ROCHESTER — The Albert Lea boys’ hockey team traveled to Rochester Saturday morning to take on Rochester Lourdes in the Section 1A semifinals.

Despite leading the game late in the third period, the Tigers were unable to hold on, as they dropped a heartbreaker in overtime, losing to the Eagles 3-2.

The first period started slow for the Tigers as they fell behind to a quick 1-0 deficit.

It seemed like the second period was going to end the same, until junior Carson Goodell found the back of the net with less than one minute remaining in the period. The goal was assisted by sophomore Danny Chalmers.

Albert Lea came out with new life in the third period and took the lead exactly six minutes into the period. The go-ahead goal came from senior Alex Ulve off an assist from senior Logan Stadheim.

The Tigers played tough for most of the final period with some big saves coming from senior Calen Hoelscher.

With just over a minute remaining, the Eagles pulled their goalie to give themselves a numbers advantage. The move worked, as they were able to tie the game with just 25 seconds remaining, sending the game to overtime.

Two minutes into overtime, the Eagles found the back of the goal to win the game and end the Tigers’ season just one game short of the section final.

The Tigers finish the season with a record of 19-6-2, the team’s best finish in 10 years. They will have a bit of rebuilding to do in the offseason, however, as they lose 11 seniors from this year’s team.