Game Preview: Rosemount vs. Eagan – January 14, 2025
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM,
Eagan Ice Arena, Eagan, MN
The Rosemount Irish (15-2-0) enter this matchup with a strong overall record and a recent 5-3 victory over Farmington on January 11. The Irish have been in excellent form, winning seven of their last eight games, with one of their only losses coming to Shakopee earlier in the season. They are currently ranked second in the South Suburban Conference with 14 points (7-1-0 in conference play), and they are firmly in the mix as one of the top teams in the section.
Offensively, Rosemount has been a dominant force, averaging an impressive 5.29 goals per game, and they have a number of players who can find the back of the net. Christian Garrity, with 17 goals, leads the team, but the Irish also have depth in their attack, with players like Cade Sherman (15 goals) and Josh Toll (31 points) contributing regularly. The team has shown they can score from all areas, and their balance in the forward lines makes them a tough matchup for any opponent.
Defensively, Rosemount has been just as solid, allowing only 2.12 goals per game. Sam Clements, the Irish goaltender, has been a key contributor with a solid 2.14 GAA and a .903 SV%, giving his team a reliable presence in net. With strong defense and high-scoring forwards, the Irish are well-equipped to handle the challenges that any opponent, including Eagan, can present.
Key Players:
The Eagan Wildcats (3-12-0) have had a rough go of it this season, entering the game with just one win in their last seven outings. Their 1-7-0 record in the South Suburban Conference places them at the bottom of the standings with just 2 points. However, they have shown flashes of potential, and despite their overall struggles, they have the ability to pull off upsets if they can execute well.
Eagan’s offense has been a challenge, scoring just 1.93 goals per game, which is one of the lowest averages in the state. Blake Prouty and Benjamin Williams have been the primary offensive threats, each with 6 goals and 10 points. However, the team’s overall scoring has been inconsistent, and they will need a breakout performance from their forwards to keep up with Rosemount’s high-powered attack.
In goal, Marcus Bonifas has faced a lot of shots this season, posting a 4.07 GAA and an .859 SV%. Eagan’s defensive struggles have led to many goals against, and this will be a major hurdle to overcome when facing a team as potent as Rosemount. Bonifas will need to be at his best to keep the Wildcats in the game, but without strong defensive support, it’s going to be a tough task.
Key Players:
On paper, Rosemount is the clear favorite in this matchup. With a potent offense that’s averaging over 5 goals per game and a solid defense that’s allowing just 2.12 goals per game, the Irish have the upper hand in nearly every aspect of the game. Christian Garrity and Josh Toll will likely cause major headaches for the Eagan defense, which has struggled throughout the season to limit scoring chances.
For Eagan, their best chance at competing lies in their ability to find ways to break through Rosemount’s defensive structure and get some pucks past Sam Clements. Prouty and Williams will need to be at their best, and Bonifas will need to stand on his head in goal to give the Wildcats a chance. The Wildcats will also need to play a disciplined game and keep things close, as their margin for error is extremely thin against a team as deep as Rosemount.
