Lakeville North at Prior Lake
3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13

The Saturday afternoon showdown at Dakotah Ice Arena between Prior Lake and Lakeville North will likely determine this year’s South Suburban Conference champion.

The No. 17-2A Lakers (17-6-0, 15-1-0) have enjoyed a solid January despite losses to last year’s Class 2A state finalists, the champion Panthers and No. 14-2A Duluth East.

Big wins recently over Farmington (3-2) and Burnsville (2-1) kept Prior Lake in the driver’s seat atop the league standings.

The Lakers have been particularly impressive on defense this season, allowing just 1.78 goals per game. Senior goaltender Drew Scites has a 16-6 record with three shutouts, a .913 save percentage and a 1.81 goals-against average.

Offensively, Connor Clemons is having a fine senior season with 26 goals and 43 points through 23 games.

The No. 8-2A Panthers (16-5-1, 14-2-0), who score 5.18 goals per game and allow 2.05, ran their winning streak to five games after a 3-2 victory over Duluth East in Hockey Day Minnesota's premier matchup on Saturday.

Senior Max Johnson leads the Panthers with 25 goals and 38 points, and juniors Ryan Poehling (17-30-47) and Henry Enebak (14-26-40) have nearly 90 combined points.