Elk River at Duluth East
3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30

In an important game in terms of seeding for the Class 2A, Section 7 tournament, Elk River heads north for a Saturday night showdown with Duluth East at the Heritage Sports Center. The contest pits the Elks against the Greyhounds in a regular-season battle between giants of the northeast section.

Elk River (12-6-1) has found Saturday games to be unkind this season. Four of the Elks' six losses have come on the weekend day, including the last two in 4-2 home losses to No. 6-2A Blaine and Maple Grove.

Elk River, however, has had its share of quality wins, including victories over No. 18-2A Prior Lake, No. 12-2A Grand Rapids and No. 7-2A Lakeville North. 

This week offers an opportunity for the No. 8-2A Elks to take a big step forward by working for wins at No. 14-2A Centennial on Thursday and at Duluth East two days later.

Elk River junior forward Max Michaelis has put up impressive offensive production, taking 17 goals and 30 points into the week.

Duluth East (10-7-0) has picked up steam once again with four straight victories, but have some tough games remaining on their schedule. A week after the matchup with the Elks, the Greyhounds welcome defending Class 2A champion Lakeville North to town for a rematch of last year’s state title game.

On Feb. 13, Duluth East plays at No. 2-2A Minnetonka in the regular-season finale.

The Greyhounds are led offensively by senior forward Ash Altmann’s 12 goals and 24 points.