Edina at Blaine
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14


Edina and Blaine are perennially two of the metro’s top programs. Both started somewhat slowly this season but now seem to have some things figured out. 

The Hornets (10-3-1, 1-1) bring a seven-game unbeaten streak into the week but could find extending it difficult as they face perhaps the toughest two-week stretch of their schedule with games against Eden Prairie, Hill-Murray, Centennial, Minnetonka and Blaine, which opens the gauntlet on Saturday night.

Junior forwards Lewis Crosby (11-13-24) and Sam Walker (10-12-22) lead No. 4-2A Edina in points while sophomore Jett Jungels (12-7-19) tops the team in goals. 

Blaine has always had an identity as a physical team, but this year’s Edina squad has shown a willingness to play the body as well, which could make for an interesting matchup.

The No. 14-2A Bengals fell Saturday to No. 2-2A Elk River 4-2 in a defeat that snapped a six-game unbeaten streak.

Bryce Brodzinski (12-14-26) and Steven West (12-3-15) have a dozen goals apiece this season for Blaine (8-3-1, 3-2), and Brodzinksi is averaging better than two points per game. 

The Bengals’ power play has been especially effective this season, converting on 40 percent of its chances (16 of 42).