2A boys' hockey semifinal preview

By Josh Katzenstein

Here's an early look at Friday night's Class 2A semifinals

No. 2 Edina vs. Apple Valley, 6 p.m.
In a matchup of a Minnesota Goliath and the remaining underdog, Edina (21-6-2) will look to use its balanced scoring attack to end the Eagles' hopeful run.

Seven Hornets scored in a dominant 7-3 quarterfinal win over Roseau, highlighted by a four-goal second period. But Apple Valley (18-11) might show Edina a stronger defensive presence than it saw Thursday. The Eagles held No. 3 Blaine scoreless in the quarters behind 30 saves from Aaron Gretz. The junior goalie has posted shutouts in three of the past four games.

Gretz's play in the semis could help keep Apple Valley's dreams alive, but the Eagles will need better offensive production if they hope to continue their spree of giant killing. Apple Valley managed only 17 shots on goal Thursday, one of which was an empty-netter.

The two teams will battle Friday at 6 p.m. with a seat in Saturday's title game on the line.

No. 1 Minnetonka vs. No. 4 Hill-Murray, to follow
To say the top-ranked Skippers (26-1-2) looked beatable Friday is a stretch, but they appeared susceptible to Lakeville North's physical attack. After the game, Minnetonka head coach Brian Urick admitted that he thought the eventual 6-1 quarterfinal win could have been a 3-3 game in the second period.

"It seemed like I was yelling a lot [Thursday] for a defenseman to get back," Urick said.

Hill-Murray showed Thursday it might have enough firepower to upend Minnetonka. The Pioneers scored four goals in two minutes of play spanning from the final minute of the first period to the first minute of the second period en route to beating Duluth East, 5-3.

However, Hill-Murray started the game trailing 2-0 in the first and gave up a third goal late in the period. If the Pioneers allow three fgoals to Minnetonka, Jim Kruger might singlehandedly dash their title hopes. The senior goalie has only allowed three or more goals in four games this season.