The start of October marks the final phase of the regular season, and plenty of conference races and last-gasp tests await. Our Top Game of the Week incorporates both, with Granite Ridge Conference frontrunners and Class 1A, Section 8 rivals St. Cloud Cathedral and Little Falls facing off on Tuesday.
The Crusaders haven't lost to the Flyers since 2011, but trail them by three points in the conference race. With a game in hand and a 7-0 win in the first round of this matchup (Sept. 13), St. Cloud Cathedral (10-3, 7-0) could have a chance to take control of conference standings with a win Tuesday.
The Crusaders' most recent loss, a 6-2 final to St. Cloud Tech, was on Sept. 8, and they have been rolling since — winning eight straight, scoring at least three goals per game and netting seven or more goals in half of the wins.
McRay Drong has been key for the high-scoring offense, leading the Crusaders with 16 goals and 10 assists. If Little Falls keys in on Drong, Cole Tetrault's scoring prowess — he has 11 goals this season — could provide help.
The Flyers (10-3, 8-1) may not be quite as potent offensively as St. Cloud Cathedral, but they've scored in all but two games this season. Considering one of those shutouts came against the Crusaders, Little Falls' offense, led by Oscar Norgren (9 goals, 8 assists), will be eager to step up.