Class AA Boys Hockey State Quarterfinal: Edina 6, Elk River/Zimmerman 2

Edina looked the part of a top seed with a 6-2 victory over Elk River/Zimmerman in the Class AA quarterfinals of the Minnesota State High School League’s Boys Hockey State Tournament on Thursday, March 7 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The Hornets (24-4-1) scored three goals in less than three minutes in the second period to turn what had been a one-goal advantage into plenty of breathing room.

Edina, playing in the state tournament for the 37^th time since 1967, advances to Friday’s semifinals and awaits the winner from Thursday’s final quarterfinal matchup between No. 5 Grand Rapids and No. 4 White Bear Lake. In advancing, Edina defeated Elk River/Zimmerman (18-10-1) for the second time this season. The first came with a 4-0 victory on Dec. 15.

Sophomore center Casey Vandertop scored three goals, including two in the game-defining three minutes in the second period. He later completed his hat trick on a goal that gave the Hornets a 6-0 advantage. Just more than a minute later, Elk River spoiled the shutout bid on an even-strength goal by senior wing Daniel Babcock. Senior wing Kole Mears added another in the third period for the Elks to set the scoring.

Edina, which outshot Elk River/Zimmerman 26-14, has won 13 boys hockey state championships, its last coming in 2019.