Roseau vs Sartell, Section 8AA playoff preview: » Follow the Puck is Minnesota Hockey

Roseau vs. Sartell-St. Stephen: Section 8AA Quarterfinal Preview

Season Recap & Recent Form

Roseau (13-9-1) comes into the playoffs with solid momentum, having won their last five games, including an impressive 3-2 overtime victory against East Grand Forks. The Rams have faced tough competition all season, with notable wins against Warroad, St. Cloud, and Duluth East.

Sartell-St. Stephen (13-9-2) has had a rollercoaster season. The Sabres ended their regular season strong with key wins over Brainerd (twice) and St. Cloud. However, they will need to tighten up defensively, as some losses earlier in the season, including a 14-0 defeat against Rogers, highlighted vulnerabilities.

Head-to-Head Matchup

These teams met earlier this season on December 13, with Roseau winning in a tight 3-2 game.

Key Players to Watch

Roseau Rams

Jude Wittrock (F) – 12G, 16A, 28 PTS
A playmaker with strong finishing ability, Wittrock leads the Rams in scoring and will be key in generating offense.
Jake Halvorson (F) – 11G, 12A, 23 PTS
A dynamic forward who contributes both on the power play and even strength.
Abram Hinson (G) – 13W, 9L, 3.04 GAA, .888 SV%
The go-to netminder for Roseau, Hinson will need a strong performance to keep Sartell’s attack at bay.

Sartell-St. Stephen Sabres

Shaun Paulson (F) – 16G, 16A, 32 PTS
Sartell’s leading scorer and a lethal power-play contributor, Paulson will be a focal point for Roseau’s defense.
Devin Jacobs (F) – 11G, 11A, 22 PTS
A key offensive weapon with a knack for clutch performances.
Adam Holien (G) – 13W, 6L, 2.67 GAA, .895 SV%
Holien has posted strong numbers and will be a tough test for Roseau’s forwards.

Keys to Victory

✅ Roseau: Maintain defensive discipline and capitalize on special teams opportunities. They have a history of close games and need to limit Sartell’s top scorers.
✅ Sartell-St. Stephen: Protect home ice, establish an early lead, and rely on Holien’s solid goaltending to neutralize Roseau’s attack.

Prediction

With both teams fairly evenly matched, this quarterfinal is shaping up to be a fun playoff hockey game. Roseau has the edge in recent form and a previous win over Sartell, but the Sabres have home-ice advantage and a strong goaltender in Holien. Expect a tight, low-scoring game where special teams could make the difference.

Final Prediction: Roseau 3, Sartell-St. Stephen 2 (OT)

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