Strong section seeding can help lead to potential state tournament berths and maybe some upsets in St. Paul this March for tourney hopefuls New Ulm and Minnesota River.
For New Ulm, more wins could translate to better seeding in a challenging Class 1A, Section 3, where Litchfield/ Dassel-Cokato and Luverne have won the last three titles. The Eagles last won the section in 2015 when, as a No. 3-seed, they upset No. 1 Luverne.
New Ulm already has a win over Minnesota River under its belt this year — a 6-1 contest on Dec. 20 — so another victory would help bolster its resume.
Jack Raymond gets a chance to shut down Minnesota River again, as the Eagles goalie posted a 33-save, one-goal performance in the first meeting. His 1.78 goals-against average is 10th-best in the state among goalies with at least 500 minutes played and only Marshall (twice) and Northfield have scored more than three goals on Raymond this season. His continued high-level play could be what New Ulm (10-6-1, 8-2) needs in the postseason, where an elite goaltender can buoy a playoff run.
The Bulldogs (13-3, 9-1) are in a wide open Class 1A, Section 1, and would probably like to think that increases their chances for making their first state tournament appearance. If Minnesota River's high-powered scoring (5.62 goals per game) stays on pace, and the Bulldogs move onto state, it would mark the highest scoring offense for a Class 1A, Section 1 champion this decade.
Minnesota River’s offense goes heavy on depth, but Hunter Wilmes leads the team in goals (15) and assists (19) while seven other Bulldogs have at least six goals. Nine different skaters scored in Minnesota River's 9-0 win over Fairmont on Jan. 15, showing why opponents cannot focus on shutting down one player or line to stop Minnesota River.