It was a non-conference formality, but it was important just the same. As the Faribault High School boys hockey team prepares for its biggest game of the season, the Falcons proved they’re mentally ready for the challenge in a 7-0 win over Holy Family on Saturday at the Faribault Ice Arena.

The Falcons host Rochester Mayo on Thursday, and if they win they’ll be the first FHS team to claim at least a share of the Big 9 Conference title. But that distraction didn’t get in the way Saturday as FHS took care of business from the start.

Leading the way was goalie Aaron Forgaard, who turned away all 23 shots he faced — including 10 in a penalty-ridden first period — to se the tone for victory.

“Aaron got in there and shut them down,” coach Brad Ryan said.

Meanwhile, Faribault (17-6, 7-1 Big 9 Conference) took a 1-0 lead into the second period and never looked back. Thanks to a pair of goals by Bo Putrah and Sean Lipinski, the Falcons cruised to victory while scattering 38 shots on goal in the game.

The Falcons went 1-for-2 on the power play, but perhaps more importantly FHS held Holy Family (10-12-1) to an 0-for-7 mark on the man-advantage while scoring two short-handed goals.

FHS GAME STATISTICS
FHS 1 3 3 -- 7

HF 0 0 0 -- 0

Scoring — First period: 9:09 FHS Bo Putrah (Nick Murray). Second period: 3:41 FHS Sean Lipinski (Ryan Dwyer, George Richie), 14:11 FHS Jack Helgeson (Dwyer) PPG, 16:38 FHS Lipinski (Richie) SHG. Third period: 1:10 FHS Richie (unassisted) SHG, 2:48 FHS Putrah (Helgeson), 13:30 FHS Dwyer (Garrett Gulsvig, Lipinski). Shots on goal — FHS 38 HF 23. Power plays — FHS 1-2 HF 0-7. Saves — FHS Aaron Forgaard 23 HF Matt LaPrade 31.