David La Vaque

Given to Minnesota’s top seniors, Kraft led Moorhead to the Class 2A state championship while Gabriel recorded a state record-tying 18th career shutout.

Scores and results from the boys hockey Class 2A state tournament quarterfinals at Xcel Energy Center.

Sixteen boys hockey teams have a chance to win a state title. But they must first get past the first round.

Going into the state tournament, here’s where Minnesota’s best teams fall in line.

Writers David La Vaque and Jim Paulsen pick which teams advance to the semifinals, the championship game and the eventual victor.

Second seed Stillwater, with goalie Cal Conway off MSHSL suspension, will face Andover, a state champ not long ago but a 15-13 seventh seed this season.

Matthew Volkman’s third goal of the game came in OT after the top-ranked Pioneers wiped out a two-goal lead.

Starting next season, the historic St. Paul Johnson hockey program will fold into Highland Park, giving the city one public-school co-op boys team.

Goaltender Owen Lunneborg made 32 saves in the section final, propelling the Sabers to state.

Mason West scored two goals for the Hornets, who will return to Xcel Energy Center for the fourth straight year.