RECAP: Moorhead Girl’s Hockey Punches Ticket Back to State

THE SPUDS DEFEATED THE ROSEAU RAMS 6-1 WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (KVRR) –On Wednesday, February 12, the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, hosted the Section 8AA Championship. With a 6 to 1 win over the Roseau Rams, the Moorhead Spuds completed their revenge tour, punching their ticket back to the State Tournament.

Moorhead got out to a fast start thanks to an Addison Salvevold goal within the first two minutes of the game. Then, the Spuds bent, but did not break. Lily Erickson tied the game for Roseau later in the first period, but Haylee Melquist regained the Spuds lead before the end of the period. Then, it was smooth sailing from there.

A complete team effort as all six goals for Moorhead came from a different player and in net Taylor Kressin was spectacular. The senior captain allowed just one goal and picked up 27 saves.

Kressin shared what the moment meant to her after the game.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” said Kressin. “I don’t think there’s words to put into like…say how proud I am of this group and their dedication and their hard work. This game was us, and this game was a team effort. We could never have done this without every single person on the roster. I just can’t say enough and of how proud I am.”

In total, it is 12 seniors on Moorhead that are heading to the State Tournament, most of which are returning after reaching State as Sophomores.

“I can’t wait,” said senior captain Olivia Kortan. “It’s so fun. I’m so glad we all get to experience it one last time together. It’s a great way to finish out your senior season.

Last making the State tournament in the 2022-23 season, head coach Ryan Kraft has felt this feeling before. But he says it never gets old.

“It’s really indescribable,” said Kraft who is in his 6th season as head coach. “You know, you’ve been in this situation before, but every team has a different feeling. It’s elation, it’s excitement. It’s it’s total happiness. I am just so proud of these girls.”

Moorhead received the 4-seed for the Class AA State Tournament that begins Thursday, February 20 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The X is the home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild.

Puck drop for their quarterfinal game vs. 5-seed Holy Family Catholic High School is slated for 8 P.M.

We will have coverage of the game and tournament throughout the week on KVRR, so stay tuned!