Another Shootout Thriller

Edina, MN - The final two teams of the Dangle League made their debut Tuesday night from Braemar Arena with Empowers Performance and Hepp’s Salt Co. faced off in a tightly contested and entertaining game.  Hepp’s Salt Co. erased a 1-0 deficit and earned a hard fought 2-1 shootout victory. 

The tempo and pace of the game was scorching as Minnesota’s best high school hockey players were on display.  There were a few grade A scoring chances, none better than Mika Cichosz’s (Albert Lea) shot from the low slot that was stoned by Empowers goalie Nora Hanon (Edina) at the six minute mark of the fist half.  Mikayla Moran (Apple Valley) was sprung on a breakaway and hit the post after getting Hanon to commit. 

Hepp’s outshot Empowers 16-14 with Hepp’s goalie Layla Hemp (Minnetonka) perfect in the 13 shots fired her way and Hannon perfect on her 16.  

After 45 minutes of scoreless hockey, Empowers Performance broke the deadlock on a sizzling bar-down shot from Grace Larson (Minnetonka).  Bailey Gray (BSM) fed a perfect feed from the right point to the waiting Larson who delivered the goods and fired up her Empowers team. 

The story of the second half featured Zoe Rimstad (Academy of Holy Angels) as she showed her state tournament pedigree turning in a clutch second half performance.  One of the biggest was point blank stop off Lulu Rucinski (BSM) who dangled her way to an open look.  It was Rimstad that challenged and won with the oven mit on that round. 

Hepp’s tied the game at a one with 4 minutes remaining in the second half Abby Broz (CDH) potted the goal off the right side of the crease to finally solve Empowers and Rimstad.  The goal was a result of three shots in tight by Hepp’s of which Rimstad turned aside two but could not work the third as Broz made sure it was buried in the back of the net.  

The goal set up a charged and energy filled closing minutes of the game that led to a 1-1 tie and the second shootout in the second Dangle League game of the season. Sophie Strammel (Rosemount) and Moran each scored for Hepp’s Salt while their goaltender Ida Huber (Dodge County) was perfect in the two attempts against. Huber turned aside 9 of 10 shots in the second half and was credited with the win in the shootout.