Class A Duluth Denfeld is trying to take a page out of cross-town rival Hermantown's playbook by taking on a demanding non-conference schedule in last year's Class A champion Gentry Academy, which has since moved up to Class AA. Denfeld lost 6-1 to Class AA Champlin Park on Saturday. The Hunters are led at forward by senior Connor McClure (3-2-5) as well as juniors Andy Larson (2-3-5) and Kaden Postal (1-2-3).

Senior defenseman Jon Bloomquist will do what he can to slow down a high-powered Gentry Academy offense. Head Coach Dale Jago will probably tab senior goaltender Austin Wick with the start.  

Gentry Academy hasn't played a game yet this season, but hopes to replicate its success at Class A in their first season in Class AA. At forward, the Stars will lean on senior Barrett Hall, Kaden Milles, and junior Wes Berg to take the place of top scorers Damon Furuseth and Nick Sajevic, who graduated last year.

On defense, seniors Zach Reim and Connor Brown are solid, two-way defenders who can contribute at both ends of the ice. Head Coach Joe Cullen will likely tab junior Anthony Zolezzi as the team's starter after losing Alex Timmons to graduation.