The Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines host the Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades on Tuesday, January 7, at 7:00 PM in a West Central Conference matchup at Wadena Ice Arena.
Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines (3-5-0, 1-1-0 West Central Conference)
The Wolverines, led by Head Coach Robby Grendahl, are coming off a narrow 4-3 loss to North Shore. Despite their struggles this season, they’ve shown offensive potential, averaging 4.38 goals per game. However, defensive consistency has been an issue, allowing 5.75 goals per game.
Carson Davis leads the Wolverines’ offense with 10 goals and 20 points, supported by Cooper Ness (8 goals, 17 points) and Peyton Mithun (6 goals, 11 points). Goalie Grayson Meyer has faced challenges this season, with a 5.77 GAA and .842 save percentage, but will need a strong performance to anchor the defense.
Key Strength: Offensive firepower from top players like Davis and Ness.
Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades (4-8-1, 1-2-0 West Central Conference)
The Blades, under Head Coach Adam Wiertzema, suffered a 5-4 overtime loss to River Lakes in their last game. Offensively, they average 3.31 goals per game, with a respectable power play operating at 29.7%. Defensively, they allow 3.85 goals per game, with goaltender Cale Gilbertson posting a 3.65 GAA and .875 save percentage.
The Blades are led by forward Easton Neppl, who has 13 goals and 20 points. Following him are Jaxson Lopez (15 points) and Michael Petersen (6 goals, 10 points), giving the team multiple offensive threats to challenge the Wolverines’ defense.
Key Strength: A strong top line and effective power play.
Breckenridge/Wahpeton’s power play (29.7%) could exploit Wadena-Deer Creek’s penalty kill (69.2%). The Wolverines must stay out of the box to minimize risk.
While both sides are capable of lighting up the scoreboard, the Wolverines’ home-ice advantage and offensive depth may prove decisive in a close contest.
Prediction: Wadena-Deer Creek 5, Breckenridge/Wahpeton 4.
