Bemidji at Roseau
6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 23

Could this be a changing of the guard in Class 2A, Section 8? Roseau has been a northwestern Minnesota bully, along with Moorhead, winning the last 18 section titles. But Bemidji has already defeated Moorhead and now has its sights set on the Rams.

Roseau coach Andy Lundbohm admitted his team could have a tough start after graduating its top eight scorers and all but four total goals from last winter’s state tourney qualifier. The young Rams (5-3-0) are learning on the go, but have responded with two consecutive seven-goal outbursts in victories over Brainerd (7-3) and Grafton/Park River (7-1). It’s been a team effort, as the years of relying on the top line of Zach Yon and Alex Strand are gone. Instead, Logan Monsrud (5-8-13) and Brandon Lund (4-7-11) lead nine Rams with at least four points.

No. 20-2A Bemidji (7-1-1) won seven consecutive games since opening the season with a surprise tie at St. Cloud Apollo and a loss to Grand Rapids. Included in that winning streak are impressive victories over defending Class 1A champion East Grand Forks (2-1), Moorhead (4-2) and Warroad (5-0). In the seven-game winning streak, the Lumberjacks have outscored their opponents 27-7, led by Jake Leitner (8-5-13) and Brady Tatro (4-7-11).