Duluth East's Ryder Donovan buries the game winning goal, 36 seconds into overtime, past Andover goaltender Ben Fritsinger, to win the Class 2A, Section 7 championship 4-3 Thursday at Amsoi Arena. Photo: Dave Harwig, SportsEngine
DULUTH – “How bout them Hounds?” Duluth East boys’ hockey coach Mike Randolph repeatedly exclaimed as he left the Amsoil Arena ice after his team’s 4-3 overtime upset of Andover.
For a second consecutive year, Andover and Duluth East needed overtime to settle the Class 2A, Section 7 championship game. And once again, the Greyhounds prevailed. This time, Ryder Donovan scored on the power play just 36 seconds into the extra period to stun fourth-ranked Andover.
DULUTH -- For a second consecutive year, Andover and Duluth East needed overtime to settle the Class 2A, Section 7 championship game at Amsoil Arena.
And once again, Duluth East prevailed. This time, Ryder Donovan scored on the power play just 36 seconds into the extra period for a 4-3 upset of the top-seeded Huskies.
With the victory, No. 12 Duluth East (18-6-2) advances to the state tournament next week. Meanwhile, No. 4 Andover (24-3-1) once again found its first state tournament just out of reach.
The teams were tied 2-2 after two periods. Jack FitzGerald’s goal at 2:35 of the third period gave the Greyhounds a 3-2 lead. But Charlie Schoen's shallow-angle snipe for a power-play goal at 10:55 gave Andover life.
Schoen is a Mr. Hockey Award finalist. So is Donovan, who endured a trying season to reach the state tournament.
Check back later for more on the game.