Game Preview: Minnesota River vs. Mankato East – January 14, 2025
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 5:15 PM
All Seasons Arena, Mankato, MN
Minnesota River comes into this matchup with a 6-7 overall record, looking to build on their solid 4-2 win over Pine City Area on January 11. The Bulldogs have had an up-and-down season but are showing signs of offensive improvement, especially in their recent games. The team is led by junior forward Riley Kamm, who has been on fire this season with 10 goals and 18 points, making him the key offensive threat for Minnesota River. Kamm is closely followed by Ryker Rehm and Maxwell Hollerich, both of whom have 15 points and will need to continue their strong play to take pressure off Kamm.
Defensively, Minnesota River has allowed 3.38 goals per game, which has hindered their ability to string together consistent victories. Goaltender Anders LeDell has a 3.92 goals-against average (GAA) and an .874 save percentage, and he will need to improve his performance to give the Bulldogs a chance in this matchup. However, Minnesota River has been solid on the power play, with a 24.4% success rate and a strong penalty kill operating at 80%.
Key Players:
Mankato East enters the game with a 6-9 record, coming off a 3-0 loss to Luverne on January 11. Despite their overall struggles, the Cougars have a talented roster, led by senior forward Jack Hansen, who has 8 goals and 11 points. Alongside him, Luke Lebens has been a consistent contributor with 14 points, including 7 goals. The Cougars will rely on their offensive leaders to find their scoring touch after being shut out by Luverne.
Defensively, Mankato East has been inconsistent, giving up 3.87 goals per game. Goaltender Brody Kunst has a 3.83 GAA and a .887 save percentage, which means the Cougars will need to improve their defensive zone coverage to limit Minnesota River’s offensive firepower. Mankato East will also need to take advantage of Minnesota River’s weaknesses on the penalty kill, as the Bulldogs have struggled on the defensive side in those situations.
Key Players:
This matchup features two teams that are both looking to find consistency after a rocky start to the season. Minnesota River has the edge in offensive firepower, averaging 3.15 goals per game, compared to Mankato East’s 2.60. However, Mankato East has a slight advantage defensively, with a slightly lower goals-against average (3.87) compared to Minnesota River’s (3.92).
On the power play, both teams have shown success, Mankato East having 62 opportunities, 11.3% success and Minnesota River excelling on the penalty kill (80%). The key difference in this matchup will likely come down to which team can find a way around the other’s top players. If Minnesota River can shut down the offensive duo of Hansen and Lebens, they will have a better chance at securing a win. Mankato East will need to contain Kamm and the other scoring threats for the Bulldogs to avoid another disappointing result.
