Lakeville North at Grand Rapids
3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13

When the season began, most experts knew No. 2-2A Lakeville North (2-0-0) was going to be a state tournament contender, if not the overall favorite. Last week, the Panthers avenged last year’s state final defeat to Edina, beating the Hornets 3-1 — a result which will likely vault Lakeville North to the top spot when the new poll comes out. The Panthers tightened up their defensive game significantly in the rematch but is still getting a giant effort from Nick Poehling (6-1-7), who scored all three goals against Edina to record his second hat trick in as many games this season.

No. 12-2A Grand Rapids was a bit more of an unknown after graduating Mr. Hockey Avery Peterson and Brimsek Award winner Hunter Shepard in goal. Turns out the Thunderhawks will be just fine. The ‘Hawks are cruising along at a 6.6 goals per game clip, led by the all-junior line of Alex Adams (6-10-16), Mitchell Mattson (7-6-13) and Jonah Bischoff (4-9-13). Coach John Rothstein is still doing some juggling in goal, as he’s started three different goaltenders (Noah Troumbly, Joe Burt and Sam Gerth) in the five games.