Game Preview: Park Rapids Panthers vs. Prairie Centre North Stars
Thursday, January 9, 2025 – 6:00 PM
Sauk Centre Civic Arena, Sauk Centre, MN
The Panthers enter the game with a 3-9-0 record, looking to rebound after a tough 7-0 loss to Crookston. Despite the struggles, Park Rapids has bright spots in Finn Henry and Kale Ravnaas, who are tied for the team lead with 11 goals each. Ravnaas also leads the Panthers in points with 21, making him a critical piece of the Panthers’ offense.
Defensively, the Panthers have faced challenges, allowing an average of 7.25 goals per game. Goalies Trevor Lobeck (7.07 GAA, .811 SV%) and Logan Felton (.821 SV%) will need to elevate their performances to keep Prairie Centre at bay.
The North Stars hold a 7-5-0 record and are coming off a convincing 6-3 victory over Morris/Benson Area. Leyton Fuchs leads Prairie Centre with 8 goals and 19 points, while Alex Trierweiler and Aiken Lambrecht also provide strong goal scoring chances.
On the defensive side, goalie Carter Holman has been solid with a 4.37 GAA and an .854 save percentage, helping stabilize a team that allows an average of 4.08 goals per game. The North Stars’ power play is a strength, converting at an impressive 26.8%, a factor that could prove decisive in this matchup.
This game pits Prairie Centre’s more balanced and consistent team against a Park Rapids squad struggling defensively. The Panthers have the offensive firepower to make it interesting, but he North Stars are likely to control the game.
Final Score Prediction: Prairie Centre 5, Park Rapids 2
