Warroad at Roseau
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28

This year’s matchup pits a Warroad team, ranked No. 5 in Class 1A by Let's Play Hockey, boasting a potent offense against No. 12-1A Roseau and its vaunted defense.

The Warriors (3-2) are coming off a 7-6 win over No. 2-1A Breck, a game in which Demi Gardner, Kayla's sister, had five goals. Demi leads the team with eight goals and seven assists while her sister Mariah has six goals and six assists.

Warroad followed the victory with a 4-1 loss to No. 3-2A Edina on Nov. 21. The Warriors fell behind 2-0 and couldn't close the deficit.

The Rams (3-3) are adjusting after replacing seven forwards from last year’s team, including Tianna Gunderson (32-18-50) and Sarina Goos (15-24-39).

Josee Lundgren (3-3-6), Kirsten Grafstrom (3-3-6) and Lindsey Santl (4-1-5) have emerged as the team’s offensive leaders. Senior defenders Ryan Strand and Saphire Moser, along with sophomore defenders Jenna Byfuglien and Ellice Murphy, give Roseau a solid group of blue-liners in front of goalie Jenna Baumgartner (3-3, 3.83, .835).

The Rams, who lost to Edina 4-1 on Nov. 20 and to Breck 9-1 on Nov. 21, face defending Class 1A state champion Thief River Falls before meeting Warroad. 

Defeating Roseau could give the Warriors a confidence boost.

“Anytime you can beat Roseau, you’re a pretty good team,” Warroad coach David “Izzy” Marvin said.