This is an Iron Range Conference clash between two clubs who hope to make some noise in Class A and Class AA, respectively. The Rails are coming off a win over Pine City, where they rallied back from a 1-0 deficit in the 1st period to prevail 4-3. Proctor is led at forward by seniors Kennan Reyelts (4-3-7) and Dylan Haala (0-5-5) as well as juniors Brett Bartlam (2-2-4) and Frank Amendola (2-1-3). Rails' Head Coach Jeff Laspi will likely give senior goaltender Samuel Johnson (3-0 record) the start against the Thunderhawks.  

Grand Rapids is off to a flying start with double-digit wins over Iron Range foes Hibbing/Chisholm and Duluth Marshall, plus a 6-2 win over section 7AA rival Forest Lake this Saturday. Grand Rapids is led at forward by seniors Joey DelGreco (7-7-14), Kaden Nelson (5-5-10), and Garrett Drotts (5-5-10) give them plenty of firepower up front. Senior defensemen Easton Young (3-9-12) and sophomore Bauer Murphy (0-4-4) provide plenty of two-way ability on the Grand Rapids blueline. Head Coach Wade Chiodo has leaned on junior goaltender Myles Gunderson (.921 save percentage) so far, but he might give a start to senior Zac Lagergren.