Grand Forks Central beats Bismarck Legacy, advances to state championship rematch with Red River

The Knights and Roughriders will play for the fourth time this season in Saturday's state championship game.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The top-seeded Grand Forks Central Knights defeated the second-seeded Bismarck Legacy Sabers 4-0 in the North Dakota state tournament semifinals on Friday night. The win secures Central's third straight appearance in the state championship game, where they will face their crosstown rivals, the Grand Forks Red River Roughriders, for the title. Central has won each of their three meetings with Red River this season, including a 3-2 double overtime victory in the East Region title game.

Why it matters

Grand Forks Central has been viewed as one of the state's top contenders all season, having won the 2025 state tournament and returning a talented roster. Their matchup with Red River in the state championship game will be the fourth time the crosstown rivals have faced off this season, adding to the intensity and drama of the title game.

The details

Central dominated the game from the start, finishing with a 72-14 edge in shots on goal. However, Sabers goaltender Brody Krumwiede was outstanding, making 68 saves. Junior forward Rylan Spicer opened the scoring for Central in the first period, and goals from Brody Wockenfuss, Trey Clauson, and Nolan Marto in the second period gave the Knights a 4-0 lead. Despite outshooting Legacy 18-5 in the third period, Central was unable to score again.

  • The Knights and Roughriders will play for the state championship on Saturday.

The players

Grantn Paranica

The head coach of the Grand Forks Central Knights.

Brody Krumwiede

The senior goaltender for the Bismarck Legacy Sabers, who made 68 saves in the game.

Rylan Spicer

The junior forward for the Grand Forks Central Knights who scored the opening goal in the first period.

Brody Wockenfuss

The Grand Forks Central Knights forward who scored in the second period.

Trey Clauson

The senior forward for the Grand Forks Central Knights who scored in the second period.

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What they’re saying

“Their goalie is outstanding. We played the right way, and we put a lot of shots on, just weren't able to capitalize because he played so well. So that was kind of the story of the game. But we didn't get frustrated, we didn't let that affect us and get to us.”

— Grantn Paranica, Head Coach, Grand Forks Central Knights (inforum.com)

What’s next

The Grand Forks Central Knights and Grand Forks Red River Roughriders will face off in the state championship game on Saturday.

The takeaway

Grand Forks Central's dominant performance and third straight appearance in the state championship game highlights their status as one of the top high school hockey programs in North Dakota. Their ability to overcome a standout goaltending performance and advance to the title game rematch with their crosstown rivals demonstrates the Knights' resilience and championship pedigree.