Game Preview: Red Lake Falls vs. International Falls

The Red Lake Falls Eagles (10-2-0) are set to host the International Falls Broncos (7-2-0) in what promises to be an exciting matchup Friday evening at Cardin-Hunt Arena. Both teams are riding high on impressive starts to the season and will look to add another victory to their resumes in this non-conference showdown.

Red Lake Falls Eagles

• Current Record: 10-2-0
• Conference Standings: The Eagles sit atop the Northwest Conference with a perfect 4-0-0 record, scoring 6.58 goals per game while allowing only 2.08.
• Previous Game: Red Lake Falls edged Hopkins 6-5 in an overtime thriller on December 28th to claim the Consolation Championship at the Bill McGann Holiday Classic. Gavin Girdler led the way with a standout performance.
• Top Players:
  • Gavin Girdler: Leads the team with 18 goals and 29 points, providing consistent scoring.
  • Kegan Schmitz and Brock Seeger: Key offensive contributors with 26 and 25 points, respectively.
  • Goaltender: Nathan Altepeter boasts a 1.75 GAA, anchoring the Eagles’ strong defense.
• Key Strengths: The Eagles excel on special teams, converting on 46.4% of power plays and killing 93.3% of penalties.

International Falls Broncos

• Current Record: 7-2-0
• Conference Standings: The Broncos are second in the Iron Range Conference, averaging 6.56 goals per game while conceding 1.89.
• Previous Game: International Falls shut out Ely 5-0 on December 31st behind stellar goaltending from Kane Thompson and a balanced offensive attack.
• Top Players:
  • Anthony Yerxa: A dominant force with 19 goals and 32 points, leading the team in both categories.
  • William Yerxa: Adds depth with 27 points, complementing his brother’s scoring prowess.
  • Goaltender: Kane Thompson has been exceptional with a 1.82 GAA and a .909 save percentage.
• Key Strengths: The Broncos are solid defensively and have a dependable goaltender in Thompson, making them tough to break down.

What to Watch

This game features two high-scoring offenses and strong goaltenders, setting the stage for a thrilling battle. Red Lake Falls will rely on its special teams and balanced scoring, while International Falls will look to its dynamic duo of Anthony and William Yerxa to lead the attack.

Game Details

• Date: Friday, January 3, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM CST
• Venue: Cardin-Hunt Arena, Red Lake Falls