Burnsville vs. Hill-Murray
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29


Burnsville posted a 13-10-2 overall record and finished fourth in the South Suburban Conference standings a year ago. The Blaze clearly had more talent than their record indicated and playing an ultracompetitive league schedule prepared them for a postseason run that culminated in their first state tournament bid in nine years.

How the Blaze will transition after losing seven of its top eight scorers remains to be seen, but that means there's opportunity for others to step in. Seniors Ryan Pearson and Roman Achan return, after combining for 15 goals last season.

For Hill-Murray, experienced production won't be an issue. The No. 14-2A Pioneers dress 13 seniors, many of whom contributed significantly last season.

The Pioneers lost senior Marko Reifenberger to the USHL and Dylan Mills to the NAHL, leaving seniors Kyler Yeo and Brock Bremer, along with sophomore Wisconsin commit Ben Helgeson, to take on even larger roles. Perhaps Hill-Murray's most important player is senior goalie Jake Begley, who posted a 12-5-1 record, a .926 save percentage and a 1.98 goals-against average.