Scouting the Spuds: A year ago, Moorhead arrived in St. Paul with expectations and left with two losses. The Spuds returned a mere 10 goals this season, and a goalie with two career games — the same amount of hip surgeries he had last summer. But senior netminder Will Kunka and the cast of fresh faces grew into a state tournament team. The turning point, coach Jon Ammerman said, came in a 4-2 loss at Section 8 rival Roseau. The Rams led 3-0 after one period, but Ammerman noticed his guys fought rather than fold. Moorhead hasn’t lost since and paid Roseau back in the section title game.

Scouting the Cougars: Coach Janne Kivihalme, stoic Finn that he is, broke out laughing when told of his reputation as a film geek. “You’re right,” he said. Reviewing his team’s game against Maple Grove provided valuable insight. “They are probably the fastest team we’ve played, and we showed that we can skate with them,” he said. “Anytime you can stay with a team, you can defend against them.” Depth at goalie sets Lakeville South apart. Ethan Dahlmeir and Cody Ticen have tag-teamed the position with nearly impeccable results. “Neither one of them has given us a reason to not play them,” Kivihalme said.

Worth knowing: Moorhead is 4-0-1 in overtime games this season, including a 3-2 victory against Bemidji in the Section 8 quarterfinals.

White Bear Lake watch party: Downtown White Bear Lake will play host to the “Bear Paw Thaw” on Friday and Saturday. An outdoor hockey state tournament viewing party will start at 1 p.m. Saturday. A large mobile viewing screen will be parked on Washington Square. Local restaurants will offer to-go specials so folks can eat at picnic tables while watching the games. Admission is free.

NHL flavor: Wednesday’s quarterfinal meeting of No. 1 seed Eden Prairie and St. Thomas Academy features two players already drafted by NHL teams. Eagles’ senior defenseman Mason Langenbrunner and Cadets’ senior forward Jackson Hallum were drafted last summer. The Vegas Golden Knights chose Hallum in the third round (91st overall) while Boston chose Langenbrunner in the fifth round (151st overall).

Tickets might be available: An e-mail Tuesday to state tournament season-ticket holders indicated that a small quantity of tickets could be available. The Minnesota State High School League did not make tickets open for public sale. But if the schools don’t use their allotment for the semifinals and finals, season-ticket holders could get the opportunity. Season-ticket holders were encouraged to “stay connected to your e-mail” for any ticket notifications.