Hunter Anderson Leads Waseca’s Comeback, Ryan Shaugabay Powers Warroad, Nicklas Nelson Shines in Monticello’s Shootout Victory, Dylan Otten Secures Apple Valley/Burnsville Win, and Blake Eckerle Lifts White Bear Lake in OT Thriller:

Bagley/Fosston Holds Off Kittson County Central 4-3 in Tight Battle

Bagley/Fosston secured a 4-3 victory over Kittson County Central in a hard-fought contest, thanks to a fast start and key third-period plays.

In the 1st period, Bagley/Fosston set the tone early, scoring three unanswered goals. Kamden Fontaine opened the scoring at 14:44 with help from Logan Dillich and Wyatt Gerbracht. Less than a minute later, Wyatt Gerbracht doubled the lead, assisted by Reid Gerbracht. James Palmer capped off the period with a goal at 16:31 to give Bagley/Fosston a commanding 3-0 lead.

Kittson County Central responded in the 2nd period, clawing their way back into the game. At 10:00, Eli Muir found the back of the net, assisted by Jaxton Hemmes. Hemmes struck again at 16:59 on the power play, this time with help from Guilford Finney, cutting the deficit to 3-2 heading into the final frame.

Bagley/Fosston extended their lead early in the 3rd period as Dakota Erickson capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity at 5:34 to make it 4-2. Kittson County Central kept fighting, and Isaac Gustafson responded on the power play at 13:34, with assists from Muir and Hemmes, making it a one-goal game. Despite Kittson’s late surge, Bagley/Fosston held firm to secure the 4-3 victory.

Key Players

• Bagley/Fosston: Kamden Fontaine (1G), Wyatt Gerbracht (1G, 1A), Dakota Erickson (1G), and James Palmer (1G) led the offensive charge. Goalie Kyle Johnson made 9 saves on 12 shots.
• Kittson County Central: Jaxton Hemmes (1G, 2A) and Eli Muir (1G, 1A) powered the offense, while goalie Jameson Turner stopped 24 of 28 shots.

Penalties were a factor, with Kittson County Central taking a costly 5-minute major early in the second, but both teams struggled to capitalize consistently on the man advantage. Kittson County Central went 2-for-5 on the power play, while Bagley/Fosston was 0-for-2.

Bagley/Fosston outshot Kittson County Central 28-12, showing their ability to apply pressure early and hold off a strong late-game push.

Pine City Area Rallies Past Sauk Rapids-Rice with Strong Third Period

Final Score: Pine City Area 4, Sauk Rapids-Rice 2

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Pine City Area overcame an early deficit to defeat Sauk Rapids-Rice 4-2, thanks to a resilient performance and a decisive third period. The Dragons capitalized on power-play opportunities and maintained composure despite a penalty-heavy game.

Game Summary:

• 1st Period:
  • Sauk Rapids-Rice struck first at 8:55 when Chase Hiltner (#6) scored an even-strength goal, assisted by Carter Baklund (#17) and Oliver Orth (#7), giving them a 1-0 lead.
• 2nd Period:
  • Just 31 seconds into the period, Pine City Area tied the game 1-1 with a goal from Oskar Rydberg (#8), assisted by Brady Berglund (#32) and Luciano Schisano (#28).
  • Sauk Rapids-Rice regained the lead at 6:19 with a goal from Bryden Prelvitz (#19), set up by Elijah Fitch (#2).
  • The Dragons answered back at 9:34 when McCall Leger (#12) scored, assisted by Blake Painovich (#15), leveling the score at 2-2.
• 3rd Period:
  • Pine City Area seized momentum early. At 0:17, Ethan Aagaard (#2) netted a power-play goal, assisted by McCall Leger (#12) and Oskar Rydberg (#8), putting the Dragons ahead 3-2.
  • Merely 31 seconds later, at 0:48, Carson Anderson (#26) scored an even-strength goal to extend the lead to 4-2.
  • Despite efforts from Sauk Rapids-Rice, including 9 shots in the final period, they couldn’t close the gap.

Key Players:

• Pine City Area:
  • Oskar Rydberg (#8): 1 goal, 1 assist.
  • McCall Leger (#12): 1 goal, 1 assist.
  • Ethan Aagaard (#2): Game-winning power-play goal.
  • Goalie Aaron Rootkie (#35): Stopped 29 of 31 shots for a .935 save percentage.
• Sauk Rapids-Rice:
  • Chase Hiltner (#6): 1 goal.
  • Bryden Prelvitz (#19): 1 goal.
  • Goalie Landon Jennings (#29): Made 23 saves on 27 shots.

Special Teams and Penalties:

• Power Plays:
  • Pine City Area: 1 for 6 (16.67%), with the crucial go-ahead goal early in the third period.
  • Sauk Rapids-Rice: 0 for 2, unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
• Penalties:
  • The game was marked by physical play and numerous penalties, totaling 44 minutes between both teams.
  • Sauk Rapids-Rice: 26 penalty minutes on 9 infractions, including misconduct penalties to Brandon Goebel (#27) and Chase Hiltner (#6).
  • Pine City Area: 18 penalty minutes on 5 infractions, with a misconduct penalty to Milo Rydberg (#7).

Game Notes:

• Momentum Shift: Pine City Area’s two quick goals within the first minute of the third period shifted the momentum decisively in their favor.
• Goaltending Duel: Both goaltenders faced a high number of shots, with Rootkie’s performance being pivotal in securing the win for Pine City Area.
• Physical Play: The high number of penalties disrupted the flow of the game but also showcased both teams’ determination.

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Minneapolis and Providence Academy Battle to a Draw in Overtime

Final Score: Minneapolis 2, Providence Academy 2 (OT)
Location: Plymouth Arena

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Minneapolis and Providence Academy faced off in a tightly contested game that ended in a 2-2 tie after overtime. Both teams displayed strong defensive efforts and goaltending, while trading goals in an evenly matched affair.

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Game Summary:

• 1st Period:
  • Minneapolis struck first on the power play at 3:32, with Nick Anderson (#27) scoring, assisted by Eli Milinkovich (#21) and Johan Krasean (#19), to take a 1-0 lead.
  • Providence Academy responded at 10:25, as Jay Anderson (#11) found the back of the net, assisted by Joe Spades (#21) and Gavin Sattler (#12), leveling the game 1-1.
• 2nd Period:
  • Both teams traded chances but remained scoreless in a period defined by solid goaltending and defensive discipline.
• 3rd Period:
  • Minneapolis regained the lead at 1:02 when Rory Kronick (#9) scored an even-strength goal, with Nick Anderson (#27) providing the assist.
  • Providence Academy tied the game at 8:54, as Josh Wilson (#24) scored, assisted by Jay Anderson (#11) and Joe Spades (#21), bringing the game to 2-2.
• Overtime:
  • Both teams had opportunities to win, but neither could capitalize, with Providence Academy managing just two shots and Minneapolis taking four.

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Key Players:

• Minneapolis:
  • Nick Anderson (#27): 1 goal, 1 assist, involved in both team goals.
  • Rory Kronick (#9): Scored the second goal to briefly give Minneapolis the lead.
  • Goalie Griffin Simpson (#31): Made 38 saves on 40 shots for a .950 save percentage, keeping Minneapolis in the game.
• Providence Academy:
  • Jay Anderson (#11): 1 goal, 1 assist, contributing to both Providence Academy goals.
  • Josh Wilson (#24): Scored the tying goal in the third period.
  • Goalie Owen Villagomez (#32): Stopped 34 of 36 shots for a .944 save percentage, ensuring the tie.

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Special Teams:

• Minneapolis Power Play: 1 for 1 (100.0%), capitalizing on their only opportunity early in the game.
• Providence Academy Power Play: 0 for 1 (0.0%), unable to convert.

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Goaltending Duel:

The goaltenders were the standout performers of the night:

• Griffin Simpson (Minneapolis): Faced a barrage of 40 shots and maintained a stellar .950 save percentage.
• Owen Villagomez (Providence Academy): Equally impressive, saving 34 of 36 shots for a .944 save percentage.

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Game Notes:

• Both teams showcased balanced offensive and defensive efforts, with no penalties in the first or third periods.
• Providence Academy outshot Minneapolis 40-36, but the game remained evenly matched throughout.

Southwest Christian/Richfield Secures Victory Over Chaska in Thrilling Third Period

Final Score: Southwest Christian/Richfield 5, Chaska 3
Location: Richfield Ice Arena

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Southwest Christian/Richfield capitalized on a high-scoring third period to defeat Chaska 5-3 in a closely contested matchup. Despite Chaska’s strong effort, Southwest Christian/Richfield’s offense surged late to claim the win.

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Game Summary:

• 1st Period:
  • Southwest Christian/Richfield opened the scoring early with Tate Hardacre (#21) finding the back of the net at 0:00, assisted by Johnny Erhart (#26).
  • Chaska responded at 6:25 with Justin Greathouse (#9) scoring an even-strength goal to tie the game 1-1.
• 2nd Period:
  • Chaska took the lead at 10:26 with a power-play goal by Donovan Madsen (#8), set up by Tyler Schmieg (#21) and Bridger Kolesar (#20).
  • Southwest Christian/Richfield quickly answered, with Ashton Hendel (#5) scoring at 10:26, assisted by Rowan Forpahl (#91) and Wyatt Durand (#27), keeping the game tied 2-2.
• 3rd Period:
  • Southwest Christian/Richfield surged ahead at 9:50 with Vinny Ferrara (#77) scoring, assisted by Johnny Erhart (#26) and Carter Miedema (#9).
  • Chaska tied it again at 10:01, as Brayden Soderstrom (#6) scored with an assist from Tyler Schmieg (#21).
  • Southwest Christian/Richfield sealed the win with two late goals: Paul Horner (#17) at 14:23 and an empty-net goal by Bennett Breuer (#6) at 16:55.

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Key Players:

• Southwest Christian/Richfield:
  • Tate Hardacre (#21): 1 goal, aggressive play with 6 penalty minutes.
  • Johnny Erhart (#26): 2 assists, key playmaker throughout the game.
  • Goaltender Hudson Tucker (#70): Made 32 saves on 35 shots for a .914 save percentage, anchoring the team’s defense.
• Chaska:
  • Tyler Schmieg (#21): 2 assists, involved in critical scoring opportunities.
  • Justin Greathouse (#9): Opened the scoring for Chaska with a strong individual effort.
  • Goaltender Tyler Nesheim (#29): Stopped 28 of 32 shots, keeping Chaska competitive.

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Special Teams:

• Chaska Power Play: 1 for 5 (20.0%), took advantage of key opportunities.
• Southwest Christian/Richfield Power Play: 0 for 0, but managed to stay effective in even-strength situations.

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Penalty Impact:

Southwest Christian/Richfield faced 10 penalty minutes across five infractions, including key moments in the third period, but their penalty kill held firm. Chaska played a disciplined game with no penalties.

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Goaltender Duel:

• Hudson Tucker (Southwest Christian/Richfield): Stood tall under pressure, making crucial saves in the third period to preserve the lead.
• Tyler Nesheim (Chaska): Managed 28 saves on 32 shots, with a .875 save percentage.

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Monticello Outlasts Princeton in a High-Scoring Thriller

Final Score: Monticello 6, Princeton 5
Location: Moose Sherritt Ice Arena

Monticello edged out Princeton in a dramatic 6-5 victory in a back-and-forth battle marked by stellar individual performances and relentless offensive pressure. Nicklas Nelson led the charge for Monticello with a hat trick and two assists, securing the win in a game that featured 11 goals and 71 combined shots.

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Game Summary:

• 1st Period:
  • Monticello struck first at 14:30 with Nicklas Nelson (#28) opening the scoring on an even-strength goal, assisted by Ashton Stoll (#11).
  • Princeton responded quickly, tying the game at 15:12 with a goal from Brayden Seppala (#26).
• 2nd Period:
  • Princeton took the lead just 13 seconds into the period with Dominic Patnode (#9) finding the net.
  • Monticello answered back with three goals in the frame, including two more from Nelson to complete his hat trick and a goal from Landen Scherber (#3).
  • Princeton kept pace with a late-period goal by Isaac Nelson (#39) to close the second period trailing 4-3.
• 3rd Period:
  • Princeton tied the game early in the third with Connor Stokke (#23) scoring at 3:22.
  • Monticello regained the lead with a power-play goal by Nathan Poeppel (#9) at 6:18, followed by a critical insurance goal from Levi Welle (#4) at 7:29.
  • Princeton’s Levi Senne (#4) scored late to pull within one, but Monticello held on for the win.

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Key Performances:

• Monticello:
  • Nicklas Nelson (#28): Hat trick and two assists, playing a hand in five of Monticello’s six goals.
  • Landen Scherber (#3): One goal and one assist, providing key contributions in the second period.
  • Goalie Logan Blahnik (#31): Made 19 saves on 24 shots to secure the win despite Princeton’s persistent attack.
• Princeton:
  • Brayden Seppala (#26): A goal and two assists, pivotal in Princeton’s offensive efforts.
  • Dominic Patnode (#9): One goal and one assist, keeping Princeton in contention.
  • Goalie Kole Roth (#1): Stopped 41 of 47 shots, battling against a relentless Monticello offense.

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Special Teams:

• Monticello’s power play proved decisive, going 1 for 3, while Princeton’s power play struggled, going 0 for 3. Monticello’s penalty kill managed to neutralize Princeton’s opportunities.

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Game Notes:

Monticello dominated the shot totals, outshooting Princeton 47-24, but Princeton’s efficient scoring kept the game competitive until the final moments. Both teams displayed physicality, with Princeton taking 16 penalty minutes compared to Monticello’s 6. The victory highlights Monticello’s offensive depth, led by a standout performance from Nicklas Nelson.

Warroad Holds Off Thief River Falls in a Tight Defensive Battle

Final Score: Warroad 2, Thief River Falls 1
Location: Ralph Engelstad Arena, Thief River Falls

Warroad edged out Thief River Falls in a hard-fought 2-1 game, relying on disciplined defense and timely scoring to secure the victory. Ryan Shaugabay and Ricky Rogers provided the offense for Warroad, while goaltender Finn Hanson turned in a stellar performance to hold the line.

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Game Summary:

• 1st Period:
  • Thief River Falls struck first at 2:28 with an even-strength goal by Jackson Boyer, giving the home team an early lead.
  • Warroad answered on the power play at 8:44, with Ryan Shaugabay (#20) scoring off assists from Sam Hard (#9) and Broden Hontvet (#21).
• 2nd Period:
  • The second period saw Warroad take the lead at 13:47, as Ricky Rogers (#4) found the back of the net on an even-strength play, assisted by Taylor Humeniuk (#11) and Ryan Chamernick (#29).
  • Both teams played physical, but Warroad maintained their advantage heading into the third period.
• 3rd Period:
  • Thief River Falls ramped up their offensive pressure, recording 10 shots in the final frame, but Hanson stood tall in the Warroad net.
  • Despite multiple power-play opportunities for both teams, neither side was able to score in the third, and Warroad held on for the win.

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Key Performances:

• Warroad:
  • Ryan Shaugabay (#20): Scored the tying goal on the power play, showcasing his scoring touch.
  • Ricky Rogers (#4): Scored the game-winning goal and provided a physical presence.
  • Goaltender Finn Hanson: Saved 18 of 19 shots for a .947 save percentage, anchoring Warroad’s defense.
• Thief River Falls:
  • Jackson Boyer: Scored the lone goal for Thief River Falls early in the game.
  • Goaltender Cooper Roff: Turned aside 30 of 32 shots, finishing with a .938 save percentage in a valiant effort.

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Special Teams:

• Warroad’s power play converted at 20.0% (1 for 5), while their penalty kill remained perfect, shutting down all four of Thief River Falls’ power plays.

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Game Notes:

Warroad outshot Thief River Falls 32-19, with a dominant 13-shot effort in the third period to close out the game. The disciplined play of both teams resulted in a tightly contested matchup, and Warroad’s ability to capitalize on the power play proved decisive. Thief River Falls, despite a strong effort in goal and a well-fought defensive game, could not find the equalizer in the final minutes.

Waseca Rallies Late to Defeat New Ulm in a Thrilling 3-2 Victory

Final Score: Waseca 3, New Ulm 2
Location: Waseca Community Arena

Waseca staged a dramatic third-period comeback to edge New Ulm 3-2 in a tightly contested game. Hunter Anderson and Brayden Hesch-Priem powered Waseca’s offense with key contributions, while goaltender Carter Martens provided stellar play in net to secure the victory.

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Game Summary:

• 1st Period:
  • New Ulm opened the scoring on the power play at 6:09, as Ian Brudelie (#10) found the back of the net, assisted by Brody Nordby (#16) and Talan Helget (#9).
  • Waseca responded with heavy offensive pressure, recording 16 shots but couldn’t break through in the opening frame.
• 2nd Period:
  • Waseca tied the game at 6:17, with Hunter Anderson (#16) scoring an even-strength goal off a setup by Brayden Hesch-Priem (#33).
  • New Ulm regained the lead late in the period at 15:40, with Brecken Neuman (#2) finishing a clean play assisted by Josh Forstner (#18).
• 3rd Period:
  • Waseca’s determination paid off as Brayden Hesch-Priem (#33) tied the game at 14:31, scoring off a feed from Hunter Anderson (#16).
  • Less than two minutes later, Jayden Gehring (#13) delivered the game-winning goal at 16:24, assisted by Jude Gehring (#34) and Jackson Dahl (#27).

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Key Performances:

• Waseca:
  • Hunter Anderson (#16): A goal and an assist in a standout performance to spark the comeback.
  • Brayden Hesch-Priem (#33): Key goal and assist, contributing to two of Waseca’s three goals.
  • Goaltender Carter Martens: Saved 25 of 27 shots, finishing with a .926 save percentage to anchor the defense.
• New Ulm:
  • Ian Brudelie (#10): Scored the opening goal on the power play.
  • Goaltender Jayden Grunst: Turned away 28 of 31 shots, keeping New Ulm competitive throughout the game.

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Special Teams:

• New Ulm converted on 1 of 6 power plays (16.67%), while Waseca’s penalty kill stood firm on 5 of 6 attempts.
• Waseca failed to capitalize on their own power plays, going 0 for 2.

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Game Notes:

Despite being outshot in the first period, Waseca’s ability to generate scoring opportunities and control the tempo in the third period proved decisive. New Ulm’s early lead and solid defensive play kept them in the game, but Waseca’s resilience and late-game heroics ultimately sealed the victory.