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Blowout theme continues in 1A as Warroad trounces Hutchinson

By LOREN NELSON, Special to the Star Tribune, 03/04/20, 8:00PM CST

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The Warriors' Grant Slukynsky had a hat trick and two assists in the first period, tying the legendary John Mayasich's 1951 record for most points in a period, in the Warriors' 9-3 victory..


Warroad forward Grant Slukynsky (27), center, celebrated with goaltender Zach Foster (35) after Slukynsky completed a hat trick in the first 6 1/2 minutes of the first period against Hutchinson. Photo: Aaron Lavinsky • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com

The name of the greatest player in state tournament history was flashed repeatedly on Xcel Energy Center’s scoreboard. Past greats were occupying several of the building’s hunter green seats. Even the postgame media session veered heavily into discussions about legends of state tournaments past.

No. 1 seed and No. 1-ranked Warroad’s 9-3 demolition of unseeded Hutchinson (19-9-1) on Wednesday in a Class 1A quarterfinal included a performance for the ages. Warriors senior Grant Slukynsky had a hat trick 6:22 into the first period and finished with seven points (three goals, four assists), including a record-tying five in the opening period.

“He scored three (goals) before there were two commercials,” Warroad freshman Jayson Shaugabay said. “Yeah, we knew it was his night.”

Slukynsky’s five first period points ties the record set by Eveleth’s John Mayasich, the most dominant player in the tournament’s history, in 1951.

First report

Grant Slukynsky had a hat trick 6:22 into the opening period and tied a state record for most points in a period with five as No. 1 seed Warroad followed the Day of the Blowout theme Wednesday at Xcel Energy Center.

The Warriors surged to a five-goal first period lead en route to a 9-3 triumph over unseeded Hutchinson in the third Class 1A quarterfinal.

Freshman sensation Jayson Shaugabay added two first-period goals for the Warriors (27-2-0), who led 6-1 after the first period and were ahead 8-1 in the third when Brady Knorr scored twice in a 1-minute span for the Tigers (19-9-1). 

No. 1-ranked Warroad’s lopsided victory came on the heels of Hermantown’s 7-1 victory over Monticello and St. Cloud Cathedral’s 11-2 triumph over Mankato East earlier on Wednesday. 

Shaugabay, the state’s top freshman scorer, finished with a hat trick, and Slukynsky had seven points on three goals and four assists.

Blake Norris, Anthony Foster and Matthew Hard also scored for the Warriors. Nik Johnson had the other Hutchinson goal.

Hutchinson goaltender Austin Hagen stopped five of nine shots before giving way to Jacob Huls at 8:59 of the first period. Huls finished with 19 saves on 24 shots. A third Tigers goaltender, Griff Telecky, played the final 6 minutes and stopped the one shot he faced.

Warroad starter Zach Foster stopped six of seven shots through two periods. Jack Orchard allowed two goals on 13 shots in the third period. 

Check back later for more on the game.

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