Day 2 of the Minnesota State High School Tournament marked the start of the quarterfinals for Class AA. This was one of the better quarterfinal Thursday’s that there has been in the last 10 years as each game was competitive, with two of them going to OT. Cretin pulled off the upset over #2 Maple Grove and Hill-Murray came oh so close to beating #1 Minnetonka.
Cretin 3 Maple Grove 0 Box Score
Standout Performances:
Nate Chorlton, Forward, Cretin: Chorlton created chances and had 4 quality shots on net, but the aspect that stuck out the most was his defense. Nate was the first player on the backckeck and played tough in the corners. Bravo for the freshman, he’s just getting started.
Leo Miller, Goalie, Cretin: An absolute masterpiece performance by Miller, moving around the crease so well and making quick adjustments on redirections. His legs were quick, and he challenged the shooter while being patient, not committing first. The only blemish on the day was a goal off his own defender. This goaltending performance was just what Cretin needed.
Chuck Owens, Forward, Cretin: Owens provided nice secondary scoring for Cretin all season and came up clutch today when he put home his own rebound for the opening goal. Owens played well in all facets of the game, and he continues to impress with each viewing.
Finn Brink, Forward, Maple Grove: A very disappointing result for Brink and probably not his best game of the season, but he still played with pace and created some scoring chances. Brink did not score but it was not due to his ability or effort, rather defenders playing tight and giving him extra attention.
Edina 7 Moorhead 6 OT Box Score
Standout Performances:
Bobby Cowan, Forward, Edina: His puck control is remarkable and has great awareness of where his teammates are on the ice. Cowan creates separation with a quick first step and can shield the puck with his slick hands and body positioning. Scored 3 goals and 2 assists in the win vs. Moorhead.
Jackson Nevers, Forward, Edina: The future Gopher is a power forward that can go through you or use his speed to go around you. Had a beautiful bodycheck, freeing the puck for his linemate (Cowan), who subsequently put it in the back of the net for Edina’s 6th goal.
Garrett Lindberg, Defenseman, Moorhead: There’s no question that he is one of the top 2007 DOB’s in the state and he showed why today. Despite being 5’8 he can deliver a body check and plays smothering defense. Lindberg has outstanding acceleration, as he showed in the game, burning past the defense, and then placing a shot upper corner for a goal.
Minnetonka 4, Hill-Murray 3 OT Box Score
Standout Performances:
John Stout, Defenseman, Minnetonka: One big reason why Hill-Murray was held to 15 shots was the play of the Minnetonka defense, especially Stout, who stops developing plays before they start. On many occasions tonight he was breaking up plays with his stick and taking away passing lanes. He put the icing on the cake in this game by netting the GWG.
Hagen Burrows, Forward, Minnetonka: Played big and commanded the ice around him. Broke up a lot of plays defensively and created plays on offense. Burrows had 2 goals on 5 shots and was a +2.
Jack Erickson, Goalie, Hill-Murray: Last year he made the best save of The Tourney and he gathered a plethora of amazing saves in this one to add to his highlight reel. Jack made a lot of saves moving laterally across the crease, controlling his rebounds in the process.
Landon Cottingham, Defenseman, Hill-Murray: Scored Hill’s first goal on a sneaky shot past the Minnetonka goalie, then added a secondary assist in the second period, and another goal in the third. Logged crucial minutes, playing responsibility while being tough to beat.
Andover 5, Lakeville South 2 Box Score
Standout Performances:
Gavyn Thoreson, Forward, Andover: He puts on a display every game he plays. The senior captain is so strong on his skates and very hard to put a body on. He’s a Mr. Hockey candidate for a reason.
Ben Doll, Forward, Andover: With KJ Sauer exiting the game early with an injury it was crucial for Doll to step up and give Andover options other than Thoreson, Conway, and Casey. Doll answered the call and played with jam throughout the night and ended the game with a goal and an assist.
Tyler Lafferty, Defenseman, Lakeville South: I should start a Lafferty Fan Club, as I talk about him often. He didn’t disappoint tonight, scoring Lakeville’s first goal, delivering some heavy bodychecks, and played great defense.