Game Preview: Bemidji Lumberjacks vs. Moorhead Spuds

The Bemidji Lumberjacks travel to face the Moorhead Spuds on Tuesday, January 7, at 6:00 PM.

Team Overview

Bemidji Lumberjacks (10-2-1, 2-1 Mariucci Conference)
The Lumberjacks, led by second-year Head Coach Ben Kinne, are coming off a  5-2 victory over St. Michael-Albertville. Bemidji has been a force offensively this season, averaging 5.46 goals per game, while maintaining a solid defensive structure, allowing just 2.46 goals per game.

Offensively, Bemidji is powered by dynamic forwards Briggs Knott and Joey Fankhanel, who lead the team with 25 points apiece. Knott also tops the goal-scoring chart with 11 goals, closely followed by Fankhanel with 10. Goaltender Tate Metcalf has been a steady presence in net, with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage.

Key Strength: A power play converting at 34.1%.

Moorhead Spuds (13-1-0, 2-0 Mariucci Conference)
The Spuds have been one of the most dominant teams in the state, with their only loss being a non-conference game. Under the guidance of 12th-year Head Coach Jon Ammerman, Moorhead is riding high after a 2-1 overtime win against St. Thomas Academy. The Spuds’ offense is averaging 5.64 goals per game, while their defense is equally strong, allowing just 1.86 goals per game.

Moorhead’s attack is led by Mason Kraft and Zac Zimmerman, both with 18 goals and a combined 83 points this season. Goaltender Charlie Stenehjem has been a wall in net, with a 1.88 GAA and a .919 save percentage.

Key Strength: A relentless offensive paired with an 84.4% penalty kill.

Bemidji’s power play (34.1%) versus Moorhead’s penalty kill (84.4%) is a critical matchup to watch

Players to Watch

• Bemidji Lumberjacks:
  • Briggs Knott: A dual scoring and playmaking threat, Knott will be crucial for Bemidji’s offensive production.
  • Tate Metcalf: The Lumberjacks’ goaltender will need a standout performance to stop Moorhead’s high-powered offense.
• Moorhead Spuds:
  • Mason Kraft: The Spuds’ leading scorer is a player who can dominate in all zones.
  • Charlie Stenehjem: Moorhead’s goalie has been exceptional and will aim to keep Bemidji’s goal-scoring opportunities to a minimum.

Prediction

Bemidji’s balanced attack and depth make them a tough opponent, Moorhead’s elite scoring duo (Mason Kraft and Zac Zimmerman) and strong defense give them the edge on home ice.

Prediction: Moorhead 4, Bemidji 3.