AA QF Game- #2 Stillwater vs #7 Andover

[ryguyMN]

March 6th, 2025 | 11:00 AM CT | Class AA Quarterfinals | @ Xcel Energy Center, St Paul MN

https://letsplayhockey.com/the-scouting ... e-preview/


Stillwater Ponies (22-5-1) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #4

TRENDING DATA:

• A healthy 16-2 in ’25 and 10 in a row and counting…

• However, a pedestrian 1-1 versus the AA field

• Five players above the 40-pt. mark and a whopping 14 players in double-digit scoring good for a share with Rogers for highest total in the entire AA field!

• Brody Dustin – 28/24/52, Blake Vanek – 21/29/50, Trey Fredenberg – 13/36/49, Matthew Volkman – 24/22/46, Luke Myers – 15/29/44, and Luca Jarvis – 20/19/39 just missing the 40-pt. mark.

• Andover transfer goalie has returned from transfer suspension and is the clear #1 netminder for the Ponies posting a 7-1 record with a stellar 1.10 GAA and .942 SP.

OVERVIEW: As mentioned, the Ponies mirror the Sabers in many ways; forward depth, team scoring depth and unsung, physical defenders all backed by stalwart play in net with hot goalies at the right time of year. Brody Dustin is the Ponies’ sparkplug playmaker backed by Vanek, Fredenberg, Volkman and the rest. The Ponies have the depth and are sound enough defensively especially with Cal Conway solidifying the net with razor-sharp precision and confidence. We see Stillwater and Shakopee facing off in the Friday semifinals so it will come down to the team with the most poise under the bright lights.

WEEKEND WARRIOR: Coin flip between rising star in sophomore sniper, Luca Jarvis and senior goalie, Cal Conway…hmm, know what? We are going with both players! All things being equal with five bona-fide scorers ahead of him countering the potential Shakopee attack, it’s Jarvis sneaking points late in games that could turn the tide and carry the Ponies forward with hard to match depth and size. Also, if Conway stays hot in net over his personal rival in Andover, then we could see a goalie take the reins of the ’25 tourney and capture a title.


Andover Huskies (15-13) / MSHSL strength of schedule – #11

TRENDING DATA:

• After a horrendously unprecented winless start at 0-9, the Huskies plugged the leaks, reset the membranes, and dug deep after New Year’s Eve going 13-3 in 2025.

• The sled haulers, currently pulling a four-game win streak, are only 1-3 versus the state AA field. (Surprisingly, they still do not possess the worst record versus the AA field).

• Unlike the other squads at the ‘X’, Andover has zero scorers above the 40-pt. mark and only two players above 30 pts. in underclassmen Camden Langfeld and KJ Sauer.

• Leading scorers; Camden Langfeld – 12/19/31, KJ Sauer – 17/13/30, Chase Nadeau – 4/25/29.

• G – Cash Cruitt with a record of 15-13 but an impressive 2.14 GAA and .929 SP with 5 SO’s. Candidate for 2026 Brimsek Award.

OVERVIEW: The Huskies had an auspicious start to the ’24-’25 campaign with the sudden departure of senior goalie, Cal Conway, Stillwater, ironically Andover’s opponent in the state quarterfinals on Thursday, March 6 at 11AM as we digest brunch and mimosas at the St. Paul Hotel. Since the new year dawned the Huskies are 13-3 and enjoying a four-game win streak. Typical hard-nosed team defense, two-way play and relentless 200 ft. checking abound under HC, Mark Manney’s tutelage with this current run being no exception. Winger KJ Sauer has been the defacto leader-by-example, raising his game weekly after the calendar turned. Hard work and pack it in the center alley D backed by rising goaltending star in Cash ‘The Burglar’ Cruitt have righted the Huskies’ plane. Hey, when your HC used to pilot Air Force One? It’s easy to follow him and, most importantly, easier to BELIEVE you’re on the right flightpath.

WEEKEND WARRIOR: Junior goalie, Cash Cruitt. All things being equal coupled with a built-in insta-rivalry with former teammate and current Stillwater goalie, Cal Conway, Andover presents a defensive grind for the high-flying Ponies of Stillwater. Cruitt, if he plays calm under the big lights, will be the deciding factor as Stillwater will undoubtedly put many a puck on net with their parade of playmaking sharpshooters. Cruitt must utilize fundamental footwork, precise laterals and stay upright under pressure – all the while keeping at least one blade in the paint.

[Sparlimb]

I always say the 11 AM game is the most dangerous QF game, especially for a team that isn't used to being there. Stillwater should win by 3+ goals, but look for it to be close and don't be surprised if Andover pulls it out.

[ryguyMN]

I'm curious to see how the Cal Conway transfer factor plays into the equation and how that motivates Andover.

I have Stillwater winning the whole thing but wouldn't be surprised if Andover makes this a game, considering their late season run too.

[ryguyMN]

Added LPH preview to the polling question.

[SCBlueLiner]

Andover definitely wins the pre-game lineup show, if you are into that sort of thing. Wowza! That's an interesting crew.

[ryguyMN]

Hot start for the Ponies. 2-0 Still, less than 8 minutes into the game.

[Nostalgic Nerd]

Let's go Big Red!

[raidergrad72]

Now 3-0. Stats pretty even.

[east hockey]

4-0. Enjoy the concessions at Mariucci, Huskies fans

Lee

[Nostalgic Nerd]

Glad to see there's no let up. Buzzing along.

[grindiangrad-80]

Stillwater is clearly a good team.

[ryguyMN]

Stillwater putting the other teams at the tourney on notice. Strong performance for the 5-0 win.

[Mite-dad]

Stillwater looked very good. I thought the best team in session 1. Could see them winning it all. Fun team to watch.