Playoff Preview: Andover vs. Grand Rapids

📅 Date: Saturday, Feb. 22 @ 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Yanmar Arena, Grand Rapids

Matchup Overview

A crucial Section 7AA semifinal showdown sees Andover (13-13-0) face off against Grand Rapids (16-8-2) in a battle between two talented, well-coached teams. Andover is coming off a dominant 6-0 win over Duluth Denfeld, while Grand Rapids steamrolled Cambridge-Isanti 9-0 in their quarterfinal matchup.

With a spot in the section final at stake, both teams will be looking to tighten up defensively while using their top-end scoring talent to create offensive opportunities.

Andover: Can the Huskies Stay Hot?

Andover enters this game playing some of their best hockey of the season, led by a balanced scoring attack and strong goaltending from Cash Cruitt (.930 SV%). Despite a .500 record, the Huskies have proven they can compete with top teams, and their special teams could be a major factor against Grand Rapids.

Key Players to Watch

KJ Sauer (16G, 14A, 30P) – Andover’s top scorer needs to be an offensive catalyst for the Huskies.
Camden Langfeld (10G, 22A, 32P) – A playmaker with great vision, he will look to set up teammates in key scoring areas.
Chase Nadeau (6G, 19A, 25P) – Another reliable forward who can contribute offensively and help on the power play.
Cash Cruitt (2.15 GAA, .930 SV%) – One of the best goalies in the section, Cruitt will need to be sharp against Grand Rapids’ high-powered offense.

Keys to Victory

✅ Win the special teams battle – Andover has a strong 26.9% power play and an elite 88.0% penalty kill.
✅ Control pace & defensive zone play – The Huskies need to limit Grand Rapids’ top scorers and force them into low-quality scoring chances.
✅ Get an early lead – Grand Rapids has a strong home-ice advantage, so Andover needs to score first and take the crowd out of the game.

Grand Rapids: Offensive Firepower & Home-Ice Advantage

The Thunderhawks are one of the top teams in Section 7AA, and their 9-0 quarterfinal win over Cambridge-Isanti showed just how dangerous they can be. They boast a deep offensive group, a solid goaltending tandem, and the ability to dominate puck possession.

Key Players to Watch

Jameson Duell (17G, 18A, 35P) – A pure goal scorer, Duell can change a game with his offensive ability.
Nathan Garski (14G, 21A, 35P) – One of the most consistent playmakers for the Thunderhawks, Garski can create chances off the rush.
Luka Rohloff (9G, 24A, 33P) – A strong two-way forward, Rohloff can disrupt Andover’s offense while still contributing offensively.
Carter Casey (2.47 GAA, .917 SV%) – A reliable goaltender, Casey will be counted on to shut down Andover’s scoring chances.

Keys to Victory

✅ Exploit Andover’s defense – Andover allows 2.35 goals per game, and Grand Rapids has the offensive firepower to take advantage.
✅ Stay out of the box – Andover has a deadly power play (26.9%), so Grand Rapids must limit penalties.
✅ Feed the top line – Duell, Garski, and Rohloff must continue their high level of offensive production to keep Grand Rapids rolling.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Category	Andover	Grand Rapids
Goals Per Game (GPG)	3.08	3.50
Goals Allowed Per Game (GAPG)	2.35	2.23
Power Play %	26.9%	26.8%
Penalty Kill %	88.0%	84.5%
Top Goal Scorer	KJ Sauer (16)	Jameson Duell (17)
Top Playmaker	Camden Langfeld (22A)	Nathan Garski (21A)
Goaltending Leader	Cash Cruitt (.930 SV%)	Carter Casey (.917 SV%)

Prediction

This is a matchup of strength vs. strength—Grand Rapids’ offensive firepower vs. Andover’s defensive structure & elite goaltending. If Andover can keep this a low-scoring game, they have a great chance to pull off the upset. However, Grand Rapids’ depth and home-ice advantage give them the edge in what should be a tight, hard-fought battle.

Final Prediction: Grand Rapids 3, Andover 2
➡️ The Thunderhawks advance to the Section 7AA Final, but expect Andover to put up a strong fight.

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