In an incredible finish to their high school careers, 7 GPR Seniors took their team to the Championship game for a GPR Record 3rd straight time, but were defeated to take 2nd, for the third year in a row.
The Spoilers started the State Tournament with a dramatic comeback to keep from being upset. Leading 2-1 against 3 seeded Bismarck High, the Spoilers would see their lead evaporate and be looking at a trip to the conso bracket. However, Johnny Robideaux wheeled and fired home a face off win by Jade Miller to knot the game with 20 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.
In the 2nd overtime, a Power Play goal by Levi Cudmore would put the Spoilers into a Friday night date with the Bismarck Century Patriots, who shocked the Defending State Champions Fargo North earlier in the day, also in Double Overtime.
In Friday's game, the Spoilers would come out and be punished for a few mistakes in the first by a strong Century squad. Spoilers would strike first, just 46 seconds into the game by Chopper Peterson. However, the Patriots would score twice to take a 2-1 lead into intermission.
The Spoilers would remember their skates, and come out flying to the tune of 3 goals, starting with a Peter hills PP Goal just 1:02 into the 2nd period. Cole Rehovsky would put the Spoilers up for good on a strong move to the net on a 4 on 4 and Brett Longtin would bury one for a 4-2 lead. However, Century would not go away, as they answered to make it 4-3 before the third.
Jade Miller would finally put the game on ice just 5 minutes into the third, giving the spoilers a nice 2 goal cushion. Johnny Robideaux would tack on an empty netter with over a minute to remaining for a 6-3 score. Century would add a goal with 2 seconds left, but the outcome was decided.
In the Championship game, the Spoilers went up against long time rival GFRR. GFRR would play fast and physical, and take over the game after the first five minutes. 2 first period goals would pretty much set the table for the Riders to knock off the Spoilers. A 3rd goal pushed the lead to 3-0 7:16 into the 2nd. However, the Spoilers would get some life when Felmo ripped home a goal, just 10 seconds later, giving Spoiler country some hope. However, RR was not to be denied, and scored the back breaker with over 3 minutes remaining in the 2nd for a 4-1 lead.
The two teams skated for 9:30 of the third with the score at 4-1, before GFRR erupted for 3 more goals to dash the hopes of the Spoilers.
Zach Nelson kept the Spoilers in the game the best he could, but GPR was no match for the physical, fast, and team game that GFRR played.
The Spoilers seniors can hang their hats on the fact that they were able to play in THREE state championship games, a feat that is not easily accomplished. In the end, it's something we can all be proud of, and still show that SPOILER PRIDE!!