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2026 MSHSL Hockey Playoffs Underway

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/24/2026-mshsl-hockey-playoffs-underway.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 16:55 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 - The 2026 Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Boys Hockey Playoffs are officially underway, with quarterfinal matchups across all three classes - AAA, AA, and A - taking place this evening. Minnesota, renowned as the "State of Hockey," consistently produces some of the nation's top high school hockey talent, and the playoffs promise intense competition and thrilling games as teams battle for a coveted spot at the state tournament.

Tonight's action saw several decisive victories, setting the stage for exciting section semifinals and finals. Fans can follow all the action live, with scores updated in real-time at [ mnhockey.org ] and comprehensive brackets available at [ mshsl.org ].

Class AAA: Powerhouses Advance

The Class AAA bracket is shaping up to be a battle between perennial contenders. In Section 1, Wayzata demonstrated their offensive prowess with a 5-3 victory over Rosemount. Duluth East followed suit with a dominant 6-2 win against Edina, signaling they are a force to be reckoned with. Minnetonka continued their strong season, defeating Lakeville North 4-1, while Centennial edged past Buffalo 3-1. These results highlight the competitive nature of Class AAA, where a single mistake can be the difference between advancement and elimination.

Analysts predict that teams like Wayzata and Duluth East, with their established programs and skilled players, will be strong contenders for the Class AAA championship. However, Minnetonka and Centennial have proven they can compete with the best, and their performances in the coming rounds will be crucial to their championship aspirations. The Section 1 tournament is quickly becoming one of the most hotly contested in the state.

Class AA: Emerging Teams Shine

Class AA saw some surprising results alongside expected victories. Orono dominated Mahtomedi with a convincing 6-2 win, showcasing their offensive firepower. Northfield also impressed with a 5-1 victory over Mankato West. Totino-Grace shut out St. Louis Park 4-0, demonstrating a strong defensive and offensive balance. Mound-Westonka secured a 3-1 victory over Waconia.

The Class AA bracket often features a mix of established programs and up-and-coming teams. Orono and Northfield, with their strong performances tonight, are positioning themselves as potential dark horses in the tournament. The competition is fierce, and the path to the state tournament will be challenging for all contenders. Observers are noting the rising talent in smaller schools who are making a significant impact in this class.

Class A: Northern Teams Dominate Early

In Class A, teams from Northern Minnesota asserted their dominance in the quarterfinal round. Hermantown delivered a commanding performance, defeating Marshall 7-1. Thief River Falls narrowly defeated Bemidji 3-2 in a tightly contested matchup. Ely secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Mountain Iron-Buhl, while Hibbing topped International Falls 5-2.

Class A often showcases the passion and dedication of smaller schools with strong hockey traditions. Hermantown, a perennial powerhouse in Class A, continues to demonstrate their consistent excellence. The games between Thief River Falls and Bemidji, and Ely and Mountain Iron-Buhl, highlight the competitive spirit and close contests that define this class. The emphasis on community support and local pride makes Class A hockey particularly special.

What's Next?

The quarterfinals are just the beginning. Over the next two weeks, section semifinals and finals will determine which teams advance to the coveted State Tournament at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The energy and excitement surrounding Minnesota high school hockey are palpable, and fans are eagerly anticipating the drama and intensity that will unfold as the playoffs progress. Keep an eye on [ mnhockey.org ] and [ mshsl.org ] for the latest updates, scores, and bracket information. The road to the State Tournament is long and arduous, but the reward - a chance to compete for the ultimate prize - is well worth the effort.