Edina at Minnetonka
7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24

Coming into the season, No. 2-2A Edina (14-1-2) was expected to be one of the top contenders for a state title, and the Hornets have not disappointed, with only one defeat in their first 17 games. But one of the non-victories came against a team many were overlooking, No. 12-2A Minnetonka (11-5-1).

The Skippers matched up with Edina in the quarterfinals of the Schwan Cup Gold Division over the holidays and came away with a surprise shootout victory to send the Hornets into the consolation bracket. The game was officially a 3-3 tie, but it certainly felt like a big win for the Skippers and coach Brian Urick. Minnetonka has won six straight games to rocket up the state rankings, and in the process, the Skippers have scored goals by the bundle. In those six wins, Minnetonka is averaging 6.3 goals per game against teams such as Eden Prairie, Maple Grove and Hopkins. Nick Greene (11-5-16) leads the team in goals, and Gavin Payne (10-18-28) and Brendan Skarda (9-16-25) in points.

Edina has also won five straight since that tie, twice beating Hill-Murray and also edging White Bear Lake and Wayzata. The Hornets have scored in bunches all season, paced by junior Garrett Wait (16-29-45) and senior Dylan Malmquist (15-30-45).