Shakopee Takes Down Minnetonka 5-3 in Section 2AA Playoff Battle

In a high-intensity Section 2AA playoff matchup, Shakopee capitalized on its offensive depth and strong defensive play to claim a 5-3 victory over Minnetonka. Cooper Simpson and Peyton Chase led the way, each with multiple points, as the Sabers fended off a persistent Skippers squad.

First Period: Quick Start for Shakopee

Just 2:27 into the game, Shakopee struck first when Cooper Simpson buried a setup from Tristin Wassengeso and Carson Steinhoff, putting the Sabers up 1-0.
Minnetonka responded on the power play at 4:55, as Cullen Murray capitalized on a feed from Devin Berg and Gavin Karl to tie the game at 1-1.
Shakopee took control again just two minutes later, with Cooper Siegert scoring at 7:05, assisted by Landon Huh and Cody Sawyer, giving the Sabers a 2-1 lead heading into the second period.

Second Period: Both Teams Trade Blows

Shakopee extended its lead to 3-1 at 3:46, when Peyton Chase finished off a pass from Jaxon Johnson and Will Youngberg at even strength.
Minnetonka cut the deficit to 3-2 at 6:49, as Max Aronson found the back of the net off a setup from Cameron Merrick.
Both teams had one power play opportunity, but neither could capitalize, keeping the score at 3-2 heading into the final period.

Third Period: Shakopee Seals It Late

Minnetonka tied the game just 25 seconds into the period, as Ethan Sturgis finished off a feed from Trey Cook and Jordan Johnson, making it 3-3.
Shakopee wasted no time retaking the lead at 2:22, when Tristin Wassengeso beat Ben Ferguson, set up by Simpson and Youngberg, making it 4-3.
Minnetonka pressed hard for the equalizer, putting 13 shots on net in the period, but Shakopee’s defense held strong.
With 1:15 left in regulation, Peyton Chase sealed the win with an empty-net goal, assisted by Simpson, making it a 5-3 final.

Key Stats & Takeaways

✅ Simpson & Chase Lead the Way: Cooper Simpson (1G, 2A) and Peyton Chase (2G) came up clutch for Shakopee.
✅ Strong Goaltending from Lunneborg: Owen Lunneborg made 27 saves on 30 shots (.900 SV%), keeping Shakopee in control.
✅ Minnetonka’s Power Play Clicks: 1-for-2 on the PP (50%), but it wasn’t enough to overcome Shakopee’s strong even-strength play.
✅ Evenly Matched Battle: Shakopee outshot Minnetonka 28-30, but their efficiency on key chances made the difference.