Blaine at Stillwater
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13 

Blaine graduated most of its scoring from a team that reached the Class 2A, Section 5 championship, and the Bengals enter the season with nine sophomores on the varsity roster, including forward Paige Beebe. Beebe is the Bengals' top returning scorer and finished last season with 13 goals and 15 assists.

Blaine's group of sophomores also include defensemen Emily Brown (19 assists, four goals) and Sam Auman (six goals, two assists), and forwards Courtney Moser (four goals, four assists) and Sarah Ganley (four goals, one assist).

The Bengals' upperclassmen should play key roles, as well. Senior forward Alisa Wolens tallied four goals and three assists, while junior defenseman Ashley Osbeck had seven assists and two goals for Blaine. Senior goalie Makayla Tilton stopped 556 shots. 

The Bengals, No. 14-2A, start the season Nov. 11 hosting Totino-Grace, No. 12-1A. 

Stillwater opened its season by defeating Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 6-0 on Nov. 8.

Senior forwards Carlie Hart and Sierra Smith led the Ponies in the victory. Hart had a hat trick and two assists; Smith finished with two goals and two assists.

Senior forward Georgia Eger had two assists, and junior defenseman Olivia Arkell scored a goal and had an assist.

The game with Blaine begins a tough, nine-day stretch for Stillwater. The Ponies play Edina (No. 5-2A), Mounds View (No. 11-2A) and have a road matchup with Minnetonka (No. 3-2A), as well.