Governors defend outdoor rink on Hockey Day

St. Paul Johnson defended its home ice Saturday, shutting out Rochester John Marshall 4-0. Of course, this home ice was located a half-mile away from Johnson High School, frozen by Minnesota's brisk outdoor air at Phalen Park. That's where approximately 1,800 fans battled through the cold to enjoy a piece of Hockey Day Minnesota and watch the Governors honor the same traditional slab of ice that raised St. Paul East Side's finest, such as Herb Brooks, Wendell Anderson and the Peltier brothers. The Governors, who won state titles in 1974, 1953, 1955 and 1963, used to play all their home games at Phalen Park. Former Johnson coach Lou Cotroneo, who was head coach from 1964 to 1974, dropped the ceremonial first puck and Cory Ellis scored two goals to ensure the Governors' victory. All Tied Up -In other action Saturday, St. Thomas Academy, ranked No. 1 in Class A, skated to a 1-1 tie with No. 15 South St. Paul. South St. Paul goalie Adam Wilcox made 41 saves, including 13 in the third period and 10 in overtime, in a battle between two of the Classic Suburban's best. St. Thomas Academy sophomore Zach Schroeder gave the Cadets a 1-0 lead midway through the second period, but Zach Palmquist scored an unassisted power-play goal for South six minutes into the third period to tie the game at 1-1. -Centennial, ranked No. 3 in Class AA, skated to a 4-4 tie with No. 6 Blaine Saturday.