The Hopkins Royals hockey team will suit up one last time for the 2017-2018 regular season. In their way is the 6-13-1 Eden Prairie Eagles.

The Eagles, who are usually a very strong team, are having an off year this year. The Eagles are currently 0-6 in Lake conference play while last year they finished 8-0 in conference play and went on to take third place in state.

One big reason for that is Eden Prairie lost their star forward, Casey Mittelstadt, who was drafted 8th overall by the Buffalo Sabres this past summer.

The Royals, however, have been more successful this year than they were last year. They are currently 6-17 versus 2-23 last season.

“We try to make things more fun for the players by lightning the mood. Last year, we took things too seriously and it didn’t go well,” said Wyatt Nelson, junior.

The last time the Royals were able to tie or beat the Eagles was February of 2014. This will be the Eagle’s worst record since joining the Lake Conference in 2009.

The Royals will have two days to prepare for their final game at home before their section matchup.

“We have to end this game on a good note and set the tone for how we will play in our section matchup,” said JJ Martin, junior.