Game Preview: Chisago Lakes vs. Cambridge-Isanti – January 14, 2025
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM,
Isanti Ice Arena, Isanti, MN
Chisago Lakes:
The Chisago Lakes Wildcats (8-4-2) are coming off a hard-fought 2-2 tie with St. Paul Highland Park on January 11, coming back after being down to earn a point. Chisago Lakes has been on a strong run in the Mississippi 8 Conference, sitting in second place with 14 points (5-1-0 in conference play). Their offense has been one of the best in the league, averaging 4.50 goals per game, thanks to contributions from players like Alex Bever (9 goals, 19 points) and Max Bobrowski (9 goals, 17 points). Their attacking depth is one of their strongest attributes, with Austin Slettom, Jacob Kletti, and Max Koch all contributing solid point totals.
Defensively, Shandley Corbin has been a reliable presence in net, posting a solid 2.52 GAA and a .906 SV%. The Wildcats have shown they can lock down opponents, allowing only 2.79 goals per game on average. Their penalty kill has also been effective, operating at 86.5%, and their power play has clicked at a high rate of 27.9%, making them a dual threat both offensively and defensively.
While their recent tie might have been disappointing, the Wildcats have been consistent this season, and they will look to bounce back and continue their push toward the top of the conference. Their high-scoring offense will be a major factor in this game, especially against a Cambridge-Isanti team that has struggled defensively.
Key Players:
- Alex Bever (9 goals, 19 points)
- Max Bobrowski (9 goals, 17 points)
- Shandley Corbin (2.52 GAA, .906 SV%)
- Max Koch (18 points)
Cambridge-Isanti:
The Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets (5-9-1) have had a rough start to their season, but they’re showing some signs of life after a 3-1 win over Anoka on January 11. The win was a much-needed confidence boost for the Bluejackets, who have struggled to maintain consistency. They currently sit in 5th place in the Mississippi 8 Conference with 5 points (2-3-1 in conference play), but their record reflects some growing pains as they work through a rebuilding phase under first-year head coach Scott Overby.
Offensively, Bennett Bergloff has been their primary weapon, leading the team with 12 goals and 22 points. He is supported by Josh Sauro, who has 20 points, and Blake Wotachek, with 6 goals. Cambridge-Isanti has had trouble generating sustained offense, averaging just 3.07 goals per game, and their defense has allowed 3.60 goals per game. The power play has been an area of concern as well, converting at just 19.3%, though their penalty kill has been slightly better at 79.0%.
In net, Jaxon Sibell has been steady, with a 3.15 GAA and a .913 SV%, but the defense in front of him will need to do a better job of limiting high-quality chances if they hope to keep this game close.
Cambridge-Isanti will need their top players, like Bergloff and Sauro, to be at their best if they want to compete with a high-powered team like Chisago Lakes. With a relatively inconsistent defense and offense, they will have to play a disciplined game and capitalize on every opportunity to have a shot at an upset.
Key Players:
- Bennett Bergloff (12 goals, 22 points)
- Josh Sauro (20 points)
- Jaxon Sibell (3.15 GAA, .913 SV%)
- Blake Wotachek (6 goals)
Head-to-Head: Chisago Lakes Should Dominate
On paper, Chisago Lakes enters this matchup as the clear favorite. Their offensive firepower, led by players like Bever and Bobrowski, is likely to overwhelm a Cambridge-Isanti defense that has struggled this season. Chisago Lakes is averaging over 4.5 goals per game, while Cambridge-Isanti has only been able to muster just over 3 goals per game.
Chisago Lakes also boasts a solid defensive unit that should be able to handle the offensive threats from Bergloff and Sauro. While Sibell has been a bright spot in net for the Bluejackets, it’s unlikely that he will be able to contain the Wildcats’ explosive attack for an entire game without significant defensive support.
Cambridge-Isanti will need to be nearly flawless on defense and capitalize on Chisago Lakes’ mistakes to stay competitive. However, with Chisago Lakes coming in as one of the top teams in the conference and a much more balanced team, they are set to come out on top.