The addition of Red Wing adds another quality girls hockey program to the Big Nine, and the Rockets will test the Wingers' toughness tonight in the biggest game of the conference season so far.

The Rockets and Wingers lock up at 7:30 tonight at Red Wing's Prairie Island Arena.

Both teams have fantastic top lines, and both Red Wing coach Scott Haley and JM/Lourdes coach Bob Montrose said they're looking forward to the challenge.

"We both control our own destiny heading into the end of Big Nine play for a potential conference title," Haley said. "They appear to have an excellent team, and we will have our hands full slowing down their top line and generating offense against (JM/Lourdes goalie Melissa) Zinser, but we look forward to the challenge."

The Rockets and Wingers both are playing well and have shown great improvement over the last month.

JM/Lourdes hasn't lost since Nov. 18 (Wayzata) and has outscored Big Nine Conference opponents 67-4 in 10 games. The Rockets will bring a 13-1-2 record into the showdown.

The Rockets have taken just eight penalties in the past six games. Montrose said staying out of the box will be a key against the Wingers. That will be a key for the Wingers, too. The Rockets are converting on 47 percent of their power-play chances this season.

"Both teams have great goaltending," Montrose said. "Right now we are playing our best hockey. ... Our girls are confident in their game, but know they will need an extra effort against Red Wing. We are ready for this game."

Renee Saltness has been on a tear. The Rockets forward has 50 points, including 22 goals and 28 assists. Rebecca Freiburger is the team's top goal-scorer with 28, while Kate Valentine has 19 goals. Tori Thompson, who is one of the state's top defensemen, has 13 goals and 14 assists.

Red Wing's high-powered offense features one of Minnesota's top players in Reagan Haley (26-33--59). Taylor Heise also has heated up and now has 20 goals and 22 assists.

While Zinser has been fantastic in goal for JM/Lourdes, Ashley Corcoran has answered the challenge between the pipes for Red Wing (14-4). Corcoran has a .925 saves percentage.