1987 Kellogg Cup Playoffs: First Round - North


#2 Two Harbors Wolfpack vs Hermantown Huskies
It was a great atmosphere inside a sold out Lake County Arena to watch the hometown Wolfpack take on LSHL foe Hermantown. It was a barn burner of a game with both teams flexing their offensive muscles. After 60 minutes of play, the two had combined for 10 goals in the game, with the second ranked team in the MAHL ahead by two. Two Harbors moves on, beating the Huskies by a score of 6-4.

#19 Grand Rapids Moose vs #24 Superior Lakers
It was a battle between two ranked foes facing off in the first round of the playoffs. These two have a bit of history, having both been in the LSHL together from 1936-1946 and also meeting in the playoffs in 1961, 1968, and 1973 which all went to the Moose. History repeated itself in this one, with Grand Rapids putting on a clinic on both sides of the ice. The Moose were most definitely loose as they lit up the Laker goalie with 5 goals while leaving Superior with a big ole' goose egg on the board. After the win, the 2,400+ on hand stuck behind and gave their players a booming rendition of "Over The Rainbow" by Grand Rapids native Judy Garland, a tradition that began in 1939 with the release of "The Wizard of Oz" and has become a staple of all Moose wins. Grand Rapids moves on, making a statement with a 5-0 win over 24th ranked Superior.

#6 East Grand Forks Pointers vs RV Grand Forks Jets
The EGF Civic Center was filled like Sardines with fans from both sides of the Red River to watch two of the biggest rivals in all of the MAHL face off in the playoffs for just the second time ever, the first time in two decades. The play on the ice was all anyone would have hoped for, a fast paced and physical battle between two teams that really don't like each other. At the end of regulation we were tied at three, giving the packed crowd some free hockey with the season on the line. Both sides would get some looks that were denied, and the physicality didn't let up one bit. Eventually though, something was bound to give. EGF entered the Jets zone and took it wide. The puck carrier waited for his teammate to get in front before throwing the puck towards goal. The shot was easily stopped by the Grand Forks goaltender, but the rebound was picked up by the Pointer in front who wasted no time slapping it back towards the net. The goalie floundered in a last ditch effort, but couldn't get to the puck before it crossed the line. East Grand Forks knocks off their arch rivals in thrilling fashion, topping the Jets 4-3 in overtime.

#9 Thunder Bay Giants vs RV Fort Frances Trappers
It was a battle between two Canadian foes at the historic Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Keeping with tradition, the game was broadcast live across Canada on TSN, bringing even more eyes to an already hyped up match between the Giants and Trappers. Big Red got things started early, scoring twice in the first to set the tone for the rest of the game. The second period was a really physical affair with things getting chippy late. Fort Frances was able to get on the scoreboard 35 seconds into the third period thanks to a powerplay that carried over from the second. Thunder Bay bounced back though and got the goal back on a snipe from the top of the circle with 6 minutes left to play. The Big Red Giants would hold onto that two goal lead until the final horn, advancing to the second round with a 3-1 victory over their fellow Canucks from Fort Frances.


#3 Roseau Stars vs Ely Black Bears
The Green Army was as intimidating as ever when the Black Bears came to town for this first round matchup. The Northland champs came out flying, lighting up the Ely netminder with 16 shots in the frame, finding the back of the net twice. Roseau continued to build on their lead in the second and it was beginning to look like it could be a blowout. Ely called timeout after the third Stars goal to settle things down and change up the game plan. The Bears were able to hold Roseau off the board from that point on, but a three goal deficit is always hard to overcome, and it's damn near impossible to do on the road in Roseau. Ely got on the scoreboard on a deflection late in the second, but that would prove to be the final goal scored for either team. Roseau just played smart hockey in the third, killing the clock and cruising to a 3-1 victory over the Black Bears.

#16 Detroit Lakes Wood Ducks vs #25 St. James Stags
The defending champs got a tough draw for their opening matchup of this year's playoffs, going up against the St. James Stags from Winnipeg. It was an offensive battle as both teams were able to find the back of the net multiple times. Detroit Lakes was propelled by an incredible second period which saw the Woodies score 4 while keeping the Stags off the board. A fifth goal in the third would be the final nail in the coffin for St. James who just couldn't keep pace. Detroit Lakes moves on, taking down the Stags by a score of 5-3.

#4 Hibbing Greyhounds vs Virginia Royals
For the first time in nearly two decades, and for the 9th time ever, these fierce Iron Range Hockey League rivals are facing off in the post season. There is no love lost between the Hounds and Royals, and with such a long break between playoff meetings, a new generation of players and fans will get to experience the rivalry. It seemed like the entirety of both towns were inside the Hibbing Memorial Building, with fans separating into two distinct sections in the 3,500 seat arena. It was only fitting that a game with so much hype and circumstance would need extra time as Hibbing and Virginia were tied 3-3 after 60 minutes of play. You could cut the tension inside the historic barn with a knife as the players returned to the ice for sudden death overtime. It only took a handful of minutes for a winner to be decided. Virginia had the puck in their own zone, skating with it behind their own net. The puck carrier tried to pass it cross ice to his winger on the far boards. The problem was that he didn't see the Greyhound forward that read the play and intercepted the pass in the offensive zone. He quickly moved the puck to his teammate in the slot who was all alone, beating the Royal goalie five hole and sending Hibbing to the second round. The Hibbing Greyhounds take down their bitter rivals from Virginia 4-3 in overtime.

#11 Bemidji Blue Ox vs RV West Fargo Wasps
The Glas was rocking as the Blue Ox and Wasps took the ice for this first round matchup in Bemidji. West Fargo got on the board first, getting the only goal of the opening period, but Bemidji came out and absolutely dominated the second, getting 19 shots on goal and burying three to take a 3-1 lead. The Wasps changed some things up in the third and were able to get back into it a bit. A West Fargo shot from the point was tipped on the way through by a Blue Ox defensemen, changing its direction. The Bemidji goalie was able to get a piece of it to make the stop, but the rebound sat in the blue paint behind him while he looked around trying to find it. A Wasp forward got his stick to it, getting just enough of it to cross the line to make it a one goal game. Bemidji didn't let it phase them though, going out and responding just 2:20 later to regain their two goal advantage. From that point on the Ox just played shut down defense, killing out the remaining clock to advance with a 4-2 victory over West Fargo.

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1987 Kellogg Cup Playoffs: First Round - Twin Cities North


#8 Maplewood Retrievers vs East Bethel Cranes
The Dog Pound was rocking at a sold out Aldrich Arena as the Retrievers took on the Cranes of East Bethel. Things took a while to get going with neither side doing much offensively in the first. The Goldies opened the scoring in the second with a pair of goals 52 seconds apart to take a 2-0 lead. The Cranes would pull to within one by the end of the period though, sending us to the third with Maplewood ahead 2-1. The third period started off fast with the Cranes hitting the post less than a minute in, but it wouldn't go. A few minutes later, the Retrievers were able to convert on an odd man rush to give themselves a two goal lead. East Bethel would have no response, falling to Maplewood by a score of 3-1.

RV Ham Lake Hammers vs Anoka Warriors
It was a classic playoff hockey game in East Bethel as Ham Lake hosted their first ever playoff game in team history, welcoming North Metro power Anoka. The game was very physical with both teams making sure to finish their checks. It was also a bit of a goaltender duel as both netminders made a couple highlight reel saves to keep the game scoreless until the Hammers finally lit the lamp on a rebound with 6:20 left in the third period. The hometown crowd erupted after Ham Lake took the one goal lead, and the Warriors would struggle to overcome the home ice advantage. Anoka would only muster 4 more shots in the game, none of which finding the back of the net. Ham Lake wins their first ever playoff game, taking down Anoka with a 1-0 shutout.

#21 Osseo Screaming Eagles vs Brooklyn Park Panthers
We had an offensive explosion in Osseo as the Screaming Eagles took on their NMHL rivals from Brooklyn Park. Neither side had a tough time finding the back of the net, combining for 8 goals on the night. The Panthers struck first, but Osseo would bounce back with three straight before BP finally netted their second with just over a minute left in the opening period. The Eagles extended their lead to 4-2 in the second period, but Brooklyn Park wouldn't go away quietly. The Panthers outshot the Eagles 15-6 in the second and were finally rewarded for their domination with a late goal to pull to within one heading into the third. Osseo pulled it back in the third and it was much more even in terms of shots and chances. The Panthers got a few good looks to tie the game but just couldn't get it done. The Screaming Eagles would put the game away with an empty netter with 27 seconds left. The crowd partied until the final horn sounded when they erupted again, Osseo has knocked out their neighbors to the east by a score of 5-3.

#23 Alexandria Norsemen vs St. Cloud Bearcats
UPSET ALERT! It was a battle between two Granite Hockey League rivals in Alexandria as the Norsemen took on the Bearcats in the post season for the first time since 1960. With how well these two know each other, it was no surprise that this turned into a one goal contest. Tied at two after two, the Norsemen and Bearcats would go back and forth in the third period to decide a winner. Ultimately, that winner would be from St. Cloud as the Cats were able to get one past the Alexandria goaltender off a deflection in front. The redirect would send the puck through the five hole and propel the unranked Bearcats to the second round with a 3-2 win on the road.


#10 Sauk Rapids Bulldogs vs Stillwater Volunteers
Sports Arena East was jumping all night long with the hometown Bulldogs finding the back of the net early and often. Sauk Rapids took the lead and didn't look back, rattling off four more to bury the Volunteers. Stillwater was able to get one on the board in the third, but it wouldn't really matter at all. The GHL champs move on with a dominant win over Stillwater, 5-1 is the final score.

RV Little Canada Canucks vs Roseville Rockets
It was a battle between neighbors when Little Canada and Roseville took to the ice for their first round matchup. The rivalry between the Nucks and Rockets has existed since the beginning, but with this being their first ever meeting in the playoffs, the tensions were higher than ever. Fans from both towns filled the stands at Little Canada Arena. The play on the ice was even as expected, but the physicality was definitely cranked all the way up. It was a hard fought game with both teams laying the body for the full 60 minutes. It was a low scoring affair, and in the end it would be the visiting Rockets who would walk away victorious. Roseville completes the upset, knocking out their bitter rivals from Little Canada by a score of 2-1.

#14 Mounds View Gunners vs Coon Rapids Bandits
You like goals? Then this is the game for you! The Gunners truly lived up to their name in this one as they fired a whopping 38 shots on goal in regulation alone. Coon Rapids didn't get quite as many looks, but the chances they did get they took advantage of. We were even 4-4 after 60 minutes of play, giving the 500+ in attendance some free hockey with the season on the line. It only took a couple of minutes for Mounds View to get their chance. A neutral ice turnover gave the Gunners a 3 on 1 break which they capped off with a shot that rang off the inside of the post and in. The crowd erupted and Gunners flooded over the boards. Mounds View knocks off Coon Rapids 5-4 in an overtime thriller to advance to the second round.

RV Lino Lakes Herons vs St. Cloud Storm
UPSET ALERT! For the second year in a row, Lino Lakes has been shocked on home ice by a team from St. Cloud. Last year it was the Bearcats, this year it's the Storm who went down to Lino Lakes and stunned the Herons. St. Cloud just put together a full hockey game, giving it their all and playing smart from start to finish. The Storm lit the lamp once in each period while holding Great Blue to a single goal in the second. St. Cloud advances to the second round with a 3-1 win on the road over Lino Lakes.

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Oaks all the way!

My prediction stays alive for another round.

1987 Kellogg Cup Playoffs: Second Round - North


#2 Two Harbors Wolfpack vs #19 Grand Rapids Moose
UPSET ALERT! We had a classic hardnose, physical, northern hockey game between two MAHL bluebloods. There wasn't a whole lot for offense with both teams really going all in on the defensive side of things. There was a lot, and I mean a lot, of hitting as a result. 2,400 seat Lake County Arena was still rocking at the end of 60 minutes despite neither the Wolfpack nor the Moose finding the back of the net in regulation. Fans from both teams serenaded their boys back to the ice for overtime, but the "Go Pack Go" chants were booming. The defensive duel continued in overtime as neither team wanted to give an inch. Hockey is an unpredictable game though, and sometimes all it takes is one bounce. Two Harbors held the puck in the Grand Rapids zone, moving it around. They went d to d, but the pass took a funny bounce and hopped over the Wolves stick. It was picked up along the boards by a Moose winger with some speed. He beat the defenseman and was in all alone on a breakaway, tucking a shot under the blocker and into the twine to win the game for the Moose. For the first time in over a decade, the Grand Rapids Moose are heading back to the Super Series, knocking out second ranked Two Harbors 1-0 on the road in overtime.

#6 East Grand Forks Pointers vs #9 Thunder Bay Giants
It was almost a de facto Super Series matchup before it even began as two top 10 ranked teams took to the ice in East Grand Forks to see who's heading to St. Paul. It seemed as though the entire town of EGF showed up to support their Pointers as they took on the Big Red Giants of Thunder Bay. The EGF Civic Center was sold out for warmups and the "E-G-F" and "Lets Go Pointers" chants have been nearly constant. The boys in blue and orange clearly fed off that energy early on, getting the games first goal 5:03 into play and extending their lead to 2-0 before the second. Thunder Bay made it a one goal game in the second period, but EGF would put the game on ice with an empty netter in the final minute of play to make it a 3-1 game. For just the third time ever, East Grand Forks is heading to the Super Series, knocking out #9 ranked Thunder Bay by a score of 3-1.

#3 Roseau Stars vs #16 Detroit Lakes Wood Ducks
Down go the defending champs. Detroit Lakes went into one of the toughest places to play in all of the MAHL and were able to net 4 goals, but it still wasn't enough to overcome the wrath of the Green Army. It was an offensive showcase for both teams with both the Stars and Ducks each scoring at least once in all three periods. #3 ranked Roseau was just able to outpace the Woodies, giving the 3,000+ on hand a lot to cheer about with a whopping 6 goal game. The final horn sounded and the crowd went wild as Stars flooded over the boards to celebrate with their goalie. For the 11th time in team history, the Roseau Stars are Super Series bound, knocking out Detroit Lakes 6-4.

#4 Hibbing Greyhounds vs #11 Bemidji Blue Ox
UPSET ALERT! The Bemidji Blue Ox have gone into the always intimidating Hibbing Memorial Building and shut out the fourth ranked team in the MAHL. It was a really even contest with shots on goal ending 31-28 in favor of Hibbing, but a combination of the Bemidji netminder standing on his head along with an offense that capitalized on the chances given to them propelled the Babes to a 2-0 shutout victory on the road. For the 5th time in team history, the Bemidji Blue Ox are heading to the Kellogg Cup Super Series.

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