St. Michael-Albertville vs. Holy Family Catholic
7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17

This nonconference, non-section meeting is huge for both sides as each gets a test against a top-tier opponent in mid-January. 

Holy Family Catholic (10-3-1, 4-0) and St. Michael-Albertville (11-1-1, 3-1) enter the week after impressive victories on Saturday night, and both look to keep the momentum going as the countdown to the section tournament continues. 

The Fire, ranked No. 9 in the Class 2A state coaches’ poll, is flying high again after a late-December letdown. Holy Family Catholic has won three straight over quality opponents: No. 4-2A Grand Rapids (4-3), No. 15-2A Blaine (3-2) and No. 2-1A Delano (10-1).

Junior Ben Almquist (8-16-24) leads the team in points, followed closely by Nick Michel (9-11-20).

The Knights (11-1-1, 3-1) haven't lost since Dec. 17, an impressive run that includes a 2-2 tie with Breck in the Schwan Cup Silver Division championship game. Most recently, No. 17-2A St. Michael-Albertville traveled to Roseau and cooled off the red-hot Rams with a 2-1 victory important in the Class 2A, Section 8 seeding. 

Senior Kyle Hayden has been solid for the Knights, entering the week with a 10-1-1 record, a .923 save percentage and a 1.86 goals-against average.