This is a big-time metro area battle between two clubs who feel they should be contenders in Class AA.

The Skippers went 2-1 during the Walser Invitational tournament, beating Edina and Grand Rapids/Greenway but losing in the championship game to Andover. The loss marks the second defeat at the hands of the Huskies for the Skippers this season.

Minnetonka is led at forward by junior Minnesota-Duluth commit Grace Sadura (15-11-26), senior Minnesota-commit Ava Lindsay (8-14-22), junior Elly Klepinger (6-11-17, Minnesota commit) as well as sophomore Molly Ryan (7-11-18).

On defense, junior and Andover-transfer Josie Hemp (6-14-20, Minnesota commit) and senior Olivia LaRoche (6-8-14, Sacred Heart commit) log many minutes for the Skippers. Minnetonka head coach Tracy Cassano has given senior goaltender Sophia Johnson (1.41 goals-against-average) most of the starts this season.  

The Pioneers went 1-2 at the Blake/Breck Holiday Tournament with a win over Breck and losses to Holy Family and Centennial/Spring Lake Park. Hill-Murray is led up front by the 1-2 punch of senior and Minnesota-commit Allie Franco (10-11-21) and sophomore Chloe Boreen (11-10-21).

On defense, senior and St. Thomas commit Ellah Hause (6-8-14), and freshman Kasey Senden (1-5-6) frustrate opposing skaters and help keep the Pioneers on the attack. Hill-Murray head coach Shawn Reid has split starts between sophomore Grace Zhan (.955 save percentage) and senior Taylor Anderson (.923 save percentage) this season.