Wayzata at Maple Grove 
7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8

Many believe Maple Grove may be the best team in the state, and its no coincidence the Crimson feature one of the best goalies in the state in Breanna Blesi. Whith stalwart defenders Sydnee Hanson and Tina Kampa clearing bodies and blocking shots in front of her, Blesi has the state's second-best save percentage (.956) and third-best goals-against average (1.09).

No. 2-2A Maple Grove (15-0-1) is coming off a 5-0 victory over Robbinsdale Cooper/Armstrong on Jan. 3. The Crimson are on a five-game winning streak that includes a 2-1 victory over Edina in the Walser Holiday Tournament at Braemar Ice Arena Dec. 29, giving Maple Grove momentum going into a game the Crimson need to win if they want to prove they are worthy of taking over the top spot in Class 2A. 

Taylor Wente has 14 goals and 27 points to power Maple Grove's offense.

Wayzata wrapped up third place at the Mid-Winter Meltdown hockey tournament with a 3-2 victory over Chaska on Dec. 31. The No. 7-2A Trojans (10-4-2), however, lost to Lake Conference rival Minnetonka 3-2 in the semifinals, and a victory over the Crimson could be a big confidence boost as Wayzata prepares to face the Skippers and Hopkins the following week.

Sophia Shaver continues to lead the Trojans. The Wisconsin commit has 13 goals in 16 games. Natalie Heisling has team-highs in assists (15) and points (22).