Game Preview: Chisago Lakes Wildcats vs. Dodge County Wildcats

The Chisago Lakes Wildcats (5-4-1) travel to face the Dodge County Wildcats (4-5-0) in what promises to be an exciting contest between two offensive-minded teams. With both squads aiming to rebound from recent defeats, this game holds significant weight as they look to build confidence heading deeper into the season.

Chisago Lakes Wildcats

• Record: 5-4-1
• Conference Standing: Second in the Mississippi 8 Conference, trailing Monticello.
• Previous Game: Fell to Forest Lake, 8-5, on December 31 despite strong offensive efforts from Max Koch and Alex Bever, who continue to drive the team’s scoring.
• Key Players:
  • Max Koch (12 points): A consistent scorer and playmaker who has been critical in creating opportunities.
  • Alex Bever (5 goals, 12 points): A key contributor on the attack, tied as the team’s leading goal scorer.
  • Goalie Brett Hanson: With a 3.01 GAA, Hanson will be tasked with shutting down Dodge County’s aggressive forwards.
• Strengths: A steady power play operating at 20% gives Chisago Lakes a chance to capitalize on penalties. Defensive discipline will be necessary to contain Dodge County’s top scorers.

Dodge County Wildcats

• Record: 4-5-0
• Conference Standing: Competing as an independent in Section 1A.
• Previous Game: A 7-2 loss to Rochester Century/JM on December 28 highlighted the need for defensive improvements, but Brett Ludvigsen remains a bright spot with his dynamic offensive play.
• Key Players:
  • Brett Ludvigsen (14 goals, 30 points): The offensive leader and a consistent threat every time he’s on the ice.
  • Gabe Coshenet (11 goals, 14 points): A strong secondary scorer who complements Ludvigsen effectively.
  • Goalie Wes Wagner: With a 3.94 GAA and .871 save percentage, Wagner faces a challenge against Chisago Lakes’ balanced offense.
• Strengths: Dodge County’s power play operates at an impressive 31.4%, giving them a significant advantage in man-up situations.

Keys to the Game

• Special Teams: With both teams excelling on the power play, staying out of the penalty box will be crucial. Chisago Lakes’ penalty kill (83.3%) will need to perform against Dodge County’s strong man advantage.
• Offensive Leaders: The contributions of Chisago Lakes’ Koch and Bever versus Dodge County’s Ludvigsen and Coshenet will likely play a pivotal role.
• Goaltending Consistency: Both teams need reliable performances in net to withstand the opposing offenses.

Game Details

• Date: Friday, January 3, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM CST
• Venue: Dodge County Ice Arena, Kasson