Class AA Girls Hockey State Consolation Final: Burnsville 2, Maple Grove 1

Burnsville High School’s Girls Hockey program, one of the early pioneers in the activity that is now in its 28th year of sponsorship by the Minnesota State High School League, added to its rich tradition on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, with a 2-1 victory over Maple Grove in the Class AA consolation final at TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center.

Sophomore forward Addison Bowlby scored an even-strength goal with just more than 11 minutes remaining in regulation time to give the Blaze (24-6-1) a victory in the consolation final for the first time since 2010. Sophomore goalie Addison Oettinger made 24 saves, including 13 in a frenzied third period, to record the victory.

Senior forward Samantha Bowlby gave Burnsville the early lead on a power-play goal with just more than two minutes elapsed in the first period. But Maple Grove answered just more than two minutes later on an even-strength goal by junior forward Stella Retrum. From there, it was energetic play with quality scoring chances as each team looked for an elusive tie-breaking goal. Burnsville found it when Addison Bowlby scooped up a rebound off an initial shot by teammate Madisyn Krumholz, a junior forward.

Maple Grove (21-8-2) pressed mightily in the final minutes, but Burnsville did just enough to disrupt the Crimson’s offensive flow.

Burnsville was one of four programs to play in the Girls Hockey state tournament in 1995 when it was first played. Burnsville finished fourth in the field. A year later, it was the runner-up in the single-class format.