Andover Edges Grand Rapids in a 4-3 Thriller to Advance in Section 7AA Playoffs

In a high-intensity Section 7AA playoff battle, Andover secured a 4-3 victory over Grand Rapids, fueled by a two-goal performance from Luke Babineau and a strong third-period defensive stand. Despite a fast start from Grand Rapids, Andover controlled possession and outshot their opponent 40-29 to earn the win.

First Period: A Quick Start for Grand Rapids

Just 23 seconds into the game, Grand Rapids struck first with Jameson Duell burying a feed from Nathan Garski and Ander Rajala, giving the Thunderhawks an early 1-0 lead.
Andover responded at 13:45, capitalizing on a power play goal from Babineau, who converted on a setup from Owen Lutgen and KJ Sauer to tie the game 1-1 at the first intermission.

Second Period: Back-and-Forth Scoring

Andover took its first lead at 6:00 as William Thackeray finished off a feed from Babineau, putting the Huskies up 2-1.
Less than five minutes later (10:59), Andover extended the lead to 3-1 when Casey Rodgers found the back of the net off a Camden Langfeld assist.
Grand Rapids quickly fought back, scoring two goals just 56 seconds apart:
- At 11:35, Luka Rohloff cut the deficit to 3-2, finishing a scoring chance in close.
- Just 20 seconds later (11:55), Luke Palecek tied the game 3-3, converting off a setup from Gunderson and Rohloff.
With momentum shifting, Andover’s defense tightened, keeping the score knotted at 3-3 heading into the final period.

Third Period: Babineau Delivers the Game-Winner

At 10:10, Babineau struck again, netting his second goal of the game off a pass from Langfeld and Nadeau, giving Andover a 4-3 lead.
Andover shut down Grand Rapids in the final minutes, limiting them to just eight third-period shots and successfully killing off a late penalty to secure the win.

Key Stats & Takeaways

✅ Babineau Steps Up – Luke Babineau led Andover’s offense with two goals and an assist, including the game-winning goal in the third period.
✅ Huskies Control the Pace – Andover outshot Grand Rapids 40-29, applying constant offensive pressure.
✅ Special Teams Difference – Andover converted on 1-of-3 power plays, while Grand Rapids failed to capitalize on two opportunities.
✅ Clutch Goaltending – Cash Cruitt stopped 26 of 29 shots for Andover, holding strong in the final stretch to seal the win.