Game Preview: Cambridge-Isanti vs. St. Paul Highland Park

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 11:00 AM CST
Location: Doug Woog Arena, South St. Paul (South St. Paul Premier, Consolation Semifinal)

Cambridge-Isanti 

Cambridge-Isanti enters this matchup with a record reflecting mixed performances throughout the season. Forward Bennett Bergloff has been a standout, leading the team with 8 goals and 16 points, while Josh Sauro has contributed a team-high 10 assists. The offensive depth is supported by players like Blake Wotachek and Wyatt Garvey, who have been consistent contributors.

Defensively, Cambridge-Isanti has leaned heavily on goaltender Jaxon Sibell, who boasts a .912 save percentage and one shutout this season. However, the team has struggled with penalties, which could be a deciding factor against Highland Park.

St. Paul Highland Park 

St. Paul Highland Park has faced challenges this season but remains competitive in tight matchups. Leo Kirsch leads their offense with 7 goals and 9 points, supported by Will Bitenc and Isaac Johnson, who bring playmaking capabilities.

Goaltender Calum Axelson has had a tough season, posting a .882 save percentage, but he has shown flashes of resilience. The team will need to limit defensive breakdowns and take advantage of power-play opportunities to stay in contention.

Key Matchups

• Cambridge-Isanti’s Offense vs. Highland Park’s Defense: Cambridge-Isanti’s scoring depth will test Highland Park’s backline. Players like Bergloff and Sauro will look to exploit defensive lapses.
• Special Teams Battle: Cambridge-Isanti has a stronger power-play conversion rate, while Highland Park will need to tighten up its penalty kill to avoid falling behind.
• Goaltender Duel: Sibell has the edge in net, but Highland Park will rely on Axelson to rise to the occasion and keep them in the game.

Prediction

While both teams are evenly matched in many respects, Cambridge-Isanti’s offensive firepower and reliable goaltending give them the edge. Highland Park’s defense and special teams struggles could be a deciding factor in this matchup.

Final Score Prediction: Cambridge-Isanti 4, St. Paul Highland Park 2.

Expect Cambridge-Isanti to capitalize on their scoring chances, while Highland Park keeps the game close with key moments from their top players.