The 2012 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament finished up first round action on Thursday and, unlike Wednesday, there were quite a few upsets in the Class AA bracket. The tournament continues with Day 3 on Friday, but a quick look back at Day 2's second session should be worth it.
The final session in the quarterfinals featured the top-seeded team in he state, one-loss Duluth East, taking on Lakeville South for the right to advance to the next round. That didn't happen, however, and our friends at Hockey Wilderness considered it a "monumental" upset.
Still hanging around, Lakeville tooke the ice in the 3rd period with a purpose. It didn't take the Cougars long to strike, as a nice pass found John Wiitala all alone, who made no mistake and gave South their fist lead of the game. The goal definitely energized the Cougars, as they started skating with more confidence. East pulled Parker to try to get the equalizer, but turned the puck over to Kloos, who had a gaping net. A late 3-1 lead gave Lakeville some breathing room, which they need. East scored a very late goal, about 10 seconds left, but they came up just short in their comeback.
In a day of upsets, this one was monumental. Pundits had East tagged as the team to beat this year, considering their showing last year. Maybe East let it go to their heads, because they did not bring the effort needed to win a Quarterfinal matchup, let alone a State Title. Hounds went 0 for 2 with the state of Minnesota watching this season.
Benilde-St. Margratet's upset No. 4 Edina in the final game of the day on Thursday, too, while the rest of Day 3's results can be found here.
Friday's schedule will begin with the Class A bracket. Saint Thomas Academy and The Breck School will begin the action at the Xcel Energy Center at 11 a.m. and be followed by a game between Hermantown and Thief River Falls as the two games set the championship matchup.
If Friday's second session, Hill-Murray will take on Moorhead at 6 p.m. followed by a game between Benilde-St. Margaret's and Lakeville South at 8 p.m. for the right to go to the Class AA Championship. in the AA consolation bracket, Maple Grove will play Eagan and Duluth East will play Edina, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Mariucci Arena.
SB Nation's Hockey Wilderness is covering each session individually, so be sure to check there early and often. We'll continue to post updates here at SB Nation Minnesota in ourStoryStream for the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament.