HDM 2018: High school girls game ends in a tie

ST. CLOUD --The St. Cloud Icebreakers and Sartell/Sauk Rapids Storm'n Sabres kicked off Hockey Day Minnesota 2018 with a primetime Friday night game at Lake George. The Class AA Central Lakes Conference rivals battled back and forth in a game that ultimately ended in a 3-3 tie.

The Icebreakers (14-4-2, No. 20 in Let's Play Hockey's AA rankings) scored the first goal as Gabbie Rud put the puck behind Sabres goalie Chloe Stockinger at 8:59 in the first period. With their next goal coming at 9:05 of the second, from captain Allie Cornelius, it looked like the Icebreakers might run away with the game.
"We just wanted to make sure that we kept our emotions in check; we obviously had quite a few nerves coming out," Cornelius said. "Just settle down and play our game."

However, Sartell/Sauk Rapids' captain, Brooke Walters, wasn't about to let that happen. She scored an unassisted goal at 13:10 of the second period to begin the Storm'n Sabres' comeback.
"I knew I needed to put some in the net and needed to help [my teammates]. We were struggling at times," Walters said. "I just did it, I guess."
The floodgates opened in the third period as the teams exchanged a few goals. Early in the period, Madison Mollner of the Sabres (9-8-4, unranked) tied the game. Just a few minutes later, Cornelius -- who leads the Icebreakers with 45 points -- scored her second of the night to regain the lead for the Icebreakers. Not to be outdone, Walters fed the puck to Anna Orth to once again tie the game.
Despite a sudden-death overtime, the teams would end the night locked in a stalemate. Sartell/Sauk Rapids outshot the Icebreakers 42-29, though a fantastic effort in goal from Emily Musielewicz ensured those extra shots were for naught.
"I'm happy with a tie, but I'm also not. I'd rather tie than lose," said Walters, who moved to a team-leading 22 goals and 13 assists on the year.
And playing under the lights at Lake George is an experience they won't soon forget. With packed stands and constant cheers, it's one of the biggest audiences these players might ever have.

"It's an unreal experience, especially growing up in the State of Hockey," Cornelius said. "We grow up watching it and we grow up playing outside so it's super fun."
Walters will take away some of the same memories. "I think I'll just remember playing with all my friends, honestly. It was just so much fun and exciting.
"I'll probably remember tying, too," she added with a grin.

Related:
- Hockey Day 2018 broadcast info - 12 things to know about HDM 2018