Mitchell Mattson’s 6-foot-4 frame and broad wingspan with the stick makes him quite an obstacle for opposing teams trying to run their systems.

Factor in his speed, skill, shot and incredible hands, and the Grand Rapids senior forward has more than a fair opportunity to work with his teammates and turn out the lights on opponents.

So learned Edina on Thursday night as Grand Rapids kicked the Hornets Nest for a rare victory.

Mattson, a North Dakota recruit, finished with two goals in the 6-4 win. His first not only put the Thunderhawks ahead 1-0 early in a game it would never trail, but it also set a tone for the night.

On the penalty kill, Mattson forced a turnover from his own blue line and maneuvered up ice to score a shorthanded goal. 

“We try to be as aggressive as we can with our penalty kill,” Mattson said. “I was fortunate enough to get a poke at it, and then fortunate to beat (the defenseman). Luckily, it rolled in. You take what you can on the penalty kill.”

Grand Rapids, (6-2-1), ranked No. 9 in the Class 2A coaches' poll, made a statement with its physical play and aggressive forecheck that left No. 5-2A Edina frustrated.

In the first two periods especially, the Hornets struggled to keep a lid on their opponents' speed and transition. It took two periods for Edina to adjust. By then, it was too late.

“We’ve got some quick players on our team, and transition is a big part of hockey,” Mattson says. “For us, it’s important, and I think our speed helps us a lot in that area.”

The Thunderhawks were happy to get that going, as turnovers fed long passes up-ice and created scoring chances and pressure that led to their first victory over Edina since December 2010.

“We want to turn the puck up ice, and we want to go right back at them,” Grand Rapids coach Trent Klatt said. “When we do that well, when we play with tempo and pace and speed, we feel like we can control the play.”

For the majority of the opening period, the Thunderhawks did control the play, keeping the puck on their sticks and owning play along the boards.

The first period ended in a 1-1 tie, but Grand Rapids really got things going in the second period, when the Thunderhawks started scoring in streaks to take a 5-1 lead into the third.

“We played good hockey tonight, with a purpose,” Klatt said. “Playing here, I knew it would be important to match (Edina’s) energy and enthusiasm, and I think we did a good job of that.”

Grand Rapids resumes action Friday night against No. 2-2A Eden Prairie in the 6 p.m. game at Braemar Ice Arena.

“This win…it’s huge,” Mattson said. “But we will take it as it comes, and then hopefully roll it into tomorrow. We’ve got another big one in front of us.”

Grand Rapids commenced the opening day of the Edina Holiday Classic with a cold reception for the tournament's host as the Thunderhawks recorded a 6-4 victory over the Hornets.

Senior captain Mitchell Mattson, a North Dakota commit, finished with two goals, including a shorthanded score that got the Thunderhawks going, as Grand Rapids never trailed.

The Thunderhawks' physical play and aggressive forecheck left Edina frustrated, as the Hornets struggled to keep a lid on Grand Rapids' speed and transition.

The Thunderhawks (6-2-1), ranked No. 9 in the Class 2A coaches' poll, resumes action Friday night against No. 2-2A Eden Prairie in the 6 p.m. game at Braemar.

The No. 5-2A Hornets (5-3) play in the nightcap Friday, where they face No. 13-2A Elk River.

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