Six players score to send top-seeded Central past ninth-seeded West Fargo

Nolan Marto and Cooper Deziel each score two goals for the Knights

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The top-seeded Grand Forks Central High School hockey team defeated the ninth-seeded West Fargo Packers 8-1 in the East Region tournament quarterfinals. Six different players scored for Central, including two goals each from sophomore forward Nolan Marto and senior forward Cooper Deziel.

Why it matters

Central is the top seed in the East Region tournament and this decisive victory over West Fargo keeps them on track to potentially win the regional championship and advance to the state tournament.

The details

Marto opened the scoring just 1 minute and 17 seconds into the game, and Central built a 3-1 lead by the end of the first period. Deziel, senior forward Gavin Wockenfuss, and junior forward Rylan Spicer also scored for the Knights. West Fargo was limited to just 5 shots on goal in the final two periods as Central dominated play.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Central will face fifth-seeded Shanley in the East Region semifinals this Friday, February 21, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The players

Nolan Marto

A sophomore forward for Grand Forks Central who scored two goals in the game.

Cooper Deziel

A senior forward for Grand Forks Central who also scored two goals in the game.

Gavin Wockenfuss

A senior forward for Grand Forks Central who scored one goal in the game.

Rylan Spicer

A junior forward for Grand Forks Central who scored one goal in the game.

Westin Nielsen

The senior goaltender for Grand Forks Central who made 8 saves in the game.

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What they’re saying

“It is kind of a special feeling (to score in the postseason). But you kind of have to treat it like just another game and hope for the best.”

— Nolan Marto, Sophomore Forward (Grand Forks Herald)

“We've had a lot of guys contribute all year long, and that didn't change today. Scoring came from several different players, and they've been doing that all year long. So that was nothing unusual.”

— Grant Paranica, Head Coach (Grand Forks Herald)

“(Marto) has been great for us. First few games of the year, he took an adjustment to get to the high school game, but now he's really rose and elevated his game. He's just been really good for us in critical situations, and he just makes the others on the ice around him better.”

— Grant Paranica, Head Coach (Grand Forks Herald)

What’s next

Central will take on fifth-seeded Shanley this Friday in the East Region semifinals. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Purpur Arena.

The takeaway

Central's balanced scoring attack and stifling defense proved too much for West Fargo, as the top-seeded Knights continued their dominant season and advanced to the East Region semifinals.