The finale of the Bauer Invite may bring new meaning to the term “Sunday Funday.”

With the quarterfinals and semifinals of Sunday’s last games of the Bauer Invite being played in two 15-minute halves, a quick start becomes imperative if a team has any intention of advancing to the next round.

Unless you play for Team Wisconsin or the North Jersey Avalanche, in which case you score once each in regulation and then play into double overtime before deciding a winner. 

Cade Lemmer of Team Wisconsin padded his already impressive Invite resume with the game-winner, simply skating past two Avalanche defenders before beating the goaltender with an expertly placed shot. 

The St. Louis Blues AAA encountered no such extension in their semifinal win over the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies, taking a 3-0 lead and then potting an empty-net goal to cement a 4-1 win. The Blues’ defense was particularly impressive in the win, holding the Jr. Grizzlies to less than a dozen shots. 

In their respective quarterfinal matchups, St. Louis shut out Minnetonka 3-0, and Team Wisconsin thumped the Chicago Mission 6-2. 

The first two periods of the championship game were tight, with both teams more likely than not feeling the effects of four full games and two mini-games since Thursday, and neither squad was able to break the ice in the first two frames. 

Team Wisconsin’s Dayne Hoyord tapped in a loose puck midway through the third, and Cade Lemmer iced the game with a pretty goal down low. Patrick Buckley earned the shutout victory in the nets for Team Wisconsin. 

Cade Lemmer, Team Wisconsin

Lemmer earns his second mention in this section based on his outstanding play on Sunday, including the game-winning goal in overtime of the semifinals against North Jersey and the insurance goal in the finals against St. Louis. There’s no player stronger on or off the puck.

Justin Gordon, North Jersey Avalanche

Despite his team falling in the semifinals, Gordon stood out due to his speed, which translates to numerous scoring chances in transition.

Cole Carlson, Team Wisconsin

Carlson showed great tenacity and grit this weekend. A key member of Team Wisconsin’s penalty kill unit, he and uses his speed to disrupt the opposition’s powerplay.

Jared Bratton, St. Louis AAA Blues

Another player with great speed, Bratton is a grinding two-way forward with the capability of scoring the pretty goal. 

Kyler Dziegelewski, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies

A relentless attacker on offense, Dziegelewski is as tough to slow down as it is to spell his last name from memory. Has a knack for winning races to the puck in all three zones.