Two of the top teams in central Minnesota — Monticello and St. Cloud Cathedral — don't share a conference or a section, but their matchup this week could be a good postseason primer for two clubs with state tournament aspirations.
Monticello made the state tournament the last two years — finishing second in 2017 — and could be in a position to return this season. The Moose lead Class 1A, Section 5 in QRF, and is battle-tested having faced one of best offenses and one of the best defenses in the state while playing in the Mississippi 8 Conference.
The Moose earned a 7-6 early season victory over Princeton, which is averaging 4.65 goals per game this season, but were rolled on Jan. 5 by Buffalo 7-0 — the Bison's 1.77 goals allowed per game ranks 10th in the state and the team is tied with Andover for a state-best eight shutouts this season. Learning lessons from both contests should benefit Monticello (15-7-1, 7-4) in the coming weeks.
Troy Dahlheimer leads a Moose offense that has scored two or more goals in its last nine games. He has 24 goals and 24 assists on the year, and that production will be needed against a St. Cloud Cathedral team that's playing well at both ends of the ice.
The No. 2-1A Crusaders (19-3) lead the state in scoring margin per game (nearly 4.1) after averaging 5.59 goals for and 1.68 goals against this season. They are one of just four teams to be in the top 10 in the state in both scoring and defense. Those stats have helped St. Cloud Cathedral grab hold of the top spot in the Class 1A, Section 6 standings and why the Crusaders are a state contender. They made the state tourney in 2016 and brought home the third-place trophy in 2017.
The Moose offer a good rebound test for Crusaders goalie Noah Amundson , who’s struggled against tougher teams recently, including allowing a half dozen goals in a 6-2 loss at No. 5-1A Mahtomedi on Feb. 9.
Amundson (1.92 GAA, .910 save percentage) is capable of holding down quality opponents. He gave up just two goals in a 2-1 overtime loss to No. 1-1A Hermantown on Jan. 4.