State Hockey: Orono beats Northfield 2-1 (OT) in fast-paced Class A quarterfinals

In an overtime thriller that ended the first day of play, Orono (24-5) advanced in the MSHSL Class A Boys Hockey Championship with a 2-1 win over Northfield (23-6) on Wednesday, March 8 at Xcel Energy. Center in St. Paul.

The win advances Orono to a game against Warroad at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 10 at Xcel.

Click on the video box on this page for extended highlights of Orono vs Northfield in the Class A Boys Hockey State Quarterfinals

Tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, Orono senior forward Avery Anderson stepped into the spotlight when he connected on the game-winner at 7:30 in the first OT session. Anderson managed to block a shot from the blue line that got past Northfield senior netminder Keaton Walock. Adding to things in goal were junior defenseman Brody Finnegan and senior forward Bradley Walker.

The goal capped a classic defensive battle in which the Spartans outshot the Raiders 50-24 as Walock made 48 saves and Orono goalie Brock Peyton made 23 saves in the win.

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After a scoreless first period in which Orono held a 13-6 advantage in shots, the Spartans opened the offense with Walker’s tying goal at 10:30 of the second period. He was assisted in the game by junior forward Thomas Lewin and Anderson.

Less than two minutes later, Northfield answered with an even-strength marker by sophomore Griffin Kennelly at 11:36. The game was tied 1-1 and included assists from junior forward Kam Kaiser and freshman defenseman Bridger Riley.

Neither team was able to capitalize on the power play, as Northfield was 0-2 in the game and Orono was 0-3.

Northfield continues its journey to the state tournament with a consolation bracket game against St. Cloud Cathedral on Thursday, March 9 at 12:00 p.m. The match will be played at the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.

Courtesy: Minnesota State High School League