Willmar vs. Warroad (2), 11 A.M.


In addition to being one of Warroad's leading scorers, Sydney Phanuef is the team's top shot-blocker according to coach Dave Marvin.

In this matchup, second-seeded Warroad isn’t the only team with video game-like numbers. Willmar’s trio of Bailey Olson (38-31-69), Mya Monson (24-28-52), and Madison Garberding (36-16-52) have accounted for nearly 75% of the Cardinals’ goals, providing the champions of Section 6-1A with a top line capable of hanging with some of the best in the state. A nod in Willmar’s (18-8-1) direction includes a 2-0 record in overtime games, including a thrilling 5-4 win in double-overtime over Northern Lakes in the section semifinals on Feb. 11.

As last year’s Class 1A state runner-up, Warroad (21-4-2) begins its adventure back to the state championship game with a matchup against Willmar, with the No. 2 seed Warriors holding an on-paper advantage over the Cardinals.

Senior forward Hannah Corneliusen is a Merrimack commit and one of the state’s leading scorers with 53 goals and 80 total points. Coneliusen is a Ms. Hockey finalist, capping a decorated career that includes 145 goals and 226 points. In addition to their scoring leader, the Warriors have scoring options in juniors Geno Hendrickson (33-45-78), Sydney Phaneuf (29-34-630, and freshman Talya Hendrickson (21-41-62).

The Warriors have also found a goaltending standout in sophomore Kendra Nordick, who has posted an 11-1-1 record since midseason, including a pair of shutouts during the Section 8-1A playoffs.