Jackson Knight (Orono), Henry Lechner (Holy Angels), Will Dosan, (STA) Carson Uecker (New Ulm) and Blake Eckerle (White Bear Lake) lead their teams to victory on a Friday night.
The defending state champions, Edina Hornets, have started their season with a dominant performance, shutting out Maple Grove 5-0 in a stellar showing that left little doubt about their determination to defend their title.
Game Summary
After a scoreless first period, Edina took control in the second, scoring five unanswered goals that showcased their offensive depth and chemistry. Maple Grove struggled to keep up, facing relentless pressure from Edina’s offense while managing only 15 shots on goal throughout the game.
Scoring Breakdown
2nd Period:
- 6:19 – Mason West (#9) opened the scoring for Edina with a strong even-strength goal, assisted by Casey Vandertop (#19) and Sam Peckham (#7).
- 6:51 – Mason West struck again less than a minute later, this time with Vandertop providing the lone assist, making it 2-0 Edina.
- 8:00 – Tucker Johnson (#23) extended the lead to 3-0 with a goal, assisted by Freddie Schneider (#10) and Alex White (#11).
- 12:16 – Casey Vandertop joined in on the scoring with a goal of his own, assisted by Brady Peterson (#16), putting Edina up 4-0.
- 13:17 – Edina’s power play capitalized as Tucker Johnson netted his second goal of the night, assisted by Alex White and Brady Mullmann (#2), pushing the score to 5-0.
Defense and Special Teams
Despite multiple power play opportunities for both teams, Edina’s penalty kill remained steadfast, successfully defending against Maple Grove’s three power plays. Edina, meanwhile, converted one of their own power play chances, courtesy of Tucker Johnson.
Shots and Penalties
- Shots on Goal:
- Maple Grove: 15 total (6 in the 1st, 7 in the 2nd, 2 in the 3rd)
- Edina: 26 total (14 in the 1st, 11 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd)
- Penalties:
- Both teams had 6 penalty minutes across three infractions, but only Edina managed to capitalize on the power play.
Edina’s standout players were Mason West a multi sport athelete, who tallied two goals, and Tucker Johnson, who also found the net twice, including on the power play. Casey Vandertop was pivotal as well, contributing a goal and two assists to secure Edina’s commanding victory.
Maple Grove had a hard time breaking through Edina’s solid defensive lines, ultimately coming up empty on the scoreboard. It’s a tough start for them, but they’ll look to regroup as they continue their early season schedule.
Edina’s victory shows why they are considered one of the top teams in the state once again this year. Their relentless offensive effort, tight defense, and effective power play leave no doubt that the Hornets are ready to defend their title.
Red Lake Falls Dominates Lake of the Woods 8-0
Red Lake Falls easily defeated Lake of the Woods with a dominant 8-0 win. Gavin Girdler led the team with four goals, including a hat trick in the first period.
Scoring Summary:
- 1st Period:
- 4:09 – Gavin Girdler (#17), power play, assisted by Coby Knott (#14) and Boe Nelson (#23)
- 6:07 – Coby Knott (#14), power play, assisted by Gavin Girdler
- 10:13 – Gavin Girdler, power play, assisted by Kegan Schmitz (#9) and Coby Knott
- 2nd Period:
- 7:50 – Gavin Girdler, even strength
- 11:11 – Dennis Lanctot (#2), even strength, assisted by Riley Broden (#18)
- 3rd Period:
- 1:15 – Brock Knott (#25), even strength, assisted by Kegan Schmitz and Dawson Erickson (#22)
- 12:04 – Boe Nelson (#23), even strength, assisted by Kegan Schmitz and Gavin Girdler
- 15:33 – Coby Knott, even strength
Red Lake Falls converted three of their four power play opportunities and peppered Lake of the Woods’ net with 46 shots while only allowing 16 in return.
Hayward Hurricanes vs North Shore: Hayward Edges Out North Shore
- Final Score: Hayward Hurricanes 1, North Shore 0
- Scorers for Hayward Hurricanes:
- 1st Period: Keegan Walsh (#20) – even-strength goal
Warroad vs Delano: Clash of possible State Contenders Ends in Warroad Victory
In a highly anticipated early-season matchup, Warroad bested Delano in a competitive 5-3 victory. Both teams are favorites to make strong state tournament runs this year, with Delano eyeing a trip from Section 2A and Warroad expected to compete for a state berth out of Section 8A.
Final Score:
- Warroad 5, Delano 3
Scoring Summary:
- 1st Period:
- Warroad took the early lead with goals from Gavin Andersen (#7) and Taven James (#15), including an impressive short-handed goal by James.
- Delano answered back with freshman Lance Halonen (#62) netting his first varsity goal, assisted by Daniel Halonen and Mason Hargarten.
- 2nd Period:
- Warroad extended their lead with a power-play goal by Broden Hontvet (#21), set up by Ryan Shaugabay and Taven James.
- Delano stayed in the game with a power-play goal from Daniel Halonen (#12), keeping them within one goal going into the third.
- 3rd Period:
- Delano’s Mason Hargarten (#10) tied the game early in the third period, giving the Tigers hope.
- Warroad pulled away in the final minutes, with Gavin Andersen completing his hat trick, including a crucial power-play goal to help secure the 5-3 win.
This matchup showcased the talent and depth of both teams, hinting at a possible meeting in March if both can make their way through their sections. Warroad’s dynamic offense and Delano’s tenacity made for an exciting game that lived up to the hype.
St. Thomas Academy Dominates Tartan with 15-1 Victory
St. Thomas Academy had a commanding performance against Tartan, securing a 15-1 win.
Scoring Summary:
- St. Thomas Academy Highlights:
- William Dosan led the way with 4 goals, including a power-play and shorthanded tally.
- Michael Mikan and Nico Russ each had standout games, contributing multiple points.
Tartan Goal:
- Braxton Remackel scored the lone goal for Tartan in the third period.
St. Thomas Academy’s dominance was clear from start to finish, both in shots on goal (58-11) and power play efficiency (2 for 2).
Academy of Holy Angels Henry Lechner leads to way in Defeat of Roseau 7-3.
Game Totals:
- Final Score: Academy of Holy Angels 7, Roseau 3
- Scoring by Period:
- 1st Period: AHA 4, Roseau 2
- 2nd Period: AHA 1, Roseau 0
- 3rd Period: AHA 2, Roseau 1
Power Plays:
- Academy of Holy Angels: 0 for 4 (0.0%)
- Roseau: 1 for 6 (16.67%)
Shots on Goal:
- Academy of Holy Angels:
- 1st Period: 14, 2nd Period: 11, 3rd Period: 13, Total: 38
- Roseau:
- 1st Period: 9, 2nd Period: 1, 3rd Period: 15, Total: 25
Penalties:
- Academy of Holy Angels: 12 minutes on 6 infractions
- Roseau: 8 minutes on 4 infractions
Scoring Summary:
1st Period:
- 0:27 – Academy of Holy Angels Goal: #19 Lincoln Ayers Assad (even strength) assisted by #6 Henry Lechner and #7 Avi Kasargod. AHA leads 1-0.
- 6:39 – Academy of Holy Angels Goal: #19 Lincoln Ayers Assad (even strength) assisted by #6 Henry Lechner and #23 Oscar Buckland. AHA leads 2-0.
- 8:28 – Roseau Goal: #6 Cade Ginther (short-handed). AHA leads 2-1.
- 12:07 – Academy of Holy Angels Goal: #6 Henry Lechner (even strength) assisted by #8 Teddy Lechner. AHA leads 3-1.
- 14:09 – Roseau Goal: #7 Jake Halvorson (even strength) assisted by #20 Jude Wittrock. AHA leads 3-2.
- 14:33 – Academy of Holy Angels Goal: #6 Henry Lechner (even strength) assisted by #19 Lincoln Ayers Assad and #17 Gabe Perron. AHA leads 4-2.
2nd Period:
- 12:44 – Academy of Holy Angels Goal: #2 Charlie Clements (even strength) assisted by #8 Teddy Lechner and #10 Brody Miske. AHA leads 5-2.
3rd Period:
- 2:11 – Academy of Holy Angels Goal: #10 Brody Miske (even strength) assisted by #8 Teddy Lechner and #20 Will Swanson. AHA leads 6-2.
- 2:41 – Academy of Holy Angels Goal: #6 Henry Lechner (even strength) assisted by #23 Oscar Buckland and #19 Lincoln Ayers Assad. AHA leads 7-2.
- 13:48 – Roseau Goal: #6 Cade Ginther (power play) assisted by #17 Taden Peterson and #12 Eli Wensloff. AHA leads 7-3.
Penalty Summary:
1st Period:
- 6:39 – Roseau: #4 Beck Hammer (Tripping – Minor, 2:00)
- 7:04 – Roseau: #20 Jude Wittrock (Tripping – Minor, 2:00)
- 7:49 – Roseau: #3 Austin Klint (Tripping – Minor, 2:00)
2nd Period:
- 4:48 – Academy of Holy Angels: #13 Logan Ciresi (Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Minor, 2:00)
- 6:05 – Academy of Holy Angels: #2 Charlie Clements (Tripping – Minor, 2:00)
- 13:37 – Roseau: #21 Abram Waage (Tripping – Minor, 2:00)
3rd Period:
- 9:05 – Academy of Holy Angels: #13 Logan Ciresi (Tripping – Minor, 2:00)
- 12:25 – Academy of Holy Angels: #23 Oscar Buckland (Tripping – Minor, 2:00)
- 16:52 – Academy of Holy Angels: #27 Camden Hester (Interference – Minor, 2:00)
New Ulm Dominates Windom Area in a 14-0 Shutout
New Ulm put on an offensive clinic against Windom Area, scoring 14 unanswered goals. The standout performances came from Carson Uecker, who netted four goals, and Hunter Larson, who added three. Brecken Neuman and Ian Brudelie also had strong games, contributing to New Ulm’s relentless attack. Windom Area was unable to find the back of the net, as New Ulm maintained control throughout the game.
St. Louis Park Defeats Chaska 6-3.
St. Louis Park earned a hard-fought 6-3 victory over Chaska, showcasing an impressive offensive display and solid goaltending. The game saw action-packed periods with multiple standout performances.
Scoring Summary:
- First Period: St. Louis Park opened the scoring early with a goal from Hayden Kasica, assisted by Trey Janssen and Grant Haggerty. Chaska quickly responded with Tyler Schmieg netting one, with Brayden Soderstrom picking up the assist. The period ended tied at 1-1.
- Second Period: St. Louis Park took control, scoring three goals. Ryan Moran netted two goals, while Owen Anklam added another to extend their lead. Chaska managed to stay in the game with a second goal from Tyler Schmieg.
- Third Period: St. Louis Park’s Marty Hirte and Brennan Hogan each added a goal, giving the team a commanding lead. Chaska’s Brayden Soderstrom added a late goal, but it wasn’t enough.
Key Players:
- St. Louis Park: Ryan Moran had an impressive performance with two goals. Trey Janssen recorded three assists, while goaltender Maksym Cherevatenko stopped 19 out of 22 shots for a save percentage of .864.
- Chaska: Tyler Schmieg led his team with two goals and an assist. Goalie Tyler Nesheim faced a barrage of 66 shots, making 60 saves for a strong .923 save percentage.
Proctor Tops Breck 6-3 in Hard-Fought Match
Proctor emerged victorious over Breck in an exciting 6-3 game. The matchup featured a lot of offensive action, with both teams showcasing their scoring depth throughout all three periods.
Scoring Summary:
- First Period: Proctor jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with goals from Tanner Ross and Breckin Ross. Breck responded late in the period with a goal from Ben Amato to cut the deficit to 2-1.
- Second Period: Proctor extended their lead with goals from Austin Bryant and Alvaro Ramazzini. Breck’s Cooper Klinck found the back of the net, keeping the score within reach at 4-2.
- Third Period: Klinck added another power-play goal for Breck, but Proctor sealed the game with goals from Caleb Lanthier and another from Ramazzini to finish with a 6-3 victory.
Goaltenders:
- Breck: Isaac Nguyen played the full 51 minutes, facing 30 shots and saving 24, with a save percentage of .800.
- Proctor: Brayden Mclean also played the full 51 minutes, facing 28 shots and making 25 saves for a save percentage of .893.
Proctor’s offensive strength and balanced attack were key to securing the win, while Breck put up a valiant fight with notable performances from Cooper Klinck and goaltender Isaac Nguyen.
Orono Overpowers Hutchinson 9-1
Orono put on a dominant display against Hutchinson, winning 9-1. The offensive firepower of Orono overwhelmed Hutchinson from the start, with Orono scoring four goals in the first period and maintaining control throughout the game.
Scoring Summary:
- First Period: Orono came out strong with goals from Ethan Pagel (power play), Bennett Moen, Cruz Fey, and Jackson Knight. Hutchinson’s Emmett Reiter managed to score late in the period to cut the deficit to 4-1.
- Second Period: Orono continued their offensive dominance, adding four more goals from Rory Kvern, Jackson Knight (twice), and Bennett Moen.
- Third Period: Orono added one final goal by Jacob Pfeifer to make it 9-1.
Goaltenders:
- Hutchinson: Lukas Heilman faced a barrage of 61 shots, saving 52 of them for a save percentage of .852.
- Orono: Evan Schmidt was solid in net, facing 17 shots and making 16 saves, finishing with a save percentage of .941.
Jackson Knight led the way for Orono with a hat trick and an assist, while the rest of the Orono lineup contributed to an all-around strong team performance. Hutchinson struggled to find offensive opportunities, with only 17 shots on net.
Mound Westonka survives an upset bid by Minnesota River, at this time we don’t have any game details.
Northern Edge Tops Mora/Milaca 5-3
Northern Edge secured a 5-3 victory over Mora/Milaca in a closely contested game. Both teams traded goals throughout, but Northern Edge’s strong power play proved to be the difference.
Scoring Summary:
- First Period: Nikolai Heinicke opened the scoring for Northern Edge, but Mora/Milaca’s Ethan Abel tied it up shortly after.
- Second Period: Mora/Milaca took an early lead with a power-play goal from Charlie Kritzeck, but Ryan Troxell answered with two power-play goals for Northern Edge to put them ahead 3-2.
- Third Period: Gavyn Gutierrez and Ben Fruth each added a goal for Northern Edge, while Gavin Stromberg scored Mora/Milaca’s final goal.
Goaltenders:
- Northern Edge: Hunter Schroeder faced 31 shots, making 28 saves for a save percentage of .903.
- Mora/Milaca: Dane Price faced 23 shots, making 18 saves for a save percentage of .783.
Ryan Troxell led Northern Edge with two goals and an assist, while Charlie Kritzeck and Ethan Abel each had strong showings for Mora/Milaca, but their efforts fell short in the end.
La Crescent-Hokah Defeats Worthington 7-0
La Crescent-Hokah cruised to a 7-0 victory over Worthington at the La Crescent Community Arena. La Crescent-Hokah’s offense was led by Stepan Vent and Kole Trapp, each scoring two goals.
Scoring Summary:
- First Period: Kole Trapp scored twice, and Ethan Myhre added one to give La Crescent-Hokah an early lead.
- Second Period: Goals by Stepan Vent and Cooper Johnston extended the lead to 5-0.
- Third Period: Vent and Johnston each added another goal to cap off the game at 7-0.
Goaltenders:
- Worthington: Brody Pederson faced 22 shots, making 15 saves for a save percentage of .682.
- La Crescent-Hokah: Charlie Wieser was perfect, stopping all 18 shots for a save percentage of 1.000.
La Crescent-Hokah dominated from start to finish, showcasing both their offensive power and defensive strength to secure a decisive win.
Greenway Edges Past Red Wing 2-1
Greenway managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Red Wing at Hodgins-Berardo. The game was highlighted by effective power plays for Greenway, which led them to the win.
Scoring Summary:
- First Period: Red Wing opened the scoring with Mason Ganrud scoring at 12:13, assisted by Ethan Anderson. Greenway equalized at 14:41 on a power play goal by Max Gangl.
- Second Period: Greenway took the lead with another power play goal from Hayden Clow, assisted by Brayden Nielsen and Max Gangl.
- Third Period: Both teams were scoreless in the third period.
Goaltenders:
- Red Wing: Ben Flaaen stopped all 3 shots in the first 11:38, while Mason Chaska made 17 saves on 19 shots, finishing with a save percentage of .895.
- Greenway: Blayne Kelly was solid in net, stopping 32 of 33 shots for a save percentage of .970.
This tightly contested game was decided by Greenway’s power play prowess, making the most of their chances while holding off Red Wing’s attack.
Grand Rapids Triumphs in Overtime Against Forest Lake 3-2
In an exciting game that went to overtime, Grand Rapids defeated Forest Lake 3-2 at home. The win was secured in the extra frame thanks to Jameson Duell’s second goal of the night.
Scoring Summary:
- First Period: Grand Rapids struck first on a power play at 2:10, with Jameson Duell scoring from Nathan Garski and Ander Rajala. Forest Lake responded at 7:04, with Maverick Mckinnon finding the net on the power play, assisted by Preston Waage.
- Second Period: No goals were scored in the second period, despite both teams having a few power play opportunities.
- Third Period: Forest Lake took the lead at 8:43 on a goal by Ryder Siedow, assisted by Mckinnon and Colton Horak. Grand Rapids tied it at 13:34 with a shorthanded goal by Nathan Garski, assisted by Luka Rohloff.
- Overtime: The game was decided quickly in overtime, as Duell netted his second goal of the night at 0:44, assisted by Garski and Rohloff.
Goaltenders:
- Forest Lake: Zachary Schnabel played the entire game, making 19 saves on 22 shots, ending with a save percentage of .864.
- Grand Rapids: Carter Casey was impressive, making 31 saves on 33 shots for a save percentage of .939.
Gentry Defeats Section 8A contender 6-1, we dont have any more info on this game yet.
White Bear Lake Blanks Duluth East 4-0
White Bear Lake defeated Duluth East 4-0 in a dominant performance, led by Blake Eckerle’s hat trick. White Bear Lake’s special teams were also crucial, converting on 50% of their power play opportunities.
Scoring Summary:
- First Period: Blake Eckerle opened the scoring for White Bear Lake at 3:50.
- Second Period: Noah Norman scored a shorthanded goal at 8:53, followed by Eckerle’s second goal on the power play at 9:59, assisted by Will Distad and Jack Stanius.
- Third Period: Eckerle completed his hat trick with a power play goal at 11:44, assisted by Distad and Stanius.
Goaltenders:
- White Bear Lake: Leo Gabriel was perfect, making 11 saves to earn the shutout with a save percentage of 1.000.
- Duluth East: Nolan Nygaard faced 36 shots, making 32 saves for a save percentage of .889.
The game saw several penalties, but Duluth East struggled to capitalize on their power plays, going 0 for 5. White Bear Lake showed strong discipline in their penalty kill, while their power play produced two goals, helping secure the victory.
Breckenridge/Wahpeton Ties Becker/Big Lake in Overtime Thriller
In a tight game, Breckenridge/Wahpeton and Becker/Big Lake ended in a 1-1 draw after overtime. Both teams managed to score in the third period, but neither could find the net in overtime.
Scoring Summary:
- Third Period:
- Breckenridge/Wahpeton: Kai McDonald scored on the power play at 11:17, assisted by Luke Craig and Isaiah Bruechert.
- Becker/Big Lake: Tate Spilde answered back with an even-strength goal at 14:09.
Goaltenders:
- Breckenridge/Wahpeton: Cale Gilbertson made 13 saves on 14 shots, finishing with a save percentage of .929.
- Becker/Big Lake: Thomas Zerwas was outstanding, stopping 31 of 32 shots for a save percentage of .969.
Wayzata Wins Overtime Thriller Against Moorhead
Scoring Summary:
- First Period:
- Wayzata: Tate Roeder opened the scoring at 8:40, assisted by Torii Schmidt and Colin Bierman.
- Wayzata: Max Luedtke doubled the lead at 10:44, with Eli Molde getting the assist.
- Second Period:
- Moorhead: Brooks Cullen scored a power-play goal at 13:40, assisted by Zac Zimmerman and Tyden Bergeson.
- Third Period:
- Moorhead: Brandon Mickelson tied the game at 15:38, assisted by Zimmerman and Bergeson.
- Overtime:
- Wayzata: George Ericson netted the game-winner at 6:48, assisted by Kruz Sauer and Tommy Colmenero.
Goaltenders:
- Moorhead: Charlie Stenehjem made 34 saves on 37 shots for a save percentage of .919.
- Wayzata: Ryan Pellinger stopped 38 of 40 shots, finishing with a save percentage of .950.
Despite Moorhead’s strong comeback, Wayzata prevailed in overtime thanks to Ericson’s clutch goal.
Rosemount Shuts Out East Ridge 6-0
Rosemount dominated their matchup against East Ridge, securing a decisive 6-0 victory.
Scoring Summary:
- First Period:
- Rosemount: Christian Garrity scored at 13:07, assisted by Gavin McNeil and Cristian Nichols.
- Second Period:
- Rosemount: Cade Sherman scored a power-play goal at 3:26, assisted by Sam Clements.
- Rosemount: Josh Toll added another power-play goal at 13:00, assisted by Cristian Nichols and Cade Sherman.
- Third Period:
- Rosemount: Mason Henderson scored at 4:11, assisted by Channing Goodwin and Braeden McCracken.
- Rosemount: Channing Goodwin scored at 4:24, assisted by Quentin VeDepo and Braeden McCracken.
- Rosemount: Cade Sherman scored his second goal of the game at 6:51, assisted by Gavin McNeil and Christian Garrity.
Goaltenders:
- Rosemount: Sam Clements made 13 saves on 13 shots for a perfect save percentage of 1.000.
- East Ridge: Zane Lanahan faced 28 shots and saved 22, finishing with a save percentage of .786.