DULUTH EAST (14-10-4) VS. ST. THOMAS ACADEMY (24-4)
What: Class AA state tournament quarterfinal
When: Approximately 1:30 p.m.
Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
Outlook: There is nothing unique about East competing in the state tournament. What is unique, though, is the fashion in which the Greyhounds qualified. Unseeded East has won just 14 times and the team’s leading scorer, Nick Altmann (14 goals, 13 assists, 27 points), would rank fifth on the Cadets in goals and sixth in points. Ash Altmann (10-14-24) and Luke Dow (8-12-20) are next. What the Greyhounds lack in sizzle, they make up for with hard-headed substance. That was on display in their Section 7AA title-game win over Elk River, where a determined, disciplined East outworked the Elks. Coach Mike Randolph has 559 career victories. East lost 4-1 to St. Thomas Academy in its Schwan Cup opener on Dec. 29. That happened during a rough patch for the Greyhounds, who are 8-2-3 since losing six of eight. Freshman Garret Worth (9-3-12) scored the OT winner vs. Elk River and goalie Gunnar Howg (2.46 goals-against average, .904 save percentage) continued his torrid postseason play. They played four other tourney qualifiers - Edina, Lakeville North, Eden Prairie and Blaine - and lost to all four. The Greyhounds are in the state tournament for the 22nd time and own three titles (1960, ’95, ’98). Dave Spehar highlighted the 1995 championship with three hat tricks in three games. Today’s winner will play either Edina or Bemidji in Friday’s semifinals. … No. 3 St. Thomas Academy is back at state for a ninth time, the last coming in 2012-13 when the Cadets beat Hermantown 5-4 for the Class A title. Peter Tufto (30-42-72), Christiano Versich (24-42-66), Alec Broetzman (35-32-67) and Will Jerry (21-22-43) all are 20-goal scorers. Versich has signed with Colorado College, while defenseman Seamus Donohue (5-34-39) is headed to Air Force Academy. In St. Thomas Academy’s win over East in December, Matt Snow (1.92, .912) stopped 17 of 18 shots. The Cadets beat Eastview 3-1 in the Section 3AA final.
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TV: WDIO Chs. 10&13
Radio: KQDS-AM 1490
Internet: Prep45.com ($4.97 per day)
Twitter: @Louiesg3
Tickets: Adults, $17; students, $11
Quotable: “Whether we’re young, veteran, it doesn’t matter; we don’t lower our expectations. We’re going to try to go in (today) and win a hockey game and advance to the next round.” - Randolph
