While Mahtomedi hasn't defeated Metro East Conference rival Hill-Murray in their past five meetings, the Zephyrs have recorded three ties with the Pioneers -- a team that has won eight consecutive league titles going back to when they played in the Classic Suburban Conference.
The most recent tie, a 3-3 draw, occurred in the season opener on Dec. 5, making Saturday’s matinee a crucial tie-breaking scenario for the league title.
Mahtomedi, ranked second in Class 1A, suffered its first league loss on Jan. 6, falling to No. 2-2A St. Thomas Academy 3-1.
Bailey Huber boasts the state's best save percentage (.956) and has the ability to keep the Zephyrs (9-2-1, 4-1-1) skating with the best teams in the state. He stopped 38 of 40 shots against the Cadets, who scored an empty-net goal.
Hill-Murray snapped a five-game winless streak with a 3-1 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret's on Jan. 6.
Ben Helgeson (9-9-18) leads the No. 19-2A Pioneers (5-4-4, 3-1-1) on offense. He netted a goal against the Red Knights and tallied three points in a 4-4 tie against No. 10-2A Eden Prairie in the third-place game of the Schwan's Cup Gold Division tournament on Dec. 28.