This is a great battle of two south metro schools that witnessed a reversal of fortune over the holidays. For Lakeville North, they won all three games at the Hockey For Life Classic in Prior Lake, culminating in a 5-3 win over then-ranked Chaska.

The Panthers are led at forward by junior Kyle Doll (7-8-15), and seniors Luke Jech (6-4-10) and Chase Camilli (4-7-11) help get the offense going. On defense, seniors Zach Enebak (4-5-9) and Wes Brunello (2-3-5) move the puck efficiently and help Lakeville North sustain offensive pressure. Panthers' head coach Jake Taylor has leaned on senior goaltender Finn Jacques (2.88 goals-against-average all season).  

The record may be a bit deceiving as the Fire has faced a brutal schedule this season. They lost all three games they played in at the Tradition at the Park tournament, including most recently a 4-3 loss to Lakeville South.

Holy Family is led up front by 6-foot-2 senior Nick Blood (9-9-18) and juniors Parker Osborn (9-7-16) and Keyan Schugel (4-3-7). On defense, senior Abe Melek (2-4-6) and sophomore Huner Friedrich (0-4-4) do their best to help to keep the ice tilted in the Fire's favor.

This season, Holy Family head coach Erik Westrum has split starts between two goaltenders, junior Bennett Reinhard (.911 save percentage) and sophomore Kam Hendrickson (.897 save percentage).