Game Four: Hill-Murray (19-6-3) vs. Moorhead (21-5-1)

Hill-Murray’s team speed gives the Pioneers a chance against anyone in the state, even a senior-laden group like Moorhead. 

Sophomore forward and Wisconsin verbal commit Nick Pierre (23-29-52) paces the Pioneers in scoring with his wicked shot and impressive skating. Senior captain Charlie Strobel (23-25-48) adds heart and grit in all three zones, and junior defender Joe Palodichuk has 33 assists at 37 points as from the back for the Section 4AA champs.

In addition to the scoring options up and down the lineup, the Pioneers have goaltender Remington Keopple, a Frank Brimsek finalist with a GAA of 1.62 and a save percentage of .934. The Pioneers are 0-3-3 in overtime games this season but did defeat the Spuds 4-3 on Feb. 15 in the regular-season finale for both teams. 

A quartet of seniors leads Moorhead in scoring, with Cullen Gess (16-39-55) and Caden Triggs (34-21-55) leading the way. Carter Johnson is close behind the pair with 14 goals and 48 points, and senior defenseman and Mr. Hockey finalist Luke Gramer (7-25-32) fills the facilitator role from the defensive corps. Like the Pioneers, the Spuds have a Frank Brimsek finalist in Hudson Hodges (19-5-1/1.88/.929/4).