Minnetonka suffered its first loss of the season on Jan. 6, falling to No. 4-2A Duluth East.
The defeat should knock the Skippers (11-1-2, 1-0-0) from the top rank in Class 2A, but that doesn't remove the shine from Saturday's showdown with No. 1-1A Hermantown because -- regardless of rank or class -- this matchup features two of the state's top programs.
Nine skaters with double-digit point totals have contributed the Skippers’ success, led by Jack Bayless (10-10-20). Proving he can fill whatever role his team needed, Bayless is the only Minnetonka skater with double-digit goals and assists.
Hermantown will need to focus on containing Minnetonka's offense, especially early in the game, since opponents have outscored the Hawks 11-6 in the first period this season.
Hermantown started the year 1-2-2, but saw overtime four times during the stretch. The Hawks (6-3-2, 1-0-1) have rebounded, winning five consecutive games entering this week, including three straight single-goal victories over No. 15-2A Wayzata (3-2), No. 11-2A Duluth Marshall (4-3) and No. 6-1A St. Cloud Cathedral (4-3).
Senior forward Tyler Watkins (6-18-24) has fueled his team’s run, tallying multi-point performances in all five games.