BANTAMS: ELK RIVER, ORONO CLAIM BLUE OX TITLES

Elk River made a statement last weekend at the Battle for the Blue Ox tournament, edging an ultra-talented Grand Forks Aviators team in a championship game shootout.

The Elks proved themselves to be masters of the close game, totaling three one-goal victories in five games. The duo of Zach Michaelis and Austen Humphrey led the Elks in scoring, with Michaelis finishing with four goals and 10 points, and Humphrey notching five goals and seven points. 

Jackson Kunz of Grand Forks led the Bantam AA division in overall scoring with four goals and 11 points. Kunz was named Bantam AA Most Valuable Player.

Orono, defending state champion at the Bantam A level, avenged a previous loss to Park of Cottage Grove in the title game, downing the Wolfpack 4-1 behind two goals by Zack Simon. Hadley Stephenson and Nick Messerli also added goals for the Spartans.

Orono outscored tournament opponents 27-7 in five games, and Lucas Jorgenson was named MVP.

PEEWEES: HERMANTOWN WINS GALES OF NOVEMBER

Hermantown’s hockey future appears bright at the Peewee level, as the Hawks went undefeated to be crowned champions of Duluth’s Gales of November tournament.

The Hawks went 4-0-1 in five games, defeating Duluth East, Duluth Denfeld, Farmington and Grand Rapids en route to the top of the standings. The Hawks also tied Rosemount on the final day of competition.

GIRLS: EDINA ROMPS TO EDEN PRAIRIE TOURNAMENT SWEEP

The Edina 12UA team faced little resistance over the weekend, cruising to three victories to earn the Ninth Annual Eden Prairie tournament championship.

The Hornets defeated Rosemount 5-2, Orono/Westonka 6-2, and Lakeville 7-1 in the finals.

Orono/Westonka claimed third place, and Rosemount won the consolation finals.