Blake has been one of the state's most successful programs in recent history, with Edina serving as a consistent state tournament roadblock. The two teams renew their rivalry on Saturday. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine
We task our reporters with identifying several intriguing games throughout the state to assemble our Top Games of the Week. The matchups are presented in no particular order, and when there are additional games we want to highlight, we’ll include them with brief notes.
Duluth Marshall vs. Dodge County, 12 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31. Malia Schubert, who has 15 goals, and Dodge County (9-3-1) face a talented Duluth Marshall (6-5-1, 1-1-0) defense led by Maren Friday, who is also the Hilltoppers' leading scorer with 10 goals and 16 points.
Centennial vs. Blaine, 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4. Overshadowed by the juggernaut that is No. 1-2A Andover, Northwest Suburban neighbors/rivals Centennial (7-4-0, 4-3-0) and Blaine (10-4-0, 5-2-0) have quietly pieced together solid seasons. Centennial senior Allison Pitlick has amassed 13 goals, tops for either team.
Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato at Willmar, 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4. An outburst of a combined 18 goals in its last two games for Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (10-3-1, 1-2-1) has been led by top scorer Alyssa Olson (10 goals, 15 points overall), among others. Willmar (10-5-1, 2-4-0), meanwhile, looks to extend its winning streak to three games.
The MN Girls' Hockey Hub poll is for entertainment purposes only.