The state's goal-scoring crown this season might return to northern Minnesota.
Red Lake Falls’ Zak Kennett has 39 goals this season, one behind the state leader, Marshall’s Mason LaPlante. With at least one goal in 19 of the 20 games, four hat tricks and 14 multi-goal games, Kennett has a good chance to overtake LaPlante and become the first player from the northwestern corner of Minnesota to lead the state in goals since 2014 (Kobe Roth of Warroad).
He would also end southern Minnesota's dominance in the category at four years (Kasyn Kruse, Luverne, 2017-18; Bailey Sommers, Redwood Valley, 2016-17; Jaxon Nelson, Luverne, 2015-16; Sam Wenner, Minnesota River, 2014-15.
Look for Kennett to add to his season total when Red Lake Falls (5-15-0, 2-4-0) faces Crookston (7-15-1, 0-7-0), which has allowed 3.78 goals per game this season.
Senior goaltender Jack Ricord is the Pirates' last line of defense against Kennett. He has a 3.77 goals-against average and .871 save percentage on the season, but he has proven stout at times, including in a 4-0 victory over Kittson Central 4-0 win on Jan. 22.