RiverHawks vs. Cardinals: What You Need to Know

Tonight at 8 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center, the North Wright County RiverHawks face off against the Coon Rapids Cardinals in the the Hawks' first-ever state tournament game.

The Hawks feature a tenacious first line led by 100-plus goal-scorer Kasey Blomberg while Coon Rapids' senior stopper Crystal Amunrud has given up just 2.19 goals per game this season. 

If you've never seen them play you will want to watch how the high-powered Hawks deconstruct the Coon Rapids defense.

Boasting an overall record of 20-5-0, Coon Rapids comes into the game killing 85 percent of its penalties and scoring on 25 percent of its own powerplays. Cardinals senior forward and Ms. Hockey Finalist Rachael Bona is one player the Hawks would do well to keep track of in tonight's matchup.

IF YOU GO

Where: Xcel Energy Center

When: 8 p.m.

Price: (Full tournament access) Adults $92, Students $60; (Championship bracket single game) Adults $17, Students $11; (Consolation bracket) Adults $12, Students $8

How to get there: 

From the North: Take I-35E south and exit on Wacouta, follow seven blocks to Kellogg Boulevard and turn right.

From the South: Take I-35 north to the Grand Avenue exit. Turn right and follow Grand Avenue to W. 7th Street. Take a left on W. 7th Street.

From the East: Take I-94 west and exit on 6th Street. Turn left on Kellogg Boulevard.

From the West: Take I-94 east and exit on 5th Street. Xcel Energy Center is two stop lights from the exit ramp, straight ahead, at the corner of 5th Street and W. 7th Street.

How long to get there: 40 miles (53 minutes in traffic)

Where to park: Several lots within blocks from the arena ($10-$15)

Places to eat dinner nearby: Mickey's Diner, Senor Wong, Pazzaluna, Cosetta's, Eagle Street Grille, Wild Tymes, Patrick McGovern's, Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub, The Liffey Irish Pub