Game Preview: St. Michael-Albertville Knights vs. Brainerd Warriors – January 14, 2025
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Essentia Health Sports Center, Brainerd, MN
The St. Michael-Albertville Knights (5-6-0) enter this game off of a hard-fought 2-4 loss to Wayzata, a game in which they showed some promise but ultimately fell short. The Knights have been competitive this season, but inconsistent play has kept them from gaining much traction in the competitive Lake Conference. Averaging 3.45 goals per game, the offense has been led by Tanner Esterberg (13 goals, 17 points), who is proving to be a consistent offensive weapon. Supporting him are players like Owen Volkenant (4 goals, 13 points) and Braeden Waller (6 goals, 11 points), who have chipped in offensively.
However, the Knights’ defense has been a challenge, with a goals-against average of 4.27. Lucas Ingebrigtson has seen the majority of action in goal, posting a 3.55 GAA and .885 SV%. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, the defense in front of him has often been leaky, and the team has struggled to shut down opponents in critical moments. The penalty kill has been a struggle for the Knights allowing nearly 30% on the penalty kill (29.4%). But they have a remarkable 33.3% conversion on their power plays.
Against Brainerd, St. Michael-Albertville will need to tighten up defensively, limit odd-man rushes, and capitalize on the power play opportunities if they hope to secure a win.
Key Players:
Brainerd (2-12-0) has had a tough season in the Central Lakes Conference. Coming off a close 2-3 loss to Roseau, the Warriors have struggled both offensively and defensively, with a goals-per-game average of just 2.57. Leading the charge offensively is Dylan Wikoff, who has scored 8 goals, followed by Chad King (4 goals, 13 points) and Axton Peterson (4 goals). While they have a few capable offensive players, Brainerd has yet to find the kind of consistency needed to win games.
Defensively, the Warriors have allowed 3.86 goals per game, and their goaltending duo of Ayden Bednarek (3.67 GAA, .845 SV%) and Griffin Bartholomaus (3.89 GAA, .888 SV%) has struggled to keep pucks out of the net. With a penalty kill percentage of just 79.6%, Brainerd will need to improve its overall defensive play to keep St. Michael-Albertville from running up the score.
In this matchup, Brainerd will need to be more disciplined defensively, improve its power play, and rely on its top scorers to create opportunities. If they fail to capitalize on these areas, they’ll find it difficult to overcome the offensive weapons that St. Michael-Albertville brings to the table.
Key Players:
Both teams have had their struggles this season, but St. Michael-Albertville has shown much more promise, particularly in its offensive capabilities. The Knights’ offensive depth, led by Tanner Esterberg, should prove too much for the Warriors’ defense, which has been struggling this season. While Brainerd has had occasional flashes of solid play, the inconsistency across all areas of the game has held them back.
Defensively, both teams have been prone to allowing goals, but St. Michael-Albertville has shown a greater ability to score in bunches, something that Brainerd has yet to consistently do. The Knights’s power play converting at an impressive 33.3% could give them a chance in the game.
