Up 5-2 with just over four minutes to play in regulation and obviously overconfident, Great Plains built its own trap and nearly tripped over its own skates into it.

The boys in black-and-tan netted the first goal of the game less than four minutes into the first period, as Landen Gunderson deposited a loose puck in the crease. Shattuck-St. Mary's would answer with a goal by Isaac Howard, whose speed and skill engineered a lengthy possession in the Great Plains zone on a delayed Great Plains penalty that resulted in a close-range tally. 

Turner Richards put the Sabres up 2-1 early in the second period with a gritty goal, but the lead was quickly evened and then erased as Maddox Fleming and Gunderson scored to give Great Plains a 3-2 lead entering the final period of play.  

Two goals less than 30 seconds apart in the third period spiked Great Plains' confidence into the wooden rafters of Shattuck-St. Mary's John Sumner Arena, a short-lived momentum swing ended by Sabres Andrew Fan and Michael Lastarza.

Fan's goal came on a beautiful wrist-shot, as the power forward beat Great Plains goaltender Nik Erickson cleanly from the right face-off dot. Lastarza's goal pulled the Sabres within one with 50 seconds remaining, but Great Plains tightened and managed to escape Faribault with its 22nd victory of the season.  

The win runs Great Plains' record to 22-1, dating back to the Bantam Elite League Major Division slate of games played in August. Over those 23 games, Great Plains has outscored opponents 120-32. 

On hand for the game was Minnesota-Duluth Assistant Coach Jason Herter. Herter's son Jacob is a former Hermantown standout who will suit up for the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers.  

Tanner Ludtke of Elko made is Great Plains debut on Tuesday. Ludtke led the Bruins of the BEL Minor Division with seven goals and 16 points. 

Landen Gunderson, Great Plains 

Joined Great Plains for its final game on Tuesday night and did far more than just fill in by scoring two goals. Never seemed out of place on the ice, fearlessly chasing down pucks and playing with his head up. 

William Jones, Shattuck-St. Mary's 

The Brentwood, Tennessee native is a compact defender whose feet never stop moving. Particularly effective at back-checking and leading the breakout. 

Jimmy Snuggerud, Great Plains 

Already known as a high-end forward, Snuggerud shifted back to defense for Tuesday night's game and played with his characteristic speed and panache. 

Isaac Howard, Shattuck-St. Mary's 

Howard is the general of the Sabres' first forward line, routinely directing wings and defenseman to specific spots before face-offs in all three zones. Game-breaking speed allowed Howard to tally a goal and an assist in Tuesday's loss.