Four teams in the top seven in the state all battle it out on Ikola way over the next three nights. All six games will be great...with a big snow storm coming Friday it will have a state tournament feel to it. So many great match ups in all six games, it will be high school hockey nirvana. The most important game of the weekend is likely the Grand Rapids and Elk River game on Saturday, the game will have major section seeding implications for 7AA. Number one Eden Prairie will face three tough opponents, so far they haven't been tested - can they sweep the holiday classic two years in a row? Edina has historically owned this event, this year they are the lowest ranked team in the field...the Hornets have a lot to prove. 

YHH doesn't think one team can win all three and we also don't think a team will lose all three either. We will see some great individual players - by our count there are 12 division one committed players in the event and at least 12 more that will some day wear a divsion one sweater. Here is a list of games, players and predictions.

Eden Prairie

Jack Jensen (Minnesota), Nicky Leivermann (Notre Dame), Casey Mittelstadt (Minnesota)

Unsung: Nolan Sullivan is our #8 rated uncommitted senior...leads second line. Great skill and very tenacious.

Edina

Ben Brinkman (Minnesota), Jake Boltmann (Minnesota), Bram Scheerer (Colorado College) and Sammy Walker (Minnesota)

Unsung: Lewis Crosby -- great two way player, plays with an edge.

Elk River

Benton Maas (#2 rated uncommitted), Jax Murray (#3 rated uncommitted), Nick Perbix (St. Cloud State) and Jack Perbix (Notre Dame)

Unsung: Max Michaelis - offensive threat, great size and athletcism...sees lots of ice time for Elks.

Grand Rapids

Gavin Hain (North Dakota), Blake McLaughlin (Minnesota) and Micah Miller (St. Cloud State)

Unsung: John Stampohar (#6 uncommitted)...talented defenseman who has great hands and speed. Hurts opponents on both ends of the ice with playmaking ability.