Top Boys Games From 12-5-23 » Follow the Puck is Minnesota Hockey

Morris Benson 1

Wilmar 0

Morris/Benson Area secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Willmar. The game was marked by strong defensive plays from both teams, leading to a scoreless first two periods before Morris/Benson Area broke the deadlock in the third.

The first and second periods were characterized by a defensive stalemate. Despite Willmar having a significant edge in shots on goal, with 21 shots in the first period and 8 in the second, they were unable to capitalize on these opportunities. Morris/Benson Area, while taking fewer shots, maintained a solid defensive front, keeping the game scoreless.

The pivotal moment of the match came in the third period when Morris/Benson Area’s Kye Suess scored the game’s only goal at the very beginning of the period. This goal was assisted by Tucker Blume and Charlie Goff, showcasing a well-coordinated play that finally penetrated Willmar’s defense. Suess’s goal was a display of precise execution and timing, giving Morris/Benson Area a crucial lead.

Interestingly, there were no power play opportunities for either team throughout the game, as indicated by the 0 for 0 power play statistics. This scenario underscores the disciplined nature of the match, with both teams playing cautiously and avoiding penalties that would give the other side an advantage.

Penalties did occur, however, with Morris/Benson Area incurring 4 minutes on 2 infractions and Willmar 6 minutes on 3 infractions. These penalties resulted in minor disruptions but did not significantly impact the flow or outcome of the game.

Willmar’s inability to score despite a high shot count (45 shots in total compared to Morris/Benson Area’s 17) highlights the exceptional performance of Morris/Benson Area’s goaltender and defense. They effectively neutralized Willmar’s offensive efforts, maintaining the slim lead secured by Suess’s goal.

Overall, the match was a testament to strategic play, disciplined defense, and effective utilization of scoring opportunities, with Morris/Benson Area emerging victorious in a close and hard-fought game.

Hibbing 6

Duluth Denfield 2

Before this game underwent Adam Johnsons Home Town of Hibbing retired his jersey #7. Johnson tragically passed away a couple weeks ago while playing in a professional game over in Europe. His death has affected many in the Hibbing/Chisholm area.

Hibbing/Chisholm staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Duluth Denfeld with a final score of 6-2. The match was characterized by a significant shift in momentum, effective utilization of power plays by Duluth Denfeld, and a strong offensive display by Hibbing/Chisholm in the second and third periods.

Duluth Denfeld started the game on a strong note, with Valtteri Luhtalampi scoring a short-handed goal in the first period, assisted by Nolan Harju. This early lead set the pace for Duluth Denfeld, but the game was far from decided.

The second period witnessed a dramatic turnaround. Hibbing/Chisholm unleashed their offensive prowess, scoring four goals to take control of the match. Jack Gabardi scored twice, with assists from Christian Edmonds and others, while Isaiah Hildenbrand also netted two goals, demonstrating their team’s depth in attack. Duluth Denfeld managed to respond with a power-play goal from John Scott, assisted by Braeden Erickson and Valtteri Luhtalampi, but Hibbing/Chisholm’s momentum was unstoppable, ending the second period with a 4-2 lead.

Hibbing/Chisholm continued their dominance in the third period, adding two more goals to their tally. Hunter Gustavsson and Kelin Elsner each found the back of the net, with Elsner’s goal being short-handed, further showcasing Hibbing/Chisholm’s versatility and resilience.

In terms of power plays, Duluth Denfeld capitalized on one of their four opportunities (25.0%), while Hibbing/Chisholm, despite not scoring on any of their four power plays, maintained a strong even-strength and short-handed game. The shot count was in favor of Hibbing/Chisholm, with 38 shots compared to Duluth Denfeld’s 26, reflecting their aggressive and effective offense.

Penalties were evenly distributed, with both teams incurring 8 minutes on 4 infractions each. These penalties resulted in power-play opportunities, with Duluth Denfeld able to convert one into a goal.

Overall, the match was a display of Hibbing/Chisholm’s offensive strength and ability to overturn an early deficit, coupled with Duluth Denfeld’s initial lead and power-play success. The game highlighted the dynamic nature of hockey, where momentum can shift rapidly, and every period brings new opportunities for teams to alter the course of the game.

Providence Academy 7

Armstrong Cooper 6

Providence Academy narrowly edged out Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper with a final score of 7-6. The match was characterized by a flurry of goals from both teams, with a particularly strong showing in power plays and a dramatic conclusion.

The first period set the stage for a high-intensity game, opening with a power-play goal from Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper’s Tanner Rausch, assisted by Hobey Skulstad and Jameson Essen. Providence Academy quickly responded with a power-play goal of their own from Brandon Sattler, assisted by Louis Wehmann. Rausch continued his impressive performance with two more power-play goals, completing a hat-trick in the first period alone. However, Providence Academy’s Louis Wehmann scored twice more, ending the first period in a 3-3 tie.

The second period continued the back-and-forth scoring. Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper regained the lead with goals from Lewis Majkozak and another from Rausch, his fourth of the game. Providence Academy kept pace with goals from Gavin Sattler and Brandon Sattler, once again tying the game at 5-5.

The third period saw Providence Academy taking a brief lead with another goal from Wehmann, only for Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper’s Tate Gladney to equalize shortly after. The decisive moment came when Wehmann scored his fifth goal of the game, ensuring a 7-6 victory for Providence Academy.

Despite several power plays, neither team could capitalize on these opportunities, as indicated by their 0.0% success rate in power plays. However, the high number of goals suggests effective offensive strategies during even-strength play.

The shot count was in favor of Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper with 33 shots compared to Providence Academy’s 24. This indicates a more aggressive offensive approach from Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper, but Providence Academy was more efficient in converting their shots into goals.

There were no penalties recorded in the game, which is unusual for a high-scoring match like this one. This lack of penalties suggests a clean game focused on skillful play rather than physical aggression.

Overall, the game was a thrilling display of offensive talent from both teams, with players like Tanner Rausch and Louis Wehmann delivering standout performances. Providence Academy’s ability to secure the win in such a closely contested match speaks to their resilience and determination.

St.Cloud 7

STMA 4

St. Cloud triumphed over St. Michael-Albertville with a final score of 7-4. The match was characterized by a series of strategic plays, a dominant third period by St. Cloud, and an absence of penalties, making it a clean and skill-focused game.

The first period set the tone for an intense match, with St. Cloud’s Reece Gronseth opening the scoring with an even-strength goal, assisted by Jack Fitch and Max Kiffmeyer. St. Michael-Albertville responded with a short-handed goal from Caleb Waller, but St. Cloud regained the lead with a power-play goal by Henry Burkstrand, assisted by Caden Koehn and Joe Hess.

The second period saw both teams scoring once. St. Michael-Albertville’s Reme Lobitz, assisted by Tanner Esterberg and Blake Couet, scored an even-strength goal, but St. Cloud maintained their lead with another power-play goal from Henry Burkstrand, assisted again by Jack Fitch and this time Nick Bierschbach.

The third period was decisive for St. Cloud, who significantly ramped up their offensive efforts. Chase Donaghue scored an even-strength goal, assisted by Jack Fitch, followed by another goal from Jack Fitch, assisted by Nick Bierschbach. St. Michael-Albertville’s Caleb Waller and Tanner Esterberg each scored an even-strength goal, but St. Cloud’s Shane Fish and Reece Gronseth also found the net, ensuring a comfortable win for St. Cloud.

Despite the power plays recorded, neither team was successful in capitalizing on these opportunities, as reflected in the 0.0% success rate. The shot count was fairly even, with St. Michael-Albertville taking 28 shots compared to St. Cloud’s 26, indicating a closely contested match in terms of offensive play.

Remarkably, there were no penalties in the game, a rare occurrence in a high-scoring match like this one. The absence of penalties suggests a game focused on skill and strategy rather than physicality and aggression.

Overall, the game showcased St. Cloud’s ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the third period, and their effective response to St. Michael-Albertville’s challenges. The match was a testament to both teams’ offensive capabilities and clean, disciplined play.

Moorhead 1

Roseau 0

Moorhead emerged victorious over Roseau with a narrow 1-0 win. The match was defined by strong goaltending, disciplined defense, and a single goal that proved to be the difference.

The only goal of the game came early in the first period from Moorhead’s Aiden Dufault, with assists from Carter Midthune and Carson Kuntz. Dufault’s goal, scored at 1:38, was a result of Moorhead’s early offensive push and set the tone for the rest of the match.

Despite numerous attempts by Roseau to equalize, as evidenced by their 37 shots on goal compared to Moorhead’s 26, they were unable to find the back of the net. The game became a battle of defenses and goaltenders, with both teams effectively shutting down each other’s offensive plays for the remainder of the match.

Power plays were not a decisive factor in this game, with both teams unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Roseau had two power-play chances but did not convert, while Moorhead did not have any power play opportunities. This lack of power-play scoring highlights the strength of the penalty-killing units and defensive strategies employed by both teams.

Penalties were relatively few, with Roseau incurring a minor 2-minute penalty and Moorhead receiving 6 minutes on 3 infractions. Despite these penalties, the strong defensive play continued, and no team could leverage these moments to change the scoreboard.

The match was a display of defensive prowess, with Moorhead’s early goal being the critical moment that decided the outcome. Roseau’s attempts to rally were met with steadfast defense and goaltending, underlining the importance of capitalizing on early opportunities in tightly contested games.

Overall, the game was a testament to the strategic depth of hockey, where a single goal can be enough to secure victory when coupled with disciplined defense and exceptional goaltending.