Cretin-Derham Hall boys hockey downs Centennial in double OT in Class 2A quarterfinal

ST. PAUL — The Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders (17-10-1) defeated the No. 3-seed Centennial Cougars (19-7-2) 4-3 in double overtime in the Class 2A MSHSL boys hockey quarterfinals on Thursday, March 7 at Xcel Energy Center.

In the second overtime, Cretin-Derham Hall recovered a puck near the Centennial blue line. Nate Chorlton made the perfect pass to Max Anderson for the goal on the 2-on-1.

Anderson, who scored earlier in the game and celebrated with a selfie-stick celebration, used a different celebration, this time more fitting for a game-winning goal in the state tournament. 

"I put a crown on my head," Anderson said. 

After trialing 3-0 in the first period, Cretin-Derham Hall used its depth and forecheck to chip away and eventually win in double overtime.

"Our coaches said this game could go until 10 o’clock at night, but at the end of the day we’re going to win," senior Chuck Owens said. "... Not a lot of teams can really do that. We use our depth to our advantage. Every time someone steps on the ice and its not me I have full faith that they’re going to do their job, and vice versa."

It took Centennial less than one minute to score in the first period. Harper Searless put one on the board for the Cougars. 

Then Centennial's power play and sophomore Nick Carls took over. Within three minutes of each other, the Cougars drew two penalties and converted on both power plays for a 3-0 lead. 

“We started off terrific,'' Centennial head coach Ritch Menne said. "I thought our energy was really good. … I’m just super proud of these guys for how they came out."

Cretin-Derham Hall's Aiden Siegfried took it upon himself to get the first goal for the Raiders. He sped past two defenders and buried his shot on the stick side for an unassisted goal.

Whatever goal tap that was on in the first period was off for much of the second period. Cretin-Derham Hall broke through with a few minutes remaining in the period. 

After multiple shots hit the post, Owens scored after his shot hit the post and bounced back in off Centennial's goaltender, Cody Easton.

In the third period, Cretin-Derham Hall completed their comeback from a 3-goal deficit to tie the game. This time, the Raiders converted a power play with an Anderson shot from the slot. 

The Raiders' forecheck kicked into gear, and it slowly wore down the Cougars.

"In the second overtime, my entire left thigh was cramped up," Centennial senior Searless said. "I couldn't feel it."

Easton finished with 46 saves, including 11 in the double overtime.

"I've seen it since [Easton] was six years old," Menne said. "I told him, 'Since you were six years old, you were meant to be here.' I've seen Easton do this kind of stuff constantly."

The Raiders will play No. 2-seed Chanhassen in the Class 2A semifinals on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center.

"You wish to have a group like this every time you start in November, and this group is special," Raiders' head coach Matt Funk said.

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- Jack Butler | butler@scorebooklive.com | @Butler917