Wayzata vs. Duluth East

3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2

Duluth East was a regular at the Xcel Energy Center from 2009-2015, but its run of consecutive state tournament appearances was stopped at seven by a talented group of upperclassmen from Grand Rapids. The Thunderhawks have defeated the Greyhounds in the last two Class 2A, Section 7 title games.

Duluth East looks ready to reclaim the section crown this season. The No. 2-2A Greyhounds begin the year as the clear-cut favorite thanks to a strong roster that returns the team's 10 top scorers and 92 percent of its offensive production. They have the chance to prove themselves Saturday when hosting No. 10-2A Wayzata.

Seniors Ian Mageau (9-28-37) and Garrett Worth (21-13-34), along with North Dakota signee Ryder Donovan (11-22-33), should provide plenty of firepower for Duluth East to challenge a Trojans team that has been notoriously stingy on defense.

Wayzata failed to pick up a victory at the Channel 12 Turkey Trot last weekend, tying Maple Grove 3-3 on Friday and falling to Holy Family 5-1 a day later. Tristan Nelko has two goals and an assist as Wayzata's (0-1-1) leading scorer after two games.