Lakeville North vs. Lakeville South

7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14
Hasse Arena, Lakeville

Lakeville’s emergence as a hockey power came way back in 2000, when the sprawling south metro suburb had just one high school. Since then, either Lakeville, Lakeville North or Lakeville South has won 16 of 22 section championships, including 11 of the last 12.

All of which is to say hockey players in Lakeville have a better chance than most of playing in the state tourney. Assuming, of course, they can get past their archrivals from the other side of town.

Lakeville North and Lakeville South have met for the 1AA title nine times since 2008, including South’s 7-3 triumph over North last season. While South has won four of the last five section titles, the balance of power in one of the state’s best rivalries has had seismic shifts. Starting in 2010, North had a run of five section championships in six seasons.

No. 3-2A Lakeville South (4-0-0), which lost in double-overtime to Eden Prairie in last spring’s state title game, figures to have the edge this season. Several standouts return from a year ago, including junior Tanner Ludtke, the Cougars’ scoring leader with seven points. Junior forwards Ashton Dahms (5 goals) and Aidan Willis (5 points) and senior defenseman Mason Johnson (5 points) also were key cogs a year ago.

If there is one game in which Lakeville North almost always plays its inspired best, this is it. The Panthers are 1-1-0, having opened the season with a 4-3 overtime loss to No. 12-2A Moorhead and a 3-1 triumph over Shakopee. Junior Kyle Doll, who ranked third on the Panthers in scoring last season, is off to a good start with a goal and an assist.

Which team will win?
Legacy pick: Lakeville South