A SF- #2 Delano vs #3 Warroad

[ClassAGuy]

March 6th, 2026 | 1:00 PM CT | Class A Semifinals | @ Grand Casino Arena, St Paul MN

#2 seed Delano Tigers (2A) (23-4-2)
Delano finally got rid of their Quarterfinal Curse as they used a big third period to put away Mankato West and advance to their first Friday Semifinal in program history. Now they will look to make even bigger progress as they want to now get into the Championship Game, but it will not be easy, as the traditional power of Warroad Awaits, and while they did beat them this year, that was way back in November, and both teams are much different now.

Tigers Leaders- Srs. #13 Brady Kangas (31-48-79 pts) & #12 Daniel Halonen (41-33-74 pts) and Soph. #62 Lance Halonen (23-26-49 pts) lead the way on the top line for the offense. Sr. #36 Connor Oja (4-23-27 pts), Jr. #21 Dylan Nelson (5-21-26 pts) & Soph #34 Jackson Wollak (5-17-22 pts) have been the leaders of a defensive group all year.

Tigers Goalie- Sr. #1 Evan Geyen (12-0-1) 1.78 GAA .919 SV% the three year starter was injured in the game vs Warroad earlier this year but he has been unbeaten since he returned and he will look to continue that trend in this one.

Tigers Halonen Attack- The Halonens, brothers Daniel and Lance, and first cousin Bennett, were buzzing on Wednesday in Delano's historic first ever Quarterfinal win. They combined for 11 points, and at least one Halonen was in on all six of the Tiger goals. They will look for more of the same in this one, as generally for them to be at their best, they will need their Honlen attack at full force in this one, and you can bet you will hear the name a time or two in this one.

Tigers Special Teams- The Power Play is at 27% and Penalty Kill is at 83.8%

#3 seed Warroad Warriors (8A) (23-5-1)
Warroad was able to take care of business vs Northern Lakes in the Quarterfinal round, as they advanced back to the Semifinals as they normally do when they visit St Paul. Now they will get their rematch with Delano, who beat them in the first game of the year up at the Gardens in November. The Warriors are a different team since then, and they will be looking to give the Tigers some payback in this one, in what should be a great Semifinal game.

Warriors Leaders- Sr #20 Mooney Shaugabay (23-30-53 pts), Jr. #7 Gavin Andersen (31-34-65 pts) & 9th grader #5 Rodrick Jackson (13-20-33 pts) make up the Warrior elite big top line. Sr #21 Broden Hontvet (7-31-38 pts) & 9th grader #22 Ayven Hontvet (16-25-41 pts) are a talented pair of brother defenders who play big minutes and can add to the offensive Warroad attack.

Warriors Goalie-Sr. #1 Patrick Kennedy (7-0-0) 0.56 GAA .965 Sv% was the back up for most of the year but a season ending injury to the Warriors Starter has thrust him into the net now. He has been very solid so far and will look to continue that in this one.

Warriors Lethal Special Teams- Warroad is a very talented team, which is evident when you watch them play. One key to try to contain them is to stay out of the box, as they are clicking at above 33% on the Powerplay. If that is not scary enough, they are also dangerous when they go on the PK as they have the kill clicking at over 90% and they have an impressive 11 shorthanded goals on the year. Special teams are big in the playoffs which is to the Warriors advantage.

Warriors Special Teams- The Power Play is at 33.7% and Penalty Kill is at 92.3 %

[elliott70]

Delano #12 was very impressive yesterday.
Their defense looked a bit shakey.

Top line for Warroad was very good and their defense are big strong and skilled.
For just having to step forward their goalie look very good.

[east hockey]

PageStat picks Warroad in a minor upset in this game. I don't agree. Hopefully I'm proven badly incorrect.

Lee

[east hockey]

Wow. Just wow. Three goals in a minute and a half and Warroad is up 3-2

Lee

[Nostalgic Nerd]

In two minutes Delano collapsed with 3 GA.

[ryguyMN]

The Minnesota pro sports collapses rubbing off on Delano.