East Grand Forks at Thief River Falls
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10

Two of the “big three” in Class 1A, Section 8 collide Tuesday night at Ralph Engelstad Arena, affectionately known as the “Little Ralph.” No. 3 East Grand Forks (19-4-0), the two-time defending section champion and last year’s state Class 1A champion, travels to upset-minded No. 10 Thief River Falls (12-11-0).

The longtime rivals played back on Jan. 20, with East Grand Forks claiming a 4-1 victory behind two goals from Nathan Heisler (3-0-3) and a 17-save effort from backup goaltender Garrett Lieberg (7-1-0, 1.80, .920). Leading scorer Dixon Bowen (21-29-50) had two assists but was hurt in a loss at Moorhead on Feb. 3 and hasn’t played since.

That loss to the Green Wave started a three-game losing streak for the Prowlers, who have been streaky. Coach Tim Bergland’s team has already had two winning and two losing streaks of at least three games this winter. The Prowlers aren’t a high-scoring team but do have a pair of double-digit goal scorers in Keaton Huot (13-12-25) and Ethan Johnson (12-23-25), who share the team lead in scoring.

Even with a loss, East Grand Forks likely has the No. 1 seed in the section wrapped up. The Green Wave have lost just once to a Class 1A team all year (3-0 to No. 1-1A Hermantown on Dec. 31).