Eagles sophomore forward Allie Dahl (10) celebrates after assisting what turned out to be the game-winning goal by senior forward Gianna Kowalkoski at 6:54 in the third period Thursday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Photo by Rick Olson
From left, Eagles sophomore forward Allie Dahl (10), senior forward Gianna Kowalkoski (18), and junior defender Sloane Tia (5) celebrate Kowalkoski’s goal. Photo by Rick Olson
The Eagles girls hockey team beat Cretin-Derham Hall 1-0 in Thursday night’s Mid-Winter Meltdown Tournament semifinals at the Eden Prairie Community Center.
The game’s critical moment unfolded with just 6:54 left in the third period. Eagles sophomore forward Allie Dahl skillfully used the backboards to set up senior forward Gianna Kowalkoski in the far face-off circle. Kowalkoski then delivered the decisive blow with a sharp backhanded shot, marking the only goal of the game.
Eagles senior goalie Tegan Swanson earned the win and a shutout with an outstanding performance, stopping 21 shots on goal by Cretin-Derham Hall.
This victory propels the Eagles into the championship game of the tournament, set for 7:45 p.m. Friday at the Eden Prairie Community Center. They will face Benilde-St. Margaret, which defeated Lakeville North 3-2 in Thursday night’s other semifinal game.
With the win, Eden Prairie improved its record to 9-6-1 for the season.
Eagles senior goalie Tegan Swanson (31), right, celebrates with junior defender Ella Konrad (7) following the team’s 1-0 victory over Cretin-Derham Hall on Thursday at Eden Prairie Community Center. Swanson recorded 21 saves in the game. Photo by Rick Olson