Orono at Delano
2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16

Orono's game at Delano becomes a crucial meeting in terms of Class 1A, Section 2 seeding, as well as the impact on the Wright County Conference standings.

Holy Family Catholic enters the week with a firm hold on first place in the league with a 5-0 mark, though the Tigers (3-1-0) and Spartans (1-1-1) are pushing the Fire.

Orono has been impressive for most of the season but has had letdowns in all areas of its game. That said, the No. 14-1A Spartans (10-4-1) are averaging better than four goals per game and have won five one-goal contests this season.

Delano has a special teams unit that has been effective. The No. 6-1A Tigers’ penalty-kill units have extinguished threats 81 percent of the time (35 of 43), while the power play is hitting at 43 percent. Junior captain Ben Meyers has 23 goals and 14 assists through 15 games, and fellow junior captain John Keranen has 19 assists and 29 points.

Saturday afternoon’s contest at the Delano Area Sports Arena will be the first of two conference meetings over the next three and a half weeks, with the next game set for Feb. 9 at Orono.