Warroad's goaltender had extra-special finish in mind

With a second consecutive Class 1A state championship secure, Warroad goaltender Shelby Amsley-Benzie can now admit she had a personal goal in mind.

The talented senior hoped to roll through the three-game tournament with three shutouts. She was on track through seven periods before South St. Paul scored in the second period of Saturday's championship game.

The Packers' Abby Palmquist lifted a backhander toward Amsley-Benzie's left side and the puck trickled behind the goal line.

"I wish I had it back," Amsley-Benzie said. "It's tough. I didn't see much rubber that whole game. It would have been nice to have three shutouts, but I'll get over it."

Seeing Amsley-Benzie, one of three Senior Goalie of the Year finalists, get beat did not alarm the Warriors.

"We have a lot of faith in Shelby," forward Karley Sylvester said.

The feeling all season has been mutual.

Amsley-Benzie finished the tournament with 41 saves on 42 shots and two shutouts, bringing her season total to 13.

Coon Rapids 5, Hill-Murray 4, 2 OT Two of the metro area's most dynamic forwards and future Gophers teammates, Rachael Bona of Coon Rapids and Hannah Brandt of Hill-Murray, impressed during Saturday's Class 2A third-place game.

Each player scored two goals, with Brandt's third period goal tying it 4-4. The game went to a second overtime before the Cardinals' Chelsea Cyert scored the game-winner.

Etc. • Breck won the Class 1A third-place game, outlasting Eveleth-Gilbert 6-4 with two goals in the third period. The Mustangs' Milica McMillen and Prentice Basten each scored twice.

• Elk River/Zimmerman beat Lakeville South 2-1 in the Class 2A consolation title game. Josie Brown's third period goal held up as the game-winner.