NEW ULM – Top-seeded New Ulm scored a pair of power play goals and also scored one shorthanded in holding off fifth-seeded Windom Area 4-3 in the semifinals of the Section 3A boys hockey tournament Saturday at New Ulm Civic Center.
Windom Area, which was in the semifinal round of the section tourney for the first time in program history, has its season end with a 12-14-1 record.
The home Eagles got on the board first with Jack Albrecht scoring an even strength goal at 4:17 of the first period. The visitors from Windom answered back quickly with the equalizer as Wriley Haugen scored his ninth goal of the season at the 5:32 mark with Sonny Heil getting an assist.
New Ulm scored twice in the second frame. Taylor Hanson scored on power play at 2:14 and Austin Uecker netted a shorthanded goal at 12:25 and the home team took a 3-1 lead into the second intermission.
Ben Purrington scored his third goal unassisted at 4:28 of the third to bring Windom Area within 3-2.
Just 17 seconds after that goal, Windom Area was assessed a penalty and late in the power play opportunity Braxten Hoffman scored for New Ulm at 6:29 for a 4-2 lead.
Karson LaCanne scored his seventh goal for Windom Area at 12:52 on a helper from Ethan Purrington and Windom Area again cut the margin to one at 4-3.
Windom Area pulled its goalie in the final minute but was not able to get the tying goal.
Dan Stubbe, a senior from Jackson County Central, made 30 saves for Windom Area.
New Ulm (21-6) plays Mankato East/Loyola in the championship game at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Mayo Health System Events Center in Mankato. The Cougars downed Luverne 7-1 in their semifinal.
SECTION 3A BOYS HOCKEY
Wednesday, Feb. 23
First round
Fairmont 5, Minnesota River 2
Mankato West 10, Redwood Valley 0
Thursday, Feb. 24
Quarterfinals
New Ulm 10, Fairmont 1
Windom Area 7, Marshall 1
Mankato East/Loyola 6, Mankato West 0
Luverne 7, Worthington 1
Saturday, Feb. 26
Semifinals
New Ulm 4, Windom Area 3
Mankato East/Loyola 7, Luverne 1
Wednesday, March 2
At Mayo Health System Events Center, Mankato
Championship
New Ulm (21-6) vs. Mankato East/Loyola (16-10-1), 7 p.m.