Edina defeats Minnetonka in MSHSL girls hockey state tournament semifinal

The Hornets' strong second period takes them to the state title game

ST. PAUL — The No. 4-seed Edina Hornets (23-6-1) defeated the No. 1-seed Minnetonka Skippers (26-3-1) 3-2 in the 2024 Class 2A MSHSL girls hockey state tournament semifinals at Xcel Energy Center.

"I think our biggest thing was going to be who wanted it more," Edina coach Sammy Cowger said. "That's been our mantra these past couple weeks. ... Our grit and our want to win, to beat our biggest rival, was huge for us tonight." 

Edina took a 2-1 lead with two goals in the second period. 

Sophomore Lorelai Nelson cleaned up a puck in front of the net after a backhand from sophomore Cate McCoy hit the post.

Four minutes later, McCoy scored on a one-timer after a perfect pass from senior Hannah Halverson for the 2-0 lead. 

McCoy has good chemistry with Halverson on a new line. 

"We get open," McCoy said. "We get to the space and get open and just try and create chances and get the puck to the net. .... [Halverson] is a really good player, and she always knows what to do."

Minnetonka responded 30 seconds later with its first goal. Junior Isabella Finnegan went around a defender and ripped a shot into the top corner. Eighth grader Sydney Boss Krohn got the assist. 

The Skippers tied the game one minute into the third period. Finnegan weaved through multiple Edina defenders before the puck found Kendra Distad in front of goal. Distad shot a backhand into the top right corner to tie the game. 

It's a tough loss for a Skippers team that had title aspirations.

"I told [Lindzi Avar] and [Distad] and told them that I love them, and that I'm proud of them, and I just said, 'It's ok,'" Minnetonka coach Tracy Cassano said. "They both looked at me and said, "It's not ok.'"

Edina regained the lead shortly after. Whitney Horton shot the puck off Skippers goaltender Layla Hemp's pad, and Brenna Prellwitz knocked in a puck with her thigh. The play was reviewed and called a good goal.

"I didn't know if it was going to be called off or not," Prellwitz said. "I just hoped for the best."

The Hornets defense held in the final minutes for the win. 

"Their top guns we're gassed," Cowger said. "We wanted to keep them skating as much as we could."

Edina finished with a 36-23 shots on goal advantage. 

Edina will play No. 2-seed Hill-Murray in the Class 2A state championship on Saturday at 6 p.m. It would be the fifth state title in Edina history with a win. 

"Every season, every team is new, so we build knew traditions and new superstitions every year," Cowger said. 

Stay with SBLive Minnesota for full coverage of the state tournament including previews, brackets, game recaps and live score updates throughout the week.

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- Jack Butler | butler@scorebooklive.com | @Butler917