STATE HOCKEY: Minnetonka Will Play for Third Straight Title After Winning Longest Game in History

Minnetonka has a chance at a threepeat state title and has cemented their place in state history.

The Minnetonka High School girls hockey team defeated Lakeville North on Friday in the state Class AA semifinals, winning 4-3 in six overtimes.

It was the longest game in state tournament hockey play, begining Friday at 8:48 p.m. and ending Saturday at 1:02 a.m. (total time of 4:14).

The winning goal was made by Amy Petersen.

The Skippers will face Hill-Murray on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. for the state title. During Friday's 6 p.m. semifinal matchup of Eden Prairie and Hill-Murray, Hill-Murray came out on top 2-1.

Minnetonka and Lakeville North also battled in last year's semifinals, with the Skippers getting the win in overtime. Lakeville North had been long awaiting this rematch.

A recap from the Minnesota State High School League:

In a record-setting six overtime semifinal game, two-time defending champion Minnetonka defeated Lakeville North, 4-3. The game was tied 2-2 at the end of the second period and remained scoreless until Minnetonka senior forward Amy Petersen scored the game-winning goal in the sixth overtime of the game. Multiple records were broken during this game including, longest game in girls’ hockey state tournament history (113:29), “Most Shots by 1 Team in an Overtime Game” (Minnetonka, 63) and “Most Stops One Game” (Lakeville North Cassie Alexander, 59). Lakeville had 52 shots on goal and Minnetonka senior goalie Sydney Rossman had an impressive 49 saves. Minnetonka advances to the 2013 State Class AA Championship game to defend their title.

The Skippers are the two-time defending state champions (2011 and 2012). Minnetonka was top-ranked entering the tournament. They beat Roseville last year in the championship game and Edina in 2011. Neither team made the tournament this year.

The Skippers defeated Irondale on Thursday in the state Class AA quarterfinals, 4-0. 

Tickets will be on sale Saturday, Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pagel Activity Center. Tickets are available at $17 for adults and $11 for students. A fan bus will be available for $5 to Minnetonka students. A minimum of 30 students is needed for the bus.

Can't make the game? You can watch it on TV or online on KSTC 45.

Check out this article on Minnetonka's goalie Sydney Rossman: 

• Minnetonka Student Leads by Example On and Off the Ice