SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Rushmore dominated the opening round of the 2026 Boys State Varsity Hockey Tournament, outshooting Watertown 51-13 en route to an 8-2 victory.
Watertown’s two goals came in the first period from Aidyn Melville and Colin Solheim. The Thunder countered with four goals in the first and added two each in the second and third periods. Wyatt Reeder led the charge with a hat trick, while Cayden Brozik, Brixton Steen, Remington Mann, Cameron Ritter, and Jackson Hepper each added a goal.
Wyatt Simmons earned the win in net for the Thunder, while Kohl Nygaard took the loss for the Lakers. Watertown will face Sioux Falls West in an elimination game at 2:30 p.m. Friday.
Thursday’s Games
Yankton 6, Oahe 3
Aberdeen 4, Sioux Falls East 2
Brookings 3, Sioux Falls West 2
Friday’s schedule
Elimination Games
Oahe vs Sioux Falls East – Noon
Watertown vs Sioux Falls West – 2:30 p.m.
Championship Semifinals
Yankton vs Aberdeen – 5 p.m.
Rushmore vs Brookings – 7:30 p.m.
WTNSports.com 