Champlin Park Upsets Maple Grove in a Gritty 3-2 Victory
Champlin Park held off a furious Maple Grove push to secure a 3-2 victory, led by Brent Solomon’s two-goal performance and a stellar outing from goaltender Tanner Wylie. The Rebels built an early two-goal lead in the first period and survived a late push from the Crimson to advance in the playoffs.
First Period: Fast Start for Champlin Park
- 7:05 – Brent Solomon struck first for Champlin Park, converting off a setup from Nick Carlson and Cole Perkins for a 1-0 lead.
- Solomon doubled the lead at 13:20, finishing a play from Perkins and Jax Warren to give the Rebels a strong 2-0 advantage heading into the break.
Second Period: Maple Grove Responds
- Maple Grove cut the lead to 2-1 just 1:50 into the second, with Wyatt Kuznik finding the net off a pass from Cole Anderson.
- Despite outshooting Champlin Park 16-7 in the period, Maple Grove couldn’t capitalize further, thanks to Wylie’s strong goaltending.
Third Period: Rebels Hold On
- At 14:45, Brody Holoien gave Champlin Park breathing room, extending the lead to 3-1 with an even-strength goal off assists from Rhys George and Evan Long.
- Maple Grove kept pushing and cashed in on the power play at 16:31, when Tommy Picconatto buried a feed from Kuznik, making it 3-2.
- Wylie shut the door in the final minutes, finishing with 37 saves on 39 shots to preserve the upset victory.
Key Stats & Takeaways
✅ Brent Solomon’s Two-Goal Night – Solomon’s early offense set the tone, giving Champlin Park the cushion they needed.
✅ Tanner Wylie Stands Tall – 37 saves on 39 shots (.949 save percentage), including key stops in the second period when Maple Grove was surging.
✅ Champlin Park’s Defense Steps Up – Despite being outshot 39-24, the Rebels limited Maple Grove’s high-danger chances and killed off two of three power plays.
✅ Maple Grove’s Missed Opportunities – Crimson controlled possession for long stretches but couldn’t finish, especially on even strength (1-for-3 on power play).
