It was an exciting class AA match up between Hill-Murray and Maple Grove at the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul. Hill-Murray advanced with a 5-2 victory over Maple Grove in a game that was much closer than the score indicated.

Heavy hitting set the tone early in the first period when team captain Charlie Sampair of the Pioneer’s checked Shane Wolden into Hill-Murray’s bench. Alex Mason put Maple Grove on the scoreboard first with his wrist shot at 3:19. Hill-Murray scored two quick goals at 7:27 and 8:05 to end the first period up 2-1. All goals in the first period came at even strength.

Hill-Murray scored twice in the second period to take a 4-1 lead. Their third-goal by Zach LaValle at 10:19. Charlie Sampair scored a power play goal at 13:11 for the Pioneers after Freemark was given two minutes for tripping.

Each team traded a goal in the third period to bring this 5-2 game to a close. Hill-Murray advanced to the class AA semifinal game.