Game Preview: Fergus Falls Otters vs. Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades – January 14, 2025
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM,
Fergus Falls Community Arena, Fergus Falls, MN
The Fergus Falls Otters (8-6-0) have had a challenging season in the Central Lakes Conference but have shown resilience in some key moments. They’re coming off a thrilling 8-7 victory over St. Cloud, a comeback win that saw them score five unanswered goals in the third period. Michael Schmidt (11 goals, 28 points) and Aiden Schake (12 goals, 25 points) have been the driving forces on offense, combining for 53 points. They have been one of the bright spots this season, with both players capable of taking over a game.
However, the Otters have struggled with consistency, particularly in their defensive play. Their goals-against average of 3.79 and a save percentage of .876, courtesy of Holden Stenstrom (3.71 GAA), suggest that there are areas to improve in terms of keeping pucks out of the net. Their penalty kill has also been inconsistent, operating at just 72.1%, which has been an area of concern.
Fergus Falls’ ability to score in bunches has kept them competitive, but they will need to tighten up their defense if they hope to make a deeper push in the Central Lakes standings.
Key Players:
The Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades (6-9-1) have had an up-and-down season in the West Central Conference, but they come into this game after a tough 2-4 loss to Bagley/Fosston. Despite their overall record, the Blades have shown they can compete with strong offensive play led by Easton Neppl, who has been on fire this season with 17 goals and 24 points. Jaxson Lopez (20 points) and Michael Petersen (13 points) also provide valuable scoring.
Despite the firepower up front, the Blades have struggled defensively, allowing 4.06 goals per game. Their goaltending, led by Cale Gilbertson (3.84 GAA, .866 SV%), has been a weak link, as his save percentage has been subpar. Their penalty kill has also been a problem, sitting at just 66.7%, which could come back to haunt them against an offensive team like Fergus Falls.
Breckenridge/Wahpeton will need to rely on their top scorers to create chances and hope for a better defensive showing in this matchup. If their defense can step up, they may be able to spring an upset on the road.
Key Players:
Fergus Falls enters this game as the favorite, both in terms of talent and recent form. The Otters’ offense, which has been firing on all cylinders, should be able to exploit Breckenridge/Wahpeton’s defensive struggles. With Michael Schmidt and Aiden Schake leading the charge, Fergus Falls has the scoring depth to put pressure on the Blades’ shaky defense and capitalize on power-play opportunities.
Breckenridge/Wahpeton’s Easton Neppl gives them a dangerous weapon on offense, but it may not be enough to overcome the Otters’ firepower, especially given their defensive vulnerabilities. The Blades will need a career game from their goaltender, Cale Gilbertson, to keep the game close. With a weak penalty kill and inconsistent defense, it’s tough to see how Breckenridge/Wahpeton can slow down the Otters’ attack.
