Old Abes Fly into the Semifinals

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Reedsburg/Wisc. Dells vs. Eau Claire Memorial, First Period

State Tournament Quarterfinal Three

Reedsburg/Wisc. Dells vs. Eau Claire Memorial, Second Period

State Tournament Quarterfinal Three

Reedsburg/Wisc. Dells vs. Eau Claire Memorial, Third Period

State Tournament Quarterfinal Three

Hunter Scott scored twice as the Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes flew past first-time state participant Reedsburg/Wisconsin Dells 6-0 in the third quarterfinal game held Thursday at the Alliant Energy Center.

RWD played tough for the first 2/3 of the first period, holding the game scoreless. But then the Old Abes' talent took over.

Scott scored on a back-door power play rebound at the 11:14 mark. Alex Dahl and Josh Linn got helpers on the play.

Just 1:34 later, Brady Burzynski knocked in a rebound with assists to Michael Kapla and Hayden Bowe to make it 2-0.

The Old Abes had a shot edge of 19-5 in the period.

Although ECM held a 22-3 shot advantage in the second, they only scored one goal. Bowe scored at the 6:55 mark with assists to Burzynski and Chuck Ayres to make it 3-0.

The third period was all ECM, as Scott scored just 50 seconds into the period. Dahl and Ayres had assists.

The score remained 4-0 until just under five minutes left when the Old Abes scored twice in 38 seconds, both times short-handed.

Matthew Knapp scored at 12:03 and then Linn scored at 12:41, with assists going to Knapp and Ayres, who earned his playmaker.

Saxton Soley--earlier named WHCA/American Family Insurance Player of the Year--stopped 11 shots in the win.

Shane Moilanen, who performed well in his team's sectional final win against Onalaska, ran into a buzz saw this game, but still stopped 48 of 54 shots in a valiant effort.

Preview by Del Scanlon

This could be viewed as your David versus Goliath match-up. Counting this season, Eau Claire Memorial has played in Madison 7 times in the last 12 tournaments. RWD will be making their first appearance. Eau Claire Memorial has one state title to their credit, which came in 2008 as they completed an undefeated season by beating Edgewood 3-1. This season ECM comes to the Madison as the #1 team in the latest Wisconsin Prep Hockey Top Ten poll. RWD has broken into the top ten for the first time this season.

What does this match-up look like on paper?

During the regular season, Eau Claire Memorial outscored their opponents 141 – 34 and compiled a 24-1-0 record. They averaged 5.64 goals per game and held their opponents to 1.36 goals per game. They were able to capitalize on 34.57% of their power play opportunities and killed of 88.64% of their opponents power play chances. Their lone loss on the season was against New Ulm, MN on December 30th.

RWD outscored their opponents 107-51 and had an 18-5-0 record. They averaged 4.65 goals per game and held their opponents to 2.22 goals per game. RWD converted 19.83% of their power play opportunities, and killed off 90.37% of their opponents chances.

ECM had five players finish the regular season with 31 points or more. Alexander Dahl led the way with 53 points (18 goals, 35 assists), while Hunter Scott had 48 points (32 goals and 16 assists). Michael Kapla had 35 points (3 goals, 32 assists); Brady Burzynski had 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) and Matthew Knapp had 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists).

RWD had three players end the regular season with 30 points or more. Luke Bjorklund and Ryan Theiler each had 54 points for the team. Bjorklund had 27 goals and 27 assists, while Theiler finished with 23 goals and 31 assists. Josh Krueger had 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists).

When you come to the match-up of the goaltenders, once again the edge goes to ECM. Saxton Soley led the state in both goals against average (1.20) and save percentage (.943). Shane Moilanen completed the regular season with the fifth highest save percentage (.930) and was in the top twenty in goals against average (2.15). The biggest difference is the number of shots faced by each goalie. Both goalies are credited with having played in 22 games. Soley had 383 saves out of 406 shots on goal, while Moilanen had 629 saves out of 676 shots on goal. Soley faced an average of 18.45 shots per game. Moilanen faced an average of 30.73 shots per game.

As you take one last look at the offensive attacks of both teams, ECM finished the regular season by placing 937 shots on goal compared to RWD placing 846 shots on goal. This averages out as ECM placing 37.48 shots on goal per game (25 games), while RWD averaged 36.78 shots on goal per game 923 games).

RWD will need to use the constant attack they showed in the first two periods against Onalaska. They outshot the Hilltoppers 10-7 in the first period and 11-9 in the second. The third period saw the Hilltoppers outshoot RWD 8-4, which ended up being the only period Onalaska won. Their defense will need to keep the front of the net clear and keep the Old Abes to the outside with contested shots.

On the other hand, ECM has to play their game as they have all season. In their only loss this season, ECM outshot their opponent 26-21. However, New Ulm was able to convert on 2 of their 7 power play opportunities.