First Report

Junior forward Michael Graham scored three goals and added an assist as Eden Prairie rolled to a 6-1 victory over Grand Rapids in the second round of the Edina Holiday Classic Friday night at Braemar Arena. 

Graham’s first goal opened the floodgates for Eden Prairie (7-1), ranked No. 7 in the latest Class 2A coaches poll. 

Graham bullied his way to the net and fought off a Grand Rapids defender as he tapped in a centering pass from sophomore forward Nolan Sullivan to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead at the 4:07 mark of the second period. 

“I got some nice passes,” Graham said with a grin after the game while ticking off each player that assisted on his goals.

Senior forward Matt Hastings recorded an assist on Graham's second goal and said his teammate's impact extends beyond the scoresheet. 

“(Graham) is teaching everyone here how to play hockey,” Hastings said. “He’s helping develop the second, third and fourth lines.”

Graham, a Minnesota-Duluth commit, now leads the Eagles with 12 goals and 20 points through eight games. 

Eden Prairie coach Lee Smith also praised Graham’s consistent scoring output. 

“He’s been pretty special all year long,” Smith said. “He makes a lot of things happen every night.”

Eagles sophomore forward Casey Mittelstadt finished with a goal and two assists, while sophomore goalie Nick Wiencek recorded 17 saves. 

Sophomore forward Nolan Sullivan had a goal and an assist and senior forward Riley Argetsinger added a goal for Eden Prairie.

Junior forward Eric Soderberg scored the lone goal for the No. 10-2A Thunderhawks (4-5), and senior goaltender Noah Troumbly made 17 saves.


Grand Rapids goalie Noah Troumbly clears the puck away from an Eden Prairie attack in a 6-1 loss in the Edina Holiday Classic. Photo by Rick Orndorf

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