Hot season for Minneapolis boys hockey continues w/ win over SPA

A hot start to the season continued for the Minneapolis boys hockey co-op with a 6-2 win over St. Paul Academy at Parade Ice Garden on Thursday night.

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Minneapolis (12-3-1) was led by Jack Hanson’s two goals and an assist as they outshot the Spartans 31-14, allowing SPA (4-10) just three shots in each the second and third periods.

With a QRF ranking of #4 in Class A, and a 4-0-1 record against fellow Section 2A opposition – Minneapolis appears to be in the hunt for what would be the first State Boys Hockey Tournament appearance by a team from Minneapolis Public Schools in 28 years. No city team has made it to State since Minneapolis Edison was in the Class A tourney field in 1994.

The last team representing Minneapolis neighborhoods south of the river at State (in a non-Tier I/II season) was Minneapolis Southwest in 1980.

In Thursday night’s win, Alex Lamont made 12 saves for Minneapolis, which trailed 1-0 just 1:57 into the game on a goal by SPA’s Casey Lynn.

Evan Grimm, Drew Pitts and Ozzie Snodgrass answered by scoring three goals in a 2:17 span late in the first to give Minneapolis a 3-1 lead after one.

John Bebler made it 4-1 Minneapolis 4:27 into the second. SPA cut the lead back to 4-2 after two on a goal by Sebastian Holland.

Hanson’s two goals – the first on a power play, the second shorthanded – closed out the scoring.

Unbeaten now in their last five – including wins over previously top-ten-ranked Orono and #7 Delano – and with just two losses in their last fifteen, Minneapolis is ranked #6 in the latest statewide Class A poll.

Minneapolis will get some pre-playoff tests as their homestretch includes upcoming games against perennial State Tourney contender Breck and two State teams from last year – Dodge County and two games against reigning Class A champion Gentry Academy.