Three seasons ago, Irondale and Elk River finished the regular season near or at the bottom of the Northwest Suburban Conference standings. The Knights didn’t win a game against league competition and the Elks didn’t fare much better, winning just three league contests.
After years of development, upperclassmen in both programs have helped bring their teams into contention for this season's conference title — of which the Knight already own a share but can hold it outright with a win over the Elks when they meet Wednesday in our Top Game of the Week.
Irondale saw evidence of its improvement in a dramatic 8-7 overtime victory against defending conference champion Maple Grove in the season opener on April 12. Since then, the Knights (11-0, 9-0) have been dominant, ousting competition by a combined score of 133-52 en route to an undefeated record and a guaranteed share of its first league crown.
Ryan Solz (34-10-44) leads a group of five juniors who have at least 15 goals this season and contributed to Irondale’s offensive onslaught.
Elk River has also enjoyed plenty of success this season, but it has played in much tighter games. The Elks (9-1, 8-1) have won each of their past four games by a single goal, and they're in the midst of a seven-game winning streak. Elk River’s experience playing in the clutch could sequester its nerves as it vies for a share of the league title.
Elks junior goalie Cody Simon stymied the Knights in a 10-5 win in last year’s regular-season finale. He stopped 12 of 17 shots and looks to put together a similar performance to help upset Irondale.