Playoff Preview: Duluth Marshall vs. Rock Ridge
Date: Saturday, Feb. 22, 12:05 PM
Location: Iron Trail Motors Event Center, Virginia
Game Breakdown
Two of Section 7AA’s top teams square off as Duluth Marshall (15-9-2) takes on Rock Ridge (21-3-2) in a high-stakes playoff battle. The Wolverines, ranked #1 in the section, will be the favorites, but Duluth Marshall is riding high after an impressive 6-5 comeback win over Forest Lake in the quarterfinals.
Duluth Marshall: The Underdog with Momentum
The Hilltoppers erased a 5-2 deficit against Forest Lake, scoring four goals in the third period to complete a thrilling upset. They enter this matchup as an offensive-minded team, averaging 4.38 goals per game, and they will need their top scorers to step up once again against one of the toughest defensive teams in the section.
Key Players to Watch
- Bennett Scissons (19G, 21A, 40P) – Leads the team in goals and points, a consistent finisher who will be a go-to option.
- Kyler Black (14G, 26A, 40P) – Playmaker with elite vision, can set up key scoring chances.
- Benson Peterson (17G, 14A, 31P) – Has clutch-scoring ability, a key part of their comeback win vs. Forest Lake.
- Wyatt Brown (2.00 GAA, .918 SV%) – Will need to be at his best against Rock Ridge’s high-powered attack.
Keys to Victory
✅ Start strong – They can’t afford another slow start against a team as deep as Rock Ridge.
✅ Keep it close defensively – They give up 2.69 goals per game, but Rock Ridge averages 4.50 goals per game. They must tighten up in their own zone.
✅ Convert on special teams – Their 22.1% power play will need to take advantage of Rock Ridge penalties.
Rock Ridge: The Section Favorite
Rock Ridge is the most complete team in 7AA, boasting elite scoring, a dominant defense, and goaltending that has been outstanding all year. The Wolverines handled Duluth East 4-2 in the quarterfinals and will look to continue their march toward a state tournament appearance.
Key Players to Watch
- Caz Carlson (22G, 28A, 50P) – One of the best playmakers in the section, he’s the engine of this offense.
- Grady Dimberio (29G, 18A, 47P) – Top goal scorer, with a lethal shot and ability to take over a game.
- Colton Bialke (12G, 20A, 32P) – Another key secondary scorer who helps spread the offensive attack.
- Wyatt Jonassen (1.78 GAA, .929 SV%) – The top goalie in 7AA, boasting elite numbers in both GAA and save percentage.
Keys to Victory
✅ Attack early – They can’t allow Duluth Marshall to hang around.
✅ Shut down Scissons and Black – If they limit Marshall’s two top scorers, they will control the game.
✅ Stay out of the box – Marshall has a solid power play, and Rock Ridge’s aggressive playstyle can sometimes lead to unnecessary penalties.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Duluth Marshall | Rock Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Per Game | 4.38 | 4.50 |
| Goals Allowed Per Game | 2.69 | 2.35 |
| Power Play % | 22.1% | 31.1% |
| Penalty Kill % | 78.3% | 84.6% |
| Top Goal Scorer | Bennett Scissons (19) | Grady Dimberio (29) |
| Top Playmaker | Kyler Black (26 A) | Caz Carlson (28 A) |
| Goaltending Leader | Wyatt Brown (.918 SV%) | Wyatt Jonassen (.929 SV%) |
Prediction
Duluth Marshall proved in their comeback win against Forest Lake that they can fight through adversity, but Rock Ridge is a different level of opponent. The Wolverines’ scoring depth, defensive strength, and elite goaltending make them the clear favorite.
Final Prediction: Rock Ridge 5, Duluth Marshall 2 – Dimberio and Carlson lead the way, and Jonassen shuts the door as Rock Ridge advances to the section final.
