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Class 1A preview: Can Delano's 'Mr. Zero' shut down Greenway's 11 skaters?

By Star Tribune, 03/05/19, 5:15PM CST

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Delano (No. 5, 17-9-2) vs. Greenway (No. 4, 15-13), 8 p.m.


Greenway's Grant Troumbly beats Hermantown goaltender Cole Manahan with a backhand shot during Wednesday night's Section 7A championship game at Amsoil Arena. Photo: Dave Harwig, SportsEngine

Delano (No. 5, 17-9-2) vs. Greenway (No. 4, 15-13), 8 p.m.

Scouting the Tigers: They began the season with just one victory in their first seven games but enter the tourney on a 10-game unbeaten streak. Senior goaltender Aaron Kruse has become the “Mr. Zero” of the postseason, registering three consecutive shutouts on a combined 50 saves. Kruse, a skilled puckhandler who served as a Tigers manger at the 2017 tournament, also has two playoff assists. Sophomore forward Adam Brown, son of longtime Delano coach Steve Brown, is the goal-scoring leader with 17.

Scouting the Raiders: Halted Hermantown’s run of nine consecutive tournament appearances by slaying the No. 1-ranked Hawks in a double-overtime section final. Greenway, appearing in the state tournament for the first time since 1987, features forward Ben Troumbly and defenseman Christian Miller, juniors who have verbally committed to St. Cloud State. Senior Donte Lawson is the top goal scorer with 33, including the emotion-charged winner against Hermantown. The Raiders will play just 11 skaters (seven forwards, four defensemen).

Worth knowing: Ten years ago Greenway faced such a severe shortage of players; it was on the verge of either folding or merging with the nearby Grand Rapids program.

LOREN NELSON

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