The International Falls Broncos host the Lake of the Woods Bears on Tuesday, January 7, at 6:00 PM at Bronco Arena.
International Falls Broncos (8-3-0, 0-0 Iron Range Conference)
The Broncos, led by Head Coach Chad Baldwin, are enjoying a decent season. Despite a 5-3 loss to Proctor in their last game, International Falls boasts one of the most productive offenses in Section 7A, averaging 6.09 goals per game. Defensively, the team has been solid, allowing just 2.27 goals per game.
The Broncos’ success revolves around star forward Anthony Yerxa, who leads the team with an incredible 21 goals and 37 points. His younger brother, William Yerxa, is a key secondary scorer with 10 goals and 30 points. Goaltender Kane Thompson has been reliable, posting a 2.23 GAA and a .905 save percentage.
Key Strength: Offensive depth, including an 86.2% penalty kill.
Lake of the Woods Bears (1-11-0, 0-4 Northwest Conference)
It’s been a challenging season for the Bears under first-year Head Coach Brett Nylander. Coming off a 6-4 loss to Wadena-Deer Creek, the Bears are struggling to find consistency on both ends of the ice. Offensively, they average just 1.92 goals per game while allowing a staggering 6.50 goals per game.
Forward Dawson Canfield has been the team’s bright spot, leading the Bears with 9 goals and 13 points. He’s followed by Sawyer Stromlund, who also has 13 points.
Key Strength: Top-end players like Canfield and Stromlund who can capitalize on opportunities.
International Falls has an edge on both the power play and penalty kill. The Bears need to avoid penalties and capitalize on any power-play opportunities they get.
International Falls’ offensive firepower and defensive structure make them heavy favorites, while Lake of the Woods faces an uphill battle. Expect the Broncos to dominate possession and capitalize on their chances.
Prediction: International Falls 7, Lake of the Woods 2.
