#14 Seth Barnes (W) & #20 Ryan Colvin (H)A potential blowout turned into a nail-biter as Wayzata’s four-goal lead ended in a 4-3 victory over Hopkins in boys Classic Lake conference play on Thursday night.
Wayzata (15-8-1) swept its conference series with Hopkins (14-9-1) as it prepares for section playoffs next week. The Trojans beat Hopkins 3-1 earlier this month.
"We got off to real fast start last night and we had a lot of jump,” said Wayzata head coach Carl Davis. “We set them back on their heels and were fortunate to hold onto the lead for the win.
“It was a big win for us in terms of seeding in sections,” said Davis. “Depending on the outcomes of tomorrow’s games, we have a shot at the number three seed in our section.”
Wayzata dominated Hopkins in the first period, out-shooting the Royals 15-4. Junior center Danny Walsh scored first for Wayzata on a quick backhanded shot past the Royals’ Alex Fons. He was assisted by junior winger Scott Holm, who scored a goal (assist: Bryan Tabery) of his own less than 20 seconds later.
In the second period Wayzata added two more goals to make it 4-0. Senior forward Matt Straate slammed the puck through the five-hole on an assist from teammate Kevin Blackley. Late in the period Blackley scored on a perfect pass from senior captain Billy Soule.
Hopkins mounted a comeback early in the third period with a powerplay goal from just inside the blue line by Nate Seashore (assists: Tom Plotkin, Archie Skalbeck). The Royals’ Travis Boyd scored an unassisted goal a few minutes later as the momentum swung towards Hopkins. Plotkin made it 4-3 on high corner shot after Wayzata goalie Ty Simcoe had lost his stick. Wayzata’s defense held firm and Simcoe, who stopped 25 shots, picked up his 13th win.
Wayzata will play Armstrong tomorrow at 2:30 pm on Plymouth Ice Center in its final regular season game.
#20 Kevin Blackley (W) & #9 Travis Boyd (H)
