The Best Routs of the Weekend
There’s nothing quite like a good old fashioned beatdown, and there were plenty of one-sided affairs from last weekend’s slate of games. Between Class A and AA, plenty of teams stepped up to take their opponent to the cleaners, and…
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Continue ReadingThere’s nothing quite like a good old fashioned beatdown, and there were plenty of one-sided affairs from last weekend’s slate of games. Between Class A and AA, plenty of teams stepped up to take their opponent to the cleaners, and for some squads, it just might be what they need to turn their season around. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best team-wide performances from the weekend.
Friday, 1/26
Red Lake Falls 9 – International Falls 2
In a battle of the falls, Red Lake and International Falls went to war, but only one team was able to come out on top. Red Lake Falls proved to be the better of the two teams, and this was thanks to a well-rounded performance across the board. The 15-3 Eagles were unstoppable from the first puck drop, and by the time the game was over, everyone had gotten in on the action. Dawson Erickson, Coby Knott and Blake Breiland racked up two, three and four points, respectively. However, the performer of the night had to be Gavin Girdler. The junior forward has been one of the best in the state this year, and his 49 points are in the upper echelon statewide. Against International Falls, Girdler was as great as ever, finishing with five points on two goals and three assists. Red Lake Falls has been absolutely dominant this year, and should be one of Class A’s top contenders come postseason.
Hibbing/Chisholm 8 – Crookston 1
This Hibbing/Chisholm squad has kept most of its games close this season, but against Crookston, the attack was as explosive as its been all year. The attack rifled off 32 shots to the tune of eight goals, with the top performer of the night being Isaiah Hildenbrand. The sophomore forward was a menace past the blue line, putting up 10 shots on goal and finishing the game with a hat trick. Aside from Hildenbrand, Christian Edmonds had three assists, Jackson Strukel had four assists and Tate Swanson finished with three points. Between the pipes, sophomore goalie Gavin Lamphere had 18 saves and allowed just one goal, capping off a great night all around for Hibbing/Chisholm. They have roared out to a 15-7 record, and with this weekend’s dominant win, will look to continue the hot streak.
Saturday, 1/27
La Crescent-Hokah 13 – Fairmont 0
The Lancers have been a powerhouse offensively, averaging nearly eight goals per game, but odds are, they didn’t even expect to put up 13 points in their most recent bout. The 13-0 dismantling against Fairmont started off with Noah Gillette scoring only 40 seconds into the game, his first of five points the senior would finish with. Aside from Gillette, two other skaters put up four points on the night. Wyatt Farrell Wyatt Farrell 5'7" | Forward La Crescent | 2024 State MN scored four points on two goals and two assists, while Tobias Sajdok was dishing the puck around, finishing four assists. Goalie Charlie Wieser only faced 18 shots, but he was a perfect 18-for-18, finishing with his first shutout of the night. The Lancers are 17-1 on the season, and if they can keep their attack churning at such a high level, this team should go very, very far in the postseason.
Minnetonka 10 – Chaska 0
In what might have been the biggest rout of the year, Minnetonka dominated Chaska in suffocating fashion. The Skippers absolutely dominated the zone, rifling off 70 shots compared to Chaska’s five. Yes, you read that right. Minnetonka eclipsed its opponent by 65 shots, and by the end of the first period, it was clear who the victor would be. John Stout John Stout 6'2" | Defense Minnetonka | 2024 State MN and the Skipper defensive unit were brilliant, as evident by the mere handful of shots Chaska was able to get off. On the attack, everyone got involved in the action. Ashton Schultz racked up five assists, Hagen Burrows Hagen Burrows 6'1" | Forward Minnetonka | 2024 State MN put up four points on an even two goals and two assists, and Alex Lunski put up four points himself. On top of this, Luke and Gavin Garry Gavin Garry 6'0" | Forward Minnetonka | 2024 State MN combined for three points, while Javon Moore Javon Moore 6'2" | Forward Minnetonka | 2024 State MN had three points of his own. Frankly, this Minnetonka team looks nigh-unbeatable at times, and if they continue to play like this, the Xcel Energy Center seems to be the only destination the Skippers end up at.