In the first game, with Woodbury up 3-1, they began to take penalty after penalty. One such was for Too Many Men on a puck that hit an unsuspecting Predator as he was leaving the ice. This penalty would force Woodbury into a three on five situation that would end up costing the Preds a goal. Tonka would score a minute later to tie the score at 3. Once completely full strength, Lotzza Motzza Player of the Game Drew Fisher would score his second goal of the game on a loose puck to give Woodbury the lead for good. That said, Minnetonka would make a potential huge mistake by pulling it's Goalie, Nathan Dahlby, in the waning minutes. The Preds would score twice to finish off the Skippers 6-3. The minus 3 Goal Differential compared to the minus one would eventually get them to a plus six for all three pool play games. Neighbor Chaska Chan would end up with the same record and a plus 8. Had they not pulled their Goalie, the end result could have been different.

In the second game, Lakeville South scored three unanswered goals, two by Lotzza Motzza Player of the Game, Gavyn Shraufnagel. Not sure what was more impressive for the South of the River Forward, his penchant for finding the net, or his beautiful celebrations following. Similar to the first game, the referees took the ice looking to ink the Penalty side of the scoresheet as much as they could. Lakeville South got the brunt of the calls against them which helped CC get back into the game. Goals by Gavin Nahan and Zack Seltun got the score to 3-2 headed into the third period. Lakeville South would get a late insurance goal to help them salt away the game for the Cougars. 

Seven of the eight Semifinalists Sunday come from large associations and one comes from Iowa. It is always fun to watch a small team beat the odds in any sport. This weekend the thrill seeking sports fan has seen very few surprises so far in the Prairie Shootout.

Squirt A

Eden Prairie > CC...EP has Jackson Blake and a very nice supporting cast. They will be too much for CC on Sunday.

Woodbury > LVS...we have been wrong so far on Lakeville South, we think the Preds will find a way to outscore the Cougars Sunday. Note: Lakeville South beat Woodbury in Hopkins Tournament in late November.

Woodbury > Eden Prairie...Note: Woodbury lost to Woodbury in the Hopkins Tournament in late November.

Squirt B 

Edina (White) > LVS Crimson...this should be a great game. Cougars have had a great weekend and would gain huge confidence with a win over Edina. YHH says the Hornets will win in a low scoring affair.

Cedar Rapids > Edina (Green)..The Jr. Riders will have their hands full Sunday, but will make the finals with a narrow win over Edina.

Cedar Rapids > Edina (White)...a clean sweep of both Edina teams will earn an out of state team the Championship trophy. 

Jimmy Snuggerud, Chaska Chan - the son of former Gopher and NHL'er Dave Snuggerud, Jimmy has a bright future. Unlike his father who was more of a scorer, Jimmy has more moves than an Octopus in a wrestling match. He is constantly using his moves to set up his teammates. With some seasoning, the younger Snuggerud could be a special player someday.

Ethan Dahlmeir, Lakeville South - the only Goalie for the Cougars, Ethan is a big-ish Goalie, but he is a lot more than a space eater in the net. Dahlmeir is athletic, controls the puck well and has made big saves in big games already this season.

Atilla Lippai, Woodbury - this crafty Centerman for the Preds is fun to watch. Great hands and vision, makes plays all over the ice for Woodbury.

Casey Miller, Minnetonka - great player, has a very straight forward game that will give other team's fits with his size and shot.