This is a simple nonconference contest, but starting next year, the stakes will be much higher when St. Michael-Albertville meets Eden Prairie. That's when the Knights join the Lake Conference.
A victory for either on Tuesday could be the opening salvo in what could become a rivalry, but both hope this matchup sets the stage for improved finishes this season.
The Knights finished the 2018 regular season undefeated and went without a loss until the section semifinals. This season, St. Michael-Albertville may not be able to prevent a blemish on its perfect record playing a schedule with games against foes such as the No. 7 Eagles.
St. Michael-Albertville's biggest strength is in net with goaltender Jace Heibel. The senior was staunch as a junior, posting a 1.26 goals-against average and .767 save percentage.
For the first time in eight seasons, Eden Prairie is coming off a season in which it failed to make the state tournament. The Eagles are poised to turn it around this year with an experience group of returners. They lost just three players from last year's team and have key performers on both offense and defense back.
Up front, the Eagles feature four players who are coming off seasons with double-digit goal totals, including Collin Penn (29 goals). On defense, Eden Prairie brings back six defenders, including Star Tribune All-Metro first team selection Quentin Matsui.