Axel Begley, Hill-Murray
This is an excellent Metro East Conference showdown between No. 6AA Hill-Murray against No. 3AA Mahtomedi. The Zephyrs lost 3-2 to the Pioneers early in the season, and they hope to rectify that result this time around.
Hill-Murray is coming off a 9-2 rout of Tartan. The Pioneers are led up front by a pair of seniors, Wisconsin commit Dylan Godbout (12-10-22) and the speedy Anthony Madigan (7-4-11), as well as junior Brady Ingebritson (6-7-13).
Hill-Murray likes to make opponents pay the price for taking penalties as their power play finds the back of the net at a 37% rate.
The Pioneers' defense corps is led by senior Leo Gruba (3-10-13) and Axel Begley (1-11-12, who effectively deny their opponents the middle of the ice.
Senior goaltender Nick Erickson (1.98 goals-against-average) has prototypical NHL goaltender size at 6'3", 170lbs and has been the Pioneers' go-to option most of the season.
The Zephyrs are coming off a 3-1 loss to St. Thomas Academy. Mahtomedi is led at forward by juniors David Wolsfeld (9-10-19) and Charlie Drage (10-7-17) but has spread out scoring among its top 3 lines.
On defense, senior Grant Dardis (3-11-13) and junior Cav Bruner (1-9-10) do what they can to limit opposing scoring chances. The Zephyrs' penalty kill is a strength as they have shut down opposing power plays at an 86.8% this season.
Senior goaltender Ben Dardis (1.86 goals-against-average) may be one of the most experienced high school goaltenders in the state, and he's been a rock for the Zephyrs for what seems like forever.
Grant Dardis, Mahtomedi