Joe Schubert (7) notches a goal for the ISS Kings (NJ) on Saturday.
After four of the six Minnesota squads competing in the 2002 division of the Bauer Invite emerged from Friday's docket of games undefeated, it appeared that at least two, maybe even three, spots in Sunday's semifinals would be occupied by teams from the State of Hockey.
Fast-forward to Saturday night, and only one Minnesota team remains in the hunt for the 2002 Division crown.
Minnetonka took both of its games on Saturday, beating the New Jersey Rockets 6-0 and edging the previously undefeated Colorado Thunderbirds 2-0. The doughnut win means that the Skippers have not allowed a goal at the Bauer Invite, posting shutouts in all four contests.
At 4-0-0, the Skippers will take on the St. Louis Blues AAA in quarterfinal action on Sunday.
White Bear Lake thumped Team North Dakota 7-3, but had their spotless record tarnished with a 4-1 loss to possibly the Invite's best team, the ISS Kings of New Jersey. The Bears end play with a 3-1-0 mark.
Blaine dispatched the New York Saints 6-4 in an early-afternoon game, but came out slow against a spirited Team Wisconsin group in the nightcap to fall to 3-1-0.
Team Wisconsin scored twice, and held off a late charge by the Bengals, including a goal with 54 seconds left to make the score 2-1, to escape with the win with its 4-0-0 record intact.
Rosemount's undefeated mark went by the wayside early on Saturday with a 5-0 loss to the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, and followed that defeat with a loss to undefeated Chicago Misson by an identical 5-0 score to finish 2-2-0.
After suffering a heartbreaking 6-5 loss to the North Jersey Avalanche, Edina bounced back in the best way on Saturday.
The Hornets shutout the Pittsburgh Icemen 5-0, and trounced Victory Honda 7-1 to finish the Invite with a 3-1-0 record.
Minneapolis ends the tournament with a 1-3-0 record after beating the Colorado Evolution 6-1 and falling to the Pittsburgh Selects 5-2.
Jonathan Dubbink of Fox Motors goes top shelf in Saturday's win over the New Jersey Rockets.
Quarterfinals
Belle Tire > North Jersey Avalanche
Team Wisconsin > Chicago Mission
ISS Kings > Oakland Jr. Grizzlies
Minnetonka > St. Louis Blues AAA
Semifinals
Minnetonka > ISS Kings
Belle Tire > Team Wisconsin
Finals
Belle Tire > Minnetonka
Mitchell Smith of Belle Tire is electric from the blue line.
Rocco Testa-Basi, ISS Kings
Testa-Basi is a primary offensive threat for the undefeated Kings, with great speed and good positioning in front of an opponent's net.
Jon Howe, Minnetonka
Howe is the starting goaltender for a team that hasn't given up a goal in four games against top competition. Enough said.
Bob Lockwood, St. Louis Blues AAA
Lockwood combines excellent size with a penchant for strong offensive rushes. Also a solid passer.
Mason Kelly, Fox Motors AA
Speed is Kelly's game, and he uses it to his team's advantage. A balanced and dynamic skater.
Tanner Latsch, Meijer
Latsch has an intriguing blend of size, speed and puck skills to go along with a lethally accurate shot.
Bob Lockwood, St. Louis Blues AAA.