Central's Cooper Deziel scores in double overtime to beat Red River in region championship

Deziel's second goal of the title game gave the Knights a 3-2 win

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In double overtime, Grand Forks Central's Cooper Deziel scored the game-winning goal to lift the Knights to a 3-2 victory over Grand Forks Red River in the East Region championship game. Deziel had scored earlier in the game to help the Knights overcome a 2-0 deficit in the first period.

Why it matters

The Knights and Roughriders have met in the region championship for the third consecutive season, with Central winning all three matchups. The intense rivalry between the two Grand Forks high school hockey programs is a highlight of the local sports scene.

The details

Deziel scored the game-winner at 7 minutes, 53 seconds of double overtime after being denied on a breakaway earlier. Red River had jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period, but Central battled back to tie it at 2-2 in the second period. Goaltenders Westin Nielson of Central and Rilan Korynta of Red River both made numerous key saves to keep the game close.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Caden Ulmer and Griffen Haagenson scored 14 seconds apart in the first period to give Red River a 2-0 lead.
  • Deziel scored a power-play goal with 17.5 seconds left in the first period to make it 2-1.
  • Chay Quamme tied the game at 2-2 with a goal in the second period.
  • Deziel scored the game-winning goal in double overtime.

The players

Cooper Deziel

A player for Grand Forks Central who scored two goals in the game, including the game-winner in double overtime.

Rilan Korynta

The goaltender for Grand Forks Red River who made 42 saves in the game.

Griffen Haagenson

A player for Grand Forks Red River who was named the East Region Senior Athlete of the Year and scored a goal in the first period.

Grant Paranica

The head coach of the Grand Forks Central hockey team.

Westin Nielson

The goaltender for Grand Forks Central who made 37 saves in the game.

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What they’re saying

“Going back to the bench, I was a little frustrated but my teammates just told me to calm down and said I was going to get one.”

— Cooper Deziel (grandforksherald.com)

“Just to be part of the rivalry is something I'll never forget. The atmosphere every time we play them is amazing.”

— Cooper Deziel (grandforksherald.com)

“We all played a little slow and hesitant to start. I think we were playing not to lose, then we kind of figured it out and started playing a lot better through the second as the game went on.”

— Grant Paranica, Central coach (grandforksherald.com)

“We had some Grade A chances, and they did, too. It was a fun game to be a part of. For an East Region championship, that's what you want.”

— Grant Paranica, Central coach (grandforksherald.com)

What’s next

The Knights will now advance to the state tournament, where they will look to capture their first state championship since 2023.

The takeaway

The intense rivalry between Grand Forks Central and Grand Forks Red River continues to produce thrilling high school hockey games, with the Knights emerging victorious in the latest chapter of this longstanding matchup.