Boys Hockey Feb. 7: Owatonna 2, Albert Lea 1, OT

The Huskies varsity boys hockey team capped a full day of Owatonna vs. Albert Lea at the Four Season Centre with a 2-1 overtime victory, the third straight OT contest in the series.

The rallying cry for Owatonna boys hockey should be, "Let's get it to overtime, boys!" The Huskies are 4-0-1 in overtime games, and 5-12 in games decided in regulation. Saturday night's game only made it to overtime thanks to a couple of highlight reel saves by OHS senior goalie Greg Somers, one on a shorthanded breakaway by the Tigers in the final two minutes of the third period.

In overtime, each team had a chance early, but the Huskies dominated play. The winning goal came on a blast from the left point by junior Kade Friedrichs that was deflected in by junior Alec Holcomb. Junior Noah Scheid also assisted on the play, coming at 6:14 of OT.

The Huskies tied the game midway through the third period by finishing off a 3-on-2 rush with junior Michael Brein's seventh goal of the season. Scheid and Friedrichs assisted. The Tigers scored early in the second on a redirection from senior Matt Carlson.

Owatonna out-shot Albert Lea 44-23 in the game, including 9-1 in overtime. The teams split overtime wins last season. Saturday's game was the only meeting between the two this season.

Peewees and bantams played early on Saturday, with Owatonna teams coming out of top. Albert Lea won the junior varsity game 2-1. The hope is to hold a similar event next season, with youth teams playing in Albert Lea on the same day as the high school teams. OHS JV coach Tim Colstrup battled wits with his brother, who coaches the Tigers' JV.

The Huskies host Rochester Century on Monday in a make-up game (KRFO AM 1390). Owatonna closes the home schedule Tuesday against North St. Paul and travels to Austin on Saturday, Feb. 14 to wrap up the regular season. Playoffs begin Thursday, Feb. 19.

Scores / results from Saturday, Feb. 7

Boys Hockey

Owatonna 2, Albert Lea 1, OT
Mankato West 3, Faribault 2 (West continues to lead the Big Nine standings)
Mankato East 4, Austin 3
Century 7, Simley 6
Farmington 4, Prior Lake 2
Lakeville North 7, Eagan 3
New Prague 3, Lourdes 2
Dodge County 6, North Branch 3

Girls Hockey

Section 1AA semifinals

Lakeville South 7, Dodge County 2
Lakeville North 4, Century 3

Section 1A semifinals

Red Wing 5, Faribault 3
Northfield 3, New Prague 2

Gymnastics

Big Nine Conference meet at Northfield

TEAM SCORES: 1. Northfield 144.65; 2. Austin 142.75; 3. Rochester Century 141.125; 4. Mankato West 140.825; 5. Winona 140.375; 6. Owatonna 138.325; 7. Faribault 136.55; 8. Red Wing 130.3; 9. Mankato East 124.925; 10. Rochester Mayo 124.0; 11. Rochester JM 112.7

Boys Basketball

Lyle 71, Medford 56
Pine Island 69, Faribault BA 66
Waseca 77, West Salem (WI) 76

Girls Basketball

Byron 50, Albert Lea 35