Edina defeated Eden Prairie 6-1 in the Edina Holiday Classic final on Dec. 15, their first meeting of the season for these Class 2A rivals. Saturday brings another showdown, but this one counts in the Lake Conference standings.
The Hornets boast a powerful offense (5.19 goals per game) behind Mason Nevers (10-23-33), who leads a group of four Hornets with at least 21 points. Nevers, a Minnesota commit, also scored twice and had an assist in the first matchup with the Eagles.
Edina, ranked No. 3 in the Class 2A coaches’ poll from Jan. 16, also owns a staunch defense (1.88 goals allowed per game). Goalie Louden Hogg carries a 2.13 goals-against average as the anchor for the Hornets (13-2-1, 0-0), who have a challenging week ahead. They play No. 1-ranked and unbeaten Minnetonka two days before the rematch with the Eagles.
Eden Prairie wants a victory over Edina to add to a resume that includes a 5-3 win over Wayzata on Jan. 19, a 1-1 tie at No. 5-2A Duluth East on Jan. 12, and turning to leading scorer Jack Jensen (19-14-33) may be key for the No. 8-2A Eagles (10-5-2, 1-1-0). The Gophers commit should bolster the attack after missing the first game against Edina.