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An entertaining game. Andover played them really tough, with no goals scored for nearly 2 full periods. I thought these were 2 solid teams who would battle to a potential 1-0 finish. Elk River seemed more talented, but Andover wasn't going to give them a free pass by any means. They battled hard. But at the end of the 2nd period somebody cued up the circus music.

The second period ended with an ER PPG, and some banter back and forth. Up in the stands you can't hear what's being said, but it seemed like the Huskies were trying to push the Elks buttons to ignite a more physical battle. Then the 3rd period started and I'm not sure if Andover was ever at full strength for the final 17. Maybe a couple times at 4 on 4 even strength, perhaps. So the power play goals came flooding in for the Elks, and the final was 4-1. I was just getting the feeling Andover, maybe a few kids in particular, were more concerned with dishing out a big hit more than winning. Which is OK from my vantage point, that's fun to watch. I mean they played them tough 5 on 5, but weren't concerned with NOT going into the box after 33 minutes.

I'm curious to hear an update on what I perceived to be the Elks' answer in goal, sophomore Ben Meyers. He took a hit, a stick, a puck, something to the neck it looked like, and came off the ice in the middle of the 3rd. Chase Guthier came in & immediately gave up the shutout. Granted, it was a PPG. Looked like Meyers was on the bench holding ice on his face/neck.

Props to the Andover students, best/funniest student section I've seen in a while.

Oh yeah, and the Huskies had a female goalie, too. Caught me by surprise, I didn't expect that or know what to think. Does she play?

Yes, she does play. She is quite good it sounds like. Committed to UMD and wanted a tougher challenge before going off to college.

Here is an article for her game against Duluth East

http://www.mngirlshockeyhub.com/news_ar ... how/455864

Although I wouldn't give "props" to the Andover student section calling the Elks' Sophomore goalie a p*ssy after taking a puck to the neck, they are probably one of the most spirited student sections in the NWSC (next to Cent and Blaine). As far as the game goes, Andover's Junior goalie was a stud until the rest of the team decided to give away the game by being malicious and retaliatory. Andover did a nice job shutting down the Elks' top line for quite awhile.

The Elks and the Huskies always play physical being both conference AND section rivals. Andover's lack of offense probably lost them this game. Lobbing exhausted shots from the point to the net in midst of a line change won't often cut it. Even with ER's weak goaltending.