Scoring twice in the game's opening three minutes, Totino-Grace appeared armed and ready to avenge a one-goal loss to Champlin Park earlier this season.
The Eagles even held the lead through the first period, but it did not last long.
As a Rebels’ penalty expired in the opening minute of the middle period, Champlin Park junior Jordan Trapp zipped a long pass to teammate Kaleigh Martinson on a breakaway.
Martinson's backhand fake drew Totino-Grace goaltender Erin Stehler out of the net for an easy goal, the 50th of her career.
That was just the start for Martinson, who finished with four goals and an assist in the Rebels’ 6-2 rout of their Northwest Suburban Conference foe Wednesday night at New Hope Arena in the championship game of the Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper Holiday Classic.
Martinson, the team’s returning leading scorer, had just five goals on the year entering the tournament.
She finished with eight goals in the two-day event, and despite her sudden prominence on the scoresheet, Martinson's play has changed little. Instead, it was simply the senior forward capitalizing on her opportunities in the tournament.
“She has 14 breakaways where she’s missed (the net), and she’s hit at least 10 or 12 crossbars this season,” Champlin Park coach Jim Koltes said.
Standing 5-foot-8, Martinson’s slight height advantage on most players translates into longer - yet equally fast strides - that aid her in beating defenders to loose pucks.
The Rebels (6-9) tried to get her going early, chipping passes off the boards on the breakout to create fast-break opportunities.
Trapp, who primarily plays defense, connected with Martinson on each of her goals.
“We know where each other are all the time," Martinson said. "We work really good together."
Despite a game that was absent of goaltending early, Champlin Park junior goalie Natalie Burgoyne denied the Eagles (4-10) on 26 straight shots to close the win.
“We’re just learning what it’s like not to have an all-state goalie in front of you, but you can still be successful with who’s in goal. You just have to change your system and buy into it,” Koltes said.
Champlin Park now rides a three-game winning streak into the new year, and its recent success has been anchored by strong goaltending and Martinson’s nose to the net.
“I really don’t know,” she said. “I didn’t expect the goals to come at all. They just did.”
Natalie Burgoyne (1) made 27 saves in Champlin Park's win. Photo by Trevor Squire
First Report
Kaleigh Martinson’s natural hat trick in the second period boosted Champlin Park to a 6-2 victory over Totino-Grace in the championship game of the 20th annual Robbinsdale Armstrong/Cooper Hockey Classic on Wednesday night at New Hope Arena.
Martinson finished the game with four goals and posted eight in the two-day tournament, leading the Rebels (6-9) to three consecutive wins this season.
Champlin Park goaltender Natalie Burgoyne stopped 27 shots for the win, while goalie Erin Stehler made 22 saves for the Eagles (4-10).
