Any Eastern Carver County Schools intra-district sporting event carries a notable competitive edge, regardless of a team’s record or standing. Many of the athletes have played with and against one another while growing up and they consistently bring focus and intensity to every matchup.
That was on full display on Jan. 6 when the Storm beat the Hawks 7-2 in the first of two boys hockey games at the Chaska Community Center. Chaska entered the contest with a 2–7–1 overall record and a 0–2 mark in Metro West play. Chanhassen came in at 6–4–1, riding a three-game winning streak and playing its first Metro West game of the season. Both teams were skating in their first game of 2026.
From the opening faceoff, the pace and intensity were evident, as the first roughing penalty was called just 13 seconds into the game. With aggressive skating and a noticeable physical edge, both teams battled for control of the neutral zone and puck possession. Crisp passing was key early on, but defensively, both squads were effective with poke checks and disrupting several scoring chances.
Chaska opened the scoring at 9:29 of the first period when freshman Haden Nelson netted his first goal of the season. Chanhassen answered at 14:17 as senior Logan Smith buried a one-timer from the slot off a pass from Mateo Sylia to even the score. Just over a minute later senior Nolan Warner gave Chanhassen the lead with a shot over the Chaska goalie’s shoulder.
Despite the intensity, neither team spent excessive time in the penalty box as the game progressed. The second period, however, featured a flurry of goals. Chanhassen extended its lead to 3–1 at 3:23 on a goal by Ryan Colleran. Chaska cut the deficit to one at 8:28 when freshman Wyatt Conners scored with assists from Jake Campbell and Mason Gutowsky. Chanhassen responded quickly, pushing the lead to 4–2 at 9:42 on a goal by junior Paxton Lee.
The Storm continued to build momentum as Warner scored his second goal of the night at 13:21 to make it 5–2. Just 19 seconds later, Smith recorded his second goal of the game, extending the lead to 6–2. Lee capped the scoring in the period at 16:51 with his second goal, giving Chanhassen a 7–2 advantage.
The third period featured back-and-forth effort with both teams demonstrating effective defensive play at their blue lines while looking for opportunities to generate offense. Each team recorded quality shots on goal, but both goaltenders stood firm, and no goals were scored in the final frame. Chanhassen goalie Tyler Jackson stopped 15 shots, while Chaska’s Frank Petz faced 50 shots in the Storm’s 7–2 victory.
Following the game, Chaska head coach Ryan Siiro praised his team’s effort against a formidable rival. “The team skated hard tonight—it was our strongest skate of the year,” Siiro said. “Chan may have been our most challenging opponent so far this season. This team doesn’t give up. They stayed focused, played with effort and energy, and brought heart, which is what we ask for every game. The score is what it is—we’re into conference play now and making great strides in many areas. We are looking forward to the next game.”
The Hawks play Jan. 8 in Apple Valley and Jan. 10 in Waconia before returning home to face Benilde-St. Margaret’s on Jan. 15. The Storm also skate on Jan. 8 and 10. The two teams will meet again on Jan. 31 in Victoria at 7 p.m. to conclude their season series.
