Warroad Shuts Down Northern Lakes Behind Kennedy’s 24-Save Performance

Warroad Shuts Down Northern Lakes Behind Kennedy’s 24-Save Performance

By Robert Brent

Ryan Shaugabay scored twice and Warroad exploded for a 17-shot third period to defeat Northern Lakes in the final quarterfinal of the day 5-0.

Third-seeded Warroad and sixth-seeded Northern Lakes faced off in the final Class A quarterfinal of the Minnesota State Tournament’s opening day.

Tournament regular Warroad made its return to Grand Casino Arena after a rare absence last season. They had made the trip to state three years in a row before that.

Northern Lakes returned to the Class A State Championship after an appearance last season, when they lost to eventual champions East Grand Forks in the opening round.

Warroad ultimately emerged victorious in a game that featured solid goaltending, some highlight-reel moves, and physical play.

The first period was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating good chances. Warroad goaltender Patrick Kennedy will be one of the stories of the tournament, starting just six games for the Warriors this season. Warroad’s regular starter, Finn Hanson, will unfortunately miss the tournament due to an injury. 

If the first period was any indication, Warroad is in good hands with Kennedy, who made 11 saves in the opening frame.

Opposing goaltender Sam Suja was equally up to the task, turning away 14 shots for Northern Lakes in a scoreless first period.

Warroad broke the ice immediately after the opening faceoff of the second period. Gavin Anderson scored the goal after breaking up a D-to-D pass from Northern Lakes and streaking in on the Lightning net alone. The goal was Anderson’s 31st of the season.

The Warriors used that goal to carry momentum throughout the early parts of the period, building a lead in shots on goal.

Northern Lakes had the next significant chance of the game when Griffen Hannah streaked into the Warroad zone on a breakaway. His move beat the goaltender, but he didn’t find the net after he rang his shot off the iron.

The Warriors countered with a breakaway of their own moments later. Warroad, however, found the back of the net on a goal from Ryan Shaugabay. 

Warroad’s goal capped a second period where the Warriors earned a two-goal lead. The lead put major pressure on the Lightning, given Warroad’s strong season finishing games. The team has only lost once when they enter a third period with the lead.

Northern Lakes’ goaltender Sam Suja had a standout game despite the deficit, saving 25 shots through the first two periods.

Warroad pulled away in the third period, potting three goals to end the game. Goals came from Ryan Shaugabay, Ayven Hontvet and Grayson Bentow. The Warriors put together a blistering third period, logging 17 shots on goal against Sam Suja.

On the other end of the ice, Northern Lakes was unable to solve Warroad’s Patrick Kennedy. The goaltender who came into the tournament second on the Warriors depth chart recorded a 24-save shutout in the tournament’s opening round.

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