Thief River Falls at Hermantown
3:15 p.m., Saturday, Dec, 12

Saturday night could reveal a lot about both sides, as Thief River Falls heads to Hermantown in interesting nonconference matchup between northland schools boasting top-10 rankings in Class 1A.

Things have gone smoothly enough thus far for the No. 1-1A Hawks (3-0-1), who have quality wins over No. 9-2A Wayzata, Roseville and Duluth Marshall. Hermantown is coming off a tie at Hopkins in which goaltender Cade McEwen stopped 53 of 56 shots he faced.

Before the No. 11-1A Prowlers (4-1) arrive on Saturday, the Hawks must face No. 16-1A Duluth Denfeld and then travel south to take on No. 14-2A Minnetonka, and all three games could present their own kinds of challenges for Hermantown.

Hawks forward Ryan Sandelin has started his junior season on a tear, putting up six goals and eight points in four games against good competition.

The Prowlers are amid a tough stretch, which began with a loss to No. 2-1A Breck on Dec. 5, continues with No. 11-2A Bemidji on Dec. 8 and ends against Hermantown.

Ethan Johnson leads Thief River Falls with seven goals, and goalie Kade Nelson has a .905 save percentage and 2.40 goals-against average through five games.