Elk River Holds off Bemidji 4-3 in Section 8AA Quarterfinal
Neutral Zone scouted the Minnesota State Tournament section 8AA playoff matchup between the Elk River Elks and Bemidji Lumberjacks, two teams at opposite ends of the standings. Elk River (17-7-1) had won 5 straight and 7 of its last 8, while Bemidji (8-15-2) had lost 3 of its last 4. However, this would be no cakewalk for Elk River who escaped with just a 4-3-win vs Bemidji earlier this season. That game saw Bemidji goaltender Jackson Hill #1 (G, L, Bemidji HS, 01/01/2004) make nearly 40 saves in the loss.
Things started a bit slow, as both teams were likely feeling each other out for the first five minutes. However, things picked up quickly as a total of five goals were scored in the opening frame. The Elks were given a PP opportunity halfway through the period that featured a few good looks by Blake Johnson #9 (F, R, 5’10”, 175, Elk River HS, 04/19/2003), including a slick move to split D for a good chance. It was the Lumberjacks who would strike first though, as Nick Yavarow #5 (F, L, Bemidji HS, 01/01/2004) spoiled Elk River’s PP, pouncing on a loose puck for a breakaway chance that was followed up by his teammate Colten Pickett #18 (F, R, 5’10”, 172, Bemidji HS, 10/06/2003) for the shorthanded goal for Bemidji. The Elks responded nicely, following up on the same powerplay with a goal of their own. On this one, Kayden Grassel #7 (F, L, 5’8″, 172, Elk River HS, 08/19/2003) beat the Bemidji defenseman to the net to even things up. Minutes later, Josef Lalli #6 (D, R, 5’8″, 130, Bemidji HS, 02/27/2004) kept with the theme and scored his own Powerplay goal for Bemidji. Blake Rinehart #27 (D, L, 6’0″, 175, Elk River HS, 07/10/2004) then scored off a quick feed from Johnson off the rush to even things up for the Elks. As the period wound down, it was Reinhart again, this time burying a loose puck in front to send Elk River into the first intermission up, 3-2. Special teams were the obvious difference-maker in the first period. The shots after the first were 11-10 Elks.
After a high tempo and high scoring first period, the second period was relatively quiet. While zeroes were put up on the scoresheet, the physicality began to pick up for both sides. Both goalies were strong too, with Hill making 14 stops for Bemidji, and Stockman making 13 for Elk River. The best chances for either side in the second were a pair of breakaway opportunities by Wyatt Mattfield #9 (F, R, 5’8″, 134, Bemidji HS, 12/17/2004) for the Lumberjacks, both turned aside nicely by Stockman. Shots were 25-23 Elk River after 2.
The third period was exactly what was to be expected in a one-goal playoff game. It was high paced, highly physical period that came down to the final seconds. The period opened with a Bemidji powerplay. Despite a couple of good looks on the man advantage for the Lumberjacks, the Elk River PK came up big. Halfway through the period, Bemidji tied things up before Elk River quickly regained the lead on a shot from Jackson Skyberg #6 (D, L, 5’9″, 173, Elk River HS, 01/01/2004) which was tipped by Blaise Schutt #17 (F, L, 5’11”, 187, Elk River HS, 08/11/2003) in front. Elk River continued to play a possession game until the final minutes. A couple of big blocks and a couple of big saves and Elk River escapes with the 4-3 win on home ice. A hard-fought game for both teams that had a true playoff feel. The final shots were 36-33 in favor of Bemidji.
Elk River moves to 18-7-1 on the year, while Bemidji falls to 8-16-2. The Elks will play the winner of Sartell/Roseau on February 26 in the Section 8AA Semifinals.
Three Stars
First: Blake Johnson, Elk River
Second: Blake Rinehart, Elk River
Third: Jackson Skyberg, Elk River
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images