COLORADO SPRINGS — You can learn a lot about a team by watching how it plays in the third period of a tight game.
Under the spotlight of the state semifinals at the World Arena, the Battle Mountain Huskies showed their wares, scoring twice in the final period to defeat Ralston Valley 2-0 on Thursday night in the first semifinal game.
“They are confident, and you can tell when they are leaning on players,” Huskies coach Gary Defina said of his team’s third-period heroics. “We were the stronger team.”
The Huskies (20-2) return to the title game for the first time since 2005. They will play Regis on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the World Arena.
After two scoreless periods, Battle Mountain finally broke the ice early in the third period on a power play. Kodi Wyatt tucked a laser shot by Ralston Valley goalie Sebastian Trujillo from the blue line, and that proved to be enough.
“I had a clean shot, so I had to take it,” said Wyatt, one of 11 seniors on the Battle Mountain roster. He added, “That first goal is everything.”
Battle Mountain’s Gustav Philipson tacked on a empty-net goal with 39 seconds left to seal the deal.
Ralston Valley (17-2-2) had all the best scoring chances in the second period, but never could convert. Graham Smith and Justin Hoffman each banged shots off the posts behind Huskies goalie Kalen Burnett.
Burnett was flawless, posting 18 saves in his second shutout of the playoffs.
Ralston Valley 0 0 0 — 0
Battle Mountain 0 0 2 — 2
First period — None. Penalties — Sterling, BM (tripping), 8:48; Spinder, RV (interference), 14:54.
Second period — None. Penalties — Davis, BM (interference), 6:10.
Third period —BM: Wyatt (unassisted), 4:47 pp.; Philipson (unassisted), 14:21 en. Penalties — J. Stevens, BM (hooking), :33; Davis, BM (interference), 2:07; Behnke, RV (interference), 3:48; Behnke, RV (hooking), 7:51; Maddox, BM (checking from behind; game misconduct), 9:11.
Shots on goal — Ralston Valley 7-2-9 — 18; Battle Mountain 6-5-11 — 22.
Saves — Ralston Valley (Trujillo) 6-5-9 — 20. Battle Mountain (Burnett) 7-2-9 — 18.
Power-play opportunities — Ralston Valley 0-for-5; Battle Mountain 1-for-3.
Jon E. Yunt: 303-954-1354 or jyunt@denverpost.com
