The Orono (Long Lake, MN) varsity ice hockey team will play a home non-conference game against Detroit Lakes (MN) today at 7 p.m.

Matchup Details

Detroit Lakes vs Orono Ice Hockey
Friday, December 27, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Live stream: Watch Here

Detroit Lakes vs. Orono: A 2024-25 Hockey Season Breakdown

The 2024-25 hockey season has seen some exciting performances from both Detroit Lakes and Orono. As we approach the middle of the season, let’s dive into how these two teams compare in terms of overall performance, head-to-head results, and their standings in Minnesota hockey.

Detroit Lakes: A Dominant Start

Detroit Lakes has come out of the gate strong, showcasing a near-perfect record with an overall record of 6-0-1. They currently hold the 47th national ranking and are 11th in Minnesota Class rankings.

• Home: 2-0
• Away: 4-0-1
• Win %: .929 (9 points in 7 games)
• Goals For (GF): 37
• Goals Against (GA): 10

With such a solid record, it’s no surprise that Detroit Lakes boasts one of the top scoring averages in the state, with an average of 5.3 goals per game. This offensive output has been paired with strong defense, limiting opponents to just 10 goals across 7 games.

Their performance against common opponents has also been impressive. Detroit Lakes is 3-0 against teams they share opponents with, which includes notable wins over East Grand Forks (4-0) and St. Cloud Cathedral (8-2).

Orono: A Competitive but Inconsistent Squad

Orono has had a more varied season, posting a record of 4-3-1 and a national ranking of 284th. They are ranked 43rd in Minnesota Class rankings and have demonstrated resilience, particularly in conference play.

• Overall: 4-3-1
• Conference: 1-0
• Home: 2-0
• Away: 2-3-1
• Win %: .562 (9 points in 8 games)
• Conference Win %: 1.000 (Perfect at home in conference play)
• Goals For (GF): 40
• Goals Against (GA): 26

Orono’s scoring average is 5.0 goals per game, slightly behind Detroit Lakes but still impressive. Their offense has been potent, though their defense has been more vulnerable, allowing 26 goals in 8 games. The team has shown strong performances in select matches, but consistency has been a challenge. They’ve had a mixed record against common opponents, going 1-2-1 in those matchups.

Noteworthy results include a 7-4 win over Alexandria and a 2-2 tie against East Grand Forks. However, Orono has also suffered losses, such as a 1-5 defeat to Warroad and a 3-2 loss to Little Falls.

Head-to-Head Comparison

While Detroit Lakes has been dominant in their head-to-head matchups against common opponents, Orono has had a more fluctuating performance. Let’s take a closer look at how the teams have fared:

• Detroit Lakes’ Record vs. Common Opponents: 3-0
• Orono’s Record vs. Common Opponents: 1-2-1

These results suggest that Detroit Lakes has had the upper hand against teams that both squads have faced. Their undefeated record against common opponents gives them a mental edge, particularly considering their dominance in games against teams like St. Cloud Cathedral and Alexandria.

Key Matchups and Upcoming Schedule

Detroit Lakes and Orono will continue to meet tough opponents in the coming weeks, with significant games scheduled against teams like St. Cloud Cathedral, Warroad, and Little Falls.

For Detroit Lakes, a major test will be their upcoming game against East Grand Forks on January 7, 2025, and their matchup against Alexandria on January 28, 2025. Orono will look to bounce back from their inconsistencies as they take on St. Cloud Cathedral on January 4, 2025, and a rematch with Alexandria on January 28, 2025.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, both Detroit Lakes and Orono are shaping up to be strong contenders in Minnesota hockey. Detroit Lakes has been dominant, particularly at home and in non-league games, while Orono’s performances have been more erratic, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling to maintain consistency. With both teams facing important matchups ahead, the competition between these two squads will be exciting to watch.