Top Seeds Advance to Minnesota HS Hockey Finals

St. Paul, Minn. – The top-seeded teams in both classes of the Minnesota high school boys hockey state tournament advanced to the championships on Friday after semifinal victories at Grand Casino Arena, setting up title games on Saturday between squads rich in tradition and recent success.

In Class AA, No. 1 Minnetonka outlasted No. 3 Rosemount 4-3 in overtime to reach the final for the first time since its 2023 championship. Trailing 3-1 entering the third period, the Skippers rallied with three unanswered goals, including two from forward Ethan Sturgis. Minnetonka forward Cash Hardie sealed the win with the overtime tally. Goaltender Chase Jerdee stopped 20 shots for the victors, while Rosemount's Drew Sherman turned aside 41 in a strong effort. The Skippers, making their eighth tournament appearance, previously captured Class AA titles in 2018 and 2023.

The other Class AA semifinal saw defending champion Moorhead, the No. 2 seed, overcome No. 3 Edina 3-1 in a game that remained scoreless through two periods. The Spuds erupted for three third-period goals to secure their spot in the final. Senior forward Tyden Bergeson, a Mr. Hockey finalist, opened the scoring 1:05 into the...