St. Paul, MN - Memories of 2017 began to surface at the opener of the 2022 Minnesota Boys High School Hockey Class A quarterfinal round game between the Monticello Moose and the Warroad Warriors.  Feelings of the 2017 MAML Moose, who gritted their way past the then No. 2 seed Delano Tigers 3-2 in the tournament's opening game, began to surface in the first period in this year’s game between the Warriors and the Moose. 

After the big win in the 2017 quarterfinal round game MAML went on to defeat Northfield 3-2 and then eventually were knocked off in double overtime by Hermantown in the state title game 4-3.  

A strong start by the fast Warriors was negated by terrific goaltending of Monticello’s senior goaltender Michael Biller.  While the Warriors were fast, the Moose (13-15-1) were able to counter that with some solid decisions on the puck, letting it work for themselves.  As the period wore on, there was a feeling that the Moose would be able to hang in the game.  Roman Thompson hit a post and a deflected, sinking puck off a screen and the feeling of confidence began to grow for the Moose.  

A turnover at the Monticello blueline led to a breakaway by Moose forward Jake Larson.  He was stopped by Warroad junior goalie Hampton Slukynysky but a rebound laid on the ice.  Following up the play was Quintin Books who blasted home the loose puck  the 1-0 Monticello lead at 10:44.  That would not last for long as the Warriors responded with authority.  

Warroad’s Carson Pilgrim tied the game at 12:57 with a quick catch and release of a pass from . Jackson LeBrasseur.  His shot had plenty of juice on it and beat Biller to the short side on his glove hand and the Moose lead lasted just 2:13.  The feeling of 2017 came down a peg :26 later when Murray Marvin-Cordes worked some sick mitts with a forehand to backhand effort in the left circle.  He fed the waiting Jack Jones for the 2-1 lead.  

The Warriors not only took the lead but  control of the game, never looking back the rest of the way as evidenced by the 24-3 Warroad shots on goal advantage. Biller had a memorable game and was a difference maker for the Moose, keeping it close for much of the game.  He closed out the game with 43 saves.   

Warroad had goals from Jayson Shaugabay and Carson Reed capped off a two goal second period for the Warriors who held a comfortable 4-1 lead going into the third period.  Mr. Hockey Candidate Daimon Gardner got into the mix with a pair of goals in the third period.  He also added an assist for the three point effort.  Shaugabay also had a three point game for the Warriors.  Carson Pilgrim added a shorthanded goal to close out the scoring and a two goal effort for him. 

The trip was the fourth in Monticello school history and marked the fourth time in six years.  For the Warriors, all eyes have been on their talented roster that has now won 9 games in a row and have been on a collision course with Hermantown Hawks.  The Warriors (25-3-1) are off to a great start and will face the winner of the Mankato East and Mahtomedi quarterfinal round game on Friday morning.