Game Preview: St. Louis Park vs. Woodbury

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 3:00 PM CST
Location: Doug Woog Arena, South St. Paul

St. Louis Park Overview

The St. Louis Park Orioles enter this matchup riding momentum from a 4-2 victory over Cambridge-Isanti in the South St. Paul Premier quarterfinals. With a 7-4-0 record, the Orioles sit atop the Metro West Conference standings and are looking to solidify their place as a contender.

Leading the offensive charge for St. Louis Park is Trey Janssen, who has accumulated 21 points (10G, 11A) this season, supported by Marty Hirte (19 points) and Brennan Hogan (17 points). The Orioles’ offense averages 4.64 goals per game, but their defense, allowing 3.45 goals per game, will need to hold firm against a potent Woodbury attack.

In net, Maksym Cherevatenko has been dependable, with a 3.50 GAA and a .890 save percentage, but the team will need him to step up in a high-stakes matchup like this.

Woodbury Overview

The Woodbury Royals come into this semifinal matchup on the heels of a dominant 9-0 win over St. Paul Highland Park, showcasing their offensive depth. With a 4-6-0 record, Woodbury has experienced ups and downs this season but seems to be peaking at the right time.

Woodbury’s offense is spearheaded by Tommy Dittrich, who has 9 goals and 11 points, and Jack Oleson, who adds 11 points (7G, 4A). The Royals’ power play, operating at 27.5%, has been a bright spot, and they will look to capitalize on special teams opportunities.

Defensively, Jett Strub anchors the net with a 2.70 GAA and a .886 save percentage, giving the Royals a reliable presence in goal. Their penalty kill, effective at 83.3%, will be critical against St. Louis Park’s offensive threats.

Key Matchups

Offensive Firepower: Janssen and Hirte vs. Dittrich and Oleson – Both teams have dynamic forwards capable of changing the game.
Special Teams Battle: St. Louis Park’s power play at 22.6% will test Woodbury’s solid penalty kill.
Goaltending Duel: Cherevatenko and Strub will need to stand tall as both teams bring firepower up front.

Conference Standings

Metro West Conference

St. Louis Park (2-0-0, 4 PTS, 11 GF, 6 GA)
New Prague (0-0-1, 1 PT, 0 GF, 0 GA)
Chaska (0-1-1, 1 PT, 3 GF, 6 GA)

Suburban East Conference

White Bear Lake (5-0-0, 10 PTS, 24 GF, 6 GA)
Woodbury (2-3-0, 4 PTS, 19 GF, 19 GA)

Prediction

This game has all the makings of a high-scoring battle, with two offensive-minded teams facing off. St. Louis Park has been more consistent throughout the season, but Woodbury’s recent dominance suggests this will be closely contested.

Predicted Score: St. Louis Park 5, Woodbury 4 (OT)

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