7-1, 1.71GAA), who brings experience and poise to the Tigers' crease.