Mahtomedi at Duluth Marshall
7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6

Two of the best teams in Class 1A clash Tuesday night at Mars Lakeview Arena in Duluth when No. 4-1A Mahtomedi (11-1-0) visits No. 2-1A Duluth Marshall (11-1-0). This could be a state championship preview, with the way both teams have started the season.

The Hilltoppers have lost just once, although it came to No. 1-1A Hermantown in the semifinals of the Hilltopper Holiday Classic on Dec. 30, ending a 10-game winning streak. Marshall could play the Hawks again, as both teams are in Section 7A. Coach Brendan Flaherty’s team is well-balanced, with 10 players scoring at least seven points, led by Derek Farrell (7-11-18) and John McKenna (10-7-17).

Mahtomedi has only lost once in 12 games, a 5-1 defeat to No. 4-2A Hill-Murray on Dec. 13. The Zephyrs swept through the Perpich North-South Challenge Dec. 29-31, beating Grand Rapids (5-3), Hibbing/Chisholm (5-4 in OT) and Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl (5-3). Mahtomedi has a balanced and formidable offense, with 11 players tallying at least six points, paced by Jack Becker (11-8-19) and Sam Krawczyk (7-12-19).