Lakeville South vs. Stillwater
7:30 pm, Thursday, Dec. 1

Coming off a state tournament run that had Stillwater on the brink of the Class 2A finals, the No. 2-2A Ponies are expected to pick up where the left off with plenty of talent returning.

Lead the charge are two outstanding individual players listed on NHL Central Scouting’s preseason watch list: senior forward Noah Cates and defenseman Jesse Bjugstad. Cates, a Minnesota-Duluth commit, finished last season with 25 goals and 64 points. 

Jack Olson and Joey Novak combined for five to help Lakeville South begin its season with a 7-3 victory over No. 2-1A Breck on Saturday.

The No. 15-2A Cougars (1-0) open the season with ambitious nonconference schedule, and no test is bigger than the game against Stillwater.

A good showing against the Ponies could go a long way toward building momentum for a Lakeville South squad looking to compete in a wide-open South Suburban Conference.