Game Preview: White Bear Lake vs. Stillwater

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 2:00 PM CST
Location: St. Croix Recreation Center, Stillwater

White Bear Lake

The White Bear Lake Bears come into this matchup with a 7-2-1 overall record and an unbeaten 5-0 record in the Suburban East Conference, sitting atop the standings. The Bears are fresh off a 5-2 victory over Hermantown, where their offense delivered consistently, and their defense locked down in key moments.

Leading the Bears is Jack Stanius, who has amassed 22 points (10G, 12A) this season, making him a threat every time he’s on the ice. Supporting him are Blake Eckerle and Nash Roed, who have each contributed 8 goals. Between the pipes, Leo Gabriel has been stellar, boasting a 1.64 GAA and a .927 save percentage, anchoring a defense that’s allowed just 1.7 goals per game.

Special teams are another strong suit for White Bear Lake, with a 28% power-play success rate and an 87.9% penalty kill, both of which could be decisive in this game.

Stillwater

The Stillwater Ponies, with an 8-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 Suburban East record, sit just behind White Bear Lake in the standings. The Ponies are riding high after an 8-3 win over Benilde-St. Margaret’s, where their offense overwhelmed Benilde in the final period.

The Ponies’ offensive attack is led by Brody Dustin, who has netted 12 goals this season, and Trey Fredenberg, who leads the team in points with 21 (5G, 16A). Matthew Volkman has also been a key contributor, with 20 points (10G, 10A).

Defensively, Stillwater has relied on a dual-goaltender system, with Gavin Bajda and Cal Conway splitting time. Both have been outstanding, posting identical 1.50 GAAs and save percentages over .930, making it challenging for opponents to find the back of the net.

Key Matchups

Offensive Leaders: Stanius vs. Dustin – Both players have been the centerpiece of their teams’ offensive production. Containing these two could be the key to victory.
Goaltending Duel: Gabriel’s consistent performances for White Bear Lake will be tested by Stillwater’s tandem of Bajda and Conway, who are among the best in the league.
Special Teams Battle: White Bear Lake’s power play and penalty kill are more efficient on paper, but Stillwater’s aggressive forecheck could generate key opportunities.

Suburban East Standings

White Bear Lake (5-0-0, 10 PTS, 24 GF, 6 GA)
Stillwater (4-0-0, 8 PTS, 31 GF, 8 GA)
Cretin-Derham Hall (3-0-0, 6 PTS, 17 GF, 3 GA)

Prediction

This game could easily determine early dominance in the Suburban East Conference. While Stillwater’s depth and goaltending give them an edge at home, White Bear Lake’s special teams and overall defensive structure make them formidable. Expect a close contest with momentum swings throughout.

Predicted Score: White Bear Lake 3, Stillwater 2 (OT)

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