The next morning the Otters were at the rink to take on the number 1 seed, Northern Lakes Lightning. The lightning showed excellent teamwork and great defense by shutting out the Otters. The final score of the game was, 0-6.

After a lunch break the Otters were back on the ice; knowing that they needed this win to play again. This time they faced the number 6 seed Park Rapids/Wadena Blue Ox. The Blue Ox showed their force just 5 minutes into the first period, by getting a 2 goal lead within 30 seconds. With the Otters down 0-2 the team knew they needed to pick it up and feared they may have underestimated the Blue Ox. With the Otters on edge Kennedy fired them back up with his goal assisted by Alt. Just minutes later the Otters tied it up. Braden Albert sends a pass to Quinn Wynn-Sheldon and then to Schmidt for the goal. Leaving the end of the first period tied at 2-2. The Otters recharged and took the lead early in the second period, Wynn-Sheldon from Schmidt. Not appreciating the new energy the Blue Ox answered back to tie the game. With just a minute remaining in the period Henry Greenagel sends the puck to Schake, he shoots and scores giving the Otters the lead going into the third period. The third period proved to be anyone’s game, early on the Blue Ox tied it up, but the Otters answered back quickly. The final goal was scored by Welde with the assist of Albert. The Otters win 5-4 and advance to the 3rd place game the next morning.

After a night of rest, the Otters were up early and traveling back to the rink to face the number 2 seed, the Detroit Lake Lakers. Knowing this could be their last game of the season the Otters came back to the rink energized and optimistic. They were quickly reminded that the Lakers were not a team to take lightly. The Lakers were the first to score and did so in the first minute of the game. The Otters did not let that get them down. They continued to fight, near the end of the 1st period Schmidt found the back of the net with the assist from Welde. Not wanting the Otters to have any chance at taking the lead, the Lakers were able to slide one past the Otter goalie with 1 second remaining in the 1st period. The Otters started the 2nd period knowing they needed to gain some ground. The first half of the period showed both teams battling. About ½ into the 2nd, the Lakers took a 2 goal lead. Schmidt would not let this stand. He quickly answered back with the help of Alt and Welde. The Otters showed great defense and were able to hold the Lakers while sliding 2 more into the net for the lead. These goals were both scored by Alt with the credit to an assist by Welde and Schmidt. With this assist Welde completes his Playmaker. The Otters went into the 3 period with a 4-3 lead. When they took the ice after the Zamboni break, their energy was quickly transferred to the crowd. The Otters and Otter fans were on the edge of their seats knowing this period was it. They needed this win to advance to Regions and extend their season. If they don’t succeed, their season is over. The Otters goalie and defense were a brick wall. They were not going to let anything into the net. Instead, they were going to make the score differential larger. Nolan Wedll finds the back of the net with an assist from Albert to give the Otters a dangerous 2 goal lead. With 2 ½ minutes remaining in the game the Lakers call a timeout. After the face off and the Lakers take control they pull their goalie in a hail Mary effort to take control of the game. The Otter defense continues to show great strength. They get it out of the zone where the Otters take control. Completing a Hat Trick with an empty net goal, Schmidt scores the last goal of the game. The Final score was 6-3.

Showing great defense throughout the weekend is Brock Scheuerman. Otter goalie Holden Stenstrom showed complete control of his net with 95 saves over the tournament. The Otters are sponsored by the VFW Post 612 and coached by Pete Gaustad, Mike Alt, Matt Koalska, and Dustin Wynn.

The Otters will advance to the Region Tournament on March 4,5 & 6, in Buffalo MN.