Woodbury boys hockey: Royals fall to Park as regular season ends
Last week’s loss to Park, which capped the regular season for the Royals, likely had a familiar ring to it for fans.
The loss was a microcosm of the Royals’ season: maddeningly close games – most of which were decided by one goal or less.
Woodbury lost nine games by one goal during the regular season and recorded four ties on its way to an overall record of 7-14-4 and a 2-12-4 in the Suburban East Conference.
The Royals finished the regular season in last place in the SEC with eight conference points.
Head coach Wes Bolin said the Thursday, Feb. 16, home loss to Park on senior night was a letdown for the players.
“They were extremely disappointed with the final outcome, and that’s probably good that they care,” he said.
Against Park, the Royals fell behind 1-0 in the first period when Wolfpack forward Luke Nelson scored.
After a scoreless second period, Woodbury tied things up at 11:56 in the third when senior forward Chase Myers-Beck scored, with the assist coming from Jack Glaeser.
Park recorded the game winner in overtime on Nelson’s second goal of the night.
The Wolfpack outpaced the Royals on shots on goal, 41-27.
Bolin credited the District 833 rival.
“That’s the best Park team since the early 90s,” he said.
The Royals looked to regroup for section play, which opened Tuesday after the Bulletin went to press.
Woodbury, the Section 3AA eighth seed, squared off against Rosemount, the ninth seed.
“We’re excited about it,” Bolin said of the matchup. “We feel good.”
Bolin said a win would pit Woodbury against Eagan, the No. 3-ranked AA team in Minnesota.
“In order to get to the state tournament, someone going to have to beat Eagan,” he said.
Woodbury lost 3-2 to Eagan in December.