The rubber match between the Under-16 Minnesota Blades and the U-16 team from Shattuck-St. Mary’s ended in disappointing style on Wednesday night in Faribault, with the seesaw battle culminating in a 2-2 tie after three periods.

Shattuck-St. Mary’s won the first game between two of the top U-16 teams in the country 4-2 on Sept. 27 at Mariucci Arena, while the Blades earned a 4-3 win over the Sabres on Oct. 6 in Faribault. 

Edina native Grant Silianoff (Notre Dame commit) gave Shattuck-St. Mary’s a 1-0 lead early in the first period, a lead that was erased when Nick Strom (Breck) of the Blades deflected a centering feed from Rob Christy (St. Thomas Academy) past Shattuck-St. Mary’s goaltender Derek Mullahy. Brady Meyer (North Branch) also added an assist on the goal for the Blades. 

The highlight of the evening came with the Blades killing a penalty, as Minnesota commit Mike Koster (Chaska) rifled a wrist-shot past Mullahy’s glove side.

For the bulk of the third period, the Blades maintained the 2-1 lead and applied serious pressure to the Sabres’ net. 

However, Shattuck-St. Mary’s forward John Farinacci (Harvard commit) banged in a loose puck from slightly outside the crease with just 4:45 to play in regulation to force the 2-2 draw. 

The Blades’ penalty kill was another highlight of the night, as the boys in Maroon killed all off all five penalties assessed to them, including a stretch of the second period where the Blades picked up three infractions in less than two minutes. 

Jack Bayless (Minnetonka) stood out on the Blades’ shorthanded unit, pestering the Sabres and forcing the puck deep into the Shattuck-St. Mary’s zone on more than one occasion. 

Jack Perbix, MN Blades

Perbix has a premium blend of size, speed and hands.

Jack Bayless, MN Blades

A tireless worked in all three zones, Bayless has a motor that refuses to quit.

Grant Silianoff, Shattuck-St. Mary's

Moves effortlessly on the ice and sees opportunities before everyone else.

Mike Koster, MN Blades

Pounces on an opponent's mistakes with great quickness. Forces turnovers that often become scoring chances.