Players scramble for a loose puck on the edge of the Polars' crease during the third period of Saturday's semifinal game. The Green Giants eliminated the Polars 9-3. Photo by Drew Herron

Five-goal third period drives Green Giants past Polars and into title game

For two periods, the Green Giants pounded shots on net at a ratio of 4-to-1, but could not build a lead of greater than one score.

The third period changed all of that.

The Green Giants erupted for five goals in the third, turning a tense one-goal lead into an eventual rout with a 9-3 victory in Saturday's semifinals at Plymouth Ice Center.

Sara Kaiser (Andover) finished with a hat trick, and Danielle Brunette (Ham Lake) added two goals as the Green Giants powered its way into the championship round. 

At the other end, Polars’ goaltender Becan Gage (Orono) stopped 13 shots in the first period, 13 more in the second before finishing with 31 saves for the game. Giants’ goalie Ashley Hess (Zimmerman) earned the win between the pipes by stopping nine of 12 shots she faced. - Drew Herron


Lakers forward Katherine Manning fires a backhand shot on goal while Walleye goalie Leah Bosch scrambles to cover the net. The Lakers defeated the Walleye 3-1 to advance to Sunday's final. Photo by Drew Herron

Lakers sail past Walleye 3-1, clinch spot in championship

The Lakers scored twice in the second period to build a lead that would last en route to a 3-1 victory over the Walleye Saturday morning at Plymouth Ice Center.

Annika Kilberg (Edina) opened the scoring with 6:05 left in the second, and teammate Anne Juckiness (Edina) added a second score four minutes later when she converted on the power play to push the Lakers out front.

In the third, the Lakers added another power play goal when Lindsey Grove (Prior Lake) scored unassisted.

The Walleye chased, and finally broke through with a score with 4:17 left off the stick of Julia Blum (Edina), though Lakers' goalie Alexandra Boots kept a lid on the yellow squad's offense for the most part and finished with eight saves.

The victory pushes the Lakers into Sunday's championship game against the Green Giants. Puck drop is slated for 11 a.m. on Rink A for the shot to go to nationals.   - Drew Herron