Minnesota Prep Sports Network: Centennial/Spring Lake Park vs. Edina girls hockey

The Minnesota girls hockey season is about to get underway, and for fans in Edina and surrounding communities, a key matchup is already generating buzz. KSTP-TV and 45TV, in partnership with LiveBarn, will stream the Centennial/Spring Lake Park versus Edina girls hockey game on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., as part of a broader Minnesota Prep Sports Network initiative featuring 50 live games this season. The broadcast, available on the KSTP streaming platform and app – compatible with Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and mobile devices – offers a glimpse into the competitive landscape of Minnesota high school hockey, where the road to the state tournament begins now.

The Minnesota Prep Sports Network’s streaming schedule includes several other high-profile games this weekend. Friday will feature Lakeville North against Grand Rapids/Greenway, while Saturday's slate includes Minnetonka versus Centennial/Spring Lake Park, Minnesota River versus Orono, and Chisago Lakes versus Minneapolis. These games highlight the talent and intensity that define Minnesota girls’ hockey, a sport deeply ingrained in the state's athletic culture. Fans can access these livestreams and on-demand replays through the KSTP app and streaming services, providing a convenient way to follow their favorite teams and players. The KSTP app is available for download here, and the streaming platform can be accessed here.

The Hockey Season and a Mayoral Tiebreaker

The excitement surrounding the upcoming hockey season is juxtaposed with a recent, unusual event in Spring Lake Park: a mayoral election decided by a random drawing. Incumbent Mayor Robert Nelson and challenger Halyn Roth each received 1,401 votes, triggering a state law requiring tied elections to be settled by chance. At City Hall, Nelson’s name was drawn from a bag, securing his continued tenure as mayor. Roth expressed frustration with the process and plans to file for a recount, scheduled for Nov. 17 at the Anoka County Courthouse. If the recount also results in a tie, Nelson will remain mayor.

The unusual tiebreaker highlights a quirk in Minnesota law and raises questions about election fairness. While the random drawing was deemed “fair as far as it could be,” Nelson himself acknowledged the need for improvement, suggesting a runoff election might be a more equitable solution. City Administrator Daniel Buchholtz cited the cost of a runoff election – approximately $30,000 – as a deterrent. Roth’s planned recount offers a slim chance of altering the outcome and underscores the community’s investment in a fair electoral process. Residents interested in influencing election procedures can contact their state legislators to advocate for changes.

The Centennial/Spring Lake Park vs. Edina Matchup

The Centennial/Spring Lake Park hockey team, led by Gophers commit Mia Sutch and Annabelle Buccicone, is a perennial contender in Class 2A hockey. Their matchup against Minnetonka, featuring Harvard commit Jemma McAlexander and Dartmouth commit Delaney Miller, promises to be a high-stakes contest. Last year, the teams split their two games – one a 2-2 tie and the other a 4-3 overtime victory for Centennial/Spring Lake Park. The rivalry is fueled by the presence of several players who have trained together on the U.S. under-18 women’s Select Team, adding another layer of intensity to the competition. The Minnetonka Skates are a proud tradition in the community here.

Key Players and Recruits

The upcoming game features a host of talented players committed to Division I programs. Mia Sutch (Centennial/Spring Lake Park) is headed to the University of Minnesota, while Annabelle Buccicone (Centennial/Spring Lake Park) will play for Quinnipiac. Minnetonka’s roster includes Jemma McAlexander (Harvard) and Delaney Miller (Dartmouth). These players represent the future of women’s college hockey and showcase the depth of talent within Minnesota’s high school ranks. Several players, including Sutch and Miller, have also shared experience on the U.S. under-18 women’s Select Team.

Community Reaction to the Election

The reaction to the Spring Lake Park mayoral tiebreaker has been mixed, with some residents expressing frustration over the seemingly arbitrary method of resolving the election. Roth voiced his disappointment but acknowledged the fairness of the process, urging constituents to contact state legislators to explore alternative solutions for tied elections. Nelson, while accepting the outcome, also recognized the need for reform, suggesting a runoff election would be a more democratic approach. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about election procedures and the importance of ensuring fair representation for all voters. The community’s commitment to civic engagement is evident in Roth’s pursuit of a recount and the potential for legislative action to address the issue.

“This seems like it’s something from the 1800s, and now we’re in 2026, so I just feel there's room for improvement,” Nelson said. Roth added, “I know there's a lot of folks who were frustrated by this process, and all I can say is if you want it to change, call your state legislators and ask them to change it.”

Looking Ahead

The immediate focus in Spring Lake Park is on the recount scheduled for Nov. 17, which could potentially alter the outcome of the mayoral election. Meanwhile, the community prepares for the start of the girls hockey season, with the Centennial/Spring Lake Park versus Edina game slated for Dec. 10. The Minnesota Prep Sports Network’s streaming schedule promises a season of exciting matchups and opportunities to witness the talent and dedication of Minnesota high school athletes. The Edina Hockey Association offers details about local youth programs.

Looking ahead, the incident involving the Spring Lake Park mayoral election is likely to prompt discussions about reforming the state’s laws governing tied elections. Legislators may consider options such as runoff elections or alternative methods of resolving tied results. The outcome of the recount and any subsequent legislative action will shape the future of elections in Spring Lake Park and potentially influence similar processes across the state. The Anoka County government offers information about local government services.

Marcus's Take

The events unfolding in Spring Lake Park serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our civic institutions. While the random drawing to settle the mayoral race might seem like a quaint relic of the past, it underscores a deeper problem: the increasing polarization and gridlock that plague our political landscape. The fact that an election – a fundamental expression of democratic will – could be decided by a coin flip is deeply concerning. It highlights the importance of fostering civil discourse, encouraging community engagement, and upholding the values of fairness and integrity in our electoral processes.

Beyond the immediate political implications, this situation also speaks to the broader challenges facing families and communities today. When elections are contested and divisive, it creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and distrust that can erode the foundations of a stable society. Strong marriages, intact families, and a shared commitment to community values are essential for weathering these challenges and building a brighter future for our children. We must prioritize these values and work together to create a culture of respect, understanding, and mutual support.

The upcoming girls hockey season offers a welcome distraction from the political turmoil. It’s a chance to celebrate the talent and dedication of young athletes and to come together as a community in support of our local teams. Let’s hope that the games provide a source of inspiration and unity, reminding us of the power of teamwork, perseverance, and shared purpose. And let's also remember that even in the face of political disagreements, we are all part of the same community, bound together by a shared commitment to building a better future for our children.

Resources

For more information on the Minnesota Prep Sports Network, visit KSTP’s website. To learn more about the City of Spring Lake Park, visit the city’s website. Information about the Edina school district and hockey program can be found on the Edina Schools website. For details on the Anoka County government, please visit their website.

The Minnesota State Legislature’s website provides information on state laws and legislative processes.