Warroad forward Geno Hendrickson (17) got a rebound past Willmar goaltender Bryton Carlson (1) in the first period. Photo: Shari L. Gross ¥ shari.gross@startribune.com
For a minute there — well, one minute and one second to be exact — Warroad’s collar on underdog Willmar in the Class 1A girls’ hockey state tournament quarterfinal loosened.
Two quick Willmar goals erased a three-goal Warroad lead in the second period, prompting Warriors coach Dave Marvin to call timeout.
The regroup worked. Three consecutive goals by Warroad restored order and fueled a 7-4 quarterfinal victory Wednesday at Xcel Energy Center.
“Just taking a break,” Marvin said of the timeout’s purpose. “There were no magic words.”
An enchanted feeling overtook Willmar (18-9-1), playing in its first state tournament since 2003. Ashley Larson and Tanna Christensen scored 1:01 apart to force the timeout by No. 2-seed Warroad (22-4-2).