David La Vaque

Randolph, who owns the most career victories as a Minnesota high school boys hockey coach with 727, led the team to the Class 1A quarterfinals this season.

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.

The Spuds' Mason Kraft equaled John Mayasich with four first-period goals, but the Ponies made it close by the end.

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

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

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

This season John Hirschfeld became St. Cloud Cathedral’s career assists and scoring leader. Entering the Section 5 championship game, he had scored 223 career points.

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.

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