Hunter Bischoff scores for the Badgers Friday in Major PeeWee action
The Major PeeWees lined up for three games Friday in the PeeWee Challenge. Three teams came away with wins, all in impressive fashion. The Wolverines behind a hat trick from Owatonna's Owen Baumgartner beat the Fighting Irish 6-3. The Badgers got expected production from Joe Miller (2G/1A) as the Badgers beat the Gophers 6-4. And the Buckeyes outmuscled the Wolverines 3-0 in the nightcap.
Every team enters Saturday with a realistic shot of making it into Sunday's title game. All teams except the Wolverines have three games remaining, including a Sunday morning game prior to the title game on Sunday afternoon. Look for the Wolverines to a solid contender based on their stacked roster come Sunday. The Buckeyes enter Saturday with a pair of tough games against the Wolverines and Buckeyes.
Friday Stars
Joe Miller - The Mouse squeaked his way to the top of the Scoring Leaders with a great game against the Gophers making great plays with and without the puck.
Owen Baumgartner - drew raves from North and Metro hockey fans with his great balance and shooting ability.
Landon Parker - a great combination of size, speed and playmaking ability. Had a pretty pass to Evan Pahos backdoor goal that helped get the Buckeyes an important first game win.
The Minor PeeWees played some exciting hockey Friday, with one game ending in a tie/shootout and another decided in the last minute. In game one, it was all Tyler Haskins, he lead the Badgers to a nice 4-1 win over a stacked Gopher team. Haskins and teammate Tyler Friederichs each had 1G/1A. Haskins, the '15 Wiz Wyatt Winner made an impact on every shift - showcasing his size, speed and hands on just about every shift. The Irish got a late goal from Prior Lake's Tyler bump to edge the Buckeyes 4-3. Hermantown's Dominic Thomas got the Hatty for the Irish in their win. In the final game of the night, the Wolverines and Badgers battled to the bitter end in a seesaw game. Eden Prairie's Jackson Blake stole the show scoring three for the Hatty in regulation and added a goal in the shootout. The hero for the game was St. Cloud's August Falloon...he snuck one past Ben Dardis for the Shootout win and the extra point in the standings.
Friday Stars
Tyler Haskins - a total game changer...at times cannot be stopped when he has the puck. Hard worker that is blessed with great size and hands.
Jackson Blake - tremendous talent that has only one gear....fast. Had a highlight reel goal to start the second half that still has fans in a daze. He walked past some Gopher defenders twice before he slid it past the Gopher goalie.
Dominic Thomas - a gifted skater that made plays each time he hit the sheet. Another Hermantown kid that never gets cheated in the dirty areas, Thomas makes everyone on his team better.
Max Burkholder scores for the Buckeyes Friday
Similar to the Major Boys, three of the five teams left the rink with a win and all still have a lot of meat on the bone heading into Saturday's action. The Buckeyes went 1-1 with a hard fought win over the Irish 1-0 on a pretty snipe by Rochester's Mackenzie Rich. The Badgers showed why they are going to be tough team to beat when they outplayed and outscored the Gophers 3-1. Theresa Decesare had a pretty one top shelf short side goal for the Badgers. The Wolverines look to be the team to beat, as they used a balanced attack to beat the Buckeyes 7-3 in the final game of the night at Bloomington Ice Garden. Gretchen Branton netted two goals and added an assist to lead the Wolverines to the win.
Friday Stars
Mackenzie Rich - strong skater with a great two way game. Rich made a lot of plays all over the ice.
Elsa Kurtz - in showcase events like the PWC, Goalies are often forgotten. Kurtz is a true talent who rarely was out of position or off balance. Made some key saves down the stretch for the Badgers.
Gretchen Branton - a fun player to watch who was always around the puck making plays. Created a lot of opportunities for both herself and her linemates.
Theresa Decesare scores for the Badgers Friday