Northfield Rallies to Defeat Orono with Late Surge
In a thrilling matchup, Northfield overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Orono 4-2, thanks to a dominant third-period performance and a solid showing from goaltender Max Frank.
The game began with a scoreless first period as both teams tested each other’s defenses. Orono struck first in the second period with two quick goals from Jackson Knight and Ethan Pagel, giving them a 2-0 lead. However, Northfield responded late in the period when Michael Steward found the back of the net to cut the deficit to one.
Northfield came alive in the third period. Will Cashin tied the game with a goal at 6:11, and Christian Whiteman gave Northfield the lead at 14:11 with a well-placed shot. Cashin sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 16:40, completing his two-goal night.
Both teams had limited success on special teams:
Northfield’s Max Frank stood tall in net, particularly during Orono’s late push in the third period, while Orono’s Evan Schmidt made 42 saves on 46 shots, keeping the game competitive.
Cloquet/Esko/Carlton Edges Proctor in Overtime Thriller
Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (CEC) secured a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over Proctor in a back-and-forth northern Minnesota hockey showdown. The Lumberjacks capitalized on their power-play opportunities and leaned on a clutch performance from Niko Gentilini, who scored twice, including the overtime winner.
CEC struck first in the opening period when Karson Young scored at 12:03, giving the Lumberjacks an early 1-0 lead. Proctor responded strongly in the second period, with goals from Dylan Denzler and Blaine Boysen to take a 2-1 advantage into the final frame.
The third period saw a flurry of action as CEC’s power-play dominance came into play. Grady Knutson tied the game at 2-2 just 47 seconds into the period, and shortly after, Denzler put Proctor back on top. However, CEC’s Gentilini tied it again on the power play, setting the stage for his heroics in overtime. At 6:48 of the extra frame, Gentilini scored the game-winner off an assist from Conor Sullivan, sealing the victory for CEC.
CEC’s power-play unit was flawless, going 2-for-2 on the night, while Proctor’s power play was unable to convert, finishing 0-for-1.
CEC goaltender Jamis Halverson turned away 31 of 34 shots for a .912 save percentage, keeping the Lumberjacks in the game during Proctor’s strong pushes. Proctor’s Brayden Mclean faced 27 shots and made 23 saves, finishing with a .852 save percentage.
Totino-Grace Rallies to Defeat St. Michael-Albertville in Tight Battle
Totino-Grace secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over St. Michael-Albertville, thanks to a resilient comeback and stellar goaltending. The Eagles overcame an early deficit, scoring in the second and third periods to take the win.
St. Michael-Albertville got off to a quick start when Tanner Esterberg found the back of the net just 1:26 into the game, assisted by Wyatt Tauer. Despite the Knights’ early lead, the Eagles regrouped and applied consistent pressure, eventually tying the game in the second period.
On a power play at 8:56 of the second, Tre Peck capitalized, with an assist from Gavin Covrig, to even the score at 1-1. The game remained tied until late in the third period, when Liam Hamre scored the game-winner at 15:19, assisted by Nolan Mason and AJ Lach.
Crookston Stuns Detroit Lakes with Last-Second Equalizer in Thrilling 4-4 Draw
In a dramatic Section 8A clash, Crookston and Detroit Lakes battled to an exhilarating 4-4 tie, capped by a game-tying goal from Greyson Ecker with only three seconds left in regulation.
The game started with Detroit Lakes taking an early lead at 4:25 of the first period, thanks to Will Cymbaluk‘s even-strength goal. They extended their lead to 2-0 early in the second, with Carter Whitworth scoring his first of two goals on the night. Crookston responded with a pair of goals in the second, including a strike by Jay Reese and another by Gavin Aakhus, tying the game at 2-2.
Detroit Lakes reclaimed the lead late in the second period on a goal by Mason Deraney, making it 3-2 heading into the final frame. In the third, Whitworth added his second goal of the night at 14:54, seemingly securing a victory for Detroit Lakes at 4-3.
With time winding down, Crookston refused to back down. Greyson Ecker, who had already tallied an earlier goal, buried the equalizer with just three seconds left, sending the game into overtime. Both teams pushed for the winner in OT, but strong goaltending and defensive efforts kept the game level.
This nail-biting game showcased playoff-level intensity and highlighted the resilience of both squads. Crookston’s last-second heroics earned them a hard-fought draw, while Detroit Lakes displayed dominance in puck possession and shot volume. Both teams will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming games.
Eastview Holds Off Chanhassen in a 4-3 Thriller
Eastview secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Chanhassen in a game that showcased back-and-forth action, strong special teams play, and standout performances on both sides.
The scoring began late in the first period when Eastview’s Liam O’Donnell capitalized on a power play opportunity at 12:40, assisted by Samuel Wooten and Jake Klinkhamer, giving Eastview a 1-0 lead heading into the second.
In the second period, Chanhassen tied the game early on a power-play goal by Ryan McPartland, assisted by Landon Famigletti and Brady Robbins. Eastview regained the lead at 11:52, thanks to Zachary Hyster, before Chanhassen answered back less than a minute later with a goal from Logan Smith, leveling the score at 2-2 heading into the third.
The intensity ramped up in the final frame. Eastview’s Samuel Wooten struck first at 2:07, giving his team a 3-2 lead. Chanhassen’s Ryan McPartland responded at 5:07 with his second goal of the night to tie it again. However, Isaac Berberena delivered the decisive blow for Eastview with a power-play goal at 7:36, assisted by Wooten and Austin Dwyer, sealing the 4-3 victory.
Elk River/Zimmerman Outlasts Andover in Hard-Fought Battle, 4-2
In a section 7AA high school hockey matchup at Andover Arena, Elk River/Zimmerman secured a 4-2 victory over Andover, thanks to balanced scoring, clutch defense, and a standout goaltending performance.
The game opened with Andover’s Luke Babineau scoring at 6:02 of the first period, assisted by KJ Sauer. Elk River/Zimmerman responded late in the period as Brandon Hill tied the game at 15:38 with an even-strength goal.
The second period saw Elk River/Zimmerman take control. Luke Patraw found the net at 3:57, assisted by Rylan Hanson and Andrew Sweet, giving them their first lead of the night. They extended their advantage at 11:06 when Tristan Kriech scored off assists from Patraw and Hill, making it 3-1 heading into the third.
Andover’s KJ Sauer cut the deficit to 3-2 early in the third with a power-play goal at 1:05, assisted by Camden Langfeld and Chase Nadeau. However, Elk River/Zimmerman sealed the win at 15:36 when Jake Christian scored an even-strength goal with help from Sweet.
Morris/Benson Area Edges Wadena-Deer Creek in a High-Scoring Thriller, 6-5
In an exciting back-and-forth contest, Morris/Benson Area emerged victorious over Wadena-Deer Creek, 6-5, in a game filled with standout performances and clutch moments.
The action began early with Chase Baker putting Morris/Benson Area on the board at 1:15 of the first period. Wadena-Deer Creek’s Peyton Mithun responded at 5:45 to tie the game heading into the second.
The second period featured a scoring explosion. Morris/Benson Area pulled ahead 3-1 with goals from Zachary Wrobleski and Connor Hadfield, only for Wadena-Deer Creek to tie it again with goals from Owen Weiher and a short-handed effort by Cooper Ness. A late power-play goal by Morris/Benson Area’s Bryce Lehman gave them a 4-3 lead, but Wadena-Deer Creek answered with a goal from Milo Rinio to even the score at 4-4 heading into the third.
In the final period, Wadena-Deer Creek’s Owen Weiher struck again at 1:43 to take a 5-4 lead. However, Morris/Benson Area quickly responded as Kye Suess tied it at 1:58, setting the stage for Zachary Wrobleski, who buried the game-winner at 15:03.
Hermantown and Duluth Marshall Battle to 2-2 Overtime Draw
Hermantown and Duluth Marshall faced off in a competitive matchup that ended in a 2-2 tie after overtime. Both teams showcased strong defensive efforts, with neither able to find the net in the extra period.
Hermantown opened the scoring late in the first period when Micklain Martalock found the back of the net at 13:26. The Hawks extended their lead early in the second period with a power-play goal from River Freeman, assisted by Bradford Skytta and Alexander Nicklin.
Duluth Marshall responded before the second intermission. Bennett Scissons capitalized on a well-placed pass from Samuel Berry and Dane Hoffbauer to bring the Hilltoppers within one.
In the third period, Duluth Marshall tied the game at 3:02 with Oden Brunette scoring on a feed from Benson Peterson and Maxwell Berrisford. Both teams had chances in overtime, but goaltenders Bryce Francisco of Hermantown and Landon Wheeler of Duluth Marshall held firm, preserving the tie.
Eden Prairie Tops Wayzata in Overtime Battle
Eden Prairie edged Wayzata 3-2 in an intense game that needed overtime to decide the winner. Both teams showcased disciplined defensive play and timely scoring.
Wayzata struck first in the opening period on a power-play goal by Carson Clark at 10:44, assisted by Finn De St. Hubert and Eli Molde. Eden Prairie found its rhythm in the second period, tying the game at 6:00 when Chase Klute scored his first of the night, assisted by Rio Treharne. Klute added another at 11:01, giving Eden Prairie a 2-1 lead heading into the final frame.
In the third period, Wayzata equalized at 11:04 on a goal by Finn De St. Hubert, with an assist from Jackson Hendricks. Both teams had opportunities late in regulation, but the game remained tied, forcing overtime.
Eden Prairie sealed the win in the extra session when John Kleis scored at 7:06, assisted by Nick Koering and Mikko Brown.
Eden Prairie’s ability to capitalize in overtime and strong performance in net from Wilmer secured the victory in this closely contested game.
Hopkins Rallies in Third Period to Defeat Irondale 3-2
In a game marked by strong goaltending and a late offensive surge, Hopkins edged out Irondale 3-2, with all three of their goals coming in the third period.
After a scoreless first period, Irondale broke the deadlock in the second at 9:25 when Grady Springborn found the back of the net, assisted by Noah Burkhart and Lincoln Urdahl. Hopkins was unable to answer in the frame, and the teams entered the final period with Irondale holding a slim 1-0 lead.
Hopkins erupted in the third period, with Madden Brown scoring the equalizer at 2:33 off an assist from Jack Wilcox. Weston Schenkelberg took over, scoring twice within a span of six minutes, with assists from Brady Tersteeg and Benjamin Knight, putting Hopkins ahead 3-1.
Irondale made a push, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 with a goal by Jack Townsend at 9:27, assisted by Rylan Remore. Despite several chances late in the game, Irondale couldn’t find the equalizer as Hopkins’ defense held strong.
Hopkins’ resilience in the third period and Winkler’s stellar performance in goal secured the comeback victory, handing Irondale a tough loss.
Minnesota River Holds Off Hutchinson in a Close 3-2 Victory
Minnesota River secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Hutchinson, relying on key second-period goals and timely defense to maintain their lead.
Hutchinson opened the scoring in the first period with William Van Marel finding the back of the net at 12:11, assisted by Emmett Reiter and Matthew May. Despite being outshot, Hutchinson took a 1-0 lead into the second period.
Minnesota River answered back in the second period. Ryker Rehm capitalized on a power play at 4:21, assisted by Nate Tews. At 16:49, Maxwell Hollerich put Minnesota River ahead with an even-strength goal, also assisted by Tews and Rehm. Minnesota River carried a 2-1 lead into the third.
In the final frame, Hutchinson’s Emmett Reiter tied the game at 14:41, with assists from Jack Hantge and Hudson Lien. However, less than a minute later, Minnesota River regained the lead with a goal from Riley Kamm at 15:27, set up by Rehm and Hollerich. Despite late pressure from Hutchinson, Minnesota River held on for the victory.
Minnesota River’s effective power play and strong second period proved decisive, while Hutchinson’s comeback efforts fell just short.
Centennial Edges Duluth East in Overtime Thriller, 5-4
Centennial secured a dramatic 5-4 overtime victory against Duluth East in a back-and-forth game that showcased relentless offense and timely goals.
Duluth East struck first late in the opening period when Timothy Balthazor scored at 14:34, assisted by Christian Cochran, giving the Greyhounds a 1-0 lead heading into the second.
The second period saw Centennial respond quickly with a shorthanded goal from Matthew Siegler at 6:33, assisted by Cooper Hehir and Kaden Johnson. Duluth East answered back just 14 seconds later with a goal by Kyle Peterson, assisted by Caden Cole and Christian Cochran. The Greyhounds extended their lead shortly after with a goal from Landon Pearce. However, Centennial evened the score at 3-3 before the intermission when Gavin Cunningham scored an even-strength goal at 15:13, assisted by Isaak Adams.
In the third, Centennial took the lead for the first time as Joey Hemr scored at 4:27, assisted by Nick Carls and Kellen Searles. Duluth East tied the game at 8:51 with Mckennen Kramer finding the back of the net, assisted by Kole Johnson. Centennial regained the lead at 10:19 with another goal from Gavin Cunningham, but Duluth East pushed the game into overtime.
In the extra frame, Nolan Border scored the decisive goal at 4:52, assisted by Joey Hemr and Nick Carls, sealing the win for Centennial.
Centennial’s persistence and depth were crucial in this hard-fought victory, while Duluth East showcased resilience in a game that highlighted both teams’ determination.
