In this Lake Conference matchup, No. 6-ranked Minnetonka (8-2-1) will aim to stay within striking distance of Wayzata for the conference championship, while St. Michael-Albertville (4-5-3) will try to play spoiler and end the Skippers’ title hopes.
Despite falling to a losing record, St. Michael-Albertville has been competitive in several games this season and will look to break through over Minnetonka on the road. Not including the team’s three ties, the Knights have played in six games determined by one goal.
Since joining the Lake Conference in 2019, St. Michael-Albertville has not beaten Minnetonka, but the Knights have managed to keep most of the games close. In the seven meetings between the teams, six have been determined by two goals or less, including two ties and a 1-0 loss on Sept. 15 of this season. Goalkeeper Brynn Hedberg (53 saves) will be key for the Knights in keeping the game close.
Minnetonka fell to Wayzata 1-0 the last time the Skippers were out on the field. In order to stay afloat and have a chance at the Lake conference championship, the Skippers will need to avoid the upset Wednesday night. Prior to the loss, Minnetonka was flying high with a six-game winning streak allowing just one goal in that stretch.
Forward Gabrielle Ryan (10 goals, one assist) does a majority of the scoring for the Skippers’ offense, as no other player has more than two goals this season. A conference championship is certainly not the only goal of a top 10 team in Class 3A in Minnetonka, but Ryan will have to continue to step up for the team to have a chance.