Tag: Plymouth Ice Center

Plymouth, MN – The #2 ranked Wayzata Trojans (8-0-2) faced off against the #1 ranked Minnetonka Skippers (8-0-1) in an epic showdown at the Plymouth Ice Center on Friday afternoon. The thrilling boys’ hockey match ended in a nail-biting 1-1 tie, captivating the enthusiastic crowd, and the scouts from the USHL and NHL in attendance.

Fans eagerly gathered to witness the clash between two dominant metro teams, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement in front of a packed house, with people standing two and three rows deep watching around the glass. The enthusiasm was so overwhelming that some fans were turned away due to the massive turnout.

Both teams displayed their defensive abilities, and despite numerous opportunities to score, the game remained tied. The intensity on the ice was evident as players from both sides fiercely battled for control with big plays and even bigger saves through all four periods of play.

In a spotlight on goaltending skills, Wayzata’s Evan Turek stood strong, deflecting 29 shots on goal and allowing only one to pass him throughout the entire game. Similarly, Minnetonka’s Hunter Bauer delivered an impressive performance, blocking 24 out of 25 shots on goal, contributing to the deadlock between these top-tier teams.

Minnetonka broke the defensive stalemate with a lone goal at 5:43 in the third period, scored by David Baer in an even-strength play, igniting excitement among Minnetonka supporters.

Wayzata, however, responded with resilience. Rhys Wallin seized an even-strength opportunity at 12:03 in the third period off a face-off, assisted by Brooks Gengler and Brittan Alstead. This leveled the score, setting the stage for a gripping final stretch of the game.

Head Coach Pat O’Leary talked about the contest, “That was one of the best hockey games you will see at any level.  So much speed, size and skill on the ice.  Both goalies made some phenomenal timely saves and that scoring chances continued through the final buzzer of OT.

Even though it ended 1-1, the atmosphere, scoring chances and physicality made for quite the entertaining afternoon at PIC.  I think the fans got their moneys worth.”

As the buzzer signaled the end of overtime, both teams exited the ice with a hard-fought 1-1 tie. The game was intense, and neither team managed to gain a clear advantage, heightening anticipation among fans for the upcoming rematch on February 1, 2024.

Wayzata Trojans now 6-0 on the season, 3 goals in the third period the difference

Wayzata Boys Hockey is off to a great start this season, with a lot of depth, speed and size working to their advantage. Fans in the stands from both squads were buzzing with anticipation as these two Top-10 teams met head to head at the Plymouth Ice Center.

Head Coach Pat O’leary described the contest, “There was so much energy in the building, and every play seemed so meaningful, just like in sections.”

O’leary continued, “We talked all night that is was going to take 3 solid periods to beat Benilde.  Never too high never to low.  We came out in the third and had great jump in our game.  Evan Turek made a few phenomenal saves and we scored 2 timely goals to take the wind out of their sails.”

A balanced start in the first

The game kicked off with both teams displaying their prowess on the ice with some good back and forth between the teams. Benilde was very physical, landing a number of hits on Wayzata players including first shifter Jack Hartel, who was injured with a broken collar bone off one of those hits. The Trojans played 5 defense the rest of the night.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s drew first blood at 10:37, courtesy of #6 Mason Stenger, assisted by #18 Junior Podein and #11 Cameron Kirschner. However, Wayzata responded with a power-play goal at 15:49, as #16 Cade De St Hubert, with assistance from #19 Luke Miller and #22 Finn De St Hubert, leveled the score.

Intensity rises in the second

The second period intensified the competition. Benilde-St. Margaret’s regained the lead at 1:40 with #18 Junior Podein scoring, assisted by #11 Cameron Kirschner.

Wayzata, however, proved resilient. At 8:09, #22 Finn De St Hubert netted a power-play goal, supported by #6 Rhys Wallin and #20 Brittan Alstead. Shortly after, at 12:51, Alstead added another goal, assisted by #25 Brooks Gengler and #6 Rhys Wallin. Benilde-St. Margaret’s responded at 13:29 with #17 Caleb Koskie finding the back of the net, assisted by #6 Mason Stenger.

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Wayzata dominates the third period

In the final period, Wayzata unleashed a relentless offensive and tighten up on defense with a number of big saves in the 3rd by Evan Turek.

At 3:20, #5 Carson Clark scored, assisted by #16 De St Hubert. The lead extended at 11:01 when #19 Luke Miller found the net, assisted by #22 De St Hubert. The final blow came at 11:53, with #26 Eli Molde scoring, assisted by Gengler. Wayzata emerged victorious with a final score of 6-3 after scoring those three unanswered goals.

Power plays & penalties

Bellied had 4 penalties and sat a total of eight minutes. Wayzata had 1 penalty for 2 minutes. The Trojans power play was 2 of 4 on the night, while the Knights were 0 for 1.

Post-Game Reflection: A Night of Skill and Tenacity

As the final horn echoed through the arena, Wayzata celebrated their hard-fought triumph. The power plays and skilled teamwork had propelled them to success. Meanwhile, Benilde-St. Margaret’s reflected on their performance, vowing to regroup and come back stronger in the next showdown.

Wayzata is at Centennial on Saturday, December 16 at 3:00pm. Statistics via Legacy Hockey.