Janssen & Moran (St. Louis Park), Downing (Breck), Villela (Roseville), Olson (Mounds View), Wrobleski (Morris/Benson Area), and Kraft (Moorhead) Shine Bright in Weekend Hockey Action.
Blake Overpowers Mankato West in 4-1 Victory
Blake secured a decisive 4-1 victory against Mankato West, leveraging a strong second period and consistent play throughout the game. Mankato West’s lone goal came late in the third period, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Blake’s dynamic offense.
Game Summary:
- First Period: Despite a flurry of shots from Blake (18), neither team found the back of the net, with Mankato West’s goalie Mason Schreiber keeping his team in contention.
- Second Period: Blake took control with three unanswered goals. Jimmy Hughes opened the scoring at 3:55, followed by Landon Bell and Max Vinar, the latter capitalizing on a power play. Blake’s efficient puck movement proved too much for Mankato West to handle.
- Third Period: Mankato West struck back early in the period with a power-play goal by Grady Schmidt, assisted by Brayden Keech and Isaac Ulman. However, Blake’s Theo Liddicoat sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 15:53.
Notable Performances:
- Blake:
- Jimmy Hughes: 1G, 0A
- Landon Bell: 1G, 0A
- Max Vinar: 1G (PP), 0A
- Theo Liddicoat: 1G, 1A
- Fuzz Aafedt: Stellar goaltending with 30 saves and a .968 save percentage.
- Mankato West:
- Grady Schmidt: 1G (PP)
- Mason Schreiber: 44 saves on 47 shots, a .936 save percentage.
Key Stats:
- Shots on Goal: Blake 48, Mankato West 31
- Power Plays: Both teams were 1-for-4.
- Penalty Minutes: Both teams recorded 10 minutes.
Blake’s relentless offense and solid defensive efforts carried them to a well-earned win. For Mankato West, Schreiber’s outstanding performance in net kept the score closer than the shot count might suggest.
St. Cloud Cathedral Outlasts Delano in 3-1 Victory
St. Cloud Cathedral secured a 3-1 win over Delano, using a fast start and solid goaltending to maintain control throughout the game. Delano fought back in the second period but couldn’t overcome Cathedral’s disciplined play.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- St. Cloud Cathedral jumped out early with a goal from Joey Gillespie at 1:58, assisted by John Hirschfeld.
- A power-play goal by Bo Schmidt at 14:10 extended the lead to 2-0, capitalizing on a Delano penalty.
- Second Period:
- Delano’s Bryce Peterson brought his team back within one at 10:16, scoring an even-strength goal with help from Mason Hargarten and Markus Kangas.
- Just under three minutes later, John Hirschfeld responded for Cathedral with a goal assisted by Joey Gillespie, restoring the two-goal lead.
- Third Period:
- Both teams clamped down defensively, resulting in a scoreless period. Delano’s push with 12 shots in the period was met with strong goaltending from Cathedral’s Keaton LeGrande.
Notable Performances:
- St. Cloud Cathedral:
- Joey Gillespie: 1G, 1A
- John Hirschfeld: 1G, 1A
- Bo Schmidt: 1G (PP)
- Keaton LeGrande: 28 saves on 29 shots, .966 save percentage.
- Delano:
- Bryce Peterson: 1G, 0A
- Aidan Janiga: 28 saves on 31 shots, .903 save percentage.
Key Stats:
- Shots on Goal: St. Cloud Cathedral 31, Delano 29
- Power Plays: St. Cloud Cathedral 1-for-3, Delano 0-for-4
- Penalty Minutes: Delano 8, St. Cloud Cathedral 10
St. Cloud Cathedral’s early offensive burst and their ability to defend the lead proved decisive. Delano’s strong effort in the second half of the game highlighted their resilience, but they fell just short of completing the comeback.
Ely Holds Off Wadena-Deer Creek for 4-3 Victory
Ely outlasted Wadena-Deer Creek in a tightly contested matchup, securing a 4-3 victory thanks to a balanced offensive effort and a strong performance from goaltender Ben Leeson.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Wadena-Deer Creek struck first at 12:23 with a power-play goal by Peyton Mithun, assisted by Cooper Ness and Owen Weiher.
- Ely responded at 14:44 when Owen Marolt tied the game with an even-strength goal, assisted by Jace Huntbach and Sean Merriman.
- Second Period:
- Wadena-Deer Creek regained the lead at 5:57 with another power-play goal, this time from Cooper Ness, assisted by Peyton Mithun and Grady Schmid.
- Ely countered quickly, with Stig Majerus tying the game at 8:31.
- At 15:12, Owen Marolt notched his second goal of the game to put Ely ahead, assisted by Evan Leeson.
- Third Period:
- Ely extended their lead to 4-2 at 6:40 with a goal from Hunter Halbakken, assisted by Rhett Johnson.
- Wadena-Deer Creek cut the deficit to one at 15:24 when Cooper Ness scored his second goal, assisted by Peyton Mithun and Owen Weiher. Despite a late push, they couldn’t find the equalizer.
Notable Performances:
- Ely:
- Owen Marolt: 2G, 0A
- Ben Leeson: 39 saves on 42 shots, .929 save percentage
- Hunter Halbakken: 1G, 0A
- Wadena-Deer Creek:
- Cooper Ness: 2G, 1A
- Peyton Mithun: 1G, 2A
- Grayson Meyer: 44 saves on 48 shots, .917 save percentage
Key Stats:
- Shots on Goal: Ely 48, Wadena-Deer Creek 42
- Power Plays: Ely 0-for-0, Wadena-Deer Creek 2-for-4
- Penalty Minutes: Ely 8, Wadena-Deer Creek 0
Ely’s offensive depth and consistent pressure helped them edge out a Wadena-Deer Creek team that excelled on special teams. Despite two power-play goals from Wadena-Deer Creek, Ely’s even-strength play made the difference.
Academy of Holy Angels Bests Prior Lake 3-1 in Physical Matchup
The Academy of Holy Angels defeated Prior Lake 3-1, powered by a two-goal performance from Henry Lechner and a strong outing in net by Luke Marsalek.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Both teams were held scoreless despite Prior Lake outshooting the Academy of Holy Angels 12-8.
- Second Period:
- Holy Angels broke the deadlock at 6:03 with a power-play goal by Cole Cheeseman, assisted by Henry Lechner and Gabe Perron.
- At 10:48, Henry Lechner doubled the lead with an even-strength tally.
- Third Period:
- Bryce Lovett put Prior Lake on the board at 4:04 with an even-strength goal.
- Holy Angels responded with a short-handed goal by Henry Lechner at 10:51, assisted by Lincoln Ayers Assad, sealing the win.
Notable Performances:
- Academy of Holy Angels:
- Henry Lechner: 2G, 1A, including a short-handed goal
- Luke Marsalek: 33 saves on 34 shots, .971 save percentage
- Prior Lake:
- Bryce Lovett: 1G
- Jett Loechler & Preston Kulics: Combined 20 saves on 23 shots
Key Stats:
- Shots on Goal: Prior Lake 34, Holy Angels 23
- Power Plays: Prior Lake 0-for-3, Holy Angels 1-for-4
- Penalty Minutes: Prior Lake 10, Holy Angels 20
The Academy of Holy Angels capitalized on special teams and key scoring opportunities, while Marsalek’s goaltending kept Prior Lake at bay despite a significant shot advantage.
Shakopee and Minnetonka Battle to 2-2 Draw in Tight Matchup
Shakopee and Minnetonka skated to a 2-2 tie in a closely contested game that saw both teams exchange key goals and rely on strong goaltending to secure the result.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Minnetonka struck first just 1:36 into the game with a power-play goal by Devin Berg, assisted by Tyson Mahady.
- At 15:45, Minnetonka extended their lead to 2-0 with an even-strength goal from Ethan Sturgis, assisted by Jordan Johnson.
- Second Period:
- Shakopee cut the lead in half at 9:28 when Peyton Chase scored an even-strength goal with assists from Zach Docteur and Will O’Neill.
- Third Period:
- Shakopee tied the game at 9:14 with a power-play goal from Peyton Chase, his second of the night, assisted by Cooper Simpson and Jack Kultgen.
- Overtime:
- Neither team could find the net, with both goaltenders making crucial saves to preserve the tie.
Key Performances:
- Shakopee:
- Peyton Chase: 2G
- Owen Lunneborg: 27 saves on 29 shots (.931 save percentage)
- Minnetonka:
- Devin Berg: 1G
- Ben Ferguson: 27 saves on 29 shots (.931 save percentage)
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal: Both teams had 29 shots each.
- Power Plays:
- Shakopee: 1-for-4 (25.0%)
- Minnetonka: 1-for-2 (50.0%)
- Penalty Minutes: Shakopee 4, Minnetonka 8
Both teams showcased strong defensive efforts in the extra frame, leading to a balanced finish in this competitive matchup
Luverne Edges Dodge County 4-3 in a Back-and-Forth Game
Luverne secured a 4-3 victory over Dodge County in a closely contested matchup, capitalizing on two power-play goals in the third period to claim the win.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Dodge County struck early, with Brett Ludvigsen opening the scoring just 32 seconds into the game.
- Luverne responded at 10:59 with an even-strength goal from Blake Sauer, assisted by Maddux Domagala and Landyn Lais.
- Luverne took the lead at 16:43 when Landyn Lais scored, with assists from Sauer and Domagala.
- Second Period:
- Dodge County tied the game at 9:40 with an even-strength goal from Isiah Holtermann, assisted by Camryn Koch.
- At 16:50, Brett Ludvigsen netted his second goal of the night to give Dodge County a 3-2 lead heading into the third.
- Third Period:
- Luverne quickly regained control in the final frame. Maddux Domagala scored back-to-back power-play goals at 0:46 and 1:20, assisted by Jaxon Lais, Ben Hartquist, and Blake Sauer, sealing the victory.
Key Performances:
- Luverne:
- Maddux Domagala: 2G, 2A
- Blake Sauer: 1G, 2A
- Landyn Lais: 1G, 2A
- Dodge County:
- Brett Ludvigsen: 2G
- Griffin Gibbs: 1A, solid defensive presence
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal:
- Luverne: 32
- Dodge County: 21
- Power Plays:
- Luverne: 2-for-5 (40.0%)
- Dodge County: 0-for-4 (0.0%)
- Penalty Minutes:
- Luverne: 8
- Dodge County: 13
Goalie Performances:
- Gavin Hoven (Luverne): 18 saves on 21 shots (.857 save percentage)
- Wes Wagner (Dodge County): 28 saves on 32 shots (.875 save percentage)
Luverne’s special teams made the difference, with two power-play goals in the third period swinging the momentum in their favor. Dodge County’s strong start wasn’t enough to hold off Luverne’s determined attack.
Albert Lea Holds Off Mound Westonka for 5-4 Victory
Albert Lea overcame a furious third-period push from Mound Westonka to secure a 5-4 win at Albert Lea City Arena. The Tigers relied on key contributions from Jacob Kolker and Drake Sternhagen, as well as a strong performance in net by Ledger Stadheim.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Mound Westonka opened the scoring at 10:33 with a power-play goal from Blake Decker, assisted by Beckett Poikonen.
- Second Period:
- Albert Lea turned the game around with goals from Drake Sternhagen at 3:39 and Connor Pirsig at 15:31, giving the Tigers a 2-1 lead entering the third period.
- Third Period:
- The game saw a flurry of action, starting with Mound Westonka reclaiming the lead with two quick goals from August Novack (3:58) and Collin Hagen (4:24).
- Albert Lea quickly responded as Jacob Kolker tied the game at 4:37, and Zaden Brua added a go-ahead goal at 7:53.
- Mound Westonka tied it again at 15:26 with a goal from William Salvati, but Kolker sealed the game for Albert Lea with a power-play tally at 16:11.
Key Performances:
- Albert Lea:
- Jacob Kolker: 2G, 1A
- Zaden Brua: 1G, 1A
- Drake Sternhagen: 1G, 1A
- Mound Westonka:
- Blake Decker: 1G
- August Novack: 1G, 1A
- Theoren Karr: 2A
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal:
- Mound Westonka: 41
- Albert Lea: 27
- Power Plays:
- Mound Westonka: 1-for-5 (20.0%)
- Albert Lea: 1-for-4 (25.0%)
- Penalty Minutes:
- Mound Westonka: 18
- Albert Lea: 12
Goalie Performances:
- Wyatt Pitsenberger (Mound Westonka): 22 saves on 27 shots (.815 save percentage)
- Ledger Stadheim (Albert Lea): 37 saves on 41 shots (.902 save percentage)
Albert Lea’s ability to withstand Mound Westonka’s relentless attack in the third period, coupled with clutch scoring from Kolker, proved decisive in their narrow victory.
Lakeville North Rallies in Third Period to Defeat Northfield 4-2
Lakeville North used a strong third period to secure a 4-2 victory over Northfield, highlighted by standout performances from Kaden Decker and Blake Bachmeier.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Lakeville North struck first with a goal from Kaden Decker at 10:26, assisted by Blake Bachmeier.
- Second Period:
- Northfield tied the game at 12:30 with a goal by Charlie Becker, assisted by Ben Geiger and Bridger Riley.
- Third Period:
- Northfield took the lead just 30 seconds in with a goal by Griffin Kennelly, assisted by Bridger Riley and Will Cashin.
- Lakeville North responded strongly, with Kaden Decker scoring his second goal at 7:38 to tie the game.
- Brett Wynes gave Lakeville North the lead at 13:30 with a goal assisted by Wyatt Brunello.
- Blake Bachmeier sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 16:32.
Key Performances:
- Lakeville North:
- Kaden Decker: 2G
- Blake Bachmeier: 1G, 2A
- Brett Wynes: 1G
- Northfield:
- Charlie Becker: 1G
- Griffin Kennelly: 1G
- Bridger Riley: 2A
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal:
- Lakeville North: 20
- Northfield: 25
- Power Plays:
- Lakeville North: 0-for-1
- Northfield: 0-for-3
- Penalty Minutes:
- Lakeville North: 8
- Northfield: 4
Goalie Performances:
- Lakeville North (Carter Mayfield): 23 saves on 25 shots (.920 save percentage)
- Northfield (Max Frank): 16 saves on 19 shots (.842 save percentage)
Lakeville North’s ability to capitalize on key opportunities in the third period proved decisive as they rallied to claim the win.
Hill-Murray Shuts Out White Bear Lake 3-0 Behind Boden Sampair’s Big Day
Hill-Murray put together a complete performance, powered by Boden Sampair, to earn a decisive 3-0 victory over White Bear Lake. Goalie Grayson Hanggi stopped all 20 shots for the shutout.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Hill-Murray took an early lead just 1:23 into the game with Boden Sampair scoring off an assist from Chaz Lentz.
- Second Period:
- At 4:27, Riley Zupfer extended Hill-Murray’s lead with an even-strength goal assisted by Boden Sampair.
- Third Period:
- With 15:11 left, Boden Sampair sealed the win with his second goal of the night, an empty-netter assisted by Riley Zupfer.
Key Performances:
- Hill-Murray:
- Boden Sampair: 2G, 1A
- Riley Zupfer: 1G, 1A
- Grayson Hanggi: 20 saves, shutout
- White Bear Lake:
- Leo Gabriel: 30 saves on 32 shots (.938 save percentage)
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal:
- Hill-Murray: 33
- White Bear Lake: 20
- Power Plays:
- White Bear Lake: 0-for-5
- Hill-Murray: 0-for-3
- Penalty Minutes:
- White Bear Lake: 12 minutes
- Hill-Murray: 16 minutes
Takeaways:
Hill-Murray’s strong defensive effort, led by Hanggi, kept White Bear Lake scoreless, while their offense capitalized on key opportunities. Sampair’s two-goal performance, including the game-sealing empty-netter, highlighted Hill-Murray’s well-rounded victory.
Cloquet Remains Unbeaten, Secures 5-1 Victory Over St. Michael-Albertville
The Cloquet/Esko/Carlton Lumberjacks continued their perfect season, improving to 8-0-0 with a decisive 5-1 victory over St. Michael-Albertville. A balanced offensive effort led by Grady Knutson and Bobby Thornton, coupled with stellar goaltending from Jacob Iallonardo, sealed the win.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Cloquet opened the scoring at 10:26 with an even-strength goal by Grady Knutson, assisted by Niko Gentilini and Bobby Thornton.
- Second Period:
- St. Michael-Albertville equalized at 7:31 on a power-play goal by Levi Antoine, but Cloquet responded with two goals:
- Cole Painovich scored at 13:30 to regain the lead.
- Grady Knutson netted his second goal at 14:16, with Gentilini and Thornton assisting again.
- St. Michael-Albertville equalized at 7:31 on a power-play goal by Levi Antoine, but Cloquet responded with two goals:
- Third Period:
- Cloquet added two power-play goals:
- At 4:17, Bobby Thornton scored, assisted by Niko Gentilini and Knutson.
- At 16:16, Hudson Snesrud sealed the victory with a goal assisted by Thornton and Knutson.
- Cloquet added two power-play goals:
Key Performances:
- Cloquet/Esko/Carlton:
- Grady Knutson: 2G, 2A
- Bobby Thornton: 1G, 3A
- Niko Gentilini: 3A
- Jacob Iallonardo: 29 saves on 30 shots (.967 save percentage)
- St. Michael-Albertville:
- Levi Antoine: 1G
- Lucas Ingebrigtson: 28 saves on 33 shots (.848 save percentage)
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal:
- Cloquet: 33
- St. Michael-Albertville: 30
- Power Plays:
- Cloquet: 2-for-5 (40.0%)
- St. Michael-Albertville: 1-for-3 (33.33%)
- Penalty Minutes:
- Cloquet: 8 minutes
- St. Michael-Albertville: 10 minutes
Takeaways:
Cloquet’s special teams excelled, converting two power-play opportunities while limiting St. Michael-Albertville’s chances. With consistent scoring depth and outstanding goaltending, the Lumberjacks showed why they remain unbeaten this season.
Duluth Denfeld Edges Duluth East in Overtime, 2-1
In a tightly contested battle, the Duluth Denfeld Hunters overcame the Duluth East Greyhounds with a 2-1 overtime victory at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. Alexander Udd played the hero, scoring the game-winner just over a minute into overtime.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Both teams exchanged chances but were unable to find the back of the net. Goalies Liam Fish (Denfeld) and Nolan Nygaard (East) stood tall.
- Second Period:
- Duluth East broke the deadlock at 5:46 with a power-play goal from Kyle Peterson, assisted by Christian Cochran and Caden Cole.
- Denfeld responded at 10:16 with a short-handed goal by captain John Scott, unassisted, to even the score.
- Third Period:
- Despite several power-play opportunities and high-pressure play, neither team could break the tie, forcing overtime.
- Overtime:
- At 1:13, Alexander Udd capitalized on a chance to secure the win for Denfeld, assisted by Cory Backstrom and Mason Feiro.
Key Performances:
- Duluth Denfeld:
- Liam Fish: 32 saves on 33 shots (.970 save percentage)
- John Scott: 1G, short-handed
- Alexander Udd: 1G, game-winner
- Duluth East:
- Kyle Peterson: 1G, power play
- Christian Cochran: 1A
- Nolan Nygaard: 34 saves on 36 shots (.944 save percentage)
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal:
- Denfeld: 36
- East: 33
- Power Plays:
- Denfeld: 0-for-2
- East: 1-for-4
- Penalty Minutes:
- Denfeld: 8 minutes
- East: 4 minutes
Takeaways:
Denfeld’s resilience shone through as they scored a short-handed goal to tie the game and delivered the final blow in overtime. Goalie Liam Fish was a pivotal figure in the victory, denying East multiple scoring chances. Duluth East’s power-play success wasn’t enough to stop Denfeld from claiming a hard-fought win.
Rock Ridge and Rogers Battle to Thrilling 3-3 Overtime Tie
The Rock Ridge Wolverines and Rogers Royals put on a thrilling display, ending in a 3-3 tie after an overtime period that nearly crowned Rock Ridge the victors. A dramatic breakaway in overtime for Rock Ridge ended with the puck ringing off the pipe, leaving both teams to settle for a draw.
Game Summary:
- First Period:
- Rogers struck early, with Brock Cheslock scoring just 48 seconds into the game, assisted by Parker Deschene and Nolen Geerdes, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead.
- Second Period:
- Rogers doubled their lead at 4:57 with Parker Deschene finding the back of the net, assisted by Mason Jenson and Keaton Weis.
- Rock Ridge responded late in the period, as Caz Carlson scored at 14:36, cutting the deficit to 2-1, assisted by Colton Bialke and Derik Dahl.
- Third Period:
- Cal Scott tied the game for Rock Ridge on a power play at 1:43, assisted by Colton Bialke and Caz Carlson.
- Rogers regained the lead at 14:38 with Nolen Geerdes scoring an even-strength goal.
- Rock Ridge’s Grady Dimberio tied it up again at 16:45 with a late goal, assisted by Cal Scott, forcing overtime.
- Overtime:
- Rock Ridge had a golden opportunity to win when a breakaway shot rang off the pipe, leaving the game tied at the final whistle.
Key Performances:
- Rock Ridge:
- Cal Scott: 1G, 1A, including the power-play goal.
- Caz Carlson: 1G, 1A.
- Goaltender Wyatt Jonassen: 36 saves on 39 shots (.923 SV%).
- Rogers:
- Nolen Geerdes: 1G, 1A.
- Parker Deschene: 1G, 1A.
- Goaltender Wyatt Knott: 27 saves on 30 shots (.900 SV%).
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal:
- Rock Ridge: 30
- Rogers: 39
- Power Plays:
- Rock Ridge: 1-for-2 (50.0%)
- Rogers: 0-for-2 (0.0%)
- Penalty Minutes:
- Both teams: 4 minutes each.
Takeaways:
Rock Ridge showed grit, erasing deficits twice to force overtime. Despite narrowly missing the game-winner in overtime, their power play proved effective. Rogers displayed balanced scoring and strong goaltending but couldn’t capitalize on their chances to seal the win. This hard-fought tie leaves both teams with plenty of positives to build on moving forward.
Moorhead Holds Off Warroad in High-Scoring Thriller, 6-5
Moorhead and Warroad clashed in a high-scoring, penalty-filled showdown that saw the Spuds edge out the Warriors 6-5. Despite Warroad’s relentless third-period comeback and an impressive power play performance, Moorhead’s early lead proved insurmountable.
Game Recap:
- First Period:
- Moorhead jumped to an early lead with Mason Kraft scoring at 13:26, assisted by Zak Devig and Zac Zimmerman.
- At 16:08, Max Cullen doubled Moorhead’s lead with a goal from Carver Hasbargen and Brady Steffen.
- Second Period:
- Moorhead continued their dominance with Brandon Mickelson scoring at 2:30 and Max Cullen netting his second goal at 4:12, extending the lead to 4-0.
- Warroad responded with a goal from Taylor Humeniuk at 6:50.
- On a power play at 7:53, Sam Hard scored for Warroad, assisted by Ryan Shaugabay and Broden Hontvet.
- Moorhead answered back with goals from Mason Kraft and Tyden Bergeson to go up 6-2.
- Warroad’s Taylor Humeniuk scored his second goal at 13:19, narrowing the deficit to 6-3.
- Third Period:
- Warroad capitalized on two power-play opportunities. Sam Hard scored at 1:08, followed by Broden Hontvet at 16:02, cutting Moorhead’s lead to 6-5.
- Despite their efforts, Warroad could not find the equalizer.
Key Performances:
- Warroad:
- Taylor Humeniuk: 2 goals.
- Sam Hard: 2 goals, including 2 power-play tallies.
- Ryan Shaugabay: 3 assists.
- Power Play: 3-for-6 (50.0%).
- Moorhead:
- Max Cullen: 2 goals.
- Mason Kraft: 2 goals, 1 assist.
- Zac Zimmerman: 4 assists.
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal:
- Warroad: 24
- Moorhead: 33
- Power Plays:
- Warroad: 3-for-6 (50.0%)
- Moorhead: 0-for-4 (0.0%)
- Penalty Minutes:
- Warroad: 8 minutes
- Moorhead: 12 minutes
Takeaways:
Moorhead’s explosive start gave them a critical cushion to withstand Warroad’s late-game surge. Warroad excelled on special teams, but Moorhead’s balanced scoring and timely saves preserved the win. Both teams showcased resilience and offensive firepower in this entertaining battle.
Morris/Benson Area Survives Late Worthington Rally to Win 6-5
Morris/Benson Area secured a thrilling 6-5 victory over Worthington in a high-scoring and penalty-heavy game. Despite Worthington’s third-period comeback, a hat trick from Zachary Wrobleski and a strong offensive showing helped Morris/Benson Area hold on for the win.
Game Recap:
- First Period:
- Worthington opened the scoring with a power-play goal from Anthony Jimenez at 3:07, assisted by Trenton Chantharath and Spenser Nickel.
- Morris/Benson Area equalized at 8:26 with a goal from Bryce Lehman, assisted by Alex Claussen.
- Second Period:
- Morris/Benson Area surged ahead with four goals:
- Zachary Wrobleski scored at 0:54, assisted by Alex Claussen and Bryce Lehman.
- Connor Hadfield added another at 5:02.
- Alex Claussen extended the lead at 6:38.
- Zachary Wrobleski netted his second goal on the power play at 9:45, assisted by Hunter Westerman and Kye Suess.
- Worthington fought back with two goals:
- Dominic Pavelko scored at 10:51, assisted by Mason Ommen.
- Ryker Thier added a power-play goal at 14:54, assisted by Spenser Nickel.
- Morris/Benson Area surged ahead with four goals:
- Third Period:
- Worthington’s Spenser Nickel scored two consecutive goals, tying the game at 5-5 by 11:19.
- Morris/Benson Area regained the lead at 14:36 with Zachary Wrobleski completing his hat trick, assisted by Kye Suess.
Key Performances:
- Worthington:
- Spenser Nickel: 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points.
- Anthony Jimenez: 1 goal.
- Power Play: 2-for-4 (50.0%).
- Morris/Benson Area:
- Zachary Wrobleski: 3 goals, including the game-winner.
- Bryce Lehman: 1 goal, 1 assist.
- Kye Suess: 2 assists.
- Power Play: 1-for-2 (50.0%).
Team Stats:
- Shots on Goal:
- Worthington: 24
- Morris/Benson Area: 34
- Penalty Minutes:
- Worthington: 8 minutes
- Morris/Benson Area: 13 minutes
Takeaways:
Morris/Benson Area’s ability to capitalize on even-strength opportunities and Wrobleski’s hat trick were decisive in this game. Despite Worthington’s late push, including a stellar performance from Nickel, Morris/Benson Area’s balanced attack and key defensive moments sealed the win.
Roseville Holds Off Blaine in Overtime Thriller, 4-3
Roseville secured a narrow 4-3 victory over Blaine in a dramatic game that saw standout performances from both teams. Led by a hat trick from Jacob Villela, Roseville managed to hold off a relentless Blaine squad through three periods and overtime.
Game Recap
- First Period:
- Roseville jumped to an early lead with two goals from Jacob Villela, scoring at 8:50 and 13:34, both assisted by Ben Beal and Grant Jakaboski.
- Second Period:
- Villela completed his hat trick at 5:23, extending Roseville’s lead to 3-0.
- Blaine responded with back-to-back goals late in the period:
- Brody Lockman scored at 15:34, assisted by Franklin Loo.
- Cooper Bayer followed at 15:52, assisted by Grady Bautch, bringing Blaine within one.
- Third Period:
- Roseville’s Garrett Hites scored at 2:20, assisted by Jacob Troska, to make it 4-2.
- Blaine’s Cooper Bayer struck again at 8:08, assisted by Hudson Bethel, narrowing the deficit to one.
- Despite late pressure from Blaine, Roseville’s defense and goaltender Cooper Stevens held firm.
- Overtime:
- Both teams traded opportunities, but neither could find the back of the net, ending the game in Roseville’s favor.
Key Performances
- Roseville:
- Jacob Villela: 3 goals, 2 of which were assisted by Ben Beal and Grant Jakaboski.
- Cooper Stevens: Made 32 saves on 35 shots, earning a .914 save percentage.
- Blaine:
- Cooper Bayer: 2 goals, showcasing his offensive prowess.
- Landon Palmgren: Despite the loss, made 19 saves on 23 shots.
Team Stats
- Shots on Goal:
- Blaine: 35
- Roseville: 23
- Power Plays:
- Blaine: 0-for-3
- Roseville: 0-for-2
- Penalty Minutes:
- Blaine: 6 minutes
- Roseville: 8 minutes
Takeaways
Roseville capitalized on a strong start and relied on stellar goaltending to secure the win. Blaine’s late-game push, driven by Bayer and Lockman, fell just short as Roseville held steady in overtime.
Park of Cottage Grove Powers Past Holy Family with Strong Third Period
Park of Cottage Grove overcame a resilient Holy Family squad with a dominant third period to secure a 5-3 victory. Led by Gavin Moss and a balanced team effort.
Game Recap
- First Period:
- Both teams started cautiously, with no goals scored in the opening frame despite Holy Family slightly outshooting Park of Cottage Grove, 10-7.
- Second Period:
- Holy Family struck first at 1:36 with Riley Doyle scoring off an assist from Bryce Wiitala.
- Park of Cottage Grove responded with two goals:
- Drew Schumacher tied it up at 7:23, assisted by Michael DeStasio and Luke Dahlstrom.
- Holy Family regained the lead with a short-handed goal from Sawyer Graubins at 9:36.
- Gavin Moss tied it again at 14:53, assisted by Owen Corkish and Luke Dahlstrom.
- Third Period:
- Park of Cottage Grove took control with three goals:
- Gavin Sand put them ahead at 9:10, assisted by Drew Schumacher and Michael DeStasio.
- Gavin Moss added his second goal at 10:49, assisted by Max Kaplan and Owen Corkish.
- Caden Schwartz sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 15:54, assisted by Owen Corkish and Luke Dahlstrom.
- Holy Family’s Sawyer Graubins scored his second goal at 15:11 to keep it close, but it wasn’t enough.
- Park of Cottage Grove took control with three goals:
Key Performances
- Park of Cottage Grove:
- Gavin Moss: 2 goals, leading the offensive charge.
- Owen Corkish: 3 assists, playing a pivotal role in multiple scoring plays.
- Goalie Henry Voss: Stopped 33 of 36 shots for a .917 save percentage.
- Holy Family:
- Sawyer Graubins: 2 goals, including a short-handed effort.
- Riley Doyle: Scored the opening goal.
- Goalie Jackson Smith: Made 36 saves on 40 shots, keeping Holy Family competitive.
Team Stats
- Shots on Goal:
- Park of Cottage Grove: 41
- Holy Family: 36
- Power Plays:
- Park of Cottage Grove: 0-for-1
- Holy Family: 0-for-2
- Penalty Minutes:
- Park of Cottage Grove: 14 minutes
- Holy Family: 2 minutes
Takeaways
Park of Cottage Grove’s third-period dominance and offensive depth was on display. Despite a strong effort from Holy Family, including standout performances from Graubins and Doyle, they couldn’t contain Park of Cottage Grove’s firepower in the final period.
Eastview Triumphs in Overtime Thriller Against Mounds View
Eastview pulled off a dramatic 6-5 overtime victory over Mounds View, powered by a clutch goal from Colby Taylor and a standout performance from Samuel Wooten. The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with Eastview’s efficient power play proving the difference.
Game Recap
- First Period:
- Eastview jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with goals from Jake Klinkhamer on a power play (1:46) and Samuel Wooten at even strength (8:17).
- Mounds View fought back with two late-period goals from Mitchell Olson (13:59) and Cooper Larson (14:35), tying the game at 2-2.
- Second Period:
- Eastview regained control, with Wooten scoring his second goal at 1:46 and Liam O’Donnell converting a power play at 3:32.
- Mounds View’s Andrei Burton cut the deficit to 4-3 at 10:44, but Eastview answered with another power-play goal from Klinkhamer at 15:57.
- Third Period:
- Mounds View surged back as Mitchell Olson netted his second goal at 8:33, followed by Jamison Barrows tying the game at 14:12.
- Overtime:
- Eastview sealed the win at 2:36 of the extra frame when Colby Taylor scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Wooten and Isaac Berberena.
Key Performances
- Eastview:
- Samuel Wooten: 2 goals, 3 assists; involved in five of Eastview’s six goals.
- Jake Klinkhamer: 2 goals, including a power-play tally.
- Colby Taylor: Scored the game-winner in overtime.
- Mounds View:
- Mitchell Olson: 2 goals, 1 assist; kept Mounds View in contention.
- Jamison Barrows: 1 goal, 1 assist; scored the third-period equalizer.
Team Stats
- Shots on Goal:
- Eastview: 39
- Mounds View: 21
- Power Plays:
- Eastview: 3-for-4 (75.0%)
- Mounds View: 0-for-2 (0.0%)
- Penalty Minutes:
- Eastview: 4 minutes
- Mounds View: 8 minutes
Takeaways
Eastview’s dominance on the power play and resilience in overtime secured the victory. While Mounds View’s strong third-period effort pushed the game to overtime, Eastview’s offensive firepower, led by Wooten and Taylor, proved too much to overcome.
St. Louis Park Rallies for a Third-Period Comeback Victory Over Chanhassen
St. Louis Park surged in the third period to secure a 5-3 win against Chanhassen in a tightly contested game. Led by a dominant performance from Ollie Culp and clutch contributions from Trey Janssen and Ryan Moran, St. Louis Park capitalized on key moments to seal the victory.
Game Recap
- First Period:
- St. Louis Park struck first at 10:43 with Ollie Culp finding the back of the net.
- Chanhassen answered with back-to-back goals by Theo Koubeck at 12:24 and Nolan Warner at 16:44, giving them a 2-1 lead heading into the second period.
- Second Period:
- St. Louis Park tied the game at 2-2 with Culp’s second goal at 7:58, assisted by Ryan Moran and Jack Betzer.
- Third Period:
- Brennan Hogan gave St. Louis Park a 3-2 lead at 4:16 with a goal assisted by Marty Hirte and Trey Janssen.
- On the power play, Ryan Moran extended the lead to 4-2 at 6:30, with assists from Janssen and Hogan.
- Chanhassen cut the deficit to 4-3 at 12:08 with a goal from Jack Gleason, assisted by Logan Smith and Brady Robbins.
- St. Louis Park’s Janssen sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 16:38.
Key Performances
- St. Louis Park:
- Ollie Culp: 2 goals; ignited the offense and tied the game in the second period.
- Trey Janssen: 1 goal, 2 assists; pivotal in the third-period surge.
- Ryan Moran: 1 goal, 1 assist; scored the decisive power-play goal.
- Chanhassen:
- Theo Koubeck: 1 goal; contributed to an early lead.
- Jack Gleason: 1 goal in the third to keep Chanhassen close.
- Nolan Warner: 1 goal; provided momentum in the first period.
Team Stats
- Shots on Goal:
- St. Louis Park: 36
- Chanhassen: 32
- Power Plays:
- St. Louis Park: 1-for-3 (33.33%)
- Chanhassen: 0-for-5 (0.0%)
- Penalty Minutes:
- St. Louis Park: 10 minutes
- Chanhassen: 6 minutes
Takeaways
St. Louis Park showcased resilience and efficiency, especially in the third period. Their ability to capitalize on the power play and maintain defensive composure in critical moments was the difference-maker. Chanhassen fought hard, but missed opportunities on the power play ultimately cost them the game.
Breck Dominates in 6-0 Shutout Over LDC
Breck showcased their offensive firepower and defensive prowess in a commanding 6-0 victory over Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato. Behind a stellar performance from goalie Isaac Nguyen and key contributions from Garrett Trench and Ben Amato, Breck controlled the game from start to finish.
Game Recap
- First Period:
- Breck opened the scoring at 13:31 with Nick Downing finding the back of the net, assisted by Joseph Abrams.
- Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato struggled to generate chances, managing only four shots on goal in the period.
- Second Period:
- Jack Drawz extended Breck’s lead at 5:13 with an even-strength goal, assisted by Riley Dovenberg and Ian Grussing.
- At 15:16, Garrett Trench added another goal for Breck, with assists from Ben Amato and Ryan Pierce, giving them a 3-0 lead heading into the third.
- Third Period:
- Breck’s offense continued to roll with Trench scoring his second goal at 2:09, assisted by Drawz.
- The power play clicked for Breck, with Cooper Klinck and Wesley Robbins both scoring at 4:41 and 6:49, respectively, to seal the 6-0 win.
Key Performances
- Breck:
- Isaac Nguyen: Perfect game, stopping all 11 shots for the shutout.
- Garrett Trench: 2 goals, 1 assist; led the offensive charge.
- Ben Amato: 3 assists; key facilitator on the power play.
- Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato:
- Braxton Graupmann: Despite the loss, made 30 saves to limit further damage.
Team Stats
- Shots on Goal:
- Breck: 36
- Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato: 11
- Power Plays:
- Breck: 2-for-10 (20.0%)
- Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato: 0-for-5 (0.0%)
- Penalty Minutes:
- Breck: 10 minutes
- Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato: 20 minutes
Takeaways
Breck dominated all facets of the game, from special teams to puck control, while Isaac Nguyen anchored a solid defensive effort. Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato’s penalty troubles compounded their offensive struggles, keeping them from mounting any serious comeback attempt. This was a big section 2A win for Breck and their playoff seedings come February.