Rosemount's Jackson Sabo battles Lakeville North's AJ Haider for the puck Tuesday night. Sabo scored twice for the Irish in their 3-1 victory over the Panthers in Lakeville. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine
Irish goalie William Tollefson stretches to pull in a rebound late in the third period against Lakeville North. Tollefson had 20 saves in Rosemount's 3-1 victory over the Panthers. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine
Rosemount was a pleasant surprise last year, putting together its best season in a decade with 20 regular-season wins and a Class 2A, Section 3 playoff victory over Apple Valley before falling in the semifinal round to Eastview.
Coming into this season, the Irish believed they had nowhere to go but up. And up they’ve gone.
Rosemount, ranked No. 10 in the Class 2A coaches’ poll, notched a 3-1 win at South Suburban rival Lakeville North Tuesday night, earning the necessary points to guarantee the Irish at least a share of the conference title.
It’s the first South Suburban crown in program history, and the Irish (20-3, 14-2) can win the league outright with a win or tie in one of their final two games of the regular season.
Rosemount earned at least a share of the South Suburban Conference title with a 3-1 win at Lakeville North Tuesday at Lakeville Ames Arena.
The Irish, ranked No. 10 in the Class 2A coaches’ poll, got two goals from senior captain Jackson Sabo, including the game’s opening score just 20 seconds into the first period.
Rosemount (20-3, 14-2) led 3-1 after the second period and played a scoreless third to sweep Lakeville North for the season.
Caden Smith got Lakeville North (13-10, 12-5) within 2-1 with a power-play goal at the 14:20 mark of the second. Connor Kenefick responded 1 minute, 4 seconds later for Rosemount to give the Irish a 3-1 advantage.
Lakeville North goaltender Will Johnson made 27 saves, while Rosemount’s Will Tollefson blocked 20 shots.
With the win, Rosemount’s place in the conference standings can be matched only by Eagan. The Wildcats can split the league hardware by winning their final two games of the regular season, if the Irish lose their two remaining conference matchups.
Lakeville North senior Shane Griffin tries to split two Rosemount defenders Tuesday night at Ames Arena. The Panthers fell to the Irish 3-1. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine
The MN Hockey Hub poll is for entertainment purposes only.