It has been a tough week so far for MBSLA North teams in the first round of the MBSLA playoffs.
On Tuesday night, the Duluth-Superior Chargers drew a tough first round match-up against the #3 team in the state MontiQuois. The regular season loss to St. Cloud North hurt the Chargers playoff seeding with their first round match-up coming against the Western Conference. The MBSLA West, with the top three teams in the state (Delano, Orono, MontiQuois), presented a tough match-up for any team in the first round. With Duluth as the second seed in the North playing the third seed in the West, MontiQuois, the scene was set.
The Chargers came out fired up and ready to play. An early goal by Beau Hughes fired up the Charger faithful and it looked like the Chargers were ready to roll. In an ominous sign of things to come, the goal was nullified when the stick was deemed to be illegal. It was clear early on that the Chargers had the athletes to compete and win a game against a very good MontiQuois team. With the Chargers scoring the first goal, the first quarter ended with the score tied 1-1 and the Chargers looking like they had the momentum.
The Chargers defense played well throughout the game and goalie Tyler Olson made several nice saves to keep the game close. The story of the game turned out to be penalties and turnovers. Duluth-Superior simply couldn't overcome the lopsided number of penalties called against them during the game. In addition, it was clear that the offense was pressing trying to make something happen and there were too many turnovers while MontiQuois was more crisp with their passing on offense. MontiQuois controlled the ball not giving Duluth-Superior many opportunities on offense. In the end, two 4th quarter goals by Zach Thompson and Steven Halver cut the lead to three but it wasn't enough as MontiQuois responded with two goals of their own to take the 8-3 victory and end the Chargers season. The Chargers finished a successful season with a 7-3 record.
In the other MBSLA North game, Hudson topped Brainerd 14-4. Brainerd finishes a good season, which saw them play several of the state's top MBSLA team, with a 5-9 record.
Also on Tuesday night, the Duluth-Superior JV team advanced to the second round of the MBSLA JV playoffs with an exciting 7-6 victory over Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids held the advantage for much of the evening playing with lots of heart and energy. Late in the game, Duluth scored to take a 1 goal lead. Grand Rapids responded to tie the game and then take a lead of their own. With the clock ticking down, Duluth scored to tie the game and send it into overtime. Duluth scored again late in the overtime period to take the win. With the win, Duluth advances to play Thursday night June 9 against an opponent to be determined.
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