Rogers Holds Off Champlin Park, Clinches First-Ever State Tournament Berth

History was made as the Rogers Royals punched their ticket to the Minnesota State Hockey Tournament for the first time in program history with a 4-3 victory over Champlin Park in the Section 5AA Championship. A dominant first two periods proved to be enough, as the Royals held off a furious third-period comeback from the Rebels to secure their spot at the Xcel Energy Center.

Game Recap

First Period

Rogers set the tone early, striking just 2:27 into the game as Nolen Geerdes buried an even-strength goal, assisted by Connor Sundberg and Jake Vukich. Champlin Park struggled to generate offense in the opening frame, managing just five shots on goal, while Rogers fired 14 but held only a 1-0 lead at intermission.

Second Period

The Royals erupted for three goals in the second period, seemingly taking control of the game.

• Jake Vukich doubled the lead just 2:06 in, finishing a play set up by Sundberg and Kellen Branton.
• Keaton Weis extended the lead to 3-0 at 3:15, with assists from Mason Jenson and Parker Deschene.
• Brock Cheslock made it 4-0 just 16 seconds later, capping off a stunning three-goal outburst in just 1:25.

Champlin Park finally responded at 5:53, as Brent Solomon converted on the power play to cut the deficit to 4-1 heading into the final period.

Third Period

Champlin Park refused to go quietly, clawing their way back with two quick goals early in the third:

• Cole Perkins struck just 30 seconds into the period, bringing the Rebels within 4-2.
• Nick Carlson cashed in on another power play at 1:54, suddenly making it 4-3 with nearly a full period left to play.

Despite Champlin Park outshooting Rogers 7-4 in the final frame, the Royals’ defense locked down the rest of the way, holding off the Rebels’ late push to secure the win and the program’s first-ever trip to the State Tournament.

Key Stats

• Shots on Goal: Rogers 28, Champlin Park 19
• Power Plays: Rogers 0-for-1, Champlin Park 2-for-4
• Goaltending:
  • Rogers: Wyatt Knott – 16 saves on 19 shots (.842 SV%)
  • Champlin Park: Tanner Wylie – 24 saves on 28 shots (.857 SV%)

A Historic Moment for Rogers

After years of building their program, Rogers finally breaks through to earn a spot in The Tourney for the first time ever. Their early offensive explosion and resilient defense proved to be the difference, as they now set their sights on the Class AA field at Xcel Energy Center.

Stay tuned for full State Tournament coverage on FollowThePuck.com! 🏒🔥