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Mankato Today
By the People, for the People
Mankato East Cougars Defeat St. Cloud Crush 6-1
The Cougars dominated the Minnesota Class 1A playoff game with a decisive victory.
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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The Mankato East Cougars hockey team handily defeated the St. Cloud Crush 6-1 in a Minnesota Class 1A playoff game on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Cougars scored four unanswered goals in the second period to take a commanding 5-1 lead heading into the third period, and then added one more goal early in the final frame to seal the victory.
Why it matters
This win keeps the Mankato East Cougars' playoff hopes alive as they look to advance deeper into the postseason. The Cougars have been a strong program in recent years, and this decisive victory over a tough St. Cloud Crush team demonstrates their ability to compete at a high level in the playoffs.
The details
The Cougars took the lead midway through the first period with a goal from Grace Campbell, assisted by Brielle Newton and Alexis Erickson. Ella Fugazzi then increased the lead to 2-0 late in the first period, with assists from Laina Peterson and Madelyn Scheel. In the second period, the Cougars scored three unanswered goals to take a 5-1 lead, with tallies from Laina Peterson, Josie Longnecker, and Grace Campbell. Ella Fugazzi then scored her second goal of the game early in the third period to make the final score 6-1.
- The game was played on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
- The Cougars took a 2-0 lead by the end of the first period.
- The Cougars scored three goals in the second period to take a 5-1 lead.
- Ella Fugazzi scored the Cougars' sixth goal early in the third period.
The players
Grace Campbell
A forward for the Mankato East Cougars who scored two goals in the game.
Ella Fugazzi
A forward for the Mankato East Cougars who scored two goals, including the team's final goal of the game.
Laina Peterson
A forward for the Mankato East Cougars who scored a goal and recorded an assist.
Josie Longnecker
A player for the St. Cloud Crush who scored their lone goal in the game.
Brielle Newton
A forward for the Mankato East Cougars who recorded an assist.
What’s next
The Mankato East Cougars will advance to the next round of the Minnesota Class 1A playoffs, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
The takeaway
The Mankato East Cougars demonstrated their offensive firepower and defensive prowess in this decisive playoff victory over the St. Cloud Crush, keeping their postseason hopes alive and showing they have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
