Despite outshooting Elk River 12-3 in the second period, Edina's efforts showed no results as the game was scoreless after 34 minutes.
Two minutes into the final period, Hornets sophomore Peter Tabor was denied on a wraparound attempt but left an open puck for senior Ben Tucker, who fired a shot top shelf past Elk River goalkeeper Ben Meyers.
That was just the start as Edina scored three more goals in the final 15 minutes to cement a 4-0 victory over Elk River in the second round of the Edina Holiday Classic at Braemar Arena on Friday night.
Ranked No. 5 in the Class 2A coaches’ poll, the Hornets (6-3) were outshot in the final period, but senior goaltender Charlie deGrood pulled out all the stops to finish with 27 saves in the game and record his third shutout of the season.
“They have confidence in in the kid, he works hard and he plays well,” Edina coach Curt Giles said of deGrood.
A silent leader in the locker room, deGrood let his play do the talking as he denied the No. 13-2A Elks (5-3) on several multi-shot scoring chances, including in the third when he stopped 16 shots.
“I was focused on winning the game and just glad our team could string a few goals late in the game,” he said.
A win against No. 2-2A Eden Prairie tomorrow in the nightcap could earn the Hornets a share of the tournament title, their 10th in a row.
“Even though we have a young team, this is our barn and I know we can hang with them,” deGrood said.
Edina senior Casey Dornbach looks for a passing lane. Photo by Nick Wosika
First Report
Sophomore Lewis Crosby scored twice while senior goaltender Charlie deGrood stopped 16 shots in the third period to boost Edina over Elk River 4-0 in the second round of the Edina Holiday Classic on Friday night at Braemar Ice Arena.
Ranked No. 5 in the Class 2A coaches’ poll, the host Hornets (6-3) were held scoreless through two periods before erupting for four goals in the final 17 minutes against the No. 13-2A Elks (5-3).
Elk River goaltender Ben Meyers stopped 28 of 30 shots while deGrood finished with 27 saves in the shutout.
