Junior forward Max Rider of St. Louis Park’s boys hockey team achieved an incredible feat in their recent match against Class 1A’s sixth-ranked team, Orono. Rider single-handedly led his team to a surprising 3-2 victory by scoring all three goals, a remarkable accomplishment known as a natural hat trick. The impressive trio of goals showcased Rider’s versatile scoring abilities, including an even-strength goal, a power-play goal, and a decisive open-net goal that sealed the win despite the team’s two players being in the penalty box.
Rider’s Hat Trick: A Game-changer
Rider’s performance was truly remarkable, providing a much-needed boost for his team. His hat trick, a rare occasion in hockey, comprised a variety of goal types, demonstrating his adaptability on the ice. Rider’s physical presence throughout the game did not go unnoticed. St. Louis Park’s coach Tyler Brodersen praised Rider’s dedication and contribution in all aspects of the game.
Middleton’s Return Bolsters Defense
Another highlight of the game was the return of senior goaltender Josh Middleton. After a lengthy recovery from an offseason injury, Middleton made an impressive 26 saves in his season debut. His comeback performance significantly strengthened the team’s defense and played a crucial role in St. Louis Park’s victory.
Other Notable Hockey Performances
While Rider’s hat trick and Middleton’s comeback stole the spotlight, there were other notable performances in high school hockey. Andover’s girls hockey team secured a 6-2 victory over top-ranked Hill-Murray, with Cailin Mumm scoring two goals. The Edina boys hockey team rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win against Buffalo, with Barrett Dexheimer scoring the game-winning goal. The Warroad boys hockey team claimed the top spot in Class 1A by defeating Hermantown 4-1, thanks to key goals from Draydin Johnson, Ryan Shaugabay, and Murray Marvin-Cordes. Additionally, noteworthy performances were seen in other high school sports. These included Boden Sampair’s five goals for Hill-Murray, multiple five-point games in both boys and girls hockey, and impressive basketball performances with Aaliyah Crump scoring 38 points for Minnetonka and Connor Severson recording 47 points for Lakes International Language Academy.
