Sports

Power 96 Sports Updated 3-29

03/29/2023

The Minnesota Twins wrapped up spring training taking on the Pittsburgh pirates.The game was scoreless through the first three innings. In the fourth the Twins got on the board first thanks to an RBI double by Kyle Farmer that scored Castro. The Pirates tied the game in the bottom of the fourth. The Twins took a 2-1 lead thanks to a hit by Isola. The Pirates took the lead on a three run blast from Smith-Njigba. Ji-man Choi knocked in an RBI single to give the Pirates a 5-2 lead after six. In the seventh and eight innings the Twins rallied by way of an RBI groundout from Garry Jr to cut the lead to 5-3 in the top of the seventh. In the eighth Anthony Prato contributed with an RBI triple to make it 5-4. The Twins took the lead and won the game thanks to a three run homer in the eighth by Seth Gray. The Twins won the game 7-5 to finish spring training with an overall record of 14-15-3. The Twins are off tonight. Opening day for the Twins is Thursday when the team takes on the Kansas City Royals just after 3pm.

The Minnesota Wild will be on the ice tonight taking on the Colorado Avalanche in a critical game for each team as they continue to fight along with the Dallas Stars for the Central Division. The Wild are a single point ahead of Colorado and Dallas for first place. The Wild have won three of five games and have been the hottest team in the NHL since Valentines day with a record of 15-1-4. The Avalanche have also won three of their last five games and nine of ten overall. This is the final match up between the two teams on the schedule. The Avalanche look for the sweep of the Wild they took the first two games at Xcel Energy Center winning game one 6-3 in Mid October and game two 3-2 in Mid February. Faceoff between the Wild and the Avalanche from Ball Arena is scheduled for tonight at 9pm and will be on TNT.

The NBA announced its 2023 hall of fame class and the inductees are big times names. Four time NBA Champion Tony Parker, three time NBA champion Dwayne Wade, two time NBA Champion Pau Gasol, Becky Hammon one of the WNBA's best players, and Head Coach five time NBA Champion Greg Popovich. The official announcement of the inductees will be made Saturday in Houston at the Final Four.

Sports Update 3-28

03/28/2023

The Minnesota Wild were back in the ice last taking on the Seattle Kraken. The Wild got on the board first when Jake Middelton scored his third of the season. In the second period the Wild extended their lead to 3-0 thanks to two goals by Matt Boldy. Early in the third Boldy Completed the natural hat trick. For Boldy it is his second hat trick in five games. Ryan Hartman added his 14th of the season. The Wild defeated the Kraken 5-1. The Wild have been the hottest team in the NHL since Valentines day and have surged into first place in the Central Division. The win helped maintain their one point lead over the Dallas Stars and Avalanche. The Wild will take on the Colorado Avalanche in a crucial game Wednesday.

The Minnesota Twins were in action yesterday afternoon taking on the Pittsburgh Pirates. After a scoreless first inning the Twins got on the board first when they scored five runs in the top half of the second inning. Hernan Perez hit a three run homer to put the Twins up 4-0 after two innings. In the third inning the Twins extended the lead to 7-0 thanks to a three run home run by Donovan Solano. The Twins offense was rounded out by an RBI double by Jose Miranda who had three hits on the afternoon. The Twins won the game 8-4. Next up for the Twins is the spring training finale when they take on the Pirates Tuesday.

The Minnesota Timberlines took on the Sacramento Kings. The Kings were looking to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in 16 years and snap the NBAs longest playoff drought. A closely contested first half saw the Kings head to halftime with a narrow 58-57 lead. The second half was just as close as the first; the Timberwolves took the scoring battle in the third quarter by a single bucket 29-27 and then the fourth quarter scoring battle by 3 points 33-30. After the final second ticked off the clock the Timberwolves emerged victorious 119-115 denying the Kings their home court celebration. The Timberwolves have won four straight games and took the season series against the Kings winning three of the four games. Minnesota was led by Jaden McDaniels who scored 20 points in the win. Anthony Edwards chipped in 17 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Karl Anthony Towns didn't play as he continues to recover from a Calf injury. Next up for the Timberwolves is a night off tonight and then they take on the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night.

Former Minnesota Vikings Tight End Irv Smith Jr. has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith Jr. suffered a leg injury which prompted the Vikings to trade for TJ Hockenson. The addition of Josh Oliver, Smith Jr. decided to take his talents to Cincinnati. Smith Jr. played 37 games with the Vikings recording 91 catches for 858 yards and nine touchdowns in three seasons with the Vikings.

Weekend Sports Recap

03/27/2023

the Austin Bruins are the Regular Season Central Division Champions.

After securing a playoff spot last weekend, the Bruins defeated the St. Cloud Norsemen 3-2 in a shootout to win the Central Division title. The Bruins head to St. Cloud on Thursday, March 30th to the second of three straight with the Norsemen before returning to Riverside on Saturday, April 1st.

The Minnesota Wild were back on the ice Saturday when they took on the Chicago Blackhawks. After a scoreless first period, Ryan Reaves broke the ice with his fifth of the season midway through the second period. The Wild led 1-0 after two. Chicago tied the game up early in the third period on a goal by Lukas Reichel, his fourth of the season. The Wild broke the tie with under two minutes remaining when Ryan Hartman lit the lamp for the 13th time this season. The Wild added the empty netter by Frederick Gaudreau his 14th and the Wild take the game 3-1. The win catapulted the team into first place in the Central Division one point ahead of Colorado and Dallas with nine games remaining in the regular season. Next up for the Wild is a visit from the Seattle Kraken tonight. Puck drop from Xcel Energy Center is scheduled for 7pm.

The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to the court after a three day layoff when they took on the Golden State Warriors. The teams were tied after the first quarter at 29 points a piece. Golden State narrowly outscored the Timberwolves by two points in the second quarter and took a 55-53 lead into the halftime locker room. The third quarter is where the Timberwolves took control of the game as they would rallied and took a four point lead into the fourth quarter 77-73. A closely contested fourth quarter, the Warriors trimmed a point off of the lead but it wouldn't be enough as the Timberwolves emerged victorious 99-96. The Timberwolves were led in scoring by Naz Reid with 23 points. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots. Next up for the Timberwolves is a game against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

The NCAA Tournament is now down to the Final Four teams left competing for the National Championship. The first game will be the five seed out of the South Region, the San Diego St Aztecs taking on the nine seed in the East region the Florida Atlanta University Owls. The Aztecs defeated Creighton and the Owls defeated Kansas State in the Elite Eight.The other game will be a game between two well known names. The four seed in the West Region the UConn Huskies will take on the five seed in the Midwest Region the Miami Hurricanes. UConn defeated Gonzaga in the Elite Eight, and the Canes defeated Texas. The Final Four gets underway Saturday, April 1 at 5:00.

Minnesota Sports Update 3-24

03/24/2023

The Minnesota Wild were back on the ice last night in the City of Brotherly love taking on the Flyers. It was the broad street bullies who opened the scoring first when Scott Laughton lit the lamp for the seventeenth time this season. The Wild would respond when Oscar Sundqvist scored his tenth of the season. Joel Farabee gave the flyers the lead in the second period before the Wild would tie the game and take the lead thanks to goals by Matt Boldy his 24th and Marcus Foligno his 7th of the year. Late in the second the Flyers tie the game and we head to the third tied at 3. Matt Boldy"s second of the game gave the Wild a 4-3 lead and the Flyers tie it up again thanks to Tyson Foerster and his second of the season. The game would be decided in the shootout. Each team misses their first shot attempt, then in the second round James van Riemsdyk put the flyers in the lead and Frederick Gaurdreau shot wide of the net. The game came down to Matt Boldy who had his shot denied and the Flyers take home the extra point and win the game 5-4. Next up for the Wild is a meeting with the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday at the X faceoff at 4pm.

The Minnesota Twins fell to the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday afternoon 3-0 to fall to 10-13 in spring training. The Twins will return to action Friday afternoon when they take on the Yankees.

As Spring training enters its final week the twins have made roster moves to thin out the herd as they look to build their opening day roster. Catchers David Bañuelos and Grayson Greiner were reassigned, as were infielders Elliot Soto and Tyler White, right-hander Oliver Ortega and outfielder Ryan LaMarre.The Twins still have 39 players on the roster that number has to be at 26 on opening day March 30th when they take on the KC Royals so many more decisions will be made as we get closer to next Thursday's season opener.

In the NCAA Tournament the field is now down to 12 teams who will compete for the National Championship. Four teams last night punched their ticket to the Elite Eight. Kansas State defeated Michigan State in overtime. The Wildcats will take on The Florida Atlantic Owls who defeated Tennessee. In the West Region three seed Gonzaga defeated UCLA and will take on four seed UCONN. The other four teams in the Elite Eight will be determined by who wins the games today as Alabama will take on San Diego State, the winner of that game will take on either Creighton or Princeton. The final matchup will be deterimed by the winners of Houston vs Miami and Texas vs Xavier.

Minnesota Sports Update

03/23/2023

It was an eventful night in the world of minnesota Sports.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were back on the court last night and so was the returning Karl-Anthony Towns who has missed the last 52 games with a calf injury. In a game where neither team could keep the lead, the Wolves had a chance to win the game late with under eight seconds to go. Needing points to tie the game. Towns drove toward the bucket and draws the foul sending him to the free throw line with the chance to win the game. Towns hits the first free throw to tie the game at 124-124. Towns sinks the next shot to put the Wolves up 125-124 with three seconds to go and the Wolves escaped with a 125-124 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Towns in his return had 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two blocked shots. Naz Reid led the Wolves with 26 points off the bench. Next up for the Timberwolves a few days off before taking a road trip out west to take on the Golden State Warriors Sunday.    

The Twins were back in action taking on the Boston Red Sox. The Twins wasted no time as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The runs came courtesy of a solo shot from Trevor Larnach and then three RBIs on a Michael Taylor Double. In the Fourth the Twins extended their lead to eight nothing on two run homers from Jose Miranda and Kyle Farmer. In the Top of the sixth Will Holland scored on an RBI Double,Donovan Solona hit a two run double and the final score of the game came on a Micheal Perez double in the eighth. In the end the Twins won the game 11-0 to improve to 10-12 on spring training. Next up for the Twins is an afternoon showdown with the Toronto Blue Jays Thursday at 12:05.

As the Twins look to build their roster for the regular season, Manager Rocco Baldelli confirmed that both second baseman Jorge Polanco and first baseman Alex Kirilloff will not start the season with the major league club.

The Minnesota Vikings continued to make moves in free agency. The team signed two new players and bought back a well known name. First the team signed Wide Receiver and Punt Return specialist Brandon Powell and the second was Linebacker Troy Reeder. The contracts were pending completion of their physical exams. Powell played the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and had 24 catches for 156 yards, Powell also has 57 career kickoff returns and 49 career punt returns. He had a 61-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Vikings on Dec. 26, 2021. Reeder also played his first three years in the league with the Rams. Both players were part of the Rams when they won the Superbowl in 2021.

The Vikings also bought back FB CJ Ham who agreed on a two year contract to keep the long time Vikings Fullback with the team thorugh 2025.

Tigers Repeat As Section Champions

02/20/2023

Albert Lea Girls Hockey was back in action last night in the Sectional Championship game where they took on the Dodge County Wildcats.

The first period was a very tense period for the Tigers. The Wildcats controlled the period from start to finish with incredible offensive zone time and forced the Tiger defense to step up and prove that they belonged in the championship game. No scoring occurred in the first period as we went to the first period intermission tied at 0-0. Shots on goal after one period were 10 to 1 in favor of Dodge County.

The second period was almost a mirror image of the first. The Wildcats controlled the puck and pinned the Tigers into their zone with a relentless attack. It would be the Tigers who would break the ice first. Haley Austinson was hit in the neutral zone,the hit put the puck on the stick of her sister Hannah who on the break away put the shot home through the five hole of the Wildcats goaltender Ida Huber. The Wildcats would draw a penatly giving their leathal power play a chance to tie the game, and that is exactly what happened.The Tiger penalty kill was on their seventh kill of the night on a 5 on 3 situation, when Abby Simons recieved a puck in the slot and put it home to tie the game 1-1. At the end of the period the games was tied and the Wildcats led in shots 24-3.

The third period was a back and forth battle. The Wildcats would break the 1-1 tie on the penalty kill when Nora Carstensen intercepted a pass and fired it past Jayda Moyer shorthanded. The Tigers would not go away without a fight. Less than two minutes later the Tiger power play tied the game when Sydney Kolker took a shot from the slot which was saved but the rebound went right to Liley Steven who put it in and tied the game at 2-2. The teams exchanged high pressure scoring chances at the end of the period but the game went to overtime.

In overtime with the season on the line the Tigers power play had the chance to win the game and send the Tigers back to state. The Tigers win the faceoff and feed the puck to Olivia Ellsworth who fired home the game winning goal to send the Tigers back to the state tournament. Tigers win 3-2 in overtime.

Tigers Repeat As Section Champions

02/17/2023

Albert Lea Girls Hockey was back in action last night in the Sectional Championship game where they took on the Dodge County Wildcats.

The first period was a very tense period for the Tigers. The Wildcats controlled the period from start to finish with incredible offensive zone time and forced the Tiger defense to step up and prove that they belonged in the championship game. No scoring occurred in the first period as we went to the first period intermission tied at 0-0. Shots on goal after one period were 10 to 1 in favor of Dodge County.

The second period was almost a mirror image of the first. The Wildcats controlled the puck and pinned the Tigers into their zone with a relentless attack. It would be the Tigers who would break the ice first. Haley Austinson was hit in the neutral zone,the hit put the puck on the stick of her sister Hannah who on the break away put the shot home through the five hole of the Wildcats goaltender Ida Huber. The Wildcats would draw a penatly giving their leathal power play a chance to tie the game, and that is exactly what happened.The Tiger penalty kill was on their seventh kill of the night on a 5 on 3 situation, when Abby Simons recieved a puck in the slot and put it home to tie the game 1-1. At the end of the period the games was tied and the Wildcats led in shots 24-3.

The third period was a back and forth battle. The Wildcats would break the 1-1 tie on the penalty kill when Nora Carstensen intercepted a pass and fired it past Jayda Moyer shorthanded. The Tigers would not go away without a fight. Less than two minutes later the Tiger power play tied the game when Sydney Kolker took a shot from the slot which was saved but the rebound went right to Liley Steven who put it in and tied the game at 2-2. The teams exchanged high pressure scoring chances at the end of the period but the game went to overtime.

In overtime with the season on the line the Tigers power play had the chance to win the game and send the Tigers back to state. The Tigers win the faceoff and feed the puck to Olivia Ellsworth who fired home the game winning goal to send the Tigers back to the state tournament. Tigers win 3-2 in overtime.

Tigers Ground Bluejays Advance to Sectional Title Game

02/13/2023

Albert Lea Girls Hockey was back on the ice for sections play when they took on the Waseca Bluejays on Saturday.The winner advanced to take on Dodge County for the sectional championship.

The first period was back and forth, with both teams playing solid defense in their own zones. The Bluejays would break the ice first when Izabela Slectha put one past Jayda Moyer to put Waseca up 1-0. The lead would not last long as the Tigers would tie the game when Liley Steven put the tigers on the board with her sixth of the season on the power play. The Tigers would fire several more shots on goal but Illamay Draheim, the starting goaltender for Waseca, was up for the challenge.The Tigers and Bluejays were tied at the end of the first period 1-1

The second period was a roller coaster of emotion for both teams. The teams played a back and forth period but it was take Tigers who took the lead back when Hannah Austinson scored two goals for the Tigers her 14th and 15th of the season in a span of less than three minutes. Late in the second period the game would change when Bluejay goaltender Drahiem went down with an injury to her left leg and would not return. The injury meant it was time for Alicia Kelly to step in for Waseca. At the end of the second the Tigers led 3-1.

The third period is where the flood gates opened for the tiger offense.Morgan Goskeson would start the avalanche of goals by scoring her first of the period and her 19th of the season on the power play to make the score 4-1 Tigers.Haley Austinson would add her 14th of the season and the Tigers lead grew to 5-1. Hannah Austinson would complete the Hat Trick by scoring her 16th of the season and the Tiger lead grew even larger. The Tigers still weren't done scoring, Shelby Evans found the back of the net for the eigth time as well. Morgan Goskeson was left alone on the penalty kill and was awarded with a short handed goal for her second of the game. Goskeson was not done as she would score the next goal as well for the Tigers who's lead was now at 9-1. Goskeson and fellow linemate Hannah Austinson both had Hat Tricks on the night but it was Hannah who would finish with four goals as she put one in just as time expired to make the final score Tigers 10 Bluejays 1.

The Tigers will now take on the Dodge County Wildcats Thursday at Steele County Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna. The winner will head to the State Tournament.

Tigers Set To Begin Sectional Defense

02/06/2023

The MSHL has annoubnced the seedings for the Girls Hockey sections tournaments. The Albert Lea Tigers were awarded the two seed as well as a first round bye in the 1A secional tournament. The Tigers, who look to repeat as sectional champions, enter sectional play with a record of 16-7-1 which included a record of 10-3 in the Big Nine. The Tigers finished in second place in the big nine behind only Owatonna.

The Tiger's section is made up of five teams. The one seed in the tournament will be the Dodge County Wildcats who finished the regular season with a record of 15-8-2 overall. The three seed and the Tiger's opponent on Saturday will be the Waseca Bluejays who finished the regular season with a record of 12-11-0. The four and five seeds who will play each other will be the 9-13 Winona Winhakws taking on the 2-20-0 Austin Packers. The winner of the Winona vs Austin will play top seeded Dodge County.

The Winhawks and the Packers will play Wednesday night. The semi final round will take place Saturday. The Tigers will host Waseca Saturday at 7 at City Arena, and Dodge County will host the Winona/Austin winner Saturday at 7.

The Sectional Championship game will be played at the Steele County Four Seasons Centere in Owatonna next Thursday at 7:30. The winner of the sectional tournament will earn a spot in the State tournament.

Tiger Girls Hockey Shutout Winhawks

02/03/2023

Albert Lea Girls Hockey was back in action last night at Albert Lea City Arena for the final time of the regular season. The Tigers welcomed the Winona Winhawks.

The first period was a closely contested period until about midway through when Mika Cichosz fired home a shot to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead, the goal was Cichosz's 24th of the season. A few minutes later the Tiger power play would extend the lead as Morgan Goskeson fired home her 17th of the season and third power play goal of the season. The first period came to a close and the Tigers led 2-0

The second period was dominated by the Tigers as they spent most of the period in the attacking zone. The pressure would pay off as Liley Steven fired home her fifth goal of the season to extend the lead for the Tigers to 3-0. After seemingly quieting the Tiger offense the Winhakws gave up another goal when Mika Cichosz scored her second of the game to put the Tigers up 4-0. The score after two periods was Tigers 4 Winhawks 0.

The third period started on the penalty kill for the Tigers but that didn't stop them from scoring. Mika Cicosz intercepted a pass through the neutral zone which left her all alone and she would score to complete the hat trick and the tigers led 5-0. Cichosz wasnt done as she would add one more goal to score for the fourth time on the night and the Tiger lead grew to 6-0 and that is where it would stand until the end of the game. The Tigers defeated Winona 6-0.

Next up for the Tigers will be a trip to Mankato West saturday for a 2pm faceoff and then sectional play will begin on Feb 8th

Tiger Girls Hockey Looks To Clip Winhawks Wings

02/02/2023

Albert Lea Girls Hockey will be back in action tonight when they take on the Winona Winhawks tonight at The Albert Lea City Area. Power 96 will have coverage of the Girls game starting at around 7:15

The Tigers enter tonight with a record of 14-7-1 overall, which includes a record of 8-3 in the Big Nine. The Tigers are coming off of sweeping a home and home series with the Farimont Cardinals last week winning 7-0 on Saturday and 11-1 on Monday. The Tigers are led by Defenseman Mika Cichosz who leads the team in goals with 23 as well as points with 32. The assist leader for the Tigers is Haley Austinson with 13 on the season to go along with 11 goals and 24 points.

The Winona Winhawks will arrive at City Arena with a record of 9-12 on the season which includes a record of 8-6 in the Big Nine. The Winhawks are coming off of a 4-1 win over the Austin Packers Tuesday night. The Winhawks are led by Avery Engbrecht who leads the team in goals with 19, assists with 7, and points with 26 on the season.

The winner of the game will move into a tie with Northfield with 18 points in the Big Nine and the loser will remain in third place.

The two teams have played once already this season with the Tigers emerging victorious 7-0 on January 5th.

Other Tiger Athletic events tonight feature:

Boys swimming in Faribault at 6:30pm

Wresting will host Owatonna at 7pm

Boys Hockey in Winona at 7:15pm    

Tigers Dominate Battle Of I-90

01/31/2023

Albert Lea Boys Hockey was back in action last night as they renewed the battle of I-90 with the arch rival Austin Packers at Albert Lea City Arena.

The first period belonged to the Tigers who came out with a purpose to establish dominance over their rivals. The Tigers struck first when Tim Chalmers fired home his sixth goal of the year midway through the first period, the goal by Chalmers broke the flood gates and the Tigers offense came to life. Two minutes later the Tigers expanded their lead when Eli Farris blasted home his fourth of the season on the power play. The Tigers were not done scoring in the period as Tim Chamlers scored again for his second goal of the period and the Tigers lead was pushed to three goals. At the end of one the score was 3-0 Tigers.

The second period went as well as the first for Albert Lea.The Tigers struck early once again when Eli Farris punched home his second of the game and his fifth on the year to extend the Tiger lead to 4-0. The Tiger's next goal came minutes later on the power play as Joseph Yoon found a rebound and put it in the net for his team leading 21st goal of the season. The Packers would break the shutout by scoring on the power play when Isaac Stromlund got one past Tiger Goaltended Dakota Jahnke cutting the lead to 5-1. The Tigers would respond to the goal minutes later when Max Edwin blasted home a shot for his ninth goal of the season. The Tigers would head into the intermission leading 6-1.

The third period is where things started getting chippy between the two rivals, hard hit after hard set up a physcial period that saw the Tigers on the penalty kill for seven minutes. Max Edwin who was ejected for a hit to the head. Edwin's penalty was followed by a penalty to Bryan Johnston but the Tiger penalty kill was up for the task and killed it off. During one of the penalty kills Tigers star Joseph Yoon would intercept a pass in the neutral zone , deke out Plunkett, the Packer Goaltender, and score short handed. The goal gave the Tigers a 7-1 lead and a running clock. The Tigers got one last goal right before the game expired when Eli Farris put home a cross ice centering feed for Joseph Yoon to complete the Hat Trick. The Tigers win the Battle of I-90 8-1.

The Tigers improved to 14-5 on the season and 7-3 in the Big Nine. The Tigers will next be in action Thursday against the Winona Winhawks.

Tigers Fall In Big Nine Battle

01/27/2023

Albert Lea Boys Hockey was back in action last night at Albert Lea City Arena when they welcomed Northfield Raiders.

The first period was a struggle for the Tigers as the Radiers offensive pressure kept the Tigers pinned in their zone playing defense most of the period. The Tigers relied on Goaltended Dakota Jahnke to make big saves over the span of the first 17 minutes. The Raiders would break the ice in the final 90 seconds of the first period when their leading scorer Kamden Kaiser found a lose rebound and put it in the back of the net for his 24th of the season giving the Raiders a 1-0 lead.

The second period saw the Tigers come out with more energy looking to tie the game early. As the period went on the Tigers were able to generate multiple chances to score but Radiers Goaltender Keaton Walock made the saves when they counted and helped the Raiders maintain their small lead. The score at the end of two periods remained 1-0 Raiders.

The third period was a mirror image of the first period. The Tigers were unable to move the puck past center ice without having it taken by the Raiders or settling for a dump and chase game which the Raiders were ready for. The Raiders would score about mid way through the third period when Brayden Olsen puts home his sixth goal of the season, giving the Raiders a 2-0 lead. The Raiders would add a goal from Will Cashin his fifth to take home the victory over the Tigers 3-0.

The Tigers fall to 12-5 on the season and 5-3 in Big Nine play. The Raiders improve to 14-4 overall and 8-2 in Big Nine play.

The Tigers will next be on the ice Saturday when they take on the Falcons of Faribault at 6:15 at City Arena as part of Hockey Day in Albert Lea.

Tigers Battle Raiders In Big Nine Tilt

01/26/2023

Albert Lea Boys Hockey will be in action tonight at City Arena when they take on the Northfield Raiders at 7:15. Power 96 will have live coverage of the tilt between two of the top teams in the Big Nine starting at around 7:15.

The Tigers enter tonight's game with a 12-4 record overall and a record of 5-2 in Big Nine play, which has them currently seeded fourth. The Tigers have won nine of their last ten games including a 5-3 win over Rochester John Marshall over the weekend. Joseph Yoon leads the Tigers in all statistical categories entering tonight with 18 goals, 14 assists and 32 points on the season.

The visiting Northfield Raiders enter tonight's game with a 13-4 record overall and 7-2 in the Big Nine. The Raiders currently sit second in the conference behind only Rochester Mayo. The Raiders have won eight of their last ten games including an 8-3 victory over Mankato East/Loyola on Tuesday. The Raiders statistically are led in goals and points by Kamden Kaiser who enters tonight with 23 and 37 respectively. The assist leader for the Raiders is Jake Geiger with 20.

Other Tiger Athletics action tonight includes:

Wrestling will be in Northfield to take on Northfield and Faribault at 5:30

Boys Swimming will take on Century at 6:30

Girls Hockey will be in Northfield at 7:15

and rounding out Tiger action tonight,

Girls Basketball on the road taking on Worthington at 7:30

Tigers Battle To Draw

01/25/2023

Albert Lea Girls Hockey was back in action taking on the Rosemount Irish at City Arena.

The first period was dominated by the Irish who spent most of the period in the Albert Lea zone putting puck after puck on net but Tiger netminder Jayda Moyer was up to the challenge. The Irish would score late in the first period to take a 1-0 lead into the first period intermission when Cece Hanson fired home her seventh goal of the season.Shots at the end of the first period were 14 to 3 in favor of the Irish.

The second period got off to a less than ideal start for the Tigers when Sophie Stramel puts the puck in the back of the net for the tenth time this season to put the Irish up 2-0 not even 30 seconds into the second period. Minutes later Morgan Goskeson fired a wrist shot past Irish netminder Avery Miller for her 12th goal of the season the pull the Tigers to within a goal. The goal would energize the Albert Lea team and they responded by ramping up the pressure on both sides of the puck.The Tigers trailed 2-1 at the second period intermission.

The third period started similar to the second for the Tigers as they carried the momemtum over from the second period. The momentum paid off when Shelby Evans tallied her 11th goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2. The rest of the third period was a battle as both teams had great chances to put the game away but the netminders were up to the task. Late in the third it looked as though the Irish had taken the lead and seemingly put the game on ice but the officials blew the play dead just before the Irish had scored. The game would head to overtime.

In the overtime period both teams continued to fight with the same intensity of the third period, but in the end neither team was able to find the one last bit of offense needed. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. The tie is the first of the season for Albert Lea.

The Tigers record goes to 12-6-1 on the season and 8-2 in Big 9 play. Next up for the Tigers is a trip to Northfield on Thursday.

Tigers Battle To Draw

01/25/2023

Albert Lea Girls Hockey was back in action taking on the Rosemount Irish at City Arena.

The first period was dominated by the Irish who spent most of the period in the Albert Lea zone putting puck after puck on net but Tiger netminder Jayda Moyer was up to the challenge. The Irish would score late in the first period to take a 1-0 lead into the first period intermission when Cece Hanson fired home her seventh goal of the season.Shots at the end of the first period were 14 to 3 in favor of the Irish.

The second period got off to a less than ideal start for the Tigers when Sophie Stramel puts the puck in the back of the net for the tenth time this season to put the Irish up 2-0 not even 30 seconds into the second period. Minutes later Morgan Goskeson fired a wrist shot past Irish netminder Avery Miller for her 12th goal of the season the pull the Tigers to within a goal. The goal would energize the Albert Lea team and they responded by ramping up the pressure on both sides of the puck.The Tigers trailed 2-1 at the second period intermission.

The third period started similar to the second for the Tigers as they carried the momemtum over from the second period. The momentum paid off when Shelby Evans tallied her 11th goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2. The rest of the third period was a battle as both teams had great chances to put the game away but the netminders were up to the task. Late in the third it looked as though the Irish had taken the lead and seemingly put the game on ice but the officials blew the play dead just before the Irish had scored. The game would head to overtime.

In the overtime period both teams continued to fight with the same intensity of the third period, but in the end neither team was able to find the one last bit of offense needed. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. The tie is the first of the season for Albert Lea.

The Tigers record goes to 12-6-1 on the season and 8-2 in Big 9 play. Next up for the Tigers is a trip to Northfield on Thursday.

Tiger Athletic Update

01/23/2023

Albert Lea High boys hockey team was in action over the weekend taking on Rochester John Marshall. The Tigers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Derrik Laite and Joseph Yoon. John Marshall would respond in kind with two goals of their own in the second period to tie the game at 2-2 thanks to goals from Brock Clarey and Jayden Veney. Late in the second period Josh Behrends give the Tigers the lead heading into the third and final period. Midway through the third period John Marshall tied the game when Mason Decker fired home a shot to tie the game at 3-3. The Tigers would put the game on ice when Jack Ladlie and Max Edwin would score two goals in a 30 second span to put Albert Lea up 5-3 which would be the final score. The TIgers improve to 12-4 on the season and 5-2 in the Big 9.

Tiger Athletics tonight will feature Boy's Basketball making the trip down I-90 for a battle with the arch rival Austin packers. The tip off times for the games are:

Boys 9A tips off at 6:00pm

Boys JV tips off at 6:00pm

Boys 9B tips off at 7:00pm

and

Boys Varsity tips off at 7:30

Tiger Athletics Update

01/23/2023

Albert Lea High boys hockey team was in action over the weekend taking on Rochester John Marshall. The Tigers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Derrik Laite and Joseph Yoon. John Marshall would respond in kind with two goals of their own in the second period to tie the game at 2-2 thanks to goals fro Brock Clarey and Jayden Veney. Late in the second period Josh Behrends give the Tigers the lead heading into the third and final period. Midway through the third period John Marshall tied the game when Mason Decker fired home a shot to tie the game at 3-3. The Tigers would put the game on ice when Jack Ladlie and Max Edwin would score two goals in a 30 second span to put Albert Lea up 5-3 which would be the final score. The TIgers improve to 12-4 on the season and 5-2 in the Big 9.

Tiger Athletics tonight will feature Boy's Basketball making the trip down I-90 for a battle with the arch rival Austin packers. The tip off times for the games are:

Boys 9A tips off at 6:00pm

Boys JV tips off at 6:00pm

Boys 9B tips off at 7:00pm

and

Boys Varsity tips off at 7:30

Tiger Athletics Frozen Due To Weather

01/19/2023

Albert Lea High school has announced that all sporting events scheduled for this evening has been postponed and will be rescheduled The events that will be rescheduled include:

Boys and Girls Hockey against the Austin Packers,

Girls basketball's game at Mankato West

Boys swimming's meet with Owatonna

and

Wrestling in Coon Rapids to face Coon Rapids and Champlin Park

The time and dates for when these events will be made up are yet to be announced by the school.

Tiger Hockey Win Streak Comes To An End

01/18/2023

The Albert Lea Tiger Boys Hockey was back on the ice last night taking on the Luverne Cardinals at City Arena.

The Tigers entered last nights game having won nine games in a row and looked to make it ten.

In the first period got off to a decent start for the Tigers but about mid way through the period it was the Cardinals who would strike first when Patrick Kroski puts one past Dakota Jahnke to score his ninth of the season giving the Cardinals the lead. The rest of the period was all the Cardinals who put tremendous offensive pressure on the Tiger defense and not allowing the Tigers to establish any offense in the Luverne zone. Shots at the end of the first period were 12-4 in favor of the Cardinals who took the lead into the locker room 1-0.

The second period is where the wheels fell off the cart for the Tigers. After a better start on both sides of the puck by the Tigers it was the Cardinals again who would capitalize. Brady Bork for the Cardinals extends the lead for the Cardinals when he fires his eighth goal of the season past Jahnke. The goal by Bork was not the end of the onslaught by Luverne, 11 seconds later the Cardinal score again this time by Blaik Bork scoring his third goal of the season to put the Tigers in a 3-0 hole. The Tigers would be on the power play but it was the Cardinals again who would find success. The Cardinals would take the puck and break out into the Tiger zone and got a friendly bounce when the put rolls off the back of Jahnke and into the back of the net for a short handed goal by Brock Behrend, his 20th of the season. All three goals in the second period for the Cardinals were scored in a span of 37 seconds. At the end of the second period the Cardinals led the Tigers by four.

The third period saw the Tigers do their best to rally and keep the win streak alive, but the Luverne defense was up to the challenge. The Tigers finally break the shutout when Tim Chalmers scores to put the Tigers on the board with his fifth goal of the season. Ten Minutes later the Tigers would cut the lead to two goals when Joseph Yoon puts the puck in the back of the net for the 17th time this season. The two third period goals would be all the Tigers could muster and they fall to Luverne 4-2 and the win streak is snapped at nine games.

Next up for the Tigers is a visit from the arch rival Austin Packers who visit City Arena on Thursday.   

Tiger Hockey Goes For Ten Straight Against Luverne

01/17/2023

The Albert Lea Tiger Boys Hockey team returns to the ice tonight at City Arena for a matchup with the Luverne Cardinals.Power 96 will bring you coverage of Tiger Hockey tonight at 7:15

The Tigers enter tonight's game with a record of 11-3 overall and a record of 4-2 in Big nine play. The Tigers are lead by Senior Joseph Yoon who has tallied a team high 16 goals and 27 points on the season for the Tigers. The Tigers have won nine games in a row and look to make it double digits tonight.

The Luverne Cardinals enter tonights game with a respectable 7-5-1 record and are coming off of a 7-1 win over Fairmont last night. The Cardinals are lead by Senior Brock Behrend who leads the Cardinals in goals with 19 and in points with 29.

Elsewhere in Tiger Athletics tonight

Boys basketball will host Winona at 7:30.

Girls basketball will be in Winona at 7:30

and

Tiger wrestling will be on the road visiting Mankato East for a matchup along with Rochester John Marshall at 5:30.

Vikings Season Ends In Heartbreak...AGAIN

01/16/2023

The Minnesota Vikings returned to the postseason for the first time since 2019 as they took on the New York Giants at US Bank Stadium.

The opening drive for the Vikings could not have started any better for the Vikings, the offense was able to move the ball methodically down the field in a drive that resulted in a rushing touchdown for quarterback Kirk Cousins to give the Vikings the lead. The ensuing Giants drive was a foreshadowing of what was to come all game long. Quarterback Daniel Jones used his legs to pick up several first downs on the drive before Saquon Barkley take the handoff from Jones to the house to tie the game. The Giants would add a touchdown at the end of the first quarter from Isiah Hodgins to take a 14-7 lead into the second quarter.

In the second quarter the Giants would posess the ball and kick a field goal to extend the lead to 17-7. The drive proved to be a pivotol one as it took over ten minutes off of the second quarter clock. The Vikings would respond with a nine yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to KJ Osbourne to cut the Giant's lead to 17-14 before halftime.

The start to the third quarter was a mirror image of the first half. The Giants marched down the field to score when Daniel Jones connected with Bellinger on a touchdown to extend the giants lead to 24-14. The Vikings needing a would respond later in the quarter in the person of a returning Irv Smith Jr who caught a two yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to trim the Gaints lead to 24-21. On the next drive after the Vikings defense forced a the Giants to punt and early in the four quarter tied the game when Greg Joseph connected on a 38 yard feild goal 24-24.

The Giants would attack the Vikings defense trying to put the game away. The Vikings looked to have stopped the Giants drive but a flag for illegal touching on Minnesota gave the giants drive new life, and a fourth down convesion all but sealed the Giant's win as Saquon Barkley would score again and give the Giants the lead 31-24. The game came down to one last drive. The Vikings were aided by a roughing the passer call which moved the ball up the field and allowed them to extend the drive. The Giants defense would have to make one last stop on fourth down and eight. Kirk Cousins snaps to ball wanting to pass the Justin Jefferson but the pass had to go to TJ Hockenson who was stopped short of the line. The Vikings season ends in heartbeark yet again 31-24.

After the game the Vikings Wide Reciever Adam Thielen spoke with reporters about the season as a whole and what it meant to him personally.

Tigers Prevail Over Cardinals

01/11/2023

The Albert Lea Tigers Girls hockey team was at City Arena to take on Luverne.

The Tigers got into trouble early with a penalty to Liley Steven 38 seconds into the game. The Tigers would not let that deter them as Morgan Goskeson intercepts a pass in the neutral zone and was off to the races for a one on one battle with Luverne goaltender Mallory Von Tersch and the battle goes to Goskeson and the Tigers led 1-0 not even two minutes into the game thanks to the short handed goal. Goskeson's goal was her eight of the season. The Tigers took a 1-0 lead into the first period intermission.

Early in the second period the Cardinals would respond with an early goal of their own when Tenley Behr launched a shot that took a friendly bounce off of the back of Albert Lea Goaltender Jayda Moyer and rolled into the back of the net. The Tigers were on their heels defensively as they would spend much of the second period trying to play defense and not go into the third period down a goal. Luverne would have two power play opportunities in the second period, but the Tigers penalty kill was up the to task and kept the game a 1-1 tie to enter the third and final period.

Entering the third period tied at one goal a piece the Cardinal were looking to take advantage of a fresh sheet of ice as they started the period with more than a minute of power play time. The Tiger penalty kill was again up to the task and successfully killed off the penalty and held the relentless Luverne power play in check. The Tigers effort on the penalty kill would be rewarded when Hanna Austinson receives a pass from her sister Haley and bury it into the back of the net as the Tigers take a 2-1 lead. Midway through the period defensman Mika Cichosz find the back of the net to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead with her team leading 14th goal of the season. Luverne would again up the intensity as they try their best to tie the game. Late in the third with less than three minutes remaining Tenley Behr scored her second goal of the game to pull the Cardinals to within a goal. Late in the third the Cardinals have one last chance on the power play, their fifth of the game, but as they had been all night long the Tiger penalty kill was up for the task and survive the late onslaught of Luverne shots. Albert Lea escapes with a victory 3-2.

The Tigers improve to 9-6 on the season and will return to the ice Thursday when they take on Mankato West at City Arena.       

Friday Local Sports

05/27/2022

Local Sports Friday

The Albert Lea girls golf team played their final Big 9 conference tournament at North Links golf course in Mankato. The Tigers took 2nd place and 2nd place overall in the Big 9 this season. The Tigers shot a season low 340. Leading for the Tigers AND winning the Big 9 tourney was Alyssa Jensen with a 74.

Albert Lea boys track and field finished 11th at the Big 9 Tournament with notable performances by Gavin Hanke who finished 2nd place and got All Conference Honors in the 3200 and took 6th place in the 1600. Logan Strom placed 8th place in Discus and Alex Palmer was 6th place in the Pole Vault.

In 1A baseball #1 seed Hayfield, the #1 ranked team in the state, plays 9 seed Fillmore Central Saturday at Noon at Riverland field 1 in Austin. With a win they play Monday at 5 on the same field vs the Kenyon Wanamingo vs Rushford Peterson winner. If the Vikings lose they go to the elimination bracket and would have to win 3 or 4 games to get to the finals vs the eventual semifinal winner and have to win 2 vs that team to get to state.

Also in 1A baseball 2 seed Lyle Pacelli takes on 10 seed Wabasha Kellogg at noon Saturday and Riverland field 2 in Austin. If they win they play Monday at 5 on the same field against the Southland vs USC winner that also plays at noon Saturday on field 3 at Riverland in Austin. Losers have to fight their way back in the elimination bracket.

In 2AA baseball 5 seed Maple River is at 4 seed Belle Plaine Tuesday at 5 and 2 seed NRHEG is at home in New Richland vs 10 seed Minnesota Valley Lutheran at 6.

Local Sports Friday

05/27/2022

Local Sports Friday

The Albert Lea girls golf team played their final Big 9 conference tournament at North Links golf course in Mankato. The Tigers took 2nd place and 2nd place overall in the Big 9 this season. The Tigers shot a season low 340. Leading for the Tigers AND winning the Big 9 tourney was Alyssa Jensen with a 74.

Albert Lea boys track and field finished 11th at the Big 9 Tournament with notable performances by Gavin Hanke who finished 2nd place and got All Conference Honors in the 3200 and took 6th place in the 1600. Logan Strom placed 8th place in Discus and Alex Palmer was 6th place in the Pole Vault.

In 1A baseball #1 seed Hayfield, the #1 ranked team in the state, plays 9 seed Fillmore Central Saturday at Noon at Riverland field 1 in Austin. With a win they play Monday at 5 on the same field vs the Kenyon Wanamingo vs Rushford Peterson winner. If the Vikings lose they go to the elimination bracket and would have to win 3 or 4 games to get to the finals vs the eventual semifinal winner and have to win 2 vs that team to get to state.

Also in 1A baseball 2 seed Lyle Pacelli takes on 10 seed Wabasha Kellogg at noon Saturday and Riverland field 2 in Austin. If they win they play Monday at 5 on the same field against the Southland vs USC winner that also plays at noon Saturday on field 3 at Riverland in Austin. Losers have to fight their way back in the elimination bracket.

In 2AA baseball 5 seed Maple River is at 4 seed Belle Plaine Tuesday at 5 and 2 seed NRHEG is at home in New Richland vs 10 seed Minnesota Valley Lutheran at 6.