Cretin-Derham Hall at Mahtomedi
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29

Two of the best programs on the east side of the river clash Saturday night when No. 15-2A Cretin-Derham Hall travels to No. 5-1A Mahtomedi for a nonconference, non-section, even non-class game. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be a good one. There’s an interesting St. Thomas Academy connection, as well.

Cretin-Derham Hall is led by a strong and athletic senior class, a group the Raiders will rely on as they go toe-to-toe with the Cadets in the Section 3 race this winter. Nick Reis is Cretin-Derham Hall's leading returning scorer with 25 goals and 46 points and one of many multi-sport athletes on the roster. Another is senior defenseman Max Jackson, who was named a captain in three sports: hockey, baseball and football.

Mahtomedi is an old foe of the Cadets, having battled them in Section 4 until St. Thomas Academy moved to Class 2A last year. The Zephyrs were the only team in the previous six years to slow down the Cadets’ dynasty, upsetting them in the section playoffs in 2009 and 2010 (STA won Class 1A state titles the other four years: 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2013).

Mahtomedi may be the new bully in Section 4 with a top line that includes Jack Becker, Kellen Campbell and Joe Forciea, who combined for 47 goals and 94 points last year.