Sophomore Danny Nelson's first-period goal proved to be the winner as No. 6-2A Maple Grove upended previously unbeaten No. 3-2A Lakeville South 3-0 in a Tradition in the Park first-round matchup at the St. Louis Park Rec Center.

Maple Grove senior Toby Hopp made 22 saves to earn the shutout, with much of his best work coming in a first period controlled mostly by the Cougars (7-1-1). 

Senior Josh Giuliani poked home a rebound from just outside the crease to put the Crimson (6-2-1) ahead 2-0 early in the third period. Sawyer Skanson added an empty-net goal directly off a face-off from the far blue line.

The game was a rematch of a highly-anticipated, heavily attended game in Maple Grove late last season when both teams were undefeated. Lakeville South won that matchup and, like Maple Grove, qualified for the state tournament.