Maple Grove has been a surprise team in Class 2A, climbing to No. 7 in the coaches' poll. The Crimson must see if they have the consistency to contend within the Northwest Suburban Conference, starting with a trip to Blaine.
The Crimson (5-0-1, 1-0) had an excellent opening weekend, winning the Channel 12 Turkey Trot tournament by defeating No. 10-2A Wayzata 5-2 in the semifinals and tying No. 3-2A Edina 3-3 in the championship game, where Maple Grove earned the crown by winning a shootout.
Trevor Kukkonen is off to a hot start for Maple Grove with nine goals and seven assists to lead the team in points through five games. Justin Janicke (3-8-11), Kyle Kukkonen (2-8-10) and Tyler Kostelecky (6-3-9) give the Crimson plenty of speedy weapons.
Blaine (4-0, 0-0) is led by Bryce Brodzinski (6-9-15) — the senior had two goals and two assists in a 5-3 win over St. Michael-Albertville last Saturday. Carsen Richels (6-6-12) is one of four Bengals who have at least four points. Goaltender Joe Daninger has two shutouts and a .950 save percentage.