Rosemount’s Avery Hanowski sprinted across the blue line and laid off the puck for an overlapping Cade Sherman, who perfectly placed his shot into the top left-hand corner of the net.
Grand Casino Arena erupted, and bedlam broke out in the Irish half of the stadium as Sherman scored in overtime to send his squad to the semifinals. Fourth-seed Rosemount gritted out a 3-2 overtime win over No. 5 Grand Rapids in Thursday’s second quarterfinal in St. Paul.
Sherman said fellow senior forward Gavin McNeil told the team ahead of overtime that these are “the moments we dreamed of,” and he is still reflecting on the gravity of that moment.
“It’s really surreal and still kind of settling in here,” Sherman said. “Super excited and happy for Rosemount.”
The Irish (24-4-1) and Thunderhawks (15-13-1) traded blows in regulation, but Sherman delivered the knockout punch in a defensive duel decided by a moment of magic in overtime.
Sherman said he used the defenseman as a shield to make it even more difficult for Grand Rapids’ goaltender Luke Sherlock.
“Hanowski picked up the puck and drove the middle, drop pass, and I kind of took his lane right behind him,” Sherman said. “I use [the defender] as a screen and then changed the angle as much as I could.”
Rosemount head coach Ricky Saintey said it is a special feeling to be the coach who led the Irish to their first tournament win in over three decades.
“I’m so happy for our kids, and that’s No. 1,” Saintey said. “Before the third period, I said, ‘Hey, how many weekends, long weekends, late nights, early mornings, workouts you didn’t want to do, and you get to live in this moment.’”
Saintey said it was “surreal” driving down 7th Street West toward the arena and seeing all the kids in Rosemount jerseys, thinking “that was me.”
Rosemount went to Yanmar Arena and knocked off Grand Rapids 6-0 on Dec. 12. The second matchup featured the Irish stepping onto the biggest stage in Minnesota high school boys hockey for the first time since 1992.
Grand Rapids junior Ander Rajala scored on the power play 5:24 into the game on a tight-angle, top-shelf shot from just above the goal line. It was against the run of play as the Irish had six shots on goal to the Thunderhawks’ two.
In the second period, Rosemount senior defender Oliver Goren trailed behind junior Connor Schubert on a 3-on-3 rush. Once Schubert’s shot was saved, Goren placed the rebound past Sherlock. The Irish found the breakthrough on their 20th shot on goal.
Rosemount goaltender Sam Clements made four crucial saves to not only kill off the final minute of a penalty but also keep it tied early in the third period. Clements finished with 35 saves in the game.
Saintey said Clements deserves the spotlight for attitude and effort throughout the season as the backup to Drew Sherman.
“I’m so proud of [Clements],” Saintey said. “That’s the stuff as coaches you dream of. This guy has been fighting it. He’s been the best supporter of Drew Sherman, which is a hard task, and to battle with him and show up in the big moment when the lights come on.”
Drew Sherman started the section final against St. Thomas Academy, but Saintey decided to go with Clements against Grand Rapids and reaped the rewards.
The Irish could not capitalize on a power play late in the third, but extended zone time led to a goal. Channing Goodwin looked to set up McNeil in front of the goal, but the puck bounced his way, and he converted to put Rosemount up 2-1 with 3:26 remaining in the quarterfinal.
Grand Rapids yanked Sherlock with 44 seconds to play, and the extra man paid off as Jameson Duell scored 15 seconds later to tie the game and send it into overtime.
Rosemount did not panic and held its nerve, leading to a smooth break led by Hanowski, who dropped it off for Cade Sherman. The senior forward hit his spot and sent the Irish into the second round.
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