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Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament Heats Up

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, March 5th 2026 at 14:14 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

St. Paul, MN - March 5th, 2026 - The Xcel Energy Center is buzzing with anticipation as the Minnesota High School Boys Hockey State Tournament enters its final weekend. The tournament, a cornerstone of Minnesota's winter sports culture, is showcasing the best young hockey talent in the state across three classes: Class A, Class AA, and Class AAA. With quarterfinal and semifinal matchups already underway, the stage is set for thrilling championship games next week.

Minnesota's high school hockey scene is nationally recognized for its intensity, skill, and passionate fan base. The state consistently produces a high number of Division I college players and NHL draft picks, making the state tournament a crucial proving ground for future stars. This year's competition promises to be particularly fierce, with several highly-ranked teams vying for the coveted state championship trophies.

Tracking the Action

For fans unable to attend the games in person, comprehensive coverage is available online. Live scores can be found at [ Scorebook Live ], providing real-time updates on all games. Those wishing to stream the action can head to [ MNSportsNetwork ], which is offering live broadcasts of select tournament matches.

Class A: Upset Potential and Emerging Stars

The Class A bracket is shaping up to be a battle of smaller schools with dedicated hockey programs. As of today, March 5th, Eveleth and Mahtomedi are set to clash in a quarterfinal matchup tonight at 6:30 PM. Eveleth, representing the Iron Range, brings a hard-nosed, physical style of play. Mahtomedi, known for its skilled forwards and disciplined defensive structure, will look to control the pace of the game. The winner will advance to a semifinal matchup on March 7th at 6:00 PM.

Analysts are predicting a tight race in Class A, with several unranked teams possessing the potential to make a deep tournament run. The smaller school size often translates to tight-knit communities that rally behind their hockey teams, creating an electric atmosphere at games.

Class AA: Established Programs Clash for Supremacy

The Class AA tournament features a number of perennial powerhouses. Holy Angels and Orono are scheduled to meet in the quarterfinals on March 6th at 7:00 PM. Holy Angels, a historically strong program, boasts a roster filled with experienced players and a well-regarded coaching staff. Orono, a relatively newer program to the spotlight, has quickly ascended in recent years thanks to a strong youth system and a commitment to skill development.

The matchup between these two teams is expected to be a highlight of the Class AA tournament. The winner will play in the semi-finals on March 7th at 3:00 PM. Observers are keeping a close eye on Orono's star forward, projected as a potential NHL draft pick.

Class AAA: Powerhouses Collide in Pursuit of the Crown

The Class AAA bracket is arguably the most competitive, featuring many of the state's top-ranked teams. Wayzata and Rosemount are slated to face off in a quarterfinal game on March 7th at 7:00 PM. Wayzata, consistently ranked among the top teams in the state, is known for its offensive firepower and dynamic playmaking. Rosemount, a team built on strong defense and goaltending, will look to contain Wayzata's potent attack.

The winner of this game will then advance to a semi-final match on March 8th at 6:00 PM. Class AAA is widely considered the most prestigious bracket, and the championship game is expected to draw a large crowd and significant media attention. Experts suggest that the goaltending matchup will be crucial in determining the outcome of the Wayzata-Rosemount game.

Looking Ahead

The tournament is scheduled to conclude on March 9th with the championship games in all three classes. The anticipation is building as teams battle for the ultimate prize: a state championship trophy and the honor of being crowned the best high school hockey team in Minnesota. Fans are encouraged to follow the action online or attend the games at the Xcel Energy Center to experience the excitement firsthand.