Both of these Class 1A, Section 8 contenders have one loss on the season, and after St. Cloud Cathedral throttled last year’s section runner-up, Alexandria, 7-1 last week, the Crusaders could make an early case for the top seed with a win over a Sartell-St. Stephen team that’s been surging a month into the season.
St. Cloud Cathedral’s 5-3 loss to No. 5-1A Greenway on Saturday was the fifth game against a ranked opponent the No. 6-1A Crusaders (5-2) have played in seven games this season. Five players have reached double digits in points, and the team features depth with seven seniors.
Junior Jackson Savoie (7-5-12) has a team-high seven goals on the season, while sophomores Blake Perbix (4-8-12) and Jack Smith (4-8-12) are the team’s go-to playmakers.
The Sabres, ranked No. 10 in Class 1A, dealt Class 2A Chaska its first loss of the season in a 5-2 decision last Friday. Cole Bright stopped 27 of 29 shots in net for Sartell-St. Stephen (5-1, 2-1) and will be tested against a potent Crusaders offense that's been held under four goals just twice this season.