Wednesday night delivered exactly what Minnesota high school hockey fans crave: an overtime thriller, dominant performances, and plenty of storylines heading into the Thanksgiving break. Four games across the metro area showcased the depth and talent of the 2025-26 season, with standout individual performances and team statements that will resonate through the rest of the regular season.
## Northfield 3, Monticello 2 (OT) – Jacob Peters Plays Hero in Overtime Classic
In the game of the night, Northfield’s Jacob Peters buried the overtime winner at 4:38 of the extra frame to give the Raiders a thrilling 3-2 victory over Monticello at Northfield Ice Arena. The win was hard-earned, as Monticello dominated the shot count 40-25, but Northfield goalie Gavin Winter stood tall when it mattered most.
Winter was absolutely sensational between the pipes, stopping 38 of 40 shots for a .950 save percentage. His performance kept Northfield in the game despite being outshot by a significant margin. On the other end, Monticello’s Nolan Wurm made 22 saves on 25 shots (.880 save percentage) but couldn’t quite match Winter’s heroics.
**The Scoring Breakdown:**
The game started fast, with Monticello’s Ashton Stoll lighting the lamp just 32 seconds into the first period on an even-strength tally to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead.
The second period was where things got interesting. Northfield’s Philip Benjamin tied it up at 1:47 with help from Oliver Benjamin and Walker Sorem. But Monticello answered quickly, as Nicklas Nelson restored the lead at 2:19 with an assist from Stoll. Northfield refused to go away, though, with Wade Gilbertson knotting things up at 2-2 at the 8:37 mark, assisted by Oliver Benjamin.
The third period was a defensive battle with neither team finding the back of the net, setting up overtime drama.
In the extra frame, Peters became the hero, taking a feed from Gilbertson and beating Wurm to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
**Key Performers:**
– Northfield: Wade Gilbertson (1G, 1A), Oliver Benjamin (2A), Jacob Peters (OT winner), Gavin Winter (38 saves)
– Monticello: Ashton Stoll (1G, 1A), Nicklas Nelson (1G)
Discipline Factor: Northfield took 6 minutes on 3 infractions compared to Monticello’s 2 minutes on 1 infraction, but the Raiders’ penalty kill came up huge when needed.
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## Tartan 5, Northern Edge 3 – Titans Flex Their Muscles at Home
Tartan made a statement at Tartan Arena in Oakdale, dominating Northern Edge 5-3 in a game that was more lopsided than the final score suggests. The Titans absolutely peppered Northern Edge goalie Gage Husby with 48 shots, while limiting the visitors to just 21.
Tyler Pavel led the offensive onslaught with a 2-goal performance, while Kieran Moylan, Benny McClellan, and Joshua Markfort each added single tallies. Despite the loss, Husby deserves credit for keeping Northern Edge in the game with 43 saves on 48 shots (.896 save percentage).
**Special Teams Battle:**
Northern Edge found success on the power play, converting 1 of 7 opportunities (14.29%), while Tartan went 0 for 1 with the man advantage. The penalty disparity was significant, with Tartan taking 14 minutes on 7 infractions compared to Northern Edge’s 2 minutes on 1 infraction.
**Top Performers:**
– Tartan: Tyler Pavel (2G), Nathan McGuire (18 saves)
– Northern Edge: Riley Dufour (1G, 1A), Hunter Sanders (1G, 1A), Kaden Swenson (1G)
Tartan’s ability to generate offense at 5-on-5 was the difference maker, as they controlled possession and dictated the pace throughout the contest.
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## Roseville 8, Chaska 3 – Garrett Hites Puts on a Show
In the most lopsided game of the evening, Roseville absolutely demolished Chaska 8-3 at Roseville Ice Arena, and senior forward Garrett Hites was the star of the show. Hites recorded a hat trick and added 2 assists for a jaw-dropping 5-point night that had the home crowd on their feet all evening.
**The Hites Show:**
Hites’ 5-point performance was the headline, but he had plenty of help. Jamal Wamah contributed 1 goal and 3 assists (4 points), while Nolan Twardowski chipped in with 1 goal and 2 assists (3 points). The Raiders’ offensive depth was on full display as they outshot Chaska 45-23.
For Chaska, Jake Campbell did his best to keep the Hawks competitive, recording 2 goals and 1 assist (3 points), while Tyler Hromatka added a single goal. But it wasn’t nearly enough against a Roseville team firing on all cylinders.
**Special Teams Excellence:**
Roseville’s power play was clicking at 50% (2 for 4), while Chaska managed just 1 conversion on 3 opportunities (33.3%). The Raiders’ ability to capitalize with the man advantage was a key factor in the blowout.
**Goaltending:** Henri Hammes-Dahlke was solid in net for Roseville with a .870 save percentage, making the saves he needed to make while his offense did the heavy lifting.
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## Stillwater 6, Park of Cottage Grove 2 – Ponies Roll to Road Victory
Stillwater made the short trip to Cottage Grove Ice Arena and left with a convincing 6-2 victory over Park of Cottage Grove. The Ponies jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one period, extended it to 5-1 after two, and cruised home in the third.
**Balanced Scoring Attack:**
Michael Belde led the way with 2 goals, while Tyson Miller and Teague McGlynn each recorded 1 goal and 2 assists (3 points apiece). The Ponies’ depth was evident as they rolled four lines and kept Park of Cottage Grove’s defense on its heels all night.
Stillwater outshot Park 32-20 and converted 1 of 3 power play opportunities, while Park went 0 for 5 with the man advantage.
**Goaltending Battle:**
Gavin Bajda was excellent for Stillwater, stopping 18 of 20 shots for a .900 save percentage. On the other end, Hank Voss faced a barrage, making 26 saves on 32 shots (.812 save percentage) but couldn’t stem the tide.
**Period-by-Period:**
– 1st Period: Stillwater 2, Park 0
– 2nd Period: Stillwater 3, Park 1
– 3rd Period: Stillwater 1, Park 1
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## Looking Ahead
As teams head into the Thanksgiving break, these results will provide plenty to digest. Northfield’s overtime win shows they can win tight games even when outplayed statistically. Tartan’s dominant performance signals they’re a team to watch in their section. Roseville’s offensive explosion, led by Garrett Hites’ 5-point night, puts the rest of the Suburban East Conference on notice. And Stillwater’s balanced attack continues to make them one of the most dangerous teams in Class AA.
Friday night brings another full slate of games as teams look to build momentum heading into the holiday tournament season. Stay tuned to Legacy Hockey for all the latest scores, stats, and storylines from Minnesota high school hockey.
**Final Scores:**
– Northfield 3, Monticello 2 (OT)
– Tartan 5, Northern Edge 3
– Roseville 8, Chaska 3
– Stillwater 6, Park of Cottage Grove 2