Class 2A boys' hockey quarterfinals: Centennial rallies in third period to nip St. Thomas Academy

Centennial, 0-3-1 in games against state tournament teams this season, scored an upset of St. Thomas Academy to finally beat a team playing at Xcel Energy Center this week.

The No. 5 seed Cougars (20-6-3) edged the No. 4 Cadets 3-2 in the Class 2A quarterfinals, never leading until Hayden Brickner scored the clinching goal with 3 minutes, 32 seconds remaining.

Goaltender Travis Allen made the lead stand, stopping all 14 third-period shots. He made 33 saves overall and held the Cadets' power play scoreless for the last 1:55 of the game.

Perhaps his biggest save came only 30 seconds into the third period, denying Ray Christy on a 2-on-1.

"I saw a little white [jersey] and did a quick prayer," said Allen, who outdueled Frank Brimsek Award finalist Atticus Kelly.

"It came down to which goalie made the last save," Cadets co-head coach Greg Vannelli said. "That save early in the third period and their shorthanded goal made the difference."

Jack Menne scored shorthanded to tie the score 2-2 at 7:41 of the third period. He and Carter Wagner completely befuddled St. Thomas Academy's power-play unit, created the turnover and scored.

Wagner cut the Centennial deficit to 2-1 at 7:39 of the second period with a successful diving swipe at a rebound.

The Cadets (25-3-1) jumped to a 2-0 lead after one period on goals from Cade Huntley and Ben Stucker.

DAVID LA VAQUE