St. Paul, MN – October 8, 2016 – The Minnesota District playoffs for berths in the USA Hockey National Championships in April kicked off today with semifinal action at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine. The championship games in the 14U Youth, 14U Girls and 15 Youth classifications have been set following today’s action. The champions at the 14U Youth and 15 Youth classifications will advance to the National Tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona, April 6 – 10, 2017. The champion at the 14U Girls level will move on to the National Tournament in Rochester and Macomb, Michigan, April 6 – 10, 2017. The Minnesota District championship games will kick off tomorrow at 12:15 p.m.

All three teams that won the first-ever CCM Minnesota Hockey High Performance Tier 1 League playoffs last weekend are still alive in the hunt for an appearance at the National Tournament.

Youth 14U – The 14U Youth championship game will pit the League champions Blue Ox (North) against Shattuck-St. Mary’s. The Blue Ox overcame a 2-0 third period deficit to force overtime against the Green Giants (District 10). The Blue Ox prevailed in overtime and will face Shattuck-St. Mary’s, who edged the Lakers (District 6), by a 2-1 score. Shattuck fell behind to the Lakers early and trailed 1-0 after one period. But two second period goals gave Shattuck a lead they would not relinquish despite a late push by the Lakers. The Blue Ox and Shattuck-St. Mary’s will face off at 1:30 p.m. on Rink 2.

Girls 14U – The 14U Girls championship game will feature the League champion Green Giants (District 10) against the Lakers (District 6) in a rematch of the League Championship. The Green Giants scored a 1-0 shutout victory in a defensive battle against the Blue Ox (North). The Lakers posted a 1-0 win of their own after shutting out the Moose (District 5). Game time for the Green Giants and Lakers is set for 12:15 p.m. on Rink 1.

Youth 15 – District 10 will also be represented in the Youth 15 championship game as the Green Giants 15 team skated past the Moose (District 8/9) with a 5-2 victory. That sets up a matchup with the League champion Walleye (District 3), which narrowly escaped a tough contest against the Moose (District 5), winning 2-1. The championship game between the Green Giants and Walleye will kick off at 2:30 p.m. on Rink 1.

Minnesota will also hold District playoffs at the Girls 16U and Girls 19U levels on October 25 at the Schwan Super Rink. The Youth 16U and Youth 18U District Playoffs will also take place at the Super Rink, November 7 and 8.