Unable to bounce back from a loss in the WDA Championships on Saturday, the Minot High boys hockey club suffered a 3-0 season ending home defeat in the state quarterfinals against Fargo South-Shanley on Tuesday.

The first period started out as a feeling out process as neither club could establish an initial offensive rally. About three minutes in, Casey Fjeld came up with Minot’s first shot on goal, but he was stopped by Zach Sandy, one of the top goalies in the state. As the period continued, the Magi had issues controlling passes in the offensive zone, which stalled the club’s momentum.

In the later stages of the first, Minot was whistled for the game’s first penalty, giving Fargo South-Shanley a power play opportunity. The Magi penalty kill defense was initially up to the task, but Fargo continued to press the issue. After a save by Minot goalie Tre Sortland, the Magicians were unable to clear the defensive zone and Fargo cashed in seconds later with the first goal of the game on the power play. With 4:44 to go in the period, Minot found themselves down 1-0.

As it turned out, it would be the only score through the first 17 minutes of play. At that point, Fargo led 9-7 in shots on goal. Minot came out to start the second period with more vigor offensively, pressing the issue early, but came up without any goals to show for it. At the end of two periods, the score remained 1-0 in favor of Fargo, and the Bruins led the Magi 13-10 in shots on goal.

With 14:21 remaining in the game, Fargo added an even strength goal to take a 2-0 advantage. Inside of five minutes to go, a third goal from Fargo sealed Minot’s fate. The Magi, who ended the game with 14 shots on goal, conclude the 2020-21 campaign with an overall mark of 16-4.