Hill-Murray and White Bear Lake’s rivalry has a fun twist this year: Both Class 2A teams own top-10 rankings entering their regular-season showdown this year.
The Pioneers are at No. 10, while the Bears, thanks to another strong start to the season, have catapulted to No. 9.
Hill-Murray (5-1, 4-0) has an impressive resume, boasting a 4-3 win over No. 4-1A Mahtomedi from Dec. 4 and only one loss — a 3-1 decision to No. 8-2A Wayzata on Dec. 8.
All of Hill-Murray’s skaters have at least a point, with Charlie Strobel leading in goals (9) and points (15).
Remington Keopple has the bulk of the minutes in net for the Pioneers, posting a 1.42 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. If Keopple gets the start, he’ll face a White Bear Lake offense peppered with point production.
Four Bears have at least 10 points, led by Chase Bill (5-8-13), Lleyton Roed (6-6-12) and Blake Meister (4-8-12). Grant Hofeld leads the team with seven goals.
White Bear Lake (6-1-1, 5-0-1) defeated the Pioneers 4-2 in the regular season last year, but Hill-Murray took the Class 2A, Section 4 title match 3-1.