Duluth East Triumphs in OT over Brainerd with Cole’s Game-Winner
In a hard-fought battle at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center, Duluth East edged out Brainerd 2-1 in overtime, with forward Caden Cole delivering both goals for the Greyhounds.
After two scoreless periods, Cole broke the deadlock early in the third period with an even-strength goal set up by Kyle Peterson and Marccus Anttila. Brainerd responded minutes later when Chad King capitalized on an assist from Drew Haakonson to tie the game.
The overtime period saw Duluth East dominate possession, outshooting Brainerd 4-0. Cole sealed the victory with his second goal of the night at 3:04 in OT, assisted again by Peterson and Timothy Balthazor.
Key Performances:
Duluth East outshot Brainerd 43-22 and had a strong defensive showing on the penalty kill, denying Brainerd on their lone power-play opportunity. The victory improves Duluth East’s season momentum as they continue to build on their disciplined play.
Southwest Christian/Richfield Overpowers Mound Westonka with Special Teams Success
Southwest Christian/Richfield capitalized on three power-play opportunities and dominated the shot count to secure a 5-2 victory over Mound Westonka. The visiting Stars showcased a well-rounded offensive performance, while their penalty kill unit held Mound Westonka scoreless on four opportunities.
First Period Highlights: The game opened with Mound Westonka taking the lead at 3:05 on an even-strength goal by Logan Hill, assisted by Beckett Poikonen. Southwest Christian/Richfield responded quickly with Christian Greer scoring a power-play goal, followed by Dylan Trebil finding the back of the net at even strength. Mound Westonka’s Collin Hagen tied the game 2-2 before the end of the period.
Second Period Momentum: Southwest Christian/Richfield seized control in the second period. Bennett Breuer scored another power-play goal at 7:14, and less than a minute later, Wyatt Durand extended the lead with an even-strength goal, assisted by Johnny Erhart and Gavin Schmid. Mound Westonka managed just three shots in the period as the Stars’ defense stifled any offensive momentum.
Third Period Clincher: The Stars sealed the win with a final power-play goal from Tate Hardacre at 12:19, capping off a dominant special-teams performance. Mound Westonka struggled to generate chances, registering only six shots in the final frame.
Key Performances:
Southwest Christian/Richfield’s ability to convert on the power play proved decisive, as they improved to 3-for-6 with the man advantage. The Stars also controlled the pace of play, outshooting Mound Westonka 41-19. This victory highlights their offensive depth and effective special-teams execution.
Breckenridge/Wahpeton Outlasts Prairie Centre 2-1 in Overtime.
Scoreless Opening Frames:
Neither team managed to find the back of the net through the first two periods, with Breckenridge/Wahpeton outshooting Prairie Centre 19-11 during that span. Goaltenders Cale Gilbertson (Breckenridge/Wahpeton) and Carter Holman (Prairie Centre) were sharp, keeping the game level heading into the third.
Third Period Action:
The scoring drought was broken at 9:22 of the third period when Easton Neppl capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity, assisted by Josh Hofman, giving Breckenridge/Wahpeton a 1-0 lead. Prairie Centre responded late at 16:23 with an even-strength goal from Jace Chalich, assisted by Leyton Fuchs and Aiken Lambrecht, forcing overtime.
Overtime Heroics:
In the extra frame, Matt Petersen played the hero for Breckenridge/Wahpeton, netting the game-winning goal at 2:02. The decisive tally was set up by Jaxson Lopez, capping off a well-fought effort by the visitors.
Key Performances:
Blake Outduels Roseville in High-Scoring Clash, 8-6
In a back-and-forth contest, Blake emerged victorious over Roseville, securing an 8-6 win in a game defined by offensive firepower and standout performances.
Both teams traded blows in the opening frame, with Grant Matushak opening the scoring for Blake at 4:41, assisted by Kellen Matushak and Charlie Moore. Roseville answered quickly through Grant Jakaboski at 7:04. Blake regained the lead with a goal from Joe Erickson, but Roseville’s Ben Beal equalized at 16:18, leaving the score tied 2-2 after one.
Roseville grabbed their first lead at 9:12 in the second period thanks to Garrett Hites, with an assist from Jacob Villela, who tallied four assists in the game. However, Blake responded with two consecutive goals from Grant Matushak, completing his hat trick and giving Blake a 4-3 advantage heading into the final period.
Blake pulled away early in the third with a power-play goal by Joe Erickson and an even-strength tally from Jack Mark to extend their lead to 6-4. Roseville fought back with goals from Max Beal and Kellen O’Rourke, narrowing the gap to one. Blake sealed the victory with an empty-net goal by Landon Bell, who also added two assists, and another empty-netter by Kellen Matushak.
Blake’s power play went 1-for-1, while Roseville was unable to capitalize on their two opportunities.
St. Paul Academy Holds Off South St. Paul for a 3-2 Victory
St. Paul Academy capitalized on a strong first period to secure a 3-2 win over South St. Paul in a game marked by early scoring and defensive discipline.
St. Paul Academy set the tone early with two quick goals in the first two minutes. James Steiner opened the scoring at 1:40, assisted by Henry Salmon, and just 18 seconds later, Akel Stayko doubled the lead with help from Louie Berthiaume and Salmon. South St. Paul’s Jaxson Horning cut the deficit at 8:24, scoring off assists from Ryan Cudo and Nick Givens. St. Paul Academy restored their two-goal cushion at 11:35 when Berthiaume found the back of the net, assisted by Max George.
The second period saw both teams lock down defensively, with neither team able to capitalize on scoring opportunities. South St. Paul outshot St. Paul Academy 10-5 during the frame but could not find an answer.
In the third period, South St. Paul’s Horning struck again on the power play at 2:50, narrowing the score to 3-2 with assists from Cole Stever and Givens. Despite applying consistent pressure and outshooting St. Paul Academy 9-3 in the final frame, South St. Paul was unable to find the equalizer.
St. Paul Academy struggled on the power play, going 0-for-2, while South St. Paul capitalized on one of their four opportunities.
Despite South St. Paul’s late rally, St. Paul Academy’s early offensive burst and steady goaltending from Farrington secured the win.
Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper Outlasts Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids in Tight 4-3 Matchup
Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper edged Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids in a close contest at the Coon Rapids Ice Center, fueled by a balanced offensive effort and key special teams play.
The game began with high-energy play from both teams. Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids struck first at 8:38, with Jackson Engberg finding the back of the net on an assist from Andrew Clark. Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper answered with two goals late in the period: Lucas Wodtke tied the game at 11:48, and Dawson Franke gave them the lead at 16:26 with help from Jacob Pangarakis and Logan Gatti.
The second frame saw both teams exchange goals. Kadden Soukup evened the score for Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids with a power-play goal at 12:53, assisted by Drew Lindquist and Caden Lichter. Less than a minute later, Niklas Anderson restored Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper’s lead at 13:45, with assists from Gatti and Franke.
In the final period, Engberg notched his second goal of the game for Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids at 1:21, tying the score at 3-3. Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper responded quickly on the power play, with Tanner Cassidy scoring the game-winner at 5:43, assisted by Tate Gladney and Franke.
Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper converted on one of their three power-play opportunities, while their penalty kill held Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids to 1-for-4 with the man advantage.
This hard-fought game showcased standout performances from key players on both sides, with Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper prevailing through timely scoring and defensive resilience.
Benilde-St. Margaret’s Edges Andover in Overtime, Andover Still Seeking First Win
Andover’s quest for their first victory of the season continues after a 3-2 overtime loss to Benilde-St. Margaret’s at Andover Arena. Despite a resilient effort and strong goaltending, Andover fell short as Benilde-St. Margaret’s capitalized on a key moment in the extra period.
Benilde-St. Margaret’s opened the scoring early, with Cam Kirschner netting two goals in the first six minutes, both assisted by Keegan Davis, to give the Red Knights a 2-0 lead. Andover responded at 11:45 when Luke Babineau scored, cutting the deficit to 2-1 with assists from Camden Langfeld and Brody Peterson.
Andover leveled the game in the second period during a power play. Chase Nadeau found the back of the net at 13:46, assisted by Keaton Coe, making it 2-2. Both goaltenders stood tall for the remainder of the frame, with Andover’s Cash Cruitt and Benilde-St. Margaret’s Christopher Dean making crucial saves.
The third period featured a flurry of shots but no goals, with Benilde-St. Margaret’s outshooting Andover 17-12. Andover’s penalty kill neutralized several opportunities, keeping the game tied and forcing overtime.
In the extra frame, Benilde-St. Margaret’s secured the win at 7:25. Noah Johnson scored the game-winning goal off assists from A.J. Ulrich and Mason Minor, sealing the 3-2 victory.
Andover capitalized on one of three power-play opportunities, while their penalty kill held Benilde-St. Margaret’s scoreless on five attempts.
The loss keeps Andover winless this season despite several close contests. Benilde-St. Margaret’s demonstrated resilience and clutch play, improving their record to 3-1-0.
Monticello Shuts Out Northfield to Improve to 5-0-0, Eyes Top-5 Ranking
Monticello remains unbeaten this season, showcasing their dominance with a commanding 5-0 shutout victory over Northfield. The Moose continued their impressive start and have now solidified their case as a potential top-five ranked team in the state.
Monticello struck early as Nathan Poeppel found the back of the net just 30 seconds into the game, setting the tone for the evening. The Moose defense kept Northfield at bay, limiting them to six shots in the opening frame.
Neither team managed to score in a closely contested second period, with both goaltenders standing strong. Monticello’s Logan Blahnik and Northfield’s Max Frank traded key saves to keep the game at 1-0 heading into the final frame.
Monticello erupted for four goals in the third period to seal the victory.
Monticello’s power play went 0-for-3, but their even-strength offense more than compensated. Northfield failed to capitalize on four power-play opportunities, struggling to crack Monticello’s defense.
Monticello’s 5-0-0 record and dominant performances are drawing attention statewide. If they maintain this level of play, a top-five ranking seems inevitable. Northfield will look to bounce back and find answers offensively after being shut out.
Eden Prairie Holds Off Shakopee in High-Scoring Matchup, Improves to 4-1-0
Eden Prairie emerged victorious in a thrilling back-and-forth contest, defeating Shakopee 6-5. The Eagles improved their record to 4-1-0, while the Sabres fell to 5-3-0 in a game marked by strong offensive performances and key special teams moments.
The Eagles struck first with a power-play goal from Rio Treharne just 2:06 into the game. Treharne continued to shine, assisting on a goal by Chase Klute four minutes later. Shakopee responded with a goal from Peyton Chase, only for Eden Prairie to extend their lead with a goal by John Kleis, assisted by Gavin Zick. The period ended 3-1 in favor of the Eagles.
Eden Prairie added to their lead early in the second period as Gavin Zick scored 35 seconds in. However, Shakopee roared back with three unanswered goals:
The Sabres’ surge ended the second period with a slim lead over the Eagles.
Eden Prairie’s Chase Klute netted his second goal of the night early in the third, tying the game at 4-4. The Eagles reclaimed the lead with a power-play goal from Nick Koering, assisted by Treharne and Alex Hall.
Shakopee kept the pressure on, closing the gap with a late power-play goal by Cooper Siegert, but Eden Prairie held firm to secure the 6-5 victory.
Eden Prairie’s power play was perfect, converting both opportunities. Shakopee found some success on the man advantage, scoring twice on five chances, but the Eagles’ efficiency proved decisive.
Blaine Edges Elk River/Zimmerman 3-1 to Secure Victory
On December 12, Blaine outlasted Elk River/Zimmerman in a tightly contested matchup at the Elk River Ice Arena, thanks to standout performances from forward Grady Bautch and goaltender Anthony Postudensek.
Blaine struck early in the first period with a goal from Grady Bautch at 7:15, assisted by Caleb Schwark and Porter Bayer. Just minutes later, Nate Wallraff capitalized on a power play opportunity at 11:20, with assists from Wilson Guse and Tanner Ferdig, extending Blaine’s lead to 2-0.
Elk River/Zimmerman narrowed the gap in the second period when Tristan Kriech found the back of the net at 15:11. Luke Patraw and Andrew Sweet provided assists to give the home crowd hope heading into the third period.
In the third period, Grady Bautch added his second goal of the night at 11:09, assisted by Cooper Bayer, solidifying Blaine’s 3-1 lead. Despite Elk River/Zimmerman’s push, they couldn’t generate enough offense to overcome the deficit.
Anthony Postudensek was rock-solid for Blaine, stopping 23 of 24 shots for a .958 save percentage. Elk River/Zimmerman goaltender Jack Stimac made 23 saves on 26 shots, ending with a .885 save percentage. Blaine converted 1 of 3 power-play opportunities, while Elk River/Zimmerman went 0 for 3.
La Crescent-Hokah Rallies to Defeat Red Wing 4-3
In a competitive matchup at La Crescent Community Arena, La Crescent-Hokah edged out Red Wing 4-3 with a decisive third-period performance, improving their record and showcasing their offensive depth.
Red Wing struck first just 1:54 into the game with Carson Frank scoring on an even-strength play assisted by Grayson Redfield. La Crescent-Hokah responded late in the period at 15:41 with Asher Voves tying the game off assists from Cooper Hill and Turner Boettcher.
The momentum swung back to Red Wing early in the second period when Charlie Peterson converted on a power play at 1:34, assisted by Marshall Turner and Marcus Finholdt, putting Red Wing up 2-1. La Crescent-Hokah equalized at 7:19 with Cooper Hill finding the back of the net, assisted by Drew Peters.
La Crescent-Hokah dominated the third period, starting with Cooper Hill netting his second goal of the night at 1:51, assisted by Ben Schoepel and Drew Peters. Kole Trapp added an insurance goal at 13:31 to make it 4-2. Red Wing’s Braden Lovett scored at 15:31, assisted by Ethan Anderson and Marshall Turner, but the late push wasn’t enough.
Red Wing converted on 1 of 3 power-play opportunities (33.33%), while La Crescent-Hokah went 0 for 5 on the power play.
La Crescent-Hokah’s resilience in the third period and offensive depth, led by Cooper Hill, were pivotal in securing the win. Red Wing’s solid special teams kept the game close, but their inability to capitalize on even-strength opportunities ultimately proved costly.
Marshall Powers Past Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato with Strong Second Period
The Marshall Tigers overcame an early deficit to defeat the Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato Dragons 5-3 at the Red Baron Arena, thanks to a dominant second-period performance and a stellar power-play unit.
Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato took an early lead with Kasey Melquist converting on the power play at 5:33, assisted by Anton Haataja. Despite generating nine shots, Marshall couldn’t find the back of the net in the opening period.
Marshall came alive in the second period, scoring four goals, including two on the power play.
Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato made it a one-goal game at 7:07 when Haataja scored his second goal of the night, assisted by Carson Brummond. However, Marshall sealed the victory late in the game as Jacob Allen scored at 16:58 off assists from Luke Ehlers and Ethan Myhre.
Marshall’s power play was the difference, converting 3 of 5 opportunities (60%), while Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato managed 1 of 2 (50%).
Marshall’s strong second period and power-play efficiency were the keys to victory. Despite a spirited effort from Haataja and the Dragons, their frequent penalties and inability to contain Marshall’s special teams proved costly.
Undefeated Rosemount Overwhelms Delano in 5-2 Victory
The undefeated class AA Rosemount Irish proved too strong for Delano, using a relentless attack and potent power play to secure a 5-2 win at Delano Ice Arena. Rosemount, now a perfect 7-0-0, continues to make a strong case as one of the top teams in Class AA, while Delano falls to 5-3-0.
Rosemount started strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the first period:
Delano managed only four shots in the period, struggling to penetrate Rosemount’s defense.
Rosemount extended their lead to 3-0 early in the second when Benny Rutzick scored on the power play at 5:11, assisted by Graham Clafton. However, Delano answered at 13:38 with a goal from Mason Hargarten, assisted by Daniel Halonen, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
Rosemount quickly regained momentum in the third:
Delano’s Lance Halonen added a late goal at 16:27, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
Rosemount’s power play was a difference-maker, converting on 3 of 5 opportunities (60%). Delano went 0 for 2, missing chances to close the gap.
Rosemount dominated possession and showcased their depth with contributions from all lines. Their ability to capitalize on special teams and control the pace solidified their status as a Class AA powerhouse. Delano showed resilience but couldn’t match the Irish’s firepower and discipline.
Sartell and River Lakes Skate to a 2-2 Tie in Thrilling OT Battle
In a tightly contested matchup at River Lakes Ice Arena, Sartell and River Lakes battled to a 2-2 tie after regulation and overtime, with both teams relying on strong goaltending and clutch performances.
The first period set the tone for a hard-fought game, as both defenses held strong, limiting quality scoring chances. Sartell outshot River Lakes 8-6, but neither team managed to capitalize.
The scoring opened at 5:24 when Sartell’s Tanner Burris found the back of the net with assists from Keaton Landowski and Jameson Schmitz, giving the Sabres a 1-0 lead.
River Lakes responded quickly on the power play. Jace Griffin netted his first goal of the night at 6:10, assisted by Jaiken Mackedanz. Griffin struck again at 13:46, this time at even strength, with an assist from Griffin Mayhew, putting River Lakes ahead 2-1 heading into the final frame.
Sartell pressed hard for the equalizer in the third period, and Jameson Schmitz delivered at 15:09, with assists from Brayden Klande. Both teams had chances late in the period but couldn’t break the deadlock, sending the game to overtime.
Both teams had opportunities in the extra period, but goaltenders Adam Holien of Sartell and Hawken Swanstrom of River Lakes stood tall. Despite Sartell outshooting River Lakes 3-2 in OT, the game ended in a tie.
River Lakes went 1 for 3 on the power play, while Sartell was unable to convert on four opportunities.
Sartell showed resilience by rallying to tie the game late, while River Lakes demonstrated strong defensive discipline. Both teams will look to build on this effort as they continue their seasons.
