Maple Grove Vs Prior Lake Hockey
Ice hockey is a sport that is deeply ingrained in the culture of Minnesota. The state takes pride in its love for the game, and it’s no surprise that there are many outstanding high school hockey teams in the state. Two of these teams, Maple Grove and Prior Lake, have developed a fierce rivalry over the years, with each team eager to prove its superiority on the ice. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this rivalry and explore what makes it so intense.
The Teams
Maple Grove High School is located in the city of Maple Grove, a suburb of Minneapolis. The Crimson hockey team has a proud tradition of excellence, having won the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament in 2012 and finishing as runners-up in 2015. The team is known for its fast-paced, aggressive style of play and its ability to score goals in bunches.
Prior Lake High School is located in the town of Prior Lake, which is also a suburb of Minneapolis. The Lakers hockey team has also had its fair share of success, having reached the state tournament several times in recent years. The team is known for its physical play and strong defense, with goaltender Jack Wieneke being a standout player.
The Rivalry
The Maple Grove vs Prior Lake hockey rivalry is one of the most intense rivalries in Minnesota high school hockey. The two teams have faced each other many times over the years, with each game being a battle. The rivalry began to develop in earnest in 2012, when the two teams faced off in the state championship game. Maple Grove won that game 5-4 in overtime, but since then, Prior Lake has been eager to get revenge.
One of the reasons why this rivalry is so intense is that the two schools are located in different sections of the Minneapolis metropolitan area. This means that there is a natural geographic divide between the two teams, with each school’s supporters being fiercely loyal to their own team.
The Games
Every time Maple Grove and Prior Lake face each other on the ice, it’s a must-see event for Minnesota high school hockey fans. The games are always intense, with both teams playing with a lot of energy and emotion. The players on both sides know how important this rivalry is, and they always give it their all on the ice.
One of the most memorable games in recent years was the 2019 Section 5AA championship game, which was played between Maple Grove and Prior Lake. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage. In the end, Maple Grove emerged as the victors, winning 4-3 in overtime.
The Future
The rivalry between Maple Grove and Prior Lake shows no signs of slowing down. Both schools have strong hockey programs, and they are likely to continue to produce talented players in the years to come. The games between these two teams will always be among the most exciting and intense in Minnesota high school hockey, and fans can look forward to many more memorable matchups in the future.
Conclusion
The Maple Grove vs Prior Lake hockey rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate rivalries in Minnesota high school sports. The two teams have a long history of facing off against each other, with each game being a battle. The rivalry is fueled by geography, with the two schools located in different parts of the Minneapolis metropolitan area. The games between these two teams are always exciting and filled with emotion, and they show no signs of losing their intensity in the years to come.
