Call it a 1-2, 1-2 punch. Or how about two scoops of high-level high school hockey?
The hockey gods have graced us with boys' and girls' games involving the No. 1 and 2-ranked teams in a span of about 15 hours.
At 7 p.m. Friday at Braemar Ice Arena, No. 2 Blake heads to No. 1 Edina for the second of what should be three meetings this season. The top-ranked Hornets won 4-3 at Blake in mid-November. The rematch Friday gives both teams an excellent tune up with the postseason fast approaching.
That's where their likely third meeting comes into play. Both power programs reside in Class 2A, Section 6. Only one can go to the state tournament. Or neither, if another top Section 6 team -- fourth-ranked Wayzata -- has its way.
Blake (17-2) won seven Class 1A titles, then opted up to Class 2A for the 2017-18 season. Edina (17-3) defeated the Bears in the section final en route to winning its second consecutive state title.
The teams are littered with Division I-committed players. Blake offers Julia Blum, Addie Burton, Izzy Daniel, Lily Delianedis, Grace Vojta and sisters Audrey and Madeline Wethington.
Edina counters with CC Bowlby, Hannah Chorske, Katie Davis, sisters Tella and Vivian Jungels, Annie Kuehl, Kylie Roberts and Mallory Uihlein.
Saturday brings us Hockey Day Minnesota, the 13th annual Fox Sports North creation that celebrates the sport from preps to pros. Bemidji is the host community this time around.
