Minnetonka 3, St. Louis Park 2

Minnetonka’s Quick Start Secures Victory

Minnetonka came out firing in the first period, scoring three goals within the opening 14 minutes to build an early lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Trey Cook opened the scoring at 7:25, followed quickly by goals from Liam Schultz and Emerson LaRoche. The Skippers controlled the pace in the opening frame, outshooting St. Louis Park 14-8.

St. Louis Park Battles Back

St. Louis Park responded in the second period with a power-play goal from Tyler Hess, assisted by Leo Schmoll and Jack Betzer, narrowing the deficit to 3-1. Despite generating 11 shots in the period, they couldn’t capitalize further as Minnetonka goalie Chase Jerdee stood tall between the pipes.

The Orioles made it a one-goal game in the third period with an even-strength tally from Ryan Moran, assisted by Tyler Hess. Despite their strong push and outshooting Minnetonka 14-9 in the final frame, they couldn’t find the equalizer.

Goalie Duel

Minnetonka’s Chase Jerdee was instrumental in preserving the victory, making 31 saves on 33 shots for a .939 save percentage. St. Louis Park’s Maksym Cherevatenko also delivered a solid performance, stopping 31 of 34 shots for a .912 save percentage.

Key Performers:

• Minnetonka: Trey Cook (1G), Liam Schultz (1G), and Emerson LaRoche (1G) led the offensive charge.
• St. Louis Park: Tyler Hess (1G, 1A) and Ryan Moran (1G) highlighted the Orioles’ attack.

Special Teams Impact:

• Minnetonka went 0-for-3 on the power play.
• St. Louis Park converted 1 of 3 power-play opportunities (33.33%), giving them momentum to stay competitive.

Summary: Minnetonka’s dominant first period proved the difference, as the Skippers held on despite a spirited comeback from St. Louis Park.

 

Buffalo 4, St. Cloud 3 (OT)

Dalbec’s Hat Trick Lifts Buffalo to Overtime Victory

Buffalo secured a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against St. Cloud, with Cooper Dalbec delivering the game-winning goal in the extra period to complete his hat trick. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams battling hard throughout.

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GAME SUMMARY

1st Period: Buffalo Sets the Tone

• Buffalo opened the scoring early with Luke Berard finding the net at 6:14, assisted by Sawyer Sawdey and Cooper Murphy.
• Cooper Dalbec added to Buffalo’s lead at 16:04 with a goal assisted by Russell Ylitalo and Evan Hinnenkamp.
• Buffalo outshot St. Cloud 9-8 in the period.

2nd Period: Teams Trade Goals

• St. Cloud responded at 8:38 with a shorthanded goal by Max Kiffmeyer, showing great hustle to cut the lead in half.
• Dalbec struck again for Buffalo at 11:59, regaining the two-goal lead with help from Harvey Ylitalo.

3rd Period: St. Cloud’s Late Surge

• St. Cloud mounted an impressive comeback in the final frame:
  • Nick Bierschbach scored a shorthanded goal at 11:06 to bring the Huskies within one.
  • Rylan Sakariason tied the game at 12:39 with an even-strength goal.
• Despite St. Cloud’s strong effort, Buffalo’s defense held on, forcing the game into overtime.

Overtime: Dalbec Seals the Deal

• Dalbec completed his hat trick with the game-winning goal at 4:08, assisted by Harvey Ylitalo.

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Key Performers

• Buffalo:
  • Cooper Dalbec: 3 goals, including the game-winner, and a dominant presence all night.
  • Harvey Ylitalo: 2 assists, contributing key setups in crucial moments.
  • Aubrey Baker: Solid performance in net with 27 saves and a .900 save percentage.
• St. Cloud:
  • Max Kiffmeyer: Scored a shorthanded goal to spark the team’s comeback.
  • Nick Bierschbach: Another shorthanded goal to keep the Huskies in contention.
  • Rylan Sakariason: Tied the game late in the third period with a clutch goal.

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Special Teams

• St. Cloud: Converted two shorthanded opportunities but went 0-for-2 on the power play.
• Buffalo: 0-for-1 on the power play but capitalized on even-strength opportunities to secure the win.

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Final Thoughts

Buffalo’s victory highlighted the importance of resilience and capitalizing on key moments. Dalbec’s hat trick was the story of the game.

 

Totino-Grace 2, Centennial 1 (OT)

Mourad’s Power Play Heroics Propel Totino-Grace to Overtime Victory

In a tightly contested battle, Totino-Grace edged Centennial 2-1 in overtime. The Eagles capitalized on a power-play opportunity in the extra period, with Roger Mourad delivering the game-winning goal to secure the win.

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Game Summary

1st Period: Defense Reigns Supreme

• Both teams started strong defensively, with goaltenders Gavin Covrig (Totino-Grace) and Easton Cody (Centennial) making key saves.
• Centennial slightly outshot Totino-Grace, 10-9, in the opening frame, but neither team found the back of the net.

2nd Period: Totino-Grace Breaks Through

• Totino-Grace opened the scoring at 14:39, as Noah Osland converted an even-strength goal.
• The Eagles dominated the period offensively, outshooting Centennial 19-4, but Cody’s stellar goaltending kept the Cougars within reach.

3rd Period: Centennial Fights Back

• Centennial tied the game late in the third period at 15:58 with a shorthanded goal from Cooper Hehir, showcasing excellent individual effort.
• Totino-Grace pressured Centennial with six shots in the final frame, but Cody stood tall to force overtime.

Overtime: Mourad Ends It

• Just 20 seconds into overtime, Totino-Grace took advantage of a power-play opportunity. Mourad scored the game-winner, assisted by Tre Peck and Osland.

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Key Performers

• Totino-Grace:
  • Roger Mourad: Scored the decisive power-play goal in overtime.
  • Noah Osland: Contributed with a goal and an assist, playing a key role in the offense.
  • Gavin Covrig: Stellar performance in net with 21 saves and a .955 save percentage.
• Centennial:
  • Cooper Hehir: Scored the shorthanded equalizer to force overtime.
  • Easton Cody: Made 33 saves, keeping Centennial in the game with a .943 save percentage.

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Special Teams

• Totino-Grace: Went 1-for-3 on the power play, with the game-winning goal coming during the man advantage.
• Centennial: Despite being shorthanded for six minutes, they managed a shorthanded goal but went 0-for-3 on their power plays.

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Final Thoughts

Totino-Grace demonstrated resilience and capitalized on key opportunities to secure the win. Centennial’s strong defensive play and goaltending kept them in the game, but their inability to convert on the power play proved costly. Mourad’s clutch overtime goal highlighted the Eagles’ ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments.

Lakeville South 3, Eastview 1

Lakeville South Shines with Special Teams to Overcome Eastview

Lakeville South leveraged a strong special teams performance and clutch goaltending to secure a 3-1 victory over Eastview.

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Game Summary

1st Period: Defensive Stalemate

• Both teams show strong defensive efforts in the opening period.
• Lakeville South had an early power-play opportunity but failed to capitalize, leaving the period scoreless.

2nd Period: Trading Blows

• Lakeville South struck first at 10:10 when Tristan Lawrence scored an even-strength goal assisted by Brayden Olsen, putting the Cougars up 1-0.
• Eastview responded late in the period at 14:59, as Isaac Berberena tied the game with an even-strength goal, assisted by Samuel Wooten.

3rd Period: Special Teams Dominate

• Lakeville South regained the lead at 12:52 with a power-play goal from Will Kortan, with assists from Jackson Ernst and Brayden Olsen.
• The Cougars sealed the victory at 16:55 with a shorthanded, empty-net goal from Jackson Ernst, assisted by Will Kortan.

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Key Performers

• Lakeville South:
  • Jackson Ernst: 1 goal, 1 assist, including the game-clinching shorthanded goal.
  • Will Kortan: 1 goal, 1 assist, with the decisive power-play marker.
  • Logan Klaren: Stellar in net, stopping 19 of 20 shots for a .950 save percentage.
• Eastview:
  • Isaac Berberena: Scored the lone goal for the Lightning.
  • Charlie Scanlon: Strong goaltending performance with 39 saves and a .929 save percentage.

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Special Teams

• Lakeville South: Key factor in the win, going 1-for-3 on the power play and scoring a critical shorthanded, empty-net goal.
• Eastview: Missed opportunities on two power-play chances proved costly.

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Final Thoughts

Lakeville South’s ability to capitalize on special teams and clutch performances from players like Ernst and Kortan highlighted their balanced effort. Eastview battled hard but was unable to generate consistent offense against a solid Lakeville South defense and goaltender Klaren. The Cougars continue to demonstrate why they are a team to watch.

Irondale 3, South St. Paul 2 (OT)

Irondale Triumphs in Overtime Thriller Against South St. Paul

In a game filled with back-and-forth action, Irondale edged South St. Paul 3-2 in double overtime. Both teams showcased resilience and determination, but a clutch overtime goal from Jax Marshall sealed the victory for Irondale.

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Game Summary

1st Period: A Defensive Battle

• Both teams displayed strong defensive structures, and neither managed to find the back of the net.
• Shots were close, with Irondale leading slightly, 11-9.

2nd Period: Goals Galore

• South St. Paul broke the deadlock at 10:10 with Jace Erb scoring an even-strength goal to give the Packers a 1-0 lead.
• Owen Shepard doubled the lead at 13:40, assisted by Asher Berry and Roman Knight.
• Irondale responded immediately at 13:53 with two rapid goals:
  • Griffin Decoux scored to cut the deficit to 2-1.
  • Moments later, Matthew Weber tied the game at 2-2, assisted by Gavin Fagerlee and Grady Springborn.

3rd Period: Tight Defense

• Both teams tightened up defensively in the final period of regulation, keeping the score locked at 2-2 despite opportunities on both ends.

Overtime 1: A Tense Period

• Neither team could capitalize on their chances in the first overtime, with strong goaltending from both Michal Francis (South St. Paul) and Henry Lockwood (Irondale).

Overtime 2: Game-Winner

• At 4:39 of the second overtime, Jax Marshall delivered the game-winning goal for Irondale, assisted by Rylan Remore and Jack Townsend.

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Key Performers

• Irondale:
  • Jax Marshall: Game-winning goal in double overtime.
  • Matthew Weber: Scored the tying goal in the second period.
  • Henry Lockwood: Outstanding in net, stopping 24 of 26 shots for a .923 save percentage.
• South St. Paul:
  • Jace Erb: Opened the scoring with a strong effort.
  • Owen Shepard: Scored and contributed to the team’s early lead.
  • Michal Francis: Made 24 saves, keeping his team in the game through overtime.

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Special Teams

• Neither team found success on the power play, with both going 0-for-3.
• Both teams’ penalty kills were crucial in maintaining the scoreline during regulation.

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Final Thoughts

This overtime thriller showcased the tenacity and skill of both teams. South St. Paul’s strong start was countered by Irondale’s relentless comeback and game-winning heroics in overtime. The game was a testament to the excitement of high school hockey, with Irondale emerging victorious in dramatic fashion.

 

Chaska 0, New Prague 0 (Final/OT)

Defensive Battle Ends in Scoreless Tie

Chaska and New Prague played to a 0-0 tie in a defensive showcase that saw excellent goaltending from both teams. Despite multiple power-play opportunities and a combined 77 shots on goal, neither team could find the back of the net.

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Game Summary

1st Period: Strong Starts by Both Defenses

• Both teams came out disciplined defensively, limiting high-quality scoring chances.
• New Prague held a slight edge in shots, 12-4, but Chaska goaltender Tyler Nesheim kept the game scoreless.

2nd Period: Missed Opportunities

• Chaska increased its offensive pressure with 6 shots but couldn’t capitalize on a power-play chance.
• New Prague continued to dominate in shots (17-6) but faced strong resistance from Nesheim.

3rd Period: Special Teams Tested

• Chaska had multiple power-play opportunities, including a 5-minute major against New Prague, but could not convert.
• Both teams failed to score, sending the game to overtime.

Overtime: Goalies Shine

• Both teams generated a handful of chances, but goaltenders Tyler Nesheim (Chaska) and Quintin Stapf (New Prague) remained perfect, preserving the scoreless tie.

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Key Performers

• Chaska:
  • Tyler Nesheim: Stopped all 55 shots he faced, earning a shutout.
  • Isaac Berberena: One of the key players creating offensive chances, despite being held off the scoresheet.
• New Prague:
  • Quintin Stapf: Recorded 22 saves for the shutout.
  • Walker Andersen: Contributed physically, but an early penalty disrupted momentum.

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Special Teams

• Chaska: 0-for-6 on the power play, including a major opportunity.
• New Prague: 0-for-2, unable to capitalize on limited chances.

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Final Thoughts

Both teams relied on stellar goaltending and disciplined defensive play to secure the tie. While Chaska struggled to generate consistent offense, they leaned on Nesheim’s heroics to stay in the game. New Prague, despite outshooting Chaska by a wide margin, couldn’t solve the opposing goaltender.