One team will snap a championship drought of more than a decade today.
Another is poised to become a Kiwanis/Home Federal boys hockey festival champion for the first time.
Rochester Mayo and New Richmond (Wis.) will meet at 5:15 p.m. in Graham Arena I for the Gold Division championship. Both programs have won the tournament previously, but it's been some time since either claimed the top prize.
New Richmond last did so in 2003, while Mayo's last championship came in 1998.
The Spartans advanced to the title game by holding on for a 5-3 victory against Northland Pines after opening a 3-0 lead in the first period. Anthony Oliveto scored twice in the period, while Joe Hornsby had one assist and the game-winning goal.
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New Richmond also won a tight contest, beating Rochester John Marshall 2-1 in a tournament semifinal game. Junior goalie Adam Dilley made 23 saves to lead the Tigers, while JM goalie Brady Meyers made 38 saves to keep the Rockets in the game until the closing seconds.
Rochester Century will play for fifth place today at 12:45 p.m. The Panthers received two goals from Connor Davies and four assists from Erik Thorvilson in a 6-0 victory against Ashwaubenon, Wis. Century rebounded nicely from a shootout loss to Northland Pines in Monday's quarterfinals, by outshooting Ashwaubenon 41-9.
In the Blue Division, Eau Claire Memorial is in the driver's seat. The Old Abes (8-2-0 overall) are the only 2-0 team in the round-robin tournament, thanks to a 3-1 victory against Rochester Lourdes on Tuesday.
Memorial can capture its first Festival title today with a victory against Fargo (N.D.) South. Puck drop is set for 11:30 a.m.
A victory by South could bring multiple tie-breakers into play, as a three-way tie for first place is still possible.
Lourdes will wrap up tournament play at 3:45 p.m. today against two-time defending tournament champion Verona, which beat Fargo South 3-2 on Tuesday.
