Sports
Warroad, Edina Set for State Hockey Showdowns at Xcel Energy Center
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ST. PAUL, Minn. – The 2025 girls hockey state tournament culminates Saturday with two thrilling championship games at the Xcel Energy Center. The Class 1A final features Warroad facing Dodge County at 4 p.m., while the Class 2A championship pits Edina against Hill-Murray at 7 p.m.
Both matchups are rematches from last year’s finals. Warroad claimed the Class 1A title by defeating Dodge County 5-2 in 2024, and Edina secured the Class 2A championship with a 2-0 win over Hill-Murray.
Fans can catch live updates and recaps of both games as the day progresses. Coverage will be available on the SBLive Sports app, which allows users to follow their favorite teams and receive real-time updates.
“Our team is focused and ready to defend our title,” said Warroad head coach Mike Matz. “We respect Dodge County; they have shown their strength throughout the season. It’ll be a battle.”
For Dodge County, forward Nora Carstensen is anticipated to be a key player, having scored two goals in the semifinals against River Lakes. “We’ve worked hard to get here, and we want to finish the job,” she said.
Meanwhile, in the Class 2A matchup, Edina head coach Tom Diederich expressed confidence in his squad. “We’ve prepared well, and the girls know what’s at stake. Hill-Murray is a tough opponent, but we are ready,” he stated.
Last year, Edina’s defensive strategy played a significant role in their championship victory against Hill-Murray. “We executed our plan flawlessly,” Edina defenseman Grace Pritchard recalled. “We plan to apply the same discipline this year.”
The state tournament began with the Class 1A quarterfinals on February 19, 2025, and has featured intense competition. As teams battle for the title, the atmosphere at Xcel Energy Center is expected to be electric.
In the semifinals leading to the championships, Warroad eliminated the Marshall team, showcasing their strong defense. Meanwhile, Dodge County’s goalie, Ida Huber, saved all 21 shots in their semifinal match, leading the Wildcats to victory.
“Our defense has been solid, and we need to maintain that focus,” Carstensen added. “Every play counts in a championship game.”
As anticipation builds for the finals, fans are eager to see if Warroad can repeat their success or if Dodge County can claim their first Class 1A title. Likewise, the battle between Edina and Hill-Murray promises to be equally competitive as they both vie for glory in the Class 2A championship.
The matchups at Xcel Energy Center promise to provide an exciting conclusion to the 2024-25 girls hockey season in Minnesota.