Orono ends Breck's run of upsets in OT

Orono's Thomas Walker scored shorthanded 5:10 into overtime, as the top-seeded Spartans defeated sixth-seeded Breck 2-1 in the Class 1A, Section 2 final Thursday at Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis.

Landon Wittenberg scored in the first period for the Spartans (20-7-1), who outshot Breck 34-19. Goalie Evan Babekuhl made 18 saves.

"It's really surreal," Walker said of his game-winning goal, which came after a shot on goal by teammate Zack Simon. "It's something you dream of."

Breck (9-19) tied the score at 1-1 with 5:38 remaining in the third period on a power-play goal by senior Nick Strom. The Mustangs held off two late penalties, including a 35-second, five-on-three opportunity for Orono, to force overtime.

Breck had several chances on its power play early in overtime before Walker followed Simon's shot for the win.

"It's a credit to the kids," Orono coach Will Scholz said of the game-winner. "They battled all year, and they've battled since Bantam when they were state champs."

Goalie Blaine Madson made 32 saves for Breck, which defeated third-seeded Delano and second-seeded Mound-Westonka to reach the section championship. Will Torgerson and Beau Courneya had assists on Strom's goal.