QUARTERFINAL
Chicago Lakes (19-8) vs. New Prague (No. 3, 21-4-3), 1 p.m.
Scouting the Wildcats: Some might question Chisago Lakes' strength of schedule — it has not played a state tournament team this season — but the Wildcats have done everything asked of them. They've lost only once to a Class 1A team, 4-3 to Hibbing in January, and have shown grit in close games with eight victories by two goals or fewer. Junior goalie Jake Dubose has grown stronger as the season progressed, posting five of his six shutouts since Jan. 16. The Wildcats are tough at killing penalties, allowing opponents to convert only 12 percent of power-play chances.
Scouting the Trojans: New Prague's school-record 21-victory season and first state tournament appearance can largely be explained by overall depth and goaltending. Ten players have 10 or more points, led by seniors forward Augie Isaacson's 53. Junior goalie Conner Wagner has played all but seven minutes in goal this season. He gave up only two goals in three Section 1 tournament games. The Trojans have shown themselves to be road-tested, compiling a 14-2-1 record away from the New Prague Community Center.
Worth knowing: Chisago Lakes' only previous state tournament appearance came in 1995. The Wildcats went winless in two games that season.
JIM PAULSEN
