Moorhead vs Minnetonka: Moorhead Wins 5–4 in Double Overtime Thriller
The Moorhead vs Minnetonka Class 2A boys hockey championship delivered one of Minnesota’s most dramatic state finals. On March 7, 2026, the Moorhead Spuds defeated the Minnetonka Skippers 5–4 in double overtime at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. The game featured early Minnetonka dominance, a dramatic Moorhead comeback, and a sudden-death winner that ended nearly three hours of intense hockey.
Minnetonka jumped ahead early and controlled the first period. However, Moorhead responded with resilience in the third period and overtime. Senior forward Zac Zimmerman forced overtime with a late goal, while Evan Wanner delivered the championship winner.
According to Minnesota State High School League coverage and reporting by the Minnesota Star Tribune, the matchup showcased elite high school hockey talent and momentum swings that defined the 2026 final.
Early Momentum in Moorhead vs Minnetonka
Minnetonka controlled the opening minutes of Moorhead vs Minnetonka. Moorhead defenseman Drew Kortan received a cross-checking penalty 1:15 into the first period, giving Minnetonka an early power play.
At 2:45 of the first period, Jordan Johnson scored the first goal. He finished a cross-ice assist from Danny Browning. The goal set the tone and energized Minnetonka’s offense.
Skippers build a three-goal lead
Minnetonka extended the advantage quickly.
Key first-period moments:
- Ethan Sturgis, a Dartmouth commit, scored Minnetonka’s second goal.
- Cash Hardie added a wrist-shot goal less than four minutes later.
- Minnetonka carried a 3–0 lead into the first intermission.
Moorhead’s Comeback in the Third Period
Momentum shifts late
The Moorhead vs Minnetonka game changed dramatically during the third period. Moorhead increased offensive pressure and finally broke through.
Sophomore Joey Cullen scored near the crease to reduce the deficit to 4–2. The goal sparked renewed energy for the Spuds and shifted momentum toward Moorhead.
Zimmerman’s clutch performance
Senior forward Zac Zimmerman delivered the most important stretch of the game.
His contributions included:
- A key third-period goal to cut the lead further.
- The game-tying goal came with 35 seconds left in regulation.
Zimmerman’s late score tied the game 4–4 and forced overtime. The comeback erased Minnetonka’s earlier dominance and electrified the arena.
Double Overtime Decides the Championship
The first overtime period produced multiple scoring chances. Minnetonka briefly thought it had scored the winner. Officials waved off the goal because the whistle had blown before the puck crossed the line.
Both teams played cautiously afterward. Goaltender Chase Jerdee, wearing No. 31 for Minnetonka, made several crucial saves to keep the Skippers alive.
Wanner delivers the winning goal
The championship moment arrived in the second overtime.
Moorhead forward Evan Wanner, wearing No. 20, scored the winning goal on a wrist shot. Max Cullen provided the assist that set up the play.
The final result:
| Game Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Event | Class 2A Boys Hockey State Championship |
| Date | March 7, 2026 |
| Venue | Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul |
| Final Score | Moorhead 5, Minnetonka 4 |
| Overtime | 2 periods |
| Winning Goal | Evan Wanner |
| Assist | Max Cullen |
