Section 2AA QF- Minnetonka Skippers versus Shakopee Sabres from Pagel activity Center, Minnetonka, MN
Neutral Zone attended the MSHSL Boys Hockey Section 2AA QF- #2 Seed Minnetonka Skippers hosting the #7 Shakopee Sabres from Pagel activity Center, Minnetonka, MN. The Skippers came out hard and aggressively attacking the Sabres pumping 16 shots on goal in the first period. The Sabres however weathered the storm and paired with outstanding goaltending from Aleksi Huson #1 (G, L, 5’11”, 144, Shakopee HS, 07/15/2006) and a nice snipe from Jackson Vogel #6 (F, R, 6’0″, 166, Shakopee HS, 10/01/2004) assisted by Joe Roder #11 (D/F, L, 6’1″, 183, Shakopee HS, 07/12/2003) at 13:25 in the first were able to take a first period lead into the locker room on the road. (Shots 16-5: Tonka)
Much like the first period Minnetonka came out fast and hard, crashing the net on every offensive rush. One net front scrum was favorable as Shakopee was assessed a penalty and Tonka capitalized on the ensuing PP to even the contest on a nice short side shot from Tim Lagerback #40 (F, R, 6’0″, 181, Minnetonka HS, 07/01/2003) with assist coming from Jack Rausch #27 (F, L, 5’10”, 174, Minnetonka HS, 05/30/2004), and Nick Baer #24 (D, R, 5’10”, 160, Minnetonka HS, 03/14/2004) at 1:50 into the 2nd. The play went back and forth as Shakopee also received a PP but was unable to find the back of the net on several good net front opportunities and point shots. Minnetonka fed off the PK and took the momentum and with .006 seconds remaining in the 2nd period Javon Moore #22 (F, L, 6’0″, 153, Minnetonka HS, 12/07/2005) drove wide on the outside and threw a puck toward a pile of players that were in the crease that found its way into the net on what would eventually become the game winner thus carrying all the momentum for Minnetonka into the 3rd period. (Shots 14-7: Tonka)
The 3rd and final period Shakopee came out and gave everything they had but at the 3:57 mark with assists from Hagen Burrows #19 (F, 6’1″, 155, Minnetonka HS, 10/13/2005), and Liam Hupka #17 (D, R, 6’2″, 165, Minnetonka HS, 06/25/2005) Moore again flew down the wing and blasted a slap shot five hole to give the Skippers a two-goal lead which proved to be too much for a resilient Sabres team to climb back from.
Minnetonka will play Chaska in the Section 2AA SF on Saturday, February 26th at 4:00pm in Edina, MN at Braemar Arena.
Three Stars
1st Star: This must go to Minnetonka HS for the amazing remembrance banner hanging in the Pagel activity ice arena in honor of former player Mack Motzko.
2nd Star: Shakopee Sophomore goaltender Aleksi Huson. He made 35 total saves with a 16 save first period from a barrage of shots. Posted a save % of .921 in the loss but was a catalyst in providing the Sabres a chance to win.
3rd Star: Minnetonka sophomore forward Javon Moore scored two goals and game winner in the second. Was a force all game and very noticeable in all three zones.
