CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2016 CCM Girls HP 17 Spring Festival finished off in grand fashion as Section 5 and Section 6 treated fans to a high intensity championship game with some of the best hockey of the weekend. The showdown featured heavy dose of speed and skill which translated into quick transitions, scoring chances and great goaltending.

Both teams came out flying to start the game, but it was Section 6 that would strike first. Stella Haberman sent Natalie Heising a stretch pass to spring the two of them on a 2-on-1 through the neutral zone. Heising took the first shot and the rebound came out towards Haberman, but she wasn’t able to get much on it as Section 5 defenders collapsed on her. Heising finished her push to the net though and buried the second rebound for the game’s first lead.

About half way through the first half, Section 5 evened the score at 1-1. Once again, it was not only the first or second effort, but the third shot by Gabrielle Hughes that would find its way into the twine.

The teams headed to intermission still tied. However, they didn’t wait long to start the scoring in the second half. Section 5 used a blocked shot to generate a breakaway and the first scoring chance of the period. While they weren’t able to score on the initial chance, Paetyn Levis scored shortly after the ensuing faceoff to give Section 5 their first lead of the game, 2-1.

Maia Martinez added to the lead for Section 5 a few minutes later, taking a pass from Paije Ondov from in the slot and using a quick release to make the score 3-1.

Section 5 continue to turn up the head, controlling play and piling up the shots until Maddie Carlson was able to make a couple of key rebound saves to change the momentum in favor of Section 6. Less than two minutes later, Olivia Klingberg used a toe drag to cut inside a Section 5 defender and a quick shot to pull Section 6 within one goal.

Levis stifled the turning tide and sealed the win for Section 5 moments later though as she scored her second of the game to make it 4-2.

Section 7: 7, Section 1: 0

Seven different scorers netted goals for Section 7 in Sunday’s early morning contest. Section 7’s Madison Kolbow assisted on three goals for three points on the day. Potting goals were Raelyn Konnek, Mallorie Iozzo, Ella Ierino, Sophia Zebro, Annie Dalton, Lexi Edwards,Sydney Schuman.

Section 2: 1, Section 3: 0

It was a battle of goaltenders for much of the game. Both teams had plenty of opportunities, but all four netminders stood up to the challenge. Section 2 goalie Emma Polusny spoiled a two-on-one chance for Section 3 and later stopped a breakaway by stepping out with a poke check to keep the game scoreless for the majority of the first half. Section 3’s Lindsay Carlson shutdown plenty of chances at the doorstop as well, but with just 33 seconds left in the first half Katie Huntington picked up the loose puck just outside the crease and lifted it to the back of the net for the game’s lone goal and securing Section 2 the third place title.

Section 4: 1, Section 8: 0

A physical game from start to finish, opportunities were abound for both teams. While both goalies were tested, Section 4’s Joie Phelps of St. Paul United  took a low shot that found its way across the line and in to the net’s corner for the goal a few minutes in to the first. Section 4 and Section 8 both battled to get another tally but finished the game 1-0.