Lake of the Woods vs. International Falls

7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3
Bronco Arena, International Falls

Although International Falls was forced to cancel its annual Border Battle with Fort Frances, Ontario, this season, the Broncos will turn their attention to another fiercely competitive border rival.

Baudette-based Lake of the Woods, which sits 68 miles to the west of International Falls, has 10 seniors among its 19 varsity skaters, including three from Rainy River, Ontario. That’s a big jump in bodies from the 12-skater squad from last season, when players were not allowed to cross the border. 

While International Falls has dominated the series in recent history, the Bears swept the Broncos in 2017-18 and should have no problem improving on last season’s 3-10-0 mark. Charlie Eck, a junior forward, returns after leading Lake of the Woods in scoring last season.

International Falls graduated its top four scorers from last season’s 6-11-1 team, but the Broncos feature a talented group of juniors headlined by Colin Kostiuk and Braden Skifstad.

Which team will win?
Legacy pick: International Falls