Hawks skate into Division II hockey state title game

WASILLA — Caleb Graham didn’t make it easy for them, but the Houston Hawks found a way to move into the title game for the sixth straight season.

Graham, Tri Valley’s steady netminder, made 63 saves, but Houston managed to grab a 4-0 win over the Viking Warriors during the semifinal round of the ASAA Division II First National Cup Friday night at the Big Lake Recreation Center in Big Lake. Houston, which will play Monroe Catholic Saturday at 5 p.m. in the state title game, outshot Tri Valley 67-19 in the win. Houston didn’t find the back of the net until the second period, but managed three goals during the middle frame. Blake Rogers, Reed Humphreys and Tyler Chivers each scored in the period. Humphreys added a goal in the third.

Houston goalie Rylee Bolinder made the 19-save shutout.

Earlier in the evening, defending state champion Monroe earned its return to the title game with a 12-1 win over Fairbanks rival Hutchison. Riley Ott and Tim Mattingly each notched the hat trick in the victory.

This marks the fourth straight year, and fifth time in the last six seasons, the Hawks and Rams have met for the title. Monroe is 3-1 against Houston in the championship game since 2013.