Duluth East vs. Wayzata
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 

Duluth East's string of seven straight state tournament appearances was snapped last winter, and with Class 2A, Section 7 looking top-heavy again, the No. 12-2A Greyounds must perform well to contend.

Duluth East fields an inexperienced squad, returning just one senior from a year ago. Junior forward Garrett Worth is coming off a successful preseason in the Upper Midwest High School Elite League, where he finished with 21 points in 21 games to help lead Team North.

Worth's presence could help solidify the offense, while the team's core group of junior defensemen are expected to make the 'Hounds formidable on the blue line.

Wayzata's matchup with Duluth East completes a brutal stretch for the No. 5-2A Trojans, who will have played four games against ranked teams in eight nights after Saturday. 

The Trojans (0-2) lost about half the roster that helped them claim the school’s first boys' hockey state title, leaving significant holes across all areas. 

Skilled junior defenseman Grant Anderson and forward Griffen Ness are expected to step up for their respective units and help Wayzata return to the state tournament.