Minnesota Youth Hockey Game Needs 12 OTs, Shootout to Decide Winner

Cottage Grove Wolfpack defeat St. Paul Saints in marathon playoff matchup

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 12U youth hockey playoff game in Minnesota between the Cottage Grove Wolfpack and St. Paul Saints needed 12 overtime periods and a shootout to determine the winner. The game started on Monday, February 16 and was not decided until Wednesday, February 18 after over 3 days of play, with the Wolfpack ultimately prevailing in the shootout.

Why it matters

This marathon game highlights the intense dedication and perseverance of young hockey players, as well as the unique challenges that can arise in youth sports playoffs. The game also comes on the heels of the US women's national team winning Olympic gold, further stoking interest in hockey at all levels across the country.

The details

The game was tied 1-1 after the initial three 15-minute regulation periods on Monday. The teams then played six 10-minute overtime periods that same day without a winner being decided. The game resumed on Tuesday, with more overtime periods needed, including a switch to a 3-on-3 format for the 12th OT. After all that, the game ultimately went to a shootout, where the Cottage Grove Wolfpack emerged victorious.

  • The game started on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • The teams played 6 overtime periods on Monday before the game was suspended.
  • The game resumed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • After the 10th overtime period, the game was suspended again due to another event scheduled on the ice.
  • The game concluded on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 with a shootout.

The players

Cottage Grove Wolfpack

The youth hockey team from Cottage Grove, Minnesota that won the marathon game in a shootout.

St. Paul Saints

The youth hockey team from St. Paul, Minnesota that lost to the Cottage Grove Wolfpack in the shootout after the 12 overtime periods.

Brian Deering

The head coach of the Cottage Grove Wolfpack team.

John Weiberg

The co-head coach of the St. Paul Saints team.

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What they’re saying

“It was pretty intense. It went on for three days, and the kids showed up ready to play every time. It was pretty bizarre with how to plan for it but it was fun to be a part of.”

— Brian Deering, Cottage Grove Wolfpack Head Coach (USA Today)

“I just reminded them that it's hockey and it's the same game we've played all year. They were nervous and scared because they didn't want to let each other down. I just tried to keep it light-hearted as much as possible. We just reminded them to keep it simple and not to do anything too big.”

— Brian Deering, Cottage Grove Wolfpack Head Coach (USA Today)

“I think going through the experience that they did bonded them. It's not something you can really coach. They lived through that and experienced that. They started playing for each other.”

— Brian Deering, Cottage Grove Wolfpack Head Coach (USA Today)

What’s next

With the next round of the playoffs already scheduled for Thursday, February 19, the Cottage Grove Wolfpack will need to quickly recover from their marathon game to prepare for their next matchup.

The takeaway

This youth hockey game showcases the incredible dedication, perseverance, and teamwork of young athletes, as well as the unique challenges that can arise in the playoffs. The experience of playing through 12 overtimes over multiple days is sure to have bonded the players in a way that typical games cannot, demonstrating the powerful impact of sports on youth development.