UPDATE: The Willmar Cardinals have secured a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the River Lakes Stars, thanks to a remarkable performance from Maya Cameron, who netted both the equalizing and game-winning goals. This nail-biting match took place on Saturday night at the River Lakes Civic Arena, marking a significant turnaround for the Cardinals after a six-game winless streak dating back to December 2, 2025.
In front of an electric crowd, Cameron’s decisive goal came just 3 minutes and 36 seconds into overtime, capping off a comeback that began when she tied the game at 7:47 of the second period. The victory also represents Willmar’s first win in the Central Lakes Conference, bringing their record to 1-4-1 in the conference and 4-10-1 overall. Meanwhile, River Lakes falls to 3-3-1 in the CLC and 7-7-1 overall.
The game started with River Lakes taking an early lead through a power-play goal by Makayla Schrieber-Horn at 4:52 of the first period. The Cardinals responded with goals from Cameron and Parker Rucks, who scored at 12:52 of the second period, putting Willmar ahead briefly at 2-1. However, River Lakes’ Bella Stang tied the game again just 1 minute and 8 seconds into the third period, setting the stage for Cameron’s heroics in overtime.
Cardinals’ junior goaltender Bryn Behr delivered a stellar performance, making a phenomenal 50 saves out of 52 shots, achieving an impressive .962 save percentage. Her efforts were crucial in keeping Willmar in the game against a relentless River Lakes offense.
Looking ahead, River Lakes will face Alexandria on Monday at 7:15 PM at the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria, while Willmar will also take on Alexandria, set for a 6 PM matchup on Tuesday at the same venue. Fans will be eager to see if the Cardinals can build on this momentum or if River Lakes can rebound quickly.
This victory not only boosts the morale of the Willmar team but also highlights the resilience of their players. The drama of the overtime win is sure to resonate with fans and players alike, setting the stage for thrilling future matchups in the conference. Stay tuned for more updates as the hockey season unfolds!
