Monticello was the No. 1 seed and North Branch was No. 2 in last year's Class 1A, Section 5 playoffs, but they didn't meet in the championship after the Vikings lost to Chisago Lakes 4-3 in the semifinals. The Moose defeated the Wildcats to take the title.
Midway through this season, Monticello and North Branch look to be favorites in the section again, which makes Thursday's meeting a potential section final preview.
The Moose ousted section foe Princeton 3-2 on Jan. 6 after Devon Lyons scored with less than three minutes remaining in regulation.
Troy Dahlheimer (10-14-24) leads Monticello (10-2-1, 4-1-0) in both goals and assists.
Avenging that loss in the section semifinals, North Branch (11-3, 2-2) recorded a 7-3 win over Chisago Lakes on Jan. 6. Cody Moline (22-15-37) and Minnesota-Duluth prospect Brady Meyer (15-20-35) lead the charge for the Vikings.