Game Preview: Worthington Trojans vs. Fairmont Cardinals
Thursday, January 9, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Martin County Arena, Fairmont, MN
The Trojans are coming off a tough 7-1 loss to Marshall but have shown flashes of offensive capability this season. Spenser Nickel leads the team with 12 goals and 21 points, supported by Anthony Jimenez (13 points) and Trenton Chantharath (11 points).
Defensively, Worthington has struggled, allowing 7.46 goals per game. Goalie Brody Pederson has a 6.62 GAA and a .796 save percentage, reflecting the heavy workload he faces. The Trojans’ power play has been a bright spot, with a strong conversion at 30.0%.
Fairmont is coming off a 9-0 loss to Luverne and has found it difficult to generate offense, averaging just 1.22 goals per game. Klay Beemer and Gavin Kester lead the team with four points each, but the Cardinals lack scoring depth.
Defensively, Fairmont allows 9.11 goals per game, with goalies Brandon Hector (8.99 GAA, .805 SV%) and Kaden Olson (9.02 GAA, .790 SV%) facing relentless pressure. The penalty kill has been a weak point, operating at just 53.8%.
The Trojans have a clear advantage in offensive production which should be enough to secure a victory against the struggling Cardinals. While Fairmont will look to keep the game close on home ice, their defensive weaknesses and lack of scoring depth make it an uphill battle.
Final Score Prediction: Worthington 6, Fairmont 2
Expect Worthington to control the pace of the game, with their top scorers leading the way. Fairmont will need a near-flawless defensive effort to stay competitive.
