Two childhood dreams played out on the Grand Casino Arena ice during the Minnesota State High School League’s 2026 Boys Hockey State Tournament on the afternoon of Thursday, March 5.

Only one could continue there Friday.

Minutes after Grand Rapids senior Jameson Duell’s dramatic tying goal in the final seconds of regulation, Rosemount senior Cade Sherman fired in the game-winning goal in overtime to give the Irish a 3-2 victory in the Class AA quarterfinals.

“(Avery) Hanowski picked up the puck … kind of drove middle, I took his lane right behind him and saw a spot,” Sherman said, “and hit it.”

It’s the second consecutive 3-2 victory for the Irish (24-4-1), though their win over St. Thomas Academy in the Section 3AA final came in regulation. That sent them to state for only the second time and first time since 1992.

Up next is a semifinal meeting with No. 1 Minnetonka at 6 p.m. Friday. Grand Rapids (15-13-1) will face Gentry Academy in the consolation semifinals Friday morning at the University of Minnesota’s 3M Arena at Mariucci.

Trailing 1-0 after the first period Thursday, ninth-year Rosemount head coach Ricky Saintey reminded his crew to “trust the process.” He was confident Irish goals would follow.

Oliver Goren tied it 4:05 into the second period and Channing Goodwin appeared to give Rosemount a late winner by tapping in a rebound with 2:26 to play, until Duell’s heroics with an empty net.

“I’m so happy for our kids, and that’s number one,” Saintey said.

“Doing it for our community, our school, our city, I mean – Rosemount is a great place.”

For Related Stories: 2026 Boys State Hockey Tournament  Boys High School Hockey  Grand Rapids Thunderhawks  High School Sports  Rosemount Irish