Chisago Lakes forward Marisa Peterson wanted to believe in miracles.

Her team threatened an upset of No. 1 ranked and top-seed Breck by taking a lead midway through the second period of Wednesday’s Class 1A state tournament quarterfinal game at the Xcel Energy Center.

“I honestly thought we could take it,” Peterson said. “I knew it was a long shot but miracles can happen.”

By period’s end, however, Breck restored its lead and path toward a state title. But no one considered the Mustangs’ 7-3 victory easy.

“Tell you what, they had us on our heels,” Breck coach Chris Peterson said. “They played hard. They played with a lot of passion.”

Megan Lushanko staked her Wildcats to a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal. But Breck’s Kate Schipper responded with a pair of goals and the Mustangs led 2-1 at the first intermission.

Three Breck penalties in a little more than two minutes put the Mustangs on the defensive in the second period. The Wildcats pounced, getting a 5-on-3 power-play goal from Allison Ives to take a 3-2 lead.

“We had them on the ropes for a little bit there,” Wildcats coach Jason Mahlen said.

On the Breck bench, Peterson reminded players, “We have enough talent and skills to make some plays and we should be able to get back in this game.”

Breck erupted to score the game’s final five goals. Milica McMillen tied the game, Carly Schaeder scored twice and Schipper completed the hat trick.

Kate Schipper, Breck
Speedster Schipper blew past defenders as if they were standing still at times and carried her team past a tough as nails Chisago Lakes team. She completed a hat trick in the 3rd period to give her team a much needed insurance goal.

Carly Schaeder, Breck
On most any other day, two goals and one assist would make you the top star of the game. Schaeder used her incredible agility to dance around her opponents and find holes in the defense.

Marisa Peterson, Chisago Lakes
One goal games after two periods are hard to come by on day one of the state tournament. Peterson kept her team within striking distance for two periods with one goal and one assist to go along with two big blocked shots.

-Jake Lunemann, MN Girls Hockey Hub Staff