West to state

The Mankato West boys hockey team earned its first trip to the state boys hockey tournament Thursday with a 3-1 win over top-seeded Rochester Lourdes at the Rochester Recreation Center.

The Scarlets, who were the No. 2 seed, joined the 2006 Mankato East/Loyola team as the only Mankato teams to go to the state boys hockey tournament.

"It's just the heart this team has," said senior Ryan Anderson, who had two assists. "This is unbelievable."

Lourdes outshot West 41-19, but junior goaltender Tyler Bruggeman was outstanding, stopping 40 shots, including 17 in the first period and 14 in the second when the Scarlets had to kill off four penalties.

"It's amazing; it's surreal," Bruggeman said. "We don't know what's going on. It's the greatest feeling ever."

Matt Campbell, Ricky Litchfield and Corey Leivermann scored West's goals. For a full story, see Friday's Free Press.

Photo by Pat Christman