November 28
Andover at Minnetonka - 1:00 PM

This should be an intriguing west metro showdown between two clubs that have both experienced a lot of changeover due to graduations. Some of those growing pains are evidenced by both teams suffering losses over the weekend.

The Huskies are coming off a 2-1 home loss to Rogers. Andover is led at forward by senior Luke Babineau, juniors KJ Sauer, Brody Peterson (1 assist), and Keaton Coe must carry the offense for Andover. Sophomores Camden Langfeld(1 goal) and Kyle Leopold are players to watch for.  

On defense, senior Drew Law and juniors Casey Rogers (0-1-1), Owen Lutkin, and Chase Nadeau will be leaned upon to log big minutes for the Huskies.  

Junior Cash Cruitt (.938 save percentage) is the Huskies' go-to option between the pipes.  

Minnetonka is coming off a 6-5 loss to Stillwater. There have been a lot of changes to the Skippers from a season ago, with graduations and players like Ashton Schultz and Danny Klaers staying in the USHL.  

The Skippers are led up front by seniors Cullen Murray (1-1-2) and Emerson LaRoche (1-0-1), juniors Caden Lindsay (0-2-2) and Ethan Sturgis (1-0-1), as well as sophomore Liam Schultz (0-2-2) give Minnetonka skill and scoring punch up front. Minnetonka's power play is formidable, finding the back of the net at a 33.3% rate.

On defense, seniors Tyson Mahady (1-1-2), Devin Berg, juniors Danny Browning (0-1-1), Tate Jabs, and sophomore Gavin Karl are still trying to establish chemistry and trust on Minnetonka's back end.  

Junior Chase Jerdee made 26 saves in goal in the Skippers' loss to Stillwater. Senior Ben Ferguson and junior Tyler Loch are also goaltending options for Minnetonka.

November 29
St. Cloud Cathedral at Hibbing/Chisholm - 2:00 PM

Defending Class A champion St. Cloud Cathedral travels north to Hibbing Memorial Arena to take on the Bluejackets.  

The Crusaders are coming off a 2-2 tie against Warroad. Up front, St. Cloud Cathedral is led by the senior duo of John Hirschfeld (Vermont commit, 1-1-2) and Joey Gillespie (0-1-1), as well as Jaeger Wood (0-1-1), who give the Crusaders one of the most explosive trios in Class A. Junior Caleb Trant may be a breakout talent for St. Cloud Cathedral.  

Junior Griffin Sturm (1-0-1) will anchor St. Cloud Cathedral's defense. Seniors Connor Stockman, Ian Bacik, and junior Carter Bakeberg will round out the rest of the Crusaders' defense corps. 

Junior Keaton LeGrande (.913 save percentage) made 21 saves for the Crusaders in their season-opener against Warroad.

The Bluejackets are feeling confident after a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory against Mahtomedi. Hibbing/Chisholm is led up front by a trio of juniors in Tate Swanson (0-1-1), Isiah Hildenbrand (1-1-2), and Kelin Elsner, who give the Bluejackets carry most of the scoring load for the Bluejackets. Senior Jace Kampsula and juniors Benny Galli (1-0-1) and Hunter Gustavsson provide additional scoring depth.

On defense, senior Ayden Jerkovich, along with juniors Ethan Sundvall (1-1-2) and Mason McDonald, will be tasked with slowing down the Crusaders' dynamic attack.   

At goaltender, senior Rex Walli (.943 save percentage) returns as the Bluejackets ace between the pipes. Expect junior Gavin Lamphere and senior Tim Urdahl to battle for starts as well.

November 29
St. Thomas Academy vs. Rogers - 7:00 PM

These two clubs will drop the puck at the Bloomington Ice Garden  in what promises to be a heavily attended neutral site game.  

Confidence is building for Rogers after a 5-2 victory over Shakopee. Rogers is led up front by talented seniors Parker Deschene (Lindenwood commit, 1-3-4), Mason Jenson (Ohio State commit, 3-1-4), Jake Vukich, and Keaton Weis (1-2-3) lead the way offensively for the Royals. Junior Brock Cheslock is poised for a breakout season.  

On defense, seniors Nolen Geerdes (Western Michigan commit, 0-5-5) and 6'5" Jackson Smithknecht (Colorado College commit) lead a deep Rogers defense corps. Juniors Jayden Kurtz and Matthew Hauser (1-2-3) are an underrated second pairing that gives the Royals quality depth on its blueline. Sophomore Blake Sinclair is primed to have a big year with the Royals.  

Senior Wyatt Knott (.935 save percentage) returns as goaltender while juniors Tyler Bacon and Connor Thomas battle for time in the Royals' crease.  

St. Thomas Academy routed Tartan 15-1 to open the season. At forward, the Cadets are led by seniors Michael Mikan (2-4-6), Will Dosan (3-2-5), Nico Russ (2-2-4) and Park of Cottage Grove transfer Jackson Rudh (1-3-4) provide leadership, skill and grit. Juniors Cole Braunshausen (1-2-3) and Luca Pedri(0-2-2) bring speed and secondary scoring to the Cadets' attack.

On defense, seniors Patrick Cronin (0-2-2), James Richardson (1-1-2), and Tommy Kertz, as well as junior Cody Kronberg (1-0-1), didn't get tested much against Tartan, but the Royals will present far more of a challenge.

At goaltender, senior Cody Niesen returns as the Cadets' starter. Sophomore Jacksyn Crary will battle for opportunities to step into the crease.

November 30
Maple Grove at Stillwater - 3:00 PM

The Crimson make their way to the 651 to take on the Ponies of Stillwater at St. Croix Valley Recreation Center.  

Maple Grove is coming off a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Wayzata. From the beginning, the Crimson are led by seniors Joey Leafblad (1-1-2), Zach Schindel, and 6'5", 215-pound Brady Aubut (1-0-1). Junior Lane Glende (1-0-1) and sophomore Wyatt Kuznik (1-0-1) also chip in offensively.  

On defense, senior Jonathan Hicks, juniors Charlie Steenerson (6'5", 200lbs), Henry Miller (6'2", 175lbs, 0-1-1), and Joey Picconato (0-1-1), sophomore Cole Anderson (0-1-1) lead a blueline that is a nice mix of finesse as well as size and strength.  

Senior Zach Price (.837 save percentage) has carried most of the goaltending duties for the Crimson this season.

Stillwater is buzzing after a dramatic 6-5 season-opening victory over Minnetonka. The Ponies are led up front by seniors Trey Fredenberg (1-1-2), Brody Dustin (1-1-2), Matt Volkman (0-2-2), Carson Kingbay (0-1-1), and Blake Vanek (1-0-1). Talented sophomore Luca Jarvis (1-2-3) is showing a lot of promise.

On defense, seniors John Karkula (0-1-1) and Conor McGlynn, juniors Cal Grilz (1-0-1) and Jonas Kohnalong with sophomore Tate Batchelor (1-1-2) like to be active and involved at both ends of the ice.  

At goaltender, the Ponies will likely utilize senior Landon Huber (.839 save percentage).  

November 30
Orono at Monticello - 7:00 PM

The Spartans make their way to Moose Sherritt Ice Arena to take on the Monticello Moose.  

Orono is coming off a 7-4 victory over Alexandria. The Spartans are led up front by seniors Trey Landa (2-5-7), Ethan Pagel (1-1-2), and Bennett Moen (2-1-3), juniors Jackson Knight (6-2-8) and Rory Kvern (3-1-4) give Orono plenty of scoring punch. Orono's power play has been on fire to start the season, finding the back of the net at a 42.9% rate.

On defense, seniors Cruz Fey (1-1-2), Miller Williams (0-1-1), and Jacob Pfeifer (1-0-1), as well as juniors Luca Decubellis (0-1-1) and Connor Mallak (0-1-1) are a well-rounded group.  

At goaltender, the Spartans have split starts between junior Maxwell Lewin and senior Evan Schmidt this season.

The Moose lost a lot due to graduation from a season ago, but they have quality talent coming back and perhaps make a push in Section 5A. Monticello is led at forward by seniors Landon Scherber and Caleb Biard and juniors Liam O'Donnell and Ashton Stoll, who they hope can carry most of the scoring for the Moose.

On defense, senior Aidan Widmark and juniors Brady McGriff and Levi Welle can limit scoring chances and help keep the Moose on the attack.  

At goaltender, senior Logan Blahnik is the likely starter for the Moose, but they may give sophomores Nolan Wurm or Titus Vergin time as well.