Duluth East at Grand Rapids
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7

Thursday night’s showdown between Duluth East and host Grand Rapids at the IRA Civic Center could offer a preview of a meeting somewhere deep in the Class 2A, Section 7 tournament.

Duluth East (5-5-0) has won just once since Dec. 5, settling its record at .500 after a 4-0 start. However, the No. 17-2A Greyhounds, who once held the No. 2 ranking in Class 2A, have the opportunity to measure up with Grand Rapids in this annual meeting of independents.

Senior forward Ryan Peterson leads Duluth East with 13 points (6-7-13) in 10 games, including a team-leading three power-play goals.

The No. 11-2A Thunderhawks continue to be led by North Dakota recruit Mitchell Mattson, who enters the week with 11 goals and 14 assists. It's a big week for Grand Rapids (8-4-1), which faces No. 1-1A Hermantown on Tuesday.