Fans and some coaches described the finish of the Class 2A, Section 6 semifinal game between third-seeded Wayzata and second-seeded Maple Grove at Parade Ice Garden on Wednesday as unexpected.
But not Trojans coach Becky Wacker, who said she was only slightly surprised by what her Wayzata team accomplished.
Sophomore defenseman Lindsay Czech and sophomore forward Natalie Heising each scored two goals, while junior Sarah Stelter was nearly perfect in goal, helping the Trojans upset the Crimson 5-1 and advance the section championship.
“The effort (the team) put in was expected, but to put up five goals against a team like Maple Grove, that’s unexpected. I think that would surprise anyone,” Wacker said.
The Trojans’ effort began with Stelter, who had 20 saves on 21 shots and tied her season-high with a .950 save percentage.
“We brought a lot of fire in our gut,” Stelter said..
Wayzata found offensive fire in their sophomore class, as it carried the scoring load.
Czech's two goals against the Crimson doubled her season total to four. She said the game was the highlight of her season.
“I’ve never scored two goals in a game. I’m proud of that,” Czech added.
Heising also matched her season high with two goals and had an assist, giving her 12 goals and 21 assists on the year.
Heising said the key to beating Maple Grove’s tough sophomore goalie, Breanna Blesi, was to get as many shots on goal as possible.
The win was a little bit sweeter for Heising, who was a member on several national teams with many of the Crimson players.
“Once we’re on the ice, we’re competitors,” Heising said.
Wacker said both Heising and Czech are fun to coach.
“They’d run through a brick wall to win a hockey game,” Wacker said. “They both want to win so much, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes just to get there.”
Wayzata is hoping for more unexpected results when they take on rival Minnetonka in the section finals on Friday, Feb. 13.
“The past few years when they were in state, we were always the last team to beat them, so hopefully that helps,” Wacker said. “It’s nice to have it come down to us and Minnetonka at the end.”
Maple Grove goalie Breanna Blesi concentrates on a wide Wayzata shot in the Crimson's 5-1 loss to the Trojans in the Class 2A, Section 6 semifinals. Photo by Rick Orndorfi
First Report
Sophomore forward Natalie Heising and sophomore defender Lindsay Czech finished with two goals apiece, leading third-seeded Wayzata in a 5-1 upset of second-seeded Maple Grove in their Class 2A, Section 6 semifinal game at Parade Ice Gardens on Wednesday.
Junior forward Maddie Wolsmann also had an empty-net goal late in the third period for the Trojans (13-0-2).
Heising scored her goals in the first period, while Czech netted hers in the second, staking Wayzata to a 4-0 lead.
Sophomore forward Taylor Wente’s second-period power-play goal was the lone bright spot for Maple Grove (23-1-1).
Trojans junior goalie Sarah Stelter made 20 saves, while Crimson sophomore goalie Breanna Blesi had 18.
Wayzata plays top-seeded Minnetonka for the section title at the Parade Ice Gardens on Friday. It is the fourth meeting of the Trojans and the Skippers this season.
