There’s no doubt the players from these teams, longtime rivals while climbing the youth ranks, share a mutual respect. They might even be friendly off the ice. On the ice? Well, let’s just say they get after it in a most unfriendly manner. The teams were whistled for a combined 12 infractions for 51 minutes when they last met, a 3-3 overtime tie on Jan. 14 that only adds fuel to the growing bonfire of a rivalry they’ve created.
Friday’s rematch at the Bloomington Ice Garden will help determine the top seed in the coming Section 4AA playoffs, who wins the Northwest Suburban Conference and, temporarily at least, settle the bragging rights for these northwest metro neighbors.
Senior Finn Brink leads No. 4-2A Maple Grove (15-4-1) with 20 goals among his team-best 47 points. The Wisconsin commit and likely Mr. Hockey finalist has scored at least one point in 18 straight games. Senior Sam Ranallo (19 goals), another likely Mr. Hockey finalist, leads the top line for No. 6-2A Rogers (12-3-3).