Here is a clash of two Big Nine Conference teams that should make for a spirited game this Thursday in Red Wing. The Wingers (2-6) are coming off a 3-1 loss to Rochester Century on Saturday and hope to rebound against the Raiders.

They are led at forward by sophomore Tatum Zylka (2-3-5), junior Allison Roe (3-1-4), and senior Jamie Chaska (1-2-3). On defense, juniors Alexis Pauzauskie (1-0-1) and Allison Kruger (1-0-1) will try to shut down a potent Northfield attack.

Red Wing would do well to stay out of the penalty box, as its penalty-killing unit has struggled at a 53.3% success rate. Head Coach Benjamin Bluhm will likely give junior goaltender Allie Meyer (.838% save percentage) the start.  

Northfield (7-1) is off to a strong start and continued to build momentum with a 9-0 win over Austin last Thursday. The Raiders attack is led by sophomores Ayla Puppe (14-5-19) and Emerson Garlie (4-6-10). On defense, senior Cambria Monson (0-10-10), sophomore Grace McCoschen (2-5-7), and 8th-grader Mia Miller (6-2-8) can chip in offense from the blueline. The trio is a big reason the Raiders' power play operates at a 32.1% success rate.

Head Coach Paige Haley has given senior goaltender Maggie Malecha all of the starts this season, and Malecha has responded with a .940 save percentage.