ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Eden Prairie senior Kyle Rau has been voted The Associated Press Player of the Year for Minnesota boys’ hockey.

Rau scored 41 goals this season to lead the Eagles to their second Class 2A state title in three years. Rau scored the game-winner in an epic three-overtime final against Duluth East.

With just over three minutes to play in the third overtime, Rau dived at the goal and knocked a loose puck off the post, off a Duluth player’s skate and into the net. He says it was the perfect way to end his career.

Rau first decided to skip his senior season of high school to play for Sioux Falls in the USHL. But he changed his mind at the last minute and returned to Eden Prairie.

Rau will play for the Gophers next season.

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