Minnesota Class Aa State Hockey Tournament
If you're a hockey fan in Minnesota, the Class AA State Hockey Tournament is undoubtedly one of the most exciting events of the year. Held annually in St. Paul, the tournament showcases the top high school hockey teams in the state as they compete for the coveted state championship title.
In this article, we'll delve into everything you need to know about the Minnesota Class AA State Hockey Tournament, including its history, format, and some of its most memorable moments.
The History of the Minnesota Class AA State Hockey Tournament
The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) first organized a state hockey championship in 1945, with just two classes of competition: A (for smaller schools) and B (for larger schools). However, in 1992, the MSHSL split the tournament into three classes: A, AA, and AAA, with AA being reserved for schools with larger enrollments and stronger hockey programs.
Since its inception, the Class AA tournament has featured some of the most competitive and skilled high school hockey teams in Minnesota, including perennial powerhouses like Edina, Duluth East, and Hill-Murray.
The Format of the Minnesota Class AA State Hockey Tournament
The Minnesota Class AA State Hockey Tournament is a single-elimination tournament featuring eight teams, which are seeded based on their regular season records and Section playoff results.
The tournament is divided into two brackets of four teams each, with the winners of each bracket meeting in the championship game on the final day of the tournament. All games are held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, which has been the tournament's home since 2001.
Memorable Moments from the Minnesota Class AA State Hockey Tournament
Over the years, the Minnesota Class AA State Hockey Tournament has played host to some truly unforgettable moments, from dramatic overtime wins to stunning upsets.
One of the most memorable moments came in 1996, when Bloomington Jefferson High School's Dan Welch scored an incredible game-winning goal in the championship game, collecting his own rebound and slipping the puck past the goalie with just three seconds left on the clock.
Another unforgettable moment came in 2015, when Duluth East High School's Phil Beaulieu scored the game-winning goal in the championship game against Lakeville North. Beaulieu's goal came in triple-overtime, making it the longest championship game in Minnesota high school hockey history.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Class AA State Hockey Tournament is an incredibly exciting event that brings together some of the best high school hockey talent in the state. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just looking for a fun way to spend a weekend in March, the tournament is definitely worth checking out. With its rich history, competitive format, and unforgettable moments, it's no wonder that the Class AA tournament has become such an integral part of the Minnesota sports landscape.