State Hockey: Minnetonka Defeats Irondale, 4-0

The Minnetonka High School girls hockey team defeated Irondale on Thursday in the state Class AA quarterfinals.

The Skippers defeated the Knights 4-0. 

According to the MSHSL recap: 

Two-time defending AA champion Minnetonka (25-4-0) blanked Irondale (19-9-1) 4-0 in their quest to win their third consecutive state crown. The Skippers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after one period. Minnetonka's first line of Diana Draayer, Amy Peterson, and Laura Bowman played strongly. Draayer's tally made it 2-0, with her linemates being credited with assists. Peterson scored on the power play in the second period putting Minnetonka up 4-0, and assisted on each of the first two goals. Hannah Behounek and Maggie Bazany had the other Skipper goals. Sydney Rossman stopped all 14 Knight shots to earn the shutout.

Minnetonka will play in the state semifinals Friday at 8 p.m. They will face Lakeville North, who beat North Wright County in an overtime battle in the latest game of the day on Thursday, 5-4. Last year, Minnetonka beat North 2-1 in overtime in the semifinals.

The state championship game is Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. Find information on tickets sales and fan buses here.

Thursday in the state quarterfinals, Eden Prairie, Hill-Murray, Lakeville North and Minnetonka won their games to move on.

Check back with Minnetonka Patch for updates.