Warroad to rely on backup goalie Patrick Kennedy at state tournament

Starter Finn Hanson ruled out with injury, leaving senior Kennedy to take the net for the Warriors

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Warroad's starting goaltender Finn Hanson has been ruled out of the Minnesota Class A state boys hockey tournament due to a stress fracture in his vertebra. The junior had been dealing with the injury since December, but it worsened during the Section 8A championship game, forcing him to leave mid-game. Warroad will now turn to senior backup Patrick Kennedy, who has an impressive 6-0 record, 0.65 goals-against average, and .957 save percentage this season.

Why it matters

Hanson's absence is a major blow for Warroad, which was hoping to make a deep run at the state tournament. However, the Warriors have confidence in Kennedy, who has proven himself capable of stepping up when called upon. Warroad's experienced defensive corps should also help ease the transition in net.

The details

Hanson, who went 16-5-1 with a 1.59 goals-against average and .927 save percentage this season, will be out for 6-8 weeks to rest and rehab the injury. Kennedy, who played in 10 games last season, has been impressive in limited action this year, including a shutout of Class AA Bemidji and a perfect performance in the section final against Detroit Lakes.

  • Hanson was injured during the Section 8A championship game on Thursday.
  • Doctors have ruled that Hanson will need 6-8 weeks of rest and rehab, ruling him out for the state tournament.

The players

Finn Hanson

Warroad's starting goaltender, a junior who had a 16-5-1 record, 1.59 goals-against average and .927 save percentage this season before suffering a stress fracture in his vertebra.

Patrick Kennedy

Warroad's senior backup goaltender, who has a 6-0 record, 0.65 goals-against average and .957 save percentage this season.

Jay Hardwick

Warroad's head coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He got checked out, had an MRI and he has a stress fracture in his vertebra. It will be six to eight weeks of rest and rehab. All the doctors who saw him had the same opinion. If he did continue to play on it, it could get worse and be something that could have (longterm consequences).”

— Jay Hardwick, Head Coach (grandforksherald.com)

“He's obviously disappointed. After the way last season ended, his goal was that he wanted to make it to the state tournament this year. He worked the whole year to get to this point. It's never easy. He was at practice (Monday) and on the bench. He seems to be in good spirits. He's going to be our biggest fan and supporter, and he's going to do anything he can to help the team go out there and win hockey games.”

— Jay Hardwick, Head Coach (grandforksherald.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.