Minneapolis 15U B
Season Recap
The highlight of our season was playing Osseo-Maple Grove ("OMG") for the eighth time this season to go to State. Winner goes to State; loser goes home. OMG is in our district so we had two district games. We also scrimmaged them once to open the season. In addition, we played them twice in other tournaments, and twice more in District Playoffs. We knew each other well, and there was a lot of mutual respect between the teams. Going into the Region playoff game, Minneapolis led the season series 6-1. Despite the lopsided series record, each game was very close, and most were decided by one goal.
Naturally, there was a lot of tension prior to the game. Our girls were playing well, thought they had a chance to make a run at State, and didn’t want to let the opportunity get away from them.
Minneapolis started out strong, scoring just six seconds into the game! OMG responded well and scored two goals later in the first period. There was no scoring in the second period so we trailed 2-1 after two. The seesaw battle continued in the third. First, we scored two power play goals to take the lead 3-2. Then, OMG tied it. With 3:45 remaining, Minneapolis pulled ahead again taking a 4-3 lead, but OMG wasn’t going away easy. They score just 27 seconds later to tie it back up at 4-4.
Overtime was a battle. Both teams dug deep. Despite some excellent scoring chances and some amazing saves, the 1st OT didn’t produce any goals.
The second overtime continued back and forth with both goalies stopping everything coming their way. Finally, with two minutes remaining in double overtime, Minneapolis skated into the slot and put one past the OMG goalie to send the girls to State. It was an amazing finish to an amazing game and amazing series with OMG.
The girls had to play the next day to determine seeding, but this is the game everyone will think of as their final game of the season. 2020 will be remembered as the year there was no State Tournament, but for the eight teams who were fortunate enough to go to State, they all ended on a high note. We left some unfinished business in Rochester, but we have a season of memories and friendships these girls will remember forever.