A SF Game- #2 St Cloud Cathedral vs #6 Orono

[ClassAGuy]

March 7th, 2025 | 11:00 AM CT | Class A Semifinals | @ Xcel Energy Center, St Paul MN

#2 seed (5A) St Cloud Cathedral Crusaders (19-8-2)
St Cloud Cathedral took care of business in their first game of the Tourney as they shutout Mahtomedi to take another step towards a repeat. Now they head into the Friday Semifinals where they will get a rematch with an Orono team that they beat earlier this year. Both teams are playing their best hockey of the year and this should be a good game to see if Cathedral’s big line can carry them vs a deep and tough Orono team.

Crusaders Leaders- Seniors #6 John Hirschfeld (25-53-78 pts), #24 Joey Gillespie (22-45-67 pts) & 9th grader Bo Schmidt (16-18-34 pts) lead a very powerful SCC offense and they seem to play their best in the biggest games and they have been great all year. Junior #21 Griffin Sturm (19-27-46 pts) leads the SCC blueline group and he is one of the top defenders in all of Class A again this season.

Crusaders Goalie- Junior #1 Keaton LeGrande (18-6-2) 2.55 GAA .898 SV% has been the Crusaders main guy in net this winter. He has been at his best in the playoffs as he has 3 shutouts in 4 playoffs games now.

Crusaders Hot Wood Stick- Cathedral is known for their Big Three and that is rightfully so as those players are elite and have carried SCC for much of the year. However, during their explosive playoff run Senior #13 Jaeger Wood (21-19-40 pts.) continues to have one of the hottest sticks in the state as he has 10 points in four playoff games now including a nice assist on the game winner in the QF round as he adds secondary scoring to the Big Line for the Crusaders!

Crusaders Special Teams- The Power Play is at 32.1% and Penalty Kill is at 72.8 %

#6 seed (2A) Orono Spartans (16-10-3)
Orono was able to continue their playoff revenge tour as they for the third straight game now in the playoffs were able to beat a team that they did not beat in the regular season as they took down Northfield in the Quarterfinals. Not all news was good though for the Spartans as they were and could still be without their leading scorer who was out of action in the win. They played great without him and will look to again in this one.

Spartans Leaders- Juniors #34 Jackson Knight (33-29-62 pts.) & #16 Rory Kvern (13-25-38 pts) and Seniors #9 Trey Landa (23-31-54 pts) & #28 Ethan Pagel (20-13-33 pts) lead the Orono offensive attack, all of them having double digit goals. Junior #3 Luca Decubellis (5-20-25 pts) leads the defensive unit and he is a big defender who can jump up and contribute at any time as well.

Spartans Goalie- Senior #31 Evan Schmidt (12-10-3) 2.70 GAA .907 SV% has really come on strong down the stretch and been rock solid in the net for the Spartans this year as their starter and he has been at his best during their playoff run

Spartans Playoff Revenge Tour- Orono played a very tough schedule all year long and did take their lumps. However, since the start of February this has been a different team and they have really taken their play to another level. They have now been on a revenge tour in the playoffs beating three teams already who they didnt during the year to get here. Up next is Cathedral who did beat them in a very good game 4-2 early in the year but the Spartans are looking for revenge now.

Spartans Special Teams- The Power Play is at 29.9% and Penalty Kill is at 78.5%

[ClassAGuy]

Sounds like on the Broadcast Orono's Jackson Knight will be out again today and tomorrow.

[ClassAGuy]

1-0 Cathedral

[raidergrad72]

If any of you are here, stop by. SCC section 103 row 26 seats 1-2.

[ClassAGuy]

Cathedral in control early up 2-0 now 1st period

[raidergrad72]

Cathedral in control early up 2-0 now 1st period

Yup Orono looks nervous and tentative.

[raidergrad72]

SCC almost had #3 on a shorthanded breakaway.

[ClassAGuy]

Nice PP goal for Cathedral up 3-0 now

[raidergrad72]

Orono looks lethargic and not too interested.
But SOG are only 13-22 SCC.

[ryguyMN]

SCC is just clicking. Whomever is their opponent tomorrow has their hands full.

[BlueLineSpecial]

0-5 on good games so far in class A. Let’s hope tonight and the champ game provides some entertainment

[raidergrad72]

0-5 on good games so far in class A. Let’s hope tonight and the champ game provides some entertainment

You need a new bookie! Lol!

[ClassAGuy]

Orono on the PP makes it 1-3 with some jump but too late now looks like

[BlueLineSpecial]

0-5 on good games so far in class A. Let’s hope tonight and the champ game provides some entertainment

You need a new bookie! Lol!

Well I hardly think 3 shutouts (with all 3 being wins by 3 or more goals) and a running time game to open things up screams excitement. Orono v SCC is providing some late enjoyment for about 5 minutes, but even that is still looking like a 3-goal+ win margin.

[raidergrad72]

4-1 final. Empty netter seals the deal for SCC.

[ryguyMN]

SCC just outworked Orono all game. The game never really felt in doubt.

[pekyman]

SCC nice replacement for STA. GO SCC!!