Maple Grove vs. Wayzata
at Plymouth Ice Center (Turkey Trot)
7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21

The nightcap of the first day of the Turkey Trot sees host Wayzata take on Maple Grove in a game between two teams that should be ranked among the top 10 when the Class 2A poll is released. The Trojans and the Crimson both have designs on returning to the state tournament after missing out last winter.

Wayzata, the top seed in Section 6, had its season cut short when fourth-seeded Benilde-St. Margaret’s pulled off a 2-1 upset in the section semifinals. The game was reflective of the Trojans’ season. They were very difficult to score against, allowing just 1.3 goals per game, but they also struggled to put the puck in the net.

At first glance, that looks to be the case again this season, as a defensive corps anchored by senior Alex Stevens and sophomore Hank Sorensen will be strong in front of goaltender Alex Schilling.

Stevens, and junior Maxwell Zimmer, each had 10 goals and are Wayzata's top returning scorers.

Maple Grove was the No. 2 seed in Section 5 but was also upset in the section semifinals, falling to No. 3 seed Centennial 4-0. The Crimson won 15 games in coach Tom Starkey’s first season and should be even better with 11 returning veterans, including two top goaltenders in senior Cal McKenney and junior Brady Goodman. It should be a low-scoring game.