Rochester Lourdes at New Prague
7:15 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11

Rochester Lourdes (1-1-1) was long the bully on the Class 1A, Section 1 block, winning five straight section titles until last year’s seven-win season set the Eagles back. No. 7-1A New Prague (4-0-0) took advantage with a great season that ended with a state third-place trophy. The Trojans appear to be the favorites again, although a young Lourdes team gained experience last year and could make a run. This game will be a good early test to see how far Lourdes has come.

The Eagles have played in three tight, low-scoring games so far, including a 3-0 shutout at Mound-Westonka in their last game. Senior Jack Burkel (1-1-1, 1.58, .947) has faced 95 shots in three games and turned away 90 of them, while Tucker Chapman (3-1-4) scored twice in the win over the White Hawks.

New Prague is also coming off a shutout (6-0 against Mankato West) and has allowed just 1.5 goals per game. The Trojans are backstopped by a veteran goaltender in Conner Wagner (4-0-0, 1.50, .935) and have an experienced sniper in Alex Gregor (6-5-11). Look familiar? Expect a low-scoring game with both outstanding goaltenders coming up big.