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Brett Ludvigsen of Dodge County lit up the scoreboard with a hat trick and two assists, including the overtime game-winner against Rochester Mayo. Over in St. Cloud, Jackson Sheetz and Corbin Matanich each netted crucial goals to hand Cloquet/Esko/Carlton their first loss of the season. In Andover’s victory over Academy of Holy Angels, Brody Peterson got the Huskies rolling with an early goal, while Evan Schmidt of Orono recorded a shutout with 26 saves in their win against Detroit Lakes. For Redwood Valley, Gavin Vanderwerf delivered the game-winner in a 2-1 triumph, securing their first win of the year. Finally, St. Thomas Academy’s Nico Russ and William Dosan each scored on the power play to help the Cadets edge Edina 2-1 in a thriller, all this and more here:

 

Apple Valley/Burnsville Rallies Past Mankato West in Thrilling 4-3 Victory

In a game full of momentum swings, Apple Valley/Burnsville staged an impressive comeback to edge Mankato West 4-3 in the Heritage Holiday Classic Consolation Semifinal.

1st Period

The game started strongly for Mankato West, with Jaeger Zimmerman opening the scoring at 7:42, followed by Keaton Dorzek adding another at 14:25 with assists from Jakobe Tosch and Brodie Cox. Mankato West led 2-0 at the first intermission, fueled by aggressive play and precision passing.

2nd Period

Mankato West extended their lead early in the second with Sean King scoring at 1:18, putting them up 3-0. However, Apple Valley/Burnsville responded with their power play unit stepping up. Colten Himmelwright converted on the man advantage at 5:48, assisted by Caleb Engelbrecht. Later in the period, Sam Skoglund capitalized on another power play at 15:01, closing the gap to 3-2 heading into the third period.

3rd Period

Apple Valley/Burnsville’s momentum carried into the final frame. Skoglund struck again at 2:56, tying the game with help from Himmelwright and Ben Watson. The dramatic comeback was sealed when Dylan Otten netted the game-winner at 16:19, assisted by Ryder Mills and Fisher Hatfield.

Key Performers

  • Apple Valley/Burnsville:
    • Sam Skoglund: 2 goals
    • Colten Himmelwright: 1 goal, 1 assist
    • Dylan Otten: 1 goal
    • Jack Cook: 1 assist, strong defensive presence
  • Mankato West:
    • Jaeger Zimmerman: 1 goal
    • Sean King: 1 goal
    • Keaton Dorzek: 1 goal

Special Teams & Goaltending

  • Apple Valley/Burnsville’s power play was a difference-maker, converting 2 of 4 opportunities (50.0%).
  • Mankato West struggled on the power play, going 0 for 1.
  • Goalie Miles Johnson provided a solid performance in relief for Apple Valley/Burnsville, saving 15 of 16 shots in the final stretch.

  • Hill-Murray Stays Perfect at 9-0 with a 6-3 Win Over Lakeville North

    The Hill-Murray Pioneers continued their undefeated streak with a commanding 6-3 victory over Lakeville North in the Tradition Holiday Invitational. The Pioneers showcased their balanced scoring and dominant play, outshooting Lakeville North 48-17.

    1st Period

    Hill-Murray started strong with Caden Zasada scoring just 1:30 into the game off assists from Cullen Ingebritson and Graham Greeder. Later in the period, Boden Sampair doubled the lead at 14:40 with help from Riley Zupfer and Greeder, giving the Pioneers a 2-0 edge heading into the first intermission.

    2nd Period

    Lakeville North’s Samuel Moore brought the Panthers back into the game with a goal at 8:01, cutting the deficit to 2-1. However, Hill-Murray responded with two unanswered goals. Sampair struck again at 11:05, and Greeder added a power-play goal at 16:14, assisted by Landon Cottingham and Chaz Lentz, restoring a three-goal lead for Hill-Murray.

    3rd Period

    Hill-Murray extended their lead in the third with back-to-back goals from Zupfer (9:05) and Sampair, who completed his hat trick at 9:27. Samuel Moore continued to fight for Lakeville North, scoring two more goals, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Hill-Murray’s dominance.

    Key Performers

    • Hill-Murray:
      • Boden Sampair: Hat trick (3 goals), 3 points
      • Graham Greeder: 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points
      • Chaz Lentz: 3 assists
      • Riley Zupfer: 1 goal, 2 assists
    • Lakeville North:
      • Samuel Moore: Hat trick (3 goals)

    Special Teams

    Hill-Murray’s power play was effective, converting 1 of 2 opportunities (50.0%), while their penalty kill went a perfect 3-for-3.

    Goaltending

    • Hill-Murray: Jackson Johnson made 14 saves on 17 shots, finishing with a .824 save percentage.
    • Lakeville North: Carter Mayfield faced a barrage of shots, stopping 42 of 48 for a .875 save percentage.

    Summary

    Hill-Murray showcased their depth and firepower, with strong performances from their top players. The win improves their record to 9-0-0, solidifying their place among the top teams in the state. Despite a valiant effort and a hat trick from Samuel Moore, Lakeville North couldn’t match the Pioneers’ dominance.

Rogers Holds Off Minnetonka in a Tight 4-3 Victory

The Rogers Royals edged out the Minnetonka Skippers 4-3 in a competitive game during the Premiere Holiday Classic at the PIC. Strong offensive contributions from Rogers’ top players and a solid defensive effort in the final period sealed the win.

1st Period

Rogers jumped out to an early lead with two quick goals:

  • Parker Deschene opened the scoring at 5:26, assisted by Keaton Weis and Mason Jenson.
  • Just over a minute later, Cam Lubke doubled the lead at 6:54, with an assist from Brock Cheslock.

Minnetonka managed only two shots in the opening frame as Rogers controlled the pace, leading 2-0 after 20 minutes.

2nd Period

The middle frame saw both teams trading goals:

  • Minnetonka’s Danny Browning put the Skippers on the board at 4:00, assisted by Zach Markwell and Caden Lindsay.
  • Rogers responded four minutes later with Mason Jenson extending the lead to 3-1. Jayden Kurtz and Nolen Geerdes assisted on the play.
  • Minnetonka’s Liam Schultz struck back at 10:00, cutting the deficit to 3-2, assisted by Cooper Rannow and Caden Lindsay.
  • Rogers capped the period with Nolen Geerdes scoring at 10:50 off feeds from Jenson and Hudson Kottke, giving Rogers a 4-2 advantage heading into the third.

3rd Period

Minnetonka pressed hard in the final frame, outshooting Rogers 13-6:

  • Jordan Johnson scored at 7:23 to pull the Skippers within one, making it 4-3.
    Despite Minnetonka’s pressure, Rogers’ defense and goaltending held firm to secure the win.

Key Performers

  • Rogers:
    • Mason Jenson: 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points
    • Nolen Geerdes: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points
    • Parker Deschene: 1 goal
  • Minnetonka:
    • Caden Lindsay: 2 assists
    • Jordan Johnson: 1 goal

Special Teams

Rogers killed all four of Minnetonka’s power plays, while Minnetonka went 1-for-1 on the penalty kill.

Goaltending

  • Rogers: Wyatt Knott made 22 saves on 25 shots for a .880 save percentage.
  • Minnetonka: Ben Ferguson stopped 25 of 29 shots, finishing with a .862 save percentage.

Summary

Rogers showcased a strong team effort and offensive depth to edge out Minnetonka. The Royals capitalized on early momentum and held firm in the face of a determined Skippers’ comeback effort.

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Moorhead Stays Hot with a Dominant 5-1 Win Over Eden Prairie

The Moorhead Spuds put on a clinic against the Eden Prairie Eagles, riding a hat trick performance from Zac Zimmerman and stellar goaltending by Charlie Stenehjem to secure a 5-1 victory in the Tradition Holiday Invitational.

1st Period: Fast Start by Moorhead

Moorhead wasted no time setting the tone:

  • Zac Zimmerman struck twice in the opening 1:17 of the game, with assists from Charlie Stenehjem and Brady Steffen on the first goal, and an unassisted tally for the second.
  • The Spuds’ early offensive burst gave them a 2-0 lead heading into the second.

2nd Period: Moorhead Extends the Lead

  • Mason Kraft added to Moorhead’s lead at 4:37, assisted by Zimmerman and Carver Hasbargen, making it 3-0.
  • Zimmerman completed his hat trick at 16:22, scoring his third even-strength goal, assisted by Brandon Mickelson and Kraft, to give the Spuds a commanding 4-0 advantage.

3rd Period: Late Push from Eden Prairie

  • Moorhead capitalized on a power play early in the third as Tyden Bergeson scored at 2:35, with assists from Zimmerman and Mickelson, pushing the lead to 5-0.
  • Eden Prairie broke the shutout at 14:53 when Alex Hall scored on the power play, assisted by Nick Koering and John Kleis.

Key Performers

  • Moorhead:
    • Zac Zimmerman: Hat trick, 2 assists, 5 points
    • Mason Kraft: 1 goal, 1 assist
    • Brandon Mickelson: 2 assists
  • Eden Prairie:
    • Alex Hall: 1 goal
    • Nick Koering and John Kleis: 1 assist each

Goaltending

  • Moorhead: Charlie Stenehjem stopped 29 of 30 shots for a .967 save percentage.
  • Eden Prairie: Bennett Wilmer faced 28 shots, saving 23 (.821 SV%).

Special Teams and Physicality

  • Moorhead’s power play converted on 1 of 3 opportunities (33.33%), while Eden Prairie struggled, going 1 for 8 (12.5%).
  • The game was physical, with a combined 55 penalty minutes. Moorhead’s Aiden Dufault and Eden Prairie’s Chase Klute led with major penalties.

Summary

Moorhead controlled the game from the first minute with relentless offense and disciplined defense. Zac Zimmerman was the star of the night, contributing to four of Moorhead’s five goals. The Spuds continue to look like a team to beat in the tournament, while Eden Prairie will need to regroup after struggling to find their rhythm.

Faribault and Windom Battle to a 4-4 Overtime Draw

In a thrilling back-and-forth game, Faribault and Windom skated to a 4-4 tie after 59 minutes of action in the Windom Holiday Classic. The game showcased stellar offensive efforts, standout goaltending, and moments of brilliance on both sides.

1st Period: Windom Takes the Edge

  • Faribault opened the scoring at 5:44 with a goal from Nicholas Archambault, assisted by Tommy Kunze and RJ Wasilowski.
  • Windom responded with two unanswered goals:
    • Nick Espenson tied it at 10:38 with an even-strength goal assisted by Andrei Rivera.
    • Jessy Gentry put Windom ahead at 16:59 to close the first period with a 2-1 lead.

2nd Period: Faribault Finds Their Rhythm

  • Archambault struck again just 48 seconds into the period to tie the game 2-2.
  • Espenson netted his second goal for Windom at 11:49, assisted by Rivera and Jonah Lohse, to retake the lead.
  • Faribault’s Wasilowski responded at 15:17 with a goal, assisted by Archambault, sending the teams tied at 3-3 into the final period.

3rd Period: Both Teams Trade Goals

  • Faribault claimed the lead at 1:40 with a goal from Logan Vargo, assisted by Kunze.
  • Windom’s Bodi Parker tied the game at 6:30, assisted by Lohse and Jackson Veenker.
  • Despite several chances, neither team could break the deadlock, forcing the game into overtime.

Overtime: Goaltending Shines

  • Both teams had quality opportunities in the extra frame, but the goaltenders held firm. Faribault outshot Windom 7-6 in overtime, but neither team found the back of the net.

Key Performers

  • Faribault:
    • Nicholas Archambault: 2 goals, 1 assist
    • RJ Wasilowski: 1 goal, 1 assist
    • Tommy Kunze: 2 assists
  • Windom:
    • Nick Espenson: 2 goals
    • Jonah Lohse: 2 assists
    • Andrei Rivera: 2 assists

Goaltending

  • Faribault: Dustin Boyd made 25 saves on 29 shots (.862 SV%).
  • Windom: Kole Espenson stopped 27 of 31 shots (.871 SV%).

Special Teams

  • Both teams struggled on the power play, with Faribault going 0 for 1 and Windom failing to convert on 4 opportunities.

Cretin-Derham Hall Edges Prior Lake in Overtime Thriller

Cretin-Derham Hall prevailed in a tightly contested matchup, securing a 3-2 overtime victory over Prior Lake in the Tradition Holiday Invitational. The game showcased resilient defense, key offensive moments, and a clutch overtime goal.

1st Period: Teams Trade Early Goals

  • Prior Lake struck first at 12:09 with a goal from Levi Eiter, giving them an early lead.
  • Just over a minute later, Vinny Millard of Cretin-Derham Hall tied the game with an even-strength goal at 13:12, setting the tone for a competitive matchup.

2nd Period: Power Play Magic

  • Cretin-Derham Hall took the lead early in the second period at 0:31 when Veszi Lippai capitalized on a power play opportunity, assisted by Jonny Bloedow and Nate Chorlton.
  • Levi Eiter answered for Prior Lake at 12:31, scoring his second goal of the game with help from Parker Wenkus and Mario Bernard, tying the game at 2-2.

3rd Period: Deadlock Continues

  • Neither team could break the tie despite several power-play opportunities. Strong defensive efforts and solid goaltending sent the game into overtime.

Overtime: Max Bennett Secures the Win

  • Just 53 seconds into overtime, Max Bennett delivered the game-winner for Cretin-Derham Hall, scoring an even-strength goal to seal the victory.

Key Performers

  • Cretin-Derham Hall:
    • Max Bennett: Game-winning goal
    • Veszi Lippai: Power-play goal
    • Vinny Millard: Opening goal
  • Prior Lake:
    • Levi Eiter: 2 goals
    • Parker Wenkus and Mario Bernard: Key assists

Goaltending

  • Cretin-Derham Hall:
    • Jackson Werner and Luca Sciara combined for 10 saves on 12 shots (.833 SV%).
  • Prior Lake:
    • Preston Kulics made 33 saves on 36 shots (.917 SV%), keeping his team in the game.

Special Teams

  • Cretin-Derham Hall converted 1 of 3 power-play opportunities (33.33%), while Prior Lake struggled, going 0 for 4.

Game Summary

This hard-fought game highlighted the competitiveness of both teams. Cretin-Derham Hall showcased resilience, while Prior Lake‘s standout efforts, particularly from Levi Eiter, fell just short. Max Bennett‘s overtime heroics ensured Cretin-Derham Hall advanced in the tournament.

 

Andover Secures 3-1 Victory Over Academy of Holy Angels

Andover defeated Academy of Holy Angels in a closely contested matchup, taking home a 3-1 win. The Huskies’ strong defensive play and clutch scoring secured their victory in the Premiere Holiday Classic.

1st Period: Early Momentum for Andover

  • Brody Peterson opened the scoring for Andover at 14:08, converting on an even-strength opportunity with an assist from Luke Babineau to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead.
  • Goaltender Cash Cruitt stood tall, turning away all 14 shots he faced in the first period to keep Holy Angels off the board.

2nd Period: Andover Extends the Lead

  • Cooper Johannsen doubled Andover’s lead at 5:01, with assists from Mason Sanders and KJ Sauer, putting the Huskies up 2-0.
  • Despite outshooting Andover 14-7 in the opening frame, Holy Angels couldn’t find the back of the net in the second period, struggling against Cruitt’s stellar goaltending.

3rd Period: Holy Angels Fights Back, But Andover Closes It Out

  • Cole Cheeseman of Holy Angels brought his team within one at 5:43, scoring an even-strength goal assisted by Henry Lechner and Bennet Arro.
  • Andover responded at 16:00 when Drew Law sealed the game with an empty-net goal, assisted by Cash Cruitt.

Key Performers

  • Andover:
    • Brody Peterson: Game-opening goal
    • Drew Law: Empty-net goal to secure the win
    • Cash Cruitt: Stellar performance in goal with 34 saves on 35 shots (.971 SV%)
  • Academy of Holy Angels:
    • Cole Cheeseman: Lone goal scorer for the Stars
    • Luke Marsalek: Strong effort in net with 26 saves on 28 shots (.929 SV%)

Special Teams

  • Both teams struggled on the power play, going a combined 0-for-4. However, disciplined defensive play minimized high-danger opportunities during penalty kills.

Game Summary

Andover‘s ability to capitalize on scoring chances, combined with a standout performance from goaltender Cash Cruitt, proved to be the difference in this matchup. Academy of Holy Angels outshot the Huskies but couldn’t overcome their defensive wall.

Willmar Triumphs Over Bagley/Fosston in Overtime, 3-2

In a dramatic showdown, Willmar secured a 3-2 overtime victory over Bagley/Fosston in the International Falls Holiday Classic. The game showcased intense action, resilient defense, and clutch performances on both ends of the ice.

1st Period: Willmar Strikes First

  • Willmar opened the scoring at 11:58, with Gibson Horyza finding the net on an even-strength goal assisted by Bryce Morton.
  • The Cardinals dominated the period with 15 shots compared to Bagley/Fosston’s 3, but the score remained 1-0 heading into the second.

2nd Period: Bagley/Fosston Battles Back

  • Dakota Erickson equalized for Bagley/Fosston at 11:51, capitalizing on a setup from Jackson Gerbracht and Camron Benson.
  • Just 90 seconds later, James Palmer gave Bagley/Fosston the lead with an unassisted goal at 13:21.
  • Despite being outshot 11-9 in the period, Bagley/Fosston went into the final frame with a narrow 2-1 advantage.

3rd Period: Willmar Rallies

  • Willmar leveled the score at 4:22 of the third, thanks to Eli Hagen, who converted on a feed from Aden Jacobson.
  • Both teams tightened defensively, with neither able to capitalize on power-play opportunities. Regulation ended in a 2-2 stalemate.

Overtime: Heroics from Luke Larson

  • It took just 27 seconds of overtime for Willmar to clinch the win. Luke Larson buried a power-play goal, assisted by Gibson Horyza, giving the Cardinals the thrilling 3-2 victory.

Key Performers

  • Willmar:
    • Luke Larson: Game-winning power-play goal in OT
    • Gibson Horyza: Goal and an assist, contributing to the game-winner
    • Eli Ewert: Solid goaltending with 16 saves on 18 shots
  • Bagley/Fosston:
    • James Palmer: Scored a go-ahead goal in the second period
    • Kyle Johnson: Stellar performance in net with 36 saves on 39 shots (.923 SV%)

Special Teams

  • Willmar capitalized on 1 of 4 power-play opportunities, including the game-winning goal.
  • Bagley/Fosston struggled to convert on their 4 power-play chances, finishing 0-for-4.

Game Summary

Willmar’s relentless offense and resilience proved decisive in this thrilling overtime win. The Cardinals outshot Bagley/Fosston 39-18 and displayed poise under pressure, particularly during the game-winning power play. Bagley/Fosston, despite a valiant defensive effort and outstanding goaltending, fell short in a hard-fought hockey game.

Redwood Valley Secures First Win of the Season with a 2-1 Victory Over Morris/Benson Area

The Redwood Valley Cardinals notched their first win of the season in dramatic fashion, edging out the Morris/Benson Area Storm in a tightly contested 2-1 battle. Stellar goaltending and clutch scoring defined the game, as Redwood Valley celebrated a much-needed victory.

1st Period: Defensive Battle

Both teams showcased solid defensive efforts in the opening frame, with neither side managing to find the back of the net. Despite a slight edge in shots, Morris/Benson Area couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, as Redwood Valley’s Jacob O’Halloran stood tall in goal.

2nd Period: Teams Trade Goals

The Storm struck first at 10:49 when Charlie Blume opened the scoring with an even-strength goal. However, Redwood Valley responded just 90 seconds later as Kilen Cilek found the equalizer, assisted by Knox Kramer. The game headed into the final period tied 1-1, with both teams battling for momentum.

3rd Period: Redwood Valley Takes the Lead

The Cardinals seized the lead early in the third period at 2:56. Gavin Vanderwerf netted the game-winner off assists from Kooper Johnson and Owen Linsmeier, giving Redwood Valley a 2-1 advantage. They held off a late push from Morris/Benson Area, with O’Halloran making key saves to preserve the lead.

Key Performances

  • Redwood Valley:
    • Jacob O’Halloran: Outstanding performance in goal, stopping 30 of 31 shots (.968 SV%).
    • Gavin Vanderwerf: Game-winning goal early in the third period.
    • Kilen Cilek: Scored the tying goal, contributing to the team’s offensive spark.
  • Morris/Benson Area:
    • Charlie Blume: Scored the lone goal for the Storm.
    • Grant Gunlogson: Strong effort in net with 26 saves on 28 shots (.929 SV%).

Special Teams

Both teams struggled on the power play, going a combined 0-for-4. Despite numerous penalties, the defensive units excelled in keeping scoring chances limited during man-advantage situations.

Orono Shuts Out Detroit Lakes in Dominant 3-0 Victory

The Orono Spartans showcased a complete team performance to blank the Detroit Lakes Lakers 3-0. With stellar goaltending from Evan Schmidt and a balanced offensive attack, Orono earned their victory at home.

1st Period: Orono Strikes First

Orono opened the scoring late in the first period at 16:02 when Jackson Knight found the back of the net off an assist from Lachlan Hoffman, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead. Solid defensive play and goaltending kept Detroit Lakes off the board despite their six shots in the period.

2nd Period: Power Play Pays Off

The Spartans doubled their lead in the second period with a power-play goal from Ethan Pagel at 11:58. Jackson Knight continued his strong play, contributing the primary assist. Detroit Lakes struggled to generate offensive momentum, mustering only seven shots in the frame.

3rd Period: Spartans Seal the Win

Detroit Lakes pushed hard in the final frame, but Orono’s defense and goaltender Evan Schmidt held firm. An empty-net goal by Trey Landa with just 16 seconds remaining, assisted by Rory Kvern, sealed the 3-0 victory for the Spartans.

Key Performances

  • Orono:
    • Evan Schmidt: Perfect game with 26 saves for a shutout.
    • Jackson Knight: Goal and an assist to lead the offense.
    • Ethan Pagel: Scored the game-winning power-play goal.
  • Detroit Lakes:
    • Griffin Lindberg: Strong effort in net with 25 saves on 27 shots (.926 SV%).

Special Teams

Orono capitalized on one of their two power-play opportunities, while Detroit Lakes went 0-for-2 with the man advantage. The penalty kill was a key component of Orono’s success, stifling any comeback attempts from the Lakers.

St. Thomas Academy Outlasts Edina 2-1 in Defensive Battle

The St. Thomas Academy Cadets leveraged a strong special teams performance and a third-period surge to secure a 2-1 victory over the Edina Hornets. A tight defensive game was decided by power-play execution and clutch goaltending from Jacksyn Crary.

1st and 2nd Periods: Defensive Stalemate

Both teams struggled to break through in the first two periods, with defense and goaltending taking center stage. St. Thomas Academy outshot Edina 14-12 through two frames, but neither team could capitalize on early opportunities.

3rd Period: Cadets Take Control

St. Thomas Academy broke the deadlock early in the third period with two power-play goals.

  • At 1:25, Nico Russ opened the scoring, converting a power-play chance with assists from Jackson Rudh and Michael Mikan.
  • Just over two minutes later, at 3:38, William Dosan extended the lead to 2-0, again on the power play, with contributions from Mikan and Rudh.

Edina responded at 9:59 with a goal from Brady Peterson, assisted by Bode McConnell and Brady Mullmann, but the Hornets could not find an equalizer.

Special Teams Key to Victory

The Cadets capitalized on two of their three power-play opportunities, while Edina failed to score on their lone chance. The efficiency of St. Thomas Academy’s special teams proved to be the difference-maker.

Key Performances

  • St. Thomas Academy:
    • Nico Russ: Game-winning goal and a strong two-way performance.
    • Michael Mikan: Two assists, instrumental in setting up both power-play goals.
    • Jacksyn Crary: Stellar in net with 21 saves and a .955 save percentage.
  • Edina:
    • Brady Peterson: Scored Edina’s lone goal to spark a potential comeback.
    • Wyatt Spindler: Kept Edina in the game with 23 saves on 25 shots (.920 SV%).

Game Summary

St. Thomas Academy’s ability to execute on special teams and maintain defensive discipline ultimately secured their win. Edina will look to rebound by converting more offensive chances in their next outing, while the Cadets remain a team to watch with their well-rounded play.

St. Cloud Hands Cloquet Their First Loss of the Season, 2-1

In a tightly contested matchup, St. Cloud mounted a third-period comeback to hand Cloquet their first loss of the season, with a 2-1 victory at the Granite City Showcase.

1st and 2nd Periods: Defensive Duel

Both teams displayed strong defensive discipline in the first period, with neither side finding the back of the net. Cloquet broke the deadlock midway through the second period on a power-play goal by Grady Knutson, assisted by Nikolas Gentilini and Karson Young, giving them a 1-0 lead heading into the final frame.

3rd Period: St. Cloud’s Comeback

St. Cloud came alive in the third period, scoring twice to complete the comeback:

  • At 7:23, Jackson Sheetz tied the game with a goal set up by Max Kiffmeyer and Jackson Meemken.
  • At 16:42, Corbin Matanich scored the game-winner, capping off St. Cloud’s resurgence.

Cloquet pressed for an equalizer, but St. Cloud’s defense and goaltending held firm.

Key Performances

  • St. Cloud:
    • Jackson Sheetz: Scored the tying goal.
    • Corbin Matanich: Game-winning goal in the final minutes.
    • Nathan Gohman: Stellar in net with 23 saves on 24 shots (.958 SV%).
  • Cloquet/Esko/Carlton:
    • Grady Knutson: Scored the lone goal on the power play.
    • Jacob Iallonardo: Solid performance in net with 19 saves (.905 SV%).

Game Summary

St. Cloud’s ability to capitalize in the third period highlighted their resilience, while their penalty kill neutralized three of Cloquet/Esko/Carlton’s four power-play opportunities. For Cloquet/Esko/Carlton, the loss ends their undefeated start to the season, while St. Cloud gains momentum with an impressive victory.

Dodge County Edges Rochester Mayo in Overtime Thriller, 6-5

In a high-scoring battle, Dodge County secured a dramatic 6-5 victory in overtime against Rochester Mayo at the Rochester Kiwanis Hockey Festival. The game featured back-and-forth action, standout performances, and a thrilling finish.

1st Period: Dodge County Strikes First

Dodge County jumped out to an early lead with two goals:

  • 10:04: Brett Ludvigsen opened the scoring, assisted by Cooper Bebee.
  • 11:57: Gabe Coshenet doubled the lead with help from Ludvigsen.

Rochester Mayo couldn’t capitalize on their chances, trailing 2-0 after the first.

2nd Period: Rochester Mayo Rallies

Rochester Mayo stormed back in the second period:

  • 0:59: Sonny On scored, assisted by Gavin Clark and Holland Christopherson.
  • 9:14: Tommy Verdick tied the game, assisted by Oliver Bertsch.
  • 11:49: Jesse Hendrickson gave Rochester Mayo a 3-2 lead with a goal set up by Maddox Christopherson and Bertsch.

Dodge County responded late in the period:

  • 9:57: Braylon Fredrickson tied it at 3-3 with an even-strength goal.

3rd Period: Trading Goals

Both teams traded goals in a thrilling final period:

  • 2:03: Brett Ludvigsen scored his second goal to reclaim the lead for Dodge County.
  • 4:51: Ludvigsen completed his hat trick with another even-strength goal, assisted by Coshenet and Dylan Allen.

Rochester Mayo wasn’t done:

  • 15:09: Hendrickson converted on the power play to make it 5-4.
  • 16:22: Verdick struck again to tie the game at 5-5, forcing overtime.

Overtime: Dodge County’s Heroics

In the extra frame, Dodge County capitalized on a power play:

  • 6:06: Coshenet netted the game-winner, assisted by Camryn Koch and Ludvigsen, completing a stellar night for Dodge County’s offense.

Key Performances

  • Dodge County:
    • Brett Ludvigsen: Hat trick and two assists for five points.
    • Gabe Coshenet: Two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist.
    • Wes Wagner: Made 28 saves to secure the win.
  • Rochester Mayo:
    • Jesse Hendrickson: Two goals, including a critical power-play tally.
    • Tommy Verdick: Two goals, providing clutch scoring late in the game.
    • Oliver Bertsch: Two assists to fuel the comeback effort.

Summary

This thrilling contest highlighted Dodge County’s resilience and Rochester Mayo’s determination. Both teams showcased impressive offensive talent, but Dodge County’s power-play efficiency and Ludvigsen’s standout performance made the difference.

Have a question for us, send an email to ftphockey@gmail.com

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