Saturday Showdown: 32 Games Light Up Minnesota High School Hockey
Saturday, November 23, 2024, was one of those days that reminds you why Minnesota high school hockey is special. With 32 games spread across the state, there was no shortage of action, drama, and memorable moments. From dominant performances to nail-biting finishes, here’s what went down on the ice.
Moose Lake Area Dominates Red Wing
The Rebels came out flying at Riverside Ice Arena, putting up three goals in the first period to set the tone early. Chase Klavu led the charge with a pair of first-period tallies, while Brayden Strand added another to give Moose Lake Area a commanding 3-0 lead.
Red Wing showed some fight in the second period, with Bo Doyle converting on the power play to get the Wingers on the board. But Joe Olson answered right back for the Rebels to restore the three-goal cushion.
Despite outshooting Moose Lake Area 41-26, Red Wing couldn’t solve the Rebels’ goaltender in the third period. The final score: Moose Lake Area 4, Red Wing 1.
Special teams told the story here – Red Wing went 1-for-4 on the power play (25%), while Moose Lake Area went 0-for-4 but didn’t need the man advantage to control the game.
Winona Runs Wild Over Worthington
Talk about a statement game. Winona absolutely demolished Worthington 12-1 at Bud King Ice Arena. The Winhawks were firing on all cylinders, and Worthington had no answers. This was one of those games where everything clicked for Winona – the passing, the shooting, the defensive play. Worthington will want to forget this one quickly.
Tight Finishes and Overtime Drama
Not every game was a blowout. Several matchups came down to the wire:
Cambridge-Isanti 4, Duluth Denfeld 3 – The Bluejackets edged out Denfeld in a one-goal thriller at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center.
Chisago Lakes 3, Hastings 3 – These two teams battled to a tie at Hastings Civic Arena. Both squads earned a point in what was clearly a hard-fought contest.
Warroad 2, St. Cloud Cathedral 2 – Another tie game, this time at Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud. The Warriors and Crusaders couldn’t be separated after regulation.
Stillwater 6, Minnetonka 5 – The Ponies held on for a one-goal victory at Pagel Activity Center in what had to be an exciting back-and-forth affair.
Rock Ridge Edges Forest Lake
In Virginia, Rock Ridge pulled out a 5-4 victory over Forest Lake at Iron Trail Motors Event Center. These one-goal games are always the most intense, and you can bet both teams left everything on the ice.
Roseville Shuts Out Rochester Mayo
The Raiders put on a clinic at Roseville Ice Arena, blanking Rochester Mayo 10-0. That’s the kind of performance that gets everyone’s attention. Mayo’s goaltender faced a barrage all night, and Roseville’s offense was relentless.
Turkey Trot Action
The Wayzata Turkey Trot featured some compelling second-round matchups:
Moorhead 4, Edina 1 – The Spuds took down the Hornets at Plymouth Ice Center in what was a bit of a surprise result.
Maple Grove 4, Wayzata 3 – The Crimson edged the Trojans in a one-goal thriller, also at Plymouth Ice Center.
Other Notable Results
- Two Rivers 7, Rochester Lourdes 2 – The Warriors dominated at Graham Arena in Rochester.
- Duluth Marshall 5, Breck 2 – The Hilltoppers controlled the game at Mars Lakeview Arena.
- Holy Angels 6, Bemidji 5 – The Stars held on for a one-goal win at Bemidji Community Arena.
- Gentry Academy 6, Blake 4 – The Stars outscored the Bears at TCO Sports Garden.
- Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids 6, Hopkins 1 – A dominant performance at Fogerty Arena in Blaine.
- Buffalo 6, Brainerd 3 – The Bison took care of business at Buffalo Civic Center.
- Lakeville South 6, Apple Valley/Burnsville 2 – The Cougars rolled at Burnsville Ice Center.
- Orono 7, Alexandria 4 – The Spartans put up seven at Runestone Community Center.
- Cloquet/Esko/Carlton 7, Bloomington Jefferson 1 – The Lumberjacks dominated at Cloquet Area Recreation Center.
- Eastview 7, Chaska 4 – The Lightning lit up the scoreboard at Apple Valley Sports Arena.
- Woodbury 9, Mounds View 3 – The Royals rolled to a big win at TCO Sports Garden.
- Detroit Lakes 7, Fergus Falls 0 – The Lakers shut out the Otters at Fergus Falls Community Arena.
Close Calls and Competitive Games
Several other games were decided by just one or two goals:
- Rosemount 4, Park of Cottage Grove 2
- Luverne 5, Minnesota River 2
- Waconia 3, Princeton 2
- Delano 6, East Grand Forks 5
- Simley 3, St. Paul 2
- Mahtomedi 2, Hibbing/Chisholm 3
- Blaine 3, Duluth East 2
- Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper 4, Providence Academy 1
- Rogers 5, Shakopee 2
- Bagley/Fosston 5, Park Rapids 2
What It All Means
With 32 games in one day, Saturday gave us a comprehensive look at where teams stand as we head deeper into the season. Some squads are hitting their stride, while others are still searching for consistency.
The blowout wins by Winona (12-1) and Roseville (10-0) show that when these teams are on, they’re nearly unstoppable. Meanwhile, the tight games and ties remind us that in Minnesota high school hockey, any team can compete on any given night.
As we move forward, keep an eye on teams like Moose Lake Area, who are playing disciplined hockey and getting contributions from multiple players. Also watch for teams that are finding ways to win close games – that’s often a sign of a squad that will make noise come playoff time.
The season is heating up, and if Saturday was any indication, we’re in for an exciting ride.
