In a nail-biting match that had everyone at the edge of their seats, the Moorhead Spuds made history by winning their very first Minnesota Class 2A state boys hockey championship. On March 8, 2025, this exciting game took place at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the Spuds faced off against the Stillwater Ponies, ultimately claiming victory with a final score of 7-6.
Star Player: Mason Kraft Shines Bright
The spotlight shone especially bright on Mason Kraft during this unforgettable game, as he scored an impressive four goals in the first period alone. His extraordinary performance played a huge role in setting the tone for the Spuds early on, helping them to establish a commanding lead that they would work hard to maintain throughout the game. Fans couldn’t believe their eyes as Kraft lit up the scoreboard, showcasing his skill and determination on the ice.
A Quick Start with Goals Galore
The excitement of the game skyrocketed right from the start, as the Moorhead Spuds kicked off their scoring spree with three goals in under three minutes! It was a whirlwind of action that left the Stillwater Ponies scrambling to keep up. Just when it seemed like things couldn’t get more thrilling, Brooks Cullen joined Kraft in the scoring frenzy, netting another goal for Moorhead in the first period.
Stillwater’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite Moorhead’s strong start, the Stillwater Ponies were determined not to back down. Luca Jarvis managed to secure a goal for Stillwater late in the first period, making the score 5-1 going into the second period. Even with the uphill battle, Stillwater demonstrated resilience and pushed forward to challenge the Spuds’ lead.
Second and Third Periods: Maintaining the Momentum
The second period continued to showcase the extraordinary talent of the Moorhead players, including a goal from Brandon Mickelson, which helped the team maintain a 6-3 lead as they entered the last period. Craig’s solid defensive strategies prevented Stillwater from closing the gap any further. A power-play goal by Zac Zimmerman added yet another score for Moorhead in the third period, bringing the score to 7-4.
A Tense Finish
A Victory for the Ages
This historic win marks the first state championship title for the Moorhead Spuds, and it’s a moment they will cherish forever. Their season was dedicated to their beloved team manager, Ethan Monshaugen, who inspired them every step of the way. The impressive teamwork and unwavering spirit of each player was celebrated, as six members of the team were also recognized by being named to the all-tournament team.
Celebrating a Dream Come True
The excitement and camaraderie displayed by both the players and fans are what makes high school hockey so special. The Moorhead Spuds’ victory is sure to be talked about for years to come, bringing a sense of pride to the community and their supporters. As players and fans embrace this monumental moment, the Spuds will definitely savor their first-ever state championship, proving that hard work and dedication truly pay off on the ice!