Abbie Canton’s first shot set the tone for Elk River/Zimmerman in its game with Totino-Grace on Saturday.

The senior forward picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone and ripped a slap shot from the top of the right face-off circle. The puck zoomed past Eagles goaltender Logan Knip as the Elks got on the scoreboard just 63 seconds into the game. 

The scoring barrage continued as Elk River/Zimmerman added six more goals and cruised to a 7-0 victory over Totino-Grace in a Northwest Suburban Conference matchup at Parade Ice Garden.

Canton finished with two goals and two assists. Junior forward Breanna Simon also netted two goals, while senior forward Julia Miller, freshman defender Madison Bizal and sophomore forward Shae McLean each had a goal for the Elks (2-1-0).

Elk River/Zimmerman built a 3-0 lead in the first period on goals from Simon and Miller. Canton and her booming slap shot then struck again, scoring on a play nearly identical to her first goal to stretch the Elks’ lead to 4-0 with 2:12 remaining in the period.

“I haven’t had a lot of luck with (my slap shot) lately,” Canton said. “It was a good situation for (it), and thankfully, it went in the back of the net.”

Simon scored her second goal and Bizal tallied one on the power play in the second period, while McLean had a short-handed goal in the third period.

Canton, who leads the team with three goals and three assists through three games, has the ability to scoring ability, but her other skills are what make playing with her enjoyable, Simon said. 

“She’s a great player,” Simon added. “She moves the puck really well, and she gives 110 percent on every shift.”

Canton’s passing ability may be as underrated as the Elk River/Zimmerman team. The Elks lost to Eden Prairie 4-1 in the season opener, but have rebounded with two victories, including the one over Totino-Grace. The Eagles are ranked No. 12 in the Class 1A coaches poll.

“A lot of people underestimate us this year,” Canton said. “We’re just focused on improving, and showing people we’re not (a team) to be overlooked.”

Canton, a team captain, may be the ideal catalyst for an Elk River/Zimmerman squad looking for some statewide recognition, Elks coach Dale Sager said.

“Canton’s really stepped up as a senior this year,” Sager said “The kids respect her and look up to her. She’s a good student, and a good kid.”

Senior forward Abbie Canton scored two goals and had two assists as Elk River/Zimmerman routed Totino-Grace 7-0 in a Northwest Suburban Conference game Saturday afternoon at Parade Ice Garden.

Junior forward Breanna Simon also scored two goals for the Elks (2-1-0).

Canton opened the scoring a minute into the first period. Her slap shot from the top of the right circle send the puck into the corner of the net. Canton’s second goal was nearly identical to her first and made the score 4-0 with 2:12 remaining in the first period. 

Senior forward Julia Miller, freshman defender Madison Bizal and sophomore forward Shae McLean also each had a goal for Elk River/Zimmerman.

Totino-Grace (0-2-0), ranked No. 12 in the latest Class 1A coaches poll, managed only eight shots on goal.

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