Alexandria was Class 1A runner-up last year and has played early in this season like a team intent on returning to the state tournament, but the Cardinals will face competition for the Class 1A, Section 6 title from a St. Cloud Cathedral team that’s looked like a juggernaut. The two meet at MAC Arena on Tuesday in a possible postseason preview.
Alexandria (4-0, 3-0) has dominated early competition, albeit against a weaker slate of teams than St. Cloud Cathedral.
Jack Westlund leads the No. 3-1A Cardinals offense with four goals and seven assists. Caleb Strong (4-5-9) and Ben Doherty (4-4-8) are tied with Westlund for the team lead in goals. Bailey Rosch gets the bulk of the time in net and has a 0.67 goals-against average and one shutout.
The No. 2-1A Crusaders (5-0) have outscored opponents 31-7 this season and scored impressive victories over a handful of Class 1A's elite, including a 7-0 win against No. 8-ranked Warroad and a 7-2 defeat of No. 5-1A East Grand Forks.
Six Crusaders have at least seven points, led by Blake Perbix (3-10-13) and Nate Warner (5-7-12). Noah Amundson has a 1.40 goals-against average and two shutouts.