PHOTOS: Sibley, RiverHawks Hang on for Victory Versus Centennial

The North Wright County RiverHawks moved to 2-0 on the season and picked up a win over a ranked opponent in Class AA Thursday night, but they had to work every minute for it at St. Michael-Albertville Ice Arena. 

The Hawks, who pulled out a 6-5 victory, even had to overcome a two-skater advantage in the final seconds to hang on for dear life.

Dani Sibley led the way for the RiverHawks offense with four goals. Maddi Sjelin and Halie Gudmonson each added two assists, and senior goalie Amanda Koep stopped 17 of 22 shots for the win.

North Wright County dominated the opening period, and ended the first frame with a 2-1 advantage that could have easily been two goals larger, if not for solid goaltending by Centennial.

The Cougars' Mataya Barrett stopped 15 shots in the opening frame.

Centennial looked rejuvinated in the second period, tying the game at 2-2, but the Hawks would answer. The game would get knotted again at 3, but it was Sibley who found a way to score time and agan, eventually staking the Hawks to a 5-3 lead.

It was 6-4 in the third period when it looked like Centennial might steal one on the Hawks home ice.

A powerplay goal pulled the Cougars within 6-5, and the two teams played at even strength briefly before Koep was called for a a last minute slash.

With Sjelin in the box serving a penalty, and Sibley there already, the Cougars made it 6-on-3 when they pulled Barrett for the extra attacker.

Koep was able to turn back a couple of big shots, and the Hawks hung on when sophomore Kaleigh Hamann cleared the zone.

The Hawks skate with Warroad at 1 p.m. Saturday at STMA Arena. The Warriors are the No. 1 team in Class A.