St. Thomas Academy vs. Two Rivers: Section 3AA Semifinal Showdown

St. Thomas Academy vs. Two Rivers: Section 3AA Semifinal Showdown

The Section 3AA semifinals bring a highly anticipated rematch as St. Thomas Academy (21-5-0) faces off against Two Rivers (19-5-2) on Tuesday, February 25. The last time these two teams met, the Cadets dominated with an 8-0 shutout, outshooting Two Rivers 50-12. However, with a trip to the section championship on the line, expect a much closer battle this time around.

St. Thomas Academy at a Glance

Record: 21-5-0
Goals Per Game: 5.58
Goals Against Per Game: 1.62
Power Play: 30.2%
Penalty Kill: 87.5%

Led by senior forward Jackson Rudh (26G, 29A, 55PTS), the Cadets have been a dominant force all season. They enter the matchup with one of the strongest defensive units in the state, anchored by goaltender Cody Niesen (1.54 GAA, .924 SV%), who recorded a shutout in their previous game against Two Rivers. Offensively, St. Thomas boasts multiple scoring threats, including Cole Braunshausen (23G, 18A, 41PTS) and Michael Mikan (16G, 36A, 52PTS), both of whom had standout performances in their previous meeting with Two Rivers.

Two Rivers at a Glance

Record: 19-5-2
Goals Per Game: 5.58
Goals Against Per Game: 1.62
Power Play: 30.2%
Penalty Kill: 87.5%

Two Rivers will be looking for redemption after their early-season loss to St. Thomas. The Warriors are led by Eddie Auran (24G, 28A, 52PTS), who has been their most consistent offensive player. Luke Christopherson (20G, 24A, 44PTS) and Preston Gamer (19G, 14A, 33PTS) provide additional firepower, but Two Rivers will need their entire lineup to step up to compete with St. Thomas Academy’s depth.

Between the pipes, goaltender Caden Conoryea (2.20 GAA, .911 SV%) has been reliable, recording seven shutouts this season. He will need to be at his best to keep Two Rivers in the game against a high-powered Cadets offense.

Keys to the Game

For St. Thomas Academy:

Start Fast: In their last meeting, the Cadets scored four first-period goals. A quick start could dictate the pace of the game.
Defensive Pressure: Limiting the space for Auran and Christopherson will be critical in neutralizing Two Rivers’ attack.
Special Teams Execution: The Cadets must take advantage of their strong power play and continue their efficient penalty kill.

For Two Rivers:

Limit Turnovers: Giving up odd-man rushes to St. Thomas’ skilled forwards could be costly.
Goaltending Needs to Shine: Conoryea will need to have one of his best performances of the season to keep his team in the game.
Convert on Scoring Chances: Against a disciplined team like St. Thomas, every scoring opportunity needs to count.

Prediction

St. Thomas Academy enters the matchup as the favorite, but Two Rivers is determined to prove they belong in the section final. If the Warriors can find ways to break through the Cadets’ defense and Conoryea can hold strong in net, this game could be much closer than their last meeting. However, with St. Thomas Academy’s depth and experience in big games, they remain the team to beat.

Final Prediction: St. Thomas Academy 5, Two Rivers 2

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