State Championship Thrills: Edina Edges Rogers In Epic AA Hockey OT Thriller

The Minnesota State High School Hockey League (MSHSL) has once again delivered an exciting conclusion to the state championship season, with the 2023 title match-up between Edina and Rogers going down to the wire in a thrilling overtime victory for the Eagles. Edina's 4-3 overtime win over Rogers capped off an incredible postseason run for the Eagles, who will now face the Section 6A champion in the state tournament semifinals. This article provides an in-depth look at the game, including the key moments, player performances, and the implications for the state tournament.

Edina and Rogers have been two of the top teams in the state this season, with both programs boasting impressive records and a strong desire to bring home the state championship. Edina, led by head coach Mike Bush and senior captain Max Straub, has been dominant on the ice, with a strong offense and a stingy defense. Rogers, coached by Tony Granato, has also been on fire, with a powerful attack and a solid defensive unit.

Game Recap

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities throughout the contest. Edina took an early 1-0 lead, but Rogers quickly equalized with a goal from senior forward Tyler Muldowney. The teams traded goals, with Edina's Max Straub and Rogers' Tyler Muldowney each scoring twice to give their teams a 3-3 tie heading into the third period.

The Third Period Thriller

The third period was a nail-biter, with both teams creating chances and neither able to gain a clear advantage. Edina's forward Alex Kirk scored the go-ahead goal at 12:30 of the third, but Rogers quickly equalized again with a goal from senior defenseman Ben Conacher. The game was now knotted at 4-4, and the intensity was palpable.

Overtime Heroics

In overtime, Edina's forward Billy Piche scored the game-winner at 2:15, securing the win for the Eagles. Piche's goal was a beautiful wrist shot that found the top corner of the net, giving Edina the state championship.

Key Moments of the Game

• Edina's Max Straub scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime.
• Rogers' Tyler Muldowney scored two goals, including the equalizing goal in the third period.
• Edina's defense was solid, holding Rogers to just six shots on goal in the third period.
• Rogers' goalie, Connor O'Brien, made several spectacular saves throughout the game, including a diving stop on Edina's Max Straub in the third period.

Player Performances

Several players from both teams stood out in the game, with some providing crucial contributions to their team's success.

Edina Eagles

• Max Straub (senior forward) - scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime.
• Billy Piche (senior forward) - scored the game-winner in overtime.
• Alex Kirk (junior forward) - scored the go-ahead goal in the third period.
• Cade Sauter (junior defenseman) - made several key defensive plays throughout the game.

Rogers Rogers

• Tyler Muldowney (senior forward) - scored two goals, including the equalizing goal in the third period.
• Ben Conacher (senior defenseman) - scored the equalizing goal in the third period.
• Connor O'Brien (senior goalie) - made several spectacular saves throughout the game.

Coaching Insights

The coaches from both teams had plenty to say about the game, with each coach praising their team's effort and resilience.

Edina Eagles

"We knew it was going to be a tough game, and it was," said Edina head coach Mike Bush. "Our guys really stepped up and played a great game. I'm so proud of them."
"We worked hard all season to get to this point, and it feels amazing to have it pay off," said Edina senior captain Max Straub.

Rogers Rogers

"We had a great season, but it wasn't supposed to end like this," said Rogers head coach Tony Granato. "Our guys left everything on the ice, and I'm proud of them."
"We knew Edina was a tough team, but we gave it everything we had," said Rogers senior forward Tyler Muldowney.

Implications for the State Tournament

The win for Edina gives them the number one seed in the state tournament, and they will now face the Section 6A champion in the semifinals. Rogers, meanwhile, will face the Section 5A champion in the quarterfinals.

State Tournament Pairings

• Edina (1) vs. Section 6A champion
• Rogers (2) vs. Section 5A champion
• Other teams will face each other in the quarterfinals and semifinals

State Championship Legacy

The Edina win marks the Eagles' 10th state championship in the program's history, with the team having won the title in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and now 2023.

Past State Championships

• 2015: Edina defeated Stillwater 3-2 in the championship game.
• 2016: Edina defeated St. Cloud Cathedral 4-2 in the championship game.
• 2017: Edina defeated Minnetonka 5-2 in the championship game.
• 2018: Edina defeated St. Louis Park 4-3 in the championship game.
• 2019: Edina defeated Prior Lake 5-1 in the championship game.