1978 Kellogg Cup Playoffs; Playdowns - North


Duluth Voyageurs vs St. Cloud Bearcats
For the first time since 1954, the Duluth Voyageurs and St. Cloud Bearcats are facing off in the Kellogg Cup playoffs. It was a highly anticipated game with both teams being among the biggest names in the MAHL. This one definitely lived up to the hype though as the cats and le bleus battled back and forth for 60 minutes for the score to be tied at three, sending us to overtime at the DECC. After a couple of chances for both teams it was a Voyageur who would finally put away a rebound to send the Voyageurs to the next round. All 6,000+ on hand left with a smile on their face, chanting "Vive Le Bleus" all the way to the parking lot.

Silver Bay Beavers vs Thief River Falls Railers
It didn't take long for the first big upset to occur as the Thief River Falls Railers rode into Silver Bay and left with a W. The Railers have been on a bit of a bounce back after missing the past two playoffs, and they continued that trend in this one as they actually outplayed the Beavers for a good amount of this one. Silver Bay got on the board first, but the Railers netted two in the second and one more in the third which proved to be enough as they knock off Silver Bay with a 3-1 win on the road.

Alexandria Norsemen vs Brainerd Lumberjacks
It was a high scoring battle between two teams who know each other very well. This is one of the more underrated rivalries in the Granite Hockey League but there was no love lost in this one as penalty minutes piled up for both teams. This abundance of powerplays led to a very offensive and high scoring hockey game with the Norse and Jacks combining for 10 goals, 8 of which came with at least one man in the box for either team. In the end it was the Norsemen who were able to christen the first ever playoff game at Runestone Community Center with a 6-4 victory over the Brainerd Lumberjacks.

Detroit Lakes Wood Ducks vs Chisholm Flames
The Ducks were looking to bounce back after a disappointing outing in their first playoff appearance a year ago, unfortunately for them, the Flames came ready to make some noise. The Wood Ducks struck first, but the Flames answered back to tie it at one. Chisholm lit the lamp again in the second to take a 2-1 lead, extending it to 3-1 midway through the third on a deflection in front. Detroit Lakes took a timeout and switched things up for the remainder of the game. It seemed to work as they were the better team for the rest of the game, even burying a 2 on 1 to make it a one goal game. The horn became the enemy of the Wood Ducks and they would be unable to overcome it as Chisholm holds on to win their third playoff game in franchise history, their first win in 19 years. One can only hope there's enough alcohol in town to handle the party about to go down in Chisholm.

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1978 Kellogg Cup Playoffs; First Round - North


Steinbach Barbarians vs Duluth Voyageurs
It was a much closer game than most anticipated with the Voyageurs keeping pace and actually finding themselves setting the tempo at times. It was an offensive showdown as both sides were able to find the back of the net numerous times. When it was all said and done it was Duluth who came out on top by just one, edging out the Barbarians 4-3 to advance with a huge upset win over the top seed in the north.

Little Falls Pilots vs Fargo Titans
If you look at just the first two periods, this was a very even hockey game, things took a turn in the third when the hometown Pilots went on a tear, scoring 4 unanswered goals to come back and win 6-3 over Fargo. Little Falls seemed to use the outdoor ice at City Park Rink to their advantage, with Fargo only having to play outdoors once or twice a year.

Warroad Lakers vs Thief River Falls Railers
Things were looking good for the Lakers through two, leading the Railers 2-0 and outshooting them 27-15. Thief River would come out for the third with a new hunger though, finding the back of the net for the first time only a minute and a half into the period. They pressed on Warroad, making them make mistakes leading to a cough up in the slot that tied the game at 2. Overtime would be needed to decide a winner at the Castle on the Corner. The atmosphere was electric, but the Railers were still buzzing with momentum. The Lakers went down with a chance but were denied by the Railer goalie. Thief regrouped and went the other way 3 on 2. The winger with the puck cut into the slot and dumped a pass down to his teammate Pat McIntyre who was right in front of the net. He caught it and chipped a backhander that beat the Warroad goalie blocker side to send Thief River to the section final. He immediately did his best Smith impression by screaming "ALL ABOARD" while doing the iconic arm pump while on his left leg before his teammates caught him and mobbed him in celebration. (Fun Fact: The only other time the Railers and Lakers played in the playoffs Thief River also won and then went on to win the Kellogg Cup)

Virginia Royals vs Cloquet Broncos
Two historic MAHL teams facing off for the fourth time (CLQ leads series 2-1) to see who will take on the Railers in the second round. It was the Broncos who struck first, getting past the Royals goalie with 43 seconds left in the first. The second belonged to the Royals with Virginia scoring two powerplay goals to gain the lead. The boys in blue extended their lead to 2 with a one timer midway through the third. Miners Memorial Arena was rocking with "Lets Go Royals" chants as Virginia continued to control play. The clock began to work against Cloquet, but they somehow managed to get to within one on a fluke shot from the corner to make it 3-2 with just over 2 minutes to play. Virginia played it safe by dumping the puck in deep and pinning it along the boards to kill the clock. The plan worked as the Broncos were unable to get any footing in the Royals zone before the horn sounded to send Virginia to the second round with a 3-2 win over Cloquet.


Thunder Bay Giants vs Alexandria Norsemen
The top seed in the north lost? Why not make that the top 2. That was Alexandria's mindset heading into this international battle at Fort Williams Garden in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It was a very defensive game that saw both goalies make incredible saves to keep it a low scoring game. The Norsemen were the only team to break through, only managing to do so once late in the second. That would turn out to be all they would need though as the Giants failed to get on the board, choking on home ice and losing 1-0 to Alexandria.

Coleraine Trout vs Bemidji Blue Ox
Coleraine is looking to finally make it to the Super Series and they are well on their way after taking down a very good Bemidji team 4-2 at home. The Trout were working like a well oiled machine, playing together to create chances and converting on the opportunities that come. Bemidji played a good game, scoring twice, but Coleraine was just the better team on the night and will be moving on to the section final.

Grand Forks Jets vs Chisholm Flames
It was beginning to look like a blowout after one with the Jets leading the Flames by a score of 3-0. Things began to settle down a bit thanks to a pair of Chisholm goals to make it a game again. Grand Forks would get one back though before the period came to an end to lead 4-2 after 2. The Jets would once again get their lead back to 3 thanks to a powerplay chance that they converted on early in the third. Chisholm would not go away quietly, still pestering the Jets and giving it their all. A Grand Forks defender had his pocket picked by a Flame who went in all alone on a breakaway, tucking it five hole to make the score 5-3. Unfortunately for Chisholm that would be the last scoring chance they could muster as Grand Forks advanced with a solid 5-3 victory.

Winnipeg Monarchs vs Mountain Iron Cougars
The nearly 10,000 on hand at Winnipeg Arena were treated to a great hockey game that saw their Monarchs take on the up and coming Mountain Iron Cougars of the Iron Range Hockey League. These two teams matched up very well against each other causing a very entertaining and very close hockey game. It was so close that it actually ended tied at three so to overtime we went. Over half of the first overtime period had come and gone and a winner was still yet to be determined. Suddenly, a Cougar pass was intercepted by the Monarchs who turned it into a 3 on 1 opportunity that ended with a cross crease pass for a one time tap in to send Winnipeg to the second round with a 4-3 overtime win.

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Yoooooo!!! Get the trains rolling!! ALL ABOARD!!!!

1978 Kellogg Cup Playoffs; First Round - Twin Cities


Edina Cake Eaters vs Stillwater Volunteers
The two headed dragon of Hankinson and Nanne was on full display in this one as the pair each netted a pair of goals to lead Edina to a rather one sided victory over Stillwater. The Vols were able to prevent the shutout on one of their few scoring chances of the game midway through the third, but it was ultimately meaningless as the Cake Eaters cruise to an easy 4-1 victory as they look to finally bring home the Cup.

Anoka Warriors vs Maplewood Retrievers
It was as close as a hockey game could get between the Dubs and Goldies who fought tooth and nail for every opportunity. Both teams are very capable of a deep playoff run so it was really no surprise that this one was as even as it was. The two were so close that not only was the score tied at 2 at the end of regulation, but the shots were also even at 28 each. We went to overtime at Columbia Arena to decide a winner. Maplewood seemed unphased by the intimidating arena which was filled with over 4,000 fans, having played here for years when playing the Fridley Foxes of the EMHL. Neither side could get on the board in the first few minutes, but Maplewood slowly began to take control of the play, building momentum and getting chances. Maplewood was pressuring the Warriors, working the puck down low. A defender dropped down to the slot where he received a pass from the corner, ripping a one timer into the back of the net to send Maplewood to the second round with a 3-2 overtime win.

Minnetonka Muskies vs New Brighton Polka
Minnetonka is making their 4th straight playoff appearance as they welcome New Brighton to the post season for the first time in Polka history. There were a lot of question marks surrounding the Polka and how they would be able to adjust to playoff hockey. Those questions proved to be well founded as Tonka wasted no time taking a commanding 4-0 lead after 1. The Polka regrouped in the second and got a goal for themselves, but the Muskies would respond only 32 seconds later to once again put themselves up by 4. Tonka added one more goal in the third for good measure, all but clinching the win. To the Polka's credit, they didn't curl up and die, they kept playing and even put home a rebound to make it 5-2. Unfortunately for New Brighton their first playoff run comes to an end before it could even get started, but the Muskies look like a serious threat as they move on to the second round with a blowout win.

Richfield Roosters vs Brooklyn Park Panthers
After 3 straight seasons of underachieving the Panthers have finally made their way back into the playoffs as they head to Richfield to take on the Roosters. Both of these teams have a bit of a chip on their shoulder as they look to earn respect among the top teams in the Twin Cities, this led to a defensive duel where every shot on goal felt like it could change everything. BP broke the deadlock early in the second, but the Cocks would knot it up at one with under 2 to play in the second. Richfield came out flying in the third with the momentum of the late goal carrying over to the third. The Roosters began to pepper the Panther goalie, but he was ready for the onslaught, keeping the game tied at 1. Richfield would not let up, finally breaking through on a shot from the dot that buzzed the goalies ear, ringing off the bar and in. Richfield Area erupted with cheering as the Roosters swarmed to their bench to celebrate with their teammates. The Panthers were not able to swing the momentum back in their favor, finding it very hard to string any offensive chances together. The final horn sounded to send Richfield to the second round with a 2-1 win over Brooklyn Park.


West St, Paul Waves vs Coon Rapids Bandits
The Waves have their best team since the 50s and they are hoping to bring WSP back to the forefront of the MAHL. They are well on their way to doing just that after whooping the Bandits 4-0 in the first round, really letting the rest of the league know that they really are a legitimate contender.

Highland Park Flying Aces vs Osseo Screaming Eagles
Minnesota icon and avid Aces supporter and donor Charles Schulz was in attendance for Highland Park's first playoff game in team history. On the opposing side is Osseo who looks to turn around their playoff misfortunes of late (1-6 the last 6 years). Things were looking good early for Osseo as they converted on a powerplay to take a 1-0 lead after 1. The Aces evened things at 1 early in the second, setting off a new Air Raid Siren that the team installed prior to the playoff game. Highland hopped out front on a shot through a screen with 5:17 left in the second. Osseo would not go away though, scoring with just seconds left in the second to tie the game 2-2. It was relatively slow to start the third as neither side wanted to make a mistake. It began to open up again after about 7 minutes when the Screaming Eagles got a 2 on 1 chance that was denied by the Aces goalie. The next few minutes were high paced, back and forth hockey. This led to some high quality chances for both teams. The Aces were on the rush 3 on 2 and the puck carrier slowed up at the top of the circle. Both of the other Aces booked it towards goal as the puck carrier ripped a slapshot wide of the net, ricocheting it off the boards towards the slot where his teammate was there to one time it five hole. The siren was wailing, but you could hardly hear it with the crowd yelling and screaming so loudly. Highland Park would hold onto their lead, knocking off Osseo 3-2.

White Bear Lake Braves vs Mound Marauders
White Bear got the scoring started with a pair of goals in the first and one more in the second before Mound finally broke through to make it 3-1. The Braves would not let up, peppering the Marauders goalie and scoring two more to take a commanding 5-1 lead midway through the third. It was looking like this one was over until Mound began to take some chances late in the game as there was nothing left to lose. The gambles paid off as the Marauders managed to claw their way to a 2 goal deficit, but it would not be enough as White Bear holds on to advance with a 5-3 win.

St. Paul Victorias vs Como Sea Lions
North vs East, St. Paul vs St. Paul. The V's and Lions have quite a fierce rivalry which not many know about since Como has only been around for 5 years now. The hate is real between these neighbors and that was clear from the get go of this one as the puck was dropped and we were off at the St. Paul Auditorium. Nearly 8,000 packed the 7,000 seat arena to watch and boy were they treated to a classic. The high paced, skill based game of the Twin Cities was on full display with both teams lighting the lamp numerous times during regulation. That's not to say that things weren't physical as both teams took plenty of pleasure in dishing hits on each other. It was only fitting that this one would end tied 5-5 to send us to overtime. Victorias faithful belted "Lets Go V's" chants while the small section of Como fans screamed out "C-O-M-O" in response. One overtime came and went and a winner was yet to be determined so to a second overtime we went. The arena was just as packed as when it began with nobody wanting to miss a thing. All things must come to an end and this game is no exception. It was only a matter of time that a scoring chance was going to open up for one team of the other, that chance came thanks to a nice pinch by a Victoria defensemen who managed to keep the puck in the Como zone. He passed the puck to his d partner who ripped a snap shot hard and low for a tip. The Sea Lion goalie made a great save with his skate to keep it out, but the rebound was picked up by a V and smacked back towards goal. The goaltender lunged for the puck but was unable to make the save. The Auditorium exploded with cheer as the V's hopped the boards to celebrate. The goal scorer took off towards the blue line, diving forward and sliding on the ice until his teammates caught up and dog piled on him in celebration. The Victorias take down the Sea Lions with a 6-5 double overtime win at home to advance to the second round after a first round loss a year ago.

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1978 Kellogg Cup Playoffs; Second Round - North


Little Falls Pilots vs Duluth Voyageurs
The Voyageurs walked into Little Falls looking to keep their hot streak going, but the Pilots were in the way. Le Bleus got off to a great start scoring in the opening 5 minutes. Little Falls tied the game at one in the second, but the Voyageurs converted on a breakaway to regain the lead. Little Falls was down by one as the clock ticked to the final minute of the game. The Pilots pulled their goalie to get the extra attacker, but Duluth managed to take control of the puck. They made a pass cross ice to a winger breaking out of the zone. He caught it and shot it into the empty net to secure a 3-1 win for le bleus, sending them to their second Super Series.

Virginia Royals vs Thief River Falls Railers
Two classic MAHL teams facing off for the 5th time. Virginia is back on top of the Iron Range and is looking to make it to the Super Series for the first time since 1970, meanwhile Thief River is coming off of a pair of upset thrillers. Anticipation was high as the puck was dropped, but unfortunately the game didn't turn out to be as close as many had hoped. The Railers just couldn't seem to find that magic touch they had the first two games, failing to get much of anything going on offense, only managing to get 18 shots on goal in the game. It was a one sided affair as Virginia was able to do as they pleased, dominating time of possession and taking down the Railers by a final score of 4-0.

Coleraine Trout vs Alexandria Norsemen
The "Snake Pit" as it has become known as, was filled with possibly every person from the town of Coleraine as the puck was dropped for this section final matchup between the Brookies and the Norsemen. Despite the intimidating atmosphere, Alec got out to a nice start, getting on the board first. Coleraine responded, but the Norsemen netted another before the second to lead 2-1. It was beginning to look like an upset as the Norsemen added another to take a 3-1 lead, but the Trout could only be held down for so long. The Brookies scored late in the second, giving them some momentum heading into the third. The third was about as one sided as a game can be with Coleraine unloading 4 unanswered goals to turn the game on its head. Hodgins-Berardo Arena was shaking from the crowd as the final horn sounded, sending the Trout to the Super Series for the first time in team history with a 6-3 win over Alexandria.

Grand Forks Jets vs Winnipeg Monarchs
The most anticipated game of the second round in the north was the 3-6 matchup of Grand Forks and Winnipeg. Both teams have shown that they are more than willing to throw the body, but they also can light up the scoreboard. This game was much more of the latter as the Jets and Bruisers battled in the corners and along the boards, making it really hard on each other. Grand Forks broke first blood on a nifty wraparound midway through the second. The Jets put home another late in the second through a screen to give themselves a bit of a cushion. The atmosphere at Ralph Engelstad Arena was electrifying as the teams took the ice for the 3rd. It continued to be a physical battle as the Monarchs began to take risks in a desperate attempt at getting back in the game. A breakout was stopped in the Jets zone by a Monarch defenseman, passing it to his teammate. The Winnipeg winger looked as though he was taking a shot, but while looking at the goalie, he did a no look pass to his teammate in the slot for a one time deflection that finally put Winnipeg on the board. That would be all they could manage though, despite pulling the goalie. The final horn rang and the Ralph erupted in celebration as the Jets win 2-1, Grand Forks is heading back to the Super Series for the first time in 8 years.

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