These teams have been playing one another once each regular season seemingly since the invention of ice. The matchup makes sense, given both programs’ rich history of state tournament success. Quick quiz: Name the last northern team to win a Class 2A state title. Answer: Grand Rapids in 2017. And before that? Roseau in 2007.
Grand Rapids (5-0-0) is the favorite based on its methodical march through its early season schedule, highlighted by a 2-1 win over No. 9-2A Hill-Murray on Jan. 23.
Star defenseman Jack Peart, a senior who figures to contend for the Mr. Hockey award, serves as a the catalyst for the No. 5-2A Thunderhawks. Peart, the team’s leading scorer last season, has a goal and six assists to rank second behind senior forward Hunter Bischoff’s 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists).
Roseau (5-1-0) can be excused for its lone loss to date, given that it came against high-powered Warroad (6-3 on Jan. 26), the latest extension in a rivalry in which anything and everything can, and often does, happen. The No. 10-2A Rams have defeated two of North Dakota’s top teams in Grand Forks Red River (6-2 on Jan. 16) and Grand Forks Central (4-1 on Jan. 30), programs that have dominated North Dakota hockey for decades.
Junior Max Strand leads a talented and deep forward group at Roseau with 12 points. Junior Thor Byfuglien is the top-scoring defenseman with four goals and six assists.