Late surge not enough to lift Grand Rapids past Edina in the Class AA state semifinals
On Friday, the fifth seeded Grand Rapids boys hockey team took on top-seeded Edina in the Class AA state semifinals at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. However, the Thunderhawks would fall 5-2. This marked Grand Rapids’ first semifinal appearance since 2017, when they won the state title.
Edina scored first with a goal by Jackson Nevers coming six minutes into the first period. In the final five minutes of the frame, John Halverson, John Warpinski and Bobby Cowan scored for the 4-0 Edina lead at intermission. The Hornets would lead in shots on goal 13-7.
Despite five penalties being assessed in the second period, three to Edina and two to Grand Rapids, there would be no additional scoring. Edina would stay on top 4-0 leading in shots on goal 22-12 after two frames.
Just over six minutes into the third period Edina’s Cowan scored his second of the game on the power play to lead 5-0. Seth Carlson would finally break Grand Rapids onto the board scoring during their own power play halfway through the third. Jacob Garski added another for the Thunderhawks scoring three minutes later, however Grand Rapids falls 5-2.
In net, Grand Rapids’ Carter Casey made 26 saves while Edina’s Joe Bertram made 16 saves.
Grand Rapids will next face Cretin-Derham Hall in the third place game Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center.
Edina advances to the Class AA championship against No. 2 Chanhassen, who beat Cretin-Derham Hall 6-1. The title game Saturday is set for 7 p.m. For the full Class AA bracket, Click Here.
The Class A championship game is Saturday at 12 p.m. between No. 1 Hermantown and No. 3 St. Cloud Cathedral. For that full bracket, Click Here.
The tournament is being televised on WDIO. For additional ways to watch or stream the games, Click Here.
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