MN Hockey Mag Special Tournament Edition

BLAINE
The Bengals have not lost since January 2 and
that was a 2-1 loss at the hands of defending
Class 1A champion East Grand Forks.
Since then, the Bengals are among the hottest teams in high school
hockey delivering a 16-0-1 record outscoring their opponents 86-29.
It is the first time since 2011 that the Bengals (22-5-1) represent the
Section 5AA and it is their 11th appearance in school history.
They are looking to add a second state title this season and may
very well have the pieces in place to make it happen under first-year
head coach Chris Carroll. The Bengals are making it happen after
graduating 15 players from last year’s roster.
They have a trifecta of offensive talent in junior Riley Tufte
(27-32-59) who is committed to Minnesota-Duluth, junior Luke
Notermann (26-29-55), and senior Easton Brodzinski (30-21-51)
who carries the family goal-scoring tradition with an impressive 30
goal campaign.
Most of the offensive production comes from a deep batch of
forwards and the blue line is anchored by a steady
group of defensemen. Senior Ryan McArthur (4-
11-15) at 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds uses his size to his
benefit. Junior Tanner Vescio (3-8-11) is another
big frame on the back end that keeps the puck
moving and defends well for the Bengals. Junior
goaltender Jon Kallestad (12-2-1, 2.21, .920) took
over regular chores in the post season and has not
Riley Tufte
lost since the East Grand Forks game. He split the season with junior
Ridge Gerads (10-3-0, 2.15, .914).
Blaine has the ability to earn its second state title in school history
with scoring depth, solid defensive play, steady goaltending, and
power play that sizzles at over 30 percent. When added up, those
elements equal success.
— Pete Waggoner
22-5-1
Quick Facts
Section: 5AA
Conference: Northwest Suburban
Past State Appearances: 1992, 96, 99,
2000 Champs, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 15
Head Coach: Chris Carroll
Home Rink: Fogerty Arena
Road to the X
Date Opponent W-L-T
Nov. 28 ROSEAU L 2-4
Nov. 29 MOORHEAD W 3-2
Dec. 5 at Totino-Grace W 6-1
Dec. 6 at Maple Grove L 4-5
Dec. 11 CENTENNIAL W 5-4
Dec. 13 at Elk River L 4-5
Dec. 16 HILL-MURRAY W 4-3
Dec. 18 CHAMPLIN PARK W 8-1
Dec. 20 at Anoka L 1-3
Dec. 23 at Eden Prairie W 8-3
Jan. 2 at East Grand Forks L 1-2
Jan. 8 ANDOVER W 2-1
Jan. 10 MAPLE GROVE W 5-4
Jan. 15 at Centennial W 3-2
Jan. 17 ELK RIVER W 6-4
Jan. 20 BENILDE-STM W 5-2
Jan. 22 at Champlin Park W 3-0
Jan. 24 ANOKA T 3-3
Jan. 27 at Irondale W 6-0
Jan. 31 at Andover W 3-2
Feb. 3 OSSEO W 5-0
Feb. 5 DULUTH EAST W 7-6
Feb. 7 COON RAPIDS W 9-1
Feb. 9 at Armstrong/Cooper W 5-0
Feb. 13 SPRING LAKE PARK W 8-2
SECTION 5AA PLAYOFFS
Feb. 19 Coon Rapids W 6-0
Feb. 21 Maple Grove W 2-1
Feb. 26 Centennial W 8-1
2015 Minnesota state high school boys’ hockey tournament guide
Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown.zenfolio.com
LEADERS
# Name Gr G-A-Pts
27 Riley Tufte 11 27-32-59
17 Luek Notermann 11 26-29-55
22 Easton Brodzinski 12 30-21-51
12 Jesse Slawson 12 8-22-30
36 Alex Penn 11 9-12-21
# Name Gr GAA SV%
32 Jon Kallestad 11 2.21 .920
Puck Heaven trivia
Q An all-tourney forward for
Blaine’s AA champions in 2000, what
player scored three goals and two
assists for the Bengals that year and
has played for both Colorado and
Washington in the NHL?
13