High School Hockey Preview 2020 - 2021

By Rick Weegman rweegman@duluthnews.com

Joey Pierce and Jack Peart are two of the top boys hockey defensemen in the state of Minnesota.

They also share a common bond: Both players eschewed junior hockey to return to their high schools for their senior year and one more chance to play in a state tournament.

Hermantown’s Pierce had that opportunity a year ago as he helped guide the Hawks to the Class A final, where Hermantown fell 3-2 to Mahtomedi in an overtime heartbreaker.

For Grand Rapids’ Peart, this marks his last go-round.

“I always wanted to finish up my high school career at Grand Rapids, and coming back and playing with my high school buddies in a state tournament has always been a dream of mine,” he said. “I’ve never gotten the opportunity yet, so I wanted to finish it out and get my last shot at it.”

Peart, who is committed to play at Division I St. Cloud State and was a member of the U.S. National Team Development Program, recently left the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League when it was announced that high school hockey would return with a state tournament at the end of the season.

“You grow up with these kids, go to elementary school with them and skate on the outdoor rinks and play youth hockey with them,” Peart said. “You’re watching your high school team when you are a little kid, and if you are lucky enough you get to see them in the state tournament. Every kid’s dream in the state of Minnesota is to go play at the Xcel Energy Center with their town behind them.”

Grand Rapids coach Wade Chiodo was thrilled to see Peart choose to return.

“It shows the importance of playing for your hometown,” Chiodo said. “These kids have all grown up in the program, and I think it’s really cool they take pride playing for the community. Jack takes pride in putting that Grand Rapids sweater on.”

Likewise for Pierce at Hermantown. Winning that title that eluded him so narrowly a year ago was the driving force behind him leaving the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers.

“When they said they were going to have a state tournament, that was huge,” Pierce said. “That was the reason I came back because that’s still my goal (to win a title). I want to give back to this program as much as I can because I’ve gotten so much already. So when they did announce (a state tour nament), I was all in on coming back.”

Pierce played two games with the Min nesota Wilderness of the North Ameri can Hockey League and two games with Des Moines before contracting COVID-19 around Thanksgiving.

Hawks coach Pat Andrews was ecstat ic to have Pierce, a Minnesota Duluth commit, return.

“He’s a great human being, first and foremost, and he happens to be a gifted hockey player,” Andrews said. “He’s our leader from the start, competi tive, intense, focused and driven. And he has a way to bring everybody in. All the guys in the room love Joey.

“That he wanted to come back and try to win a championship made us all happy, and it’s very selfless for him to do that.”

Peart contracted the novel coronavirus as well in Fargo, along with nearly half the team. He still played in 16 games before heading eastward.

Hermantown and Grand Rapids will play each other twice this season so fans — whatever few are allowed in arenas due to COVID-19 protocols — will be treated to a spectacle.

Both players and opposing coaches are big fans of the other as well.

“To have Jack Peart back is awesome, too, because he’s such a great talent,” Andrews said. “We get to play them twice, so that’s something you circle the calendar for. To watch Joey and Jack go head to head is going to be a riot. That’s exciting for Northland hockey that those guys are selfless enough to come back and try to win a championship for their community.”

Chiodo, a former Bemidji High School coach in his second season at Grand Rapids, also coached Pierce for two seasons in the Fall Elite League.

“Joey is a great hockey player and a great competitor,” Chiodo said. “He’s got a great stick and sees the ice and is a great kid. It’s important for him going back to Hermantown because he needs to be that guy that has the spotlight on him, just like Blake Biondi did the year before. Hermantown has a great tradition of kids sticking around. As a hockey player or any athlete, there’s not too many times in your career where you are that guy that’s going to lead that team, and this is his opportunity.”

When the pair tangle on the ice, Peart knows what he’ll be up against.

“He’s a big, strong guy and is very aggressive,” he said of the man-child Pierce.

“If you turn the puck over to him, he’s going to more than likely score a goal. He’s dangerous on the ice and you have to make sure you don’t turn any pucks over

Hermantown High School senior defenseman Joey Pierce handles the puck during a practice earlier this month. Pierce decided to return for his senior season in an effort to win a state title. Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com

Clint Austin / File / News Tribune Grand Rapids’ Jack Peart (23) controls the puck during a 2020 game against Cloquet-Esko-Carlton at Northwoods Arena in Cloquet.

5 PLAYERS TO WATCH

ETHAN LUND

Hermantown

Senior forward

Finished third in scoring (17 goals, 39 assists, 56 points) on a team loaded with offensive talent, including tallying 10 assists in three Section 7A playoff games and three more in state tourney.

KADE SHEA

Duluth Denfeld

Senior forward

Wound up second in goals (23) and points (52), compiling two five-point games and two four-point games, in leading Denfeld to within one victory of its first state appearance since 1989.

JOEY PIERCE

Hermantown

Senior defenseman

Minnesota Duluth commit totaled 16 goals, 39 assists and 55 points and was a bulwark along the blue line in helping Hawks go 23-4-4 and place second in 2020 Class A state tournament.

JACK PEART

Grand Rapids

Senior defenseman

Widely considered one of Minnesota’s top defensemen, St. Cloud State commit scored a team-high 13 goals and added 18 assists in leading Thunderhawks to an 18-8-1 mark last year.

JACOB SNYDER

Duluth Denfeld

Senior goaltender

Posted a 10-2-1 record with a 1.75 goals-against average and .933 save percentage while splitting time in net for a Hunters team that won 21 games and finished second in Section 7A.

5 GAMES TO WATCH

St. Cloud Cathedral at Hermantown

3:15 p.m. Jan. 30

Rematch of Class A state tournament semifinal a year ago won 6-2 by the Hawks against their former Section 5A rival, who played Hermantown to a 5-5 regular-season draw

Hermantown at Duluth East

7 p.m. Feb. 9

Northland’s traditional top two powers clash for the first time in a generation at Essentia Health Heritage Center before meeting a month later in Hermantown

Grand Rapids at Hermantown

7:30 p.m. Feb. 11

First of two matchups (the second is March 4 in Grand Rapids) that pit perhaps the state’s top two defense-

men (Hermantown’s Joey Pierce and Grand Rapids’ Jack Peart) against each other Virginia/MIB at Eveleth-Gilbert

7 p.m. March 4

OK, so this one isn’t for all the marbles nor is it a matchup of Division I talent, but these teams will combine into Rock Ridge in 2022 so it marks one of the final meetings in the rivalry

Duluth East at Duluth Denfeld

7 p.m. March 11

Hunters won 11 more games than their more acclaimed city rival last season and are looking to win city bragging rights after the teams played to a season-opening 4-4 tie at Heritage Center

HOCKEY PREVIEW 2021

ASHLAND OREDOCKERS

Coach: Darryl Penner

2019-20 record: 9-14

Conference: Independent

Section: Wisconsin Division 1, Section 1

Key players: (statistics through Jan. 14) Sr. F Colin Trautt (18-10—28); jr. F Cody Lustig (6-12—18); sr. D Braden Stegman (6-11—17); jr. D Nolan Melek (7-6—13); jr. F Ty Gilbertson (5-6—11); G Connor Paakola (5-0, 2.00 goals-against average, .880 save percentage)

Outlook: The Oredockers were a Northland rarity, playing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that shut Minnesota sports down for nearly two months. They put together a 7-3

SCHEDULE

record through their first 10 games this season, including winning four in a row, after having a run of six straight years with a .500 or better record ended last season. Trautt, a star running back at Northwestern, was off to another fine start with 18 goals in 10 games and Paakola had posted quality numbers while splitting time in goal.

Ashland, which forms a co-op with Hurley, Northwestern and Washburn, plays in Division 1 in the two-year, two-class experiment in Wisconsin and ends its regular season this weekend. Rick

News Tribune

ROSTER

Photo by John Olson

The Ashland boys hockey team has played a full schedule since December and wraps up its regular season this weekend.

CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON LUMBERJACKS

Coach: Shea Walters, third season

2019-20 record: 13-12-1

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Christian Galatz (32-22—54); F Aaron Moore (1121—32); F Cole Ketola (15-10—25); D Kaden Crane (2-15—17); F Jake Huhta; G Owen Carlson (2.48 goalsagainst average, .915 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F Logan Dushkin (6-7—13); sr. F Brayden Tyman (7-6—13); sr. D Cade Anderson (3-9— 12); sr. D Hunter Finnila (2-8—10); sr. F Travis Berg; sr. F Brock House; jr. G Jacob Walsh (3.20 GAA, .902 save percentage); sr. G Zach Tyman

Outlook: The Lumberjacks suffered a big offensive blow when Galatz decided to forego his senior season to play with the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League. His 32 goals are more than all the returning goals for the Lumberjacks.

“We lost a kid coming off a 54-point season and our two next leading scorers graduated, so those are big shoes to fill,” Walters said. “We’re going to have to find scoring some other way. We might not have a 25-goal scorer, but we have to have contributions from everyone.”

CEC struggled to find that in a 6-1 loss to Grand Rapids in its season opener. Part of that may have been the delayed season that cost teams

important ice time.

“For being off as long as we were, a little bit of a warmup would have been nice,” Walters said. “We had no scrimmages, no captain’s practices. About half of our guys were able to keep up with the pace of play (against Grand Rapids) and the others were a little bit behind. The pace of play is something we’re going to have to get used to.”

As usual, the Lumberjacks play a difficult schedule that includes two games against Hermantown, two against Duluth Denfeld and three vs. main rival Duluth East.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — Grand Rapids

Jan. 16 — Duluth East

Jan. 19 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Jan. 22 — at Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 26 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Jan. 28 — Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Duluth East (Heritage Center), 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Duluth Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Duluth Denfeld, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 — at Superior, 2 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 18 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 27 — Duluth Marshall, 1 p.m.

Mar. 2 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Mar. 4 — at Duluth East, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 6 — at Grand Rapids, 3 p.m.

Mar. 8 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center), 7 p.m.

Mar. 11 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

Brock House

Jaxson Ochis

Dayne Painovich

Dushkin

Cade Gonsorowski

Gino Bertogliat

Karsen Patten

Owen Wilson

Patrick Dunaiski

Noah Knutson

Cade Anderson

Wyatt Mrozik

Brayden Tyman

Carter Salo

Grant Nordin

Hunter Finnila

Demuth 20 Lucas Rauner 21 Brady Anderson

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton defenseman Cade Anderson shoots the puck during a game against Proctor last season. 2019 file / Pine Journal

SCHEDULE

Home games at Heritage Center

Jan. 14 — at Duluth East

Jan. 23 — at Superior

Jan. 26 — Eveleth-Gilbert

Jan. 28 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 — International Falls, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 — Two Harbors, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Mar. 2 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 4:30 p.m.

Mar. 6 — Little Falls, 3 p.m.

Mar. 8 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Mar. 11 — Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Mar. 13 — Greenway, 3 p.m.

Mar. 16 — Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Mar. 18 — at Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

ROSTER

DULUTH DENFELD HUNTERS

Coach: Dale Jago, fourth season

2019-20 record: 21-6-1

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Griffin Lehet (2429—53); D Dylan Jouppi (2-28—30); G Shawn Easty (2.67 GAA, .915 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F Kade Shea (2329—52); jr. F Connor McClure (2030—50); jr. F Simon Davidson (1518—33); jr. F Cooper McClure (11-15— 26); sr. F Cole Olsen (6-12—18); sr. D Joe Udd (7-9—16); sr. F Nate Burke; sr. G Jacob Snyder (10-2-1, 1.75 GAA, .933 save percentage)

Outlook: The Hunters continued their march up the section ladder by more than doubling their win output from Jago’s first season in 201718. With six players scoring at least 26 points and alternating two outstanding goalies, Denfeld was as well rounded as it has been in a generation.

Despite the shortened season, the Hunters and others are expecting even better things from a team seeking its first state tournament berth since 1989. Shea and the McClure twins are proven scorers and Snyder shined in his time between the pipes for Denfeld, which lost twice to section champion Hermantown and suffered two one-goal defeats and two by two goals.

“I think this is probably the most well-balanced team we have had at Denfeld High School in my time as head coach,” Jago said. “Our depth at forward includes three balanced lines with speed, skill and size as well as a defensive corps that includes four defensemen that have varsity experience, and some hungry guys looking to play minutes in every game.”

The schedule includes a run of nine straight games at Essentia Health Heritage Center, where the Hunters posted a 12-2-1 record a year ago.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

HUNTERS

Jed Carlson

Denfeld’s Connor McClure (18) climbs out of the net as he celebrates beating Duluth East’s Konrad Kausch (31) for a first-period goal during the Hunters’ game with the Greyhounds at the Heritage Sports Center in Duluth during an early season contest last season.

/ 2020 file / Superior Telegram

DULUTH EAST GREYHOUNDS

Coach: Mike Randolph, 32nd season

2019-20 record: 10-13-2

Conference: Independent

Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Charlie Erickson (12-13—25); D Ryan Cummings (7-14—21); D Michael Sutherland (1-16—17); F Finn Hoops (3-13—16); F Jack Fellman (5-9—14); G Konrad Kausch (3.84 GAA, .904 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F Zarley Ziemski (14-7—21); sr. D Garrett Johnson

Outlook: The Greyhounds experienced last season what hadn’t happened since the Eisenhower administration: a losing record. The last time East had posted a sub-.500 mark was in the 1952-53 season — long before the venerable Randolph took the helm.

“We’re regrouping and hoping for a better start this year,” senior defenseman Garrett Johnson said. “We’re going to be young but we have a lot of

seniors with varsity experience.”

Ziemski is one of those but was out injured for the first week of the season. He doesn’t think the losing record will have an effect on this year’s squad.

“Just brush it off and start anew,” he said.

Despite numerous COVID-19 restrictions, the Greyhounds still have a difficult schedule that includes two games against Hermantown for the first time in eons, trips to St. Thomas Academy, Minnetonka and Moorhead as well as a trifecta of games against rival Cloquet-Esko-Carlton.

That’s if the players can stay healthy.

“It’s day to day, and you just hope you can go to the rink every day and get through this season and not get any cancellations because of COVID,” Randolph said.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Home games at Heritage Center

Jan. 14 — Duluth Denfeld

Jan. 16 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Jan. 21 — Superior

Jan. 26 — Brainerd

Jan. 28 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Minnetonka, 6 p.m.

Feb. 15 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 — at Moorhead, 6 p.m.

Feb. 27 — at St. Thomas Academy, 7 p.m.

Mar. 2 — Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 4 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 6 — Roseau, 2:45 p.m.

Mar. 9 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Mar. 11 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center), 7 p.m.

Mar. 15 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

The Greyhounds’ dog pile Cole Christian (4) after his first varsity goal in the second period of Duluth East’s game with Denfeld last season at the Heritage Sports Center in Duluth.

Jed Carlson / 2020 file / Superior Telegram

SCHEDULE

Home games at Mars Lakeview Arena

Jan. 14 — Proctor

Jan. 19 — at Grand Rapids

Jan. 23 — at Greenway

Jan. 26 — Superior

Jan. 28 — Moose Lake Area, 5 p.m.

Feb. 4 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Eveleth-Gilbert (Hoyt Lakes), 2 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Ely, 6 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Duluth Denfeld, 7 p.m.

Feb. 15 — Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 6 p.m.

Feb. 25 — at Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 27 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 1 p.m.

Mar. 2 — Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Mar. 4 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

DULUTH MARSHALL HILLTOPPERS

Coach: Jasen Wise, first season 2019-20 record: 3-23 Conference: Lake Superior Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Dakota Oman (5-5—10); F Xavier McNulty; D Griff Pichetti; D Charlie Kleinschmidt

Key returners: Sr. F Vance Johnson (6-7—13); jr. F Samuel Aamodt (4-7—11); sr. D Carson Mehling; jr. G Sam Anderson (6.34 GAA, .848 save percentage)

Outlook: Wise takes over a program that has seen little continuity since former longtime coach Brendan Flaherty had to step down due to throat cancer and a brain infection. Two previous coaches spent one season each at the helm as the onetime Class A state tournament finalist reached rock bottom.

The Hilltoppers lose nine seniors from a team that averaged only 1.3 goals per season and allowed 5.7. Johnson and Aamodt are two players with whom to start the rebuilding process. Despite the challenges, Wise

is upbeat that, like Flaherty did upon taking over Marshall in the 1990s, the Hilltoppers can rise from the ashes.

“You look at the banners that are up there in Mars Arena and that tells our current players and our current and future families that it can be done at Marshall, and if we can do things the right way it will be done again,” said Wise, who coached the Concordia University-Wisconsin men’s team before moving to Duluth to find better options for his hockey-playing sons. “I have no doubt that we are going to climb the mountain in front of us.”

Wise expects Marshall to continue to opt up to play at the Class AA level.

“This might be controversial and I don’t know if people will agree or not, but I feel that private schools should play at the Double-A level,” Wise said. “Marshall is a college school preparatory academically, and we want to have a hockey program that does the same.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Jake Huhta shoots past Duluth Marshall’s Samuel Aamodt during a game last season.

Head coach: Ben Johnson, sixth season

2019-20 record: 3-16

Conference: Independent

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Luke Olson (32-11—43); F Jason Skube; D Dalton Schreffler; D Seann Prigge

Key returners: Jr. F Jimmy Zupancich (4-9—13); Jr. G Chase Sandberg

Outlook: The Timberwolves lost more than 60% of their offense with Olson’s graduation. The team only returns 11 goals, and depth and a lack of experience have been long-standing issues in the program. The team has no seniors and has several eighth and ninth graders on the roster.

Ely welcomes back its starting goalie in Sandberg, who was bombarded with shots through-

out the season and the Timberwolves had 11 games in which they allowed at least eight goals, so they will need to try and limit opponents’ chances with more puck control.

The delay to the season and Ely’s independent status affected the schedule as the team has only 12 games listed in the regular season.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Jan. 16 — WSFLG

Jan. 26 — at Greenway

Jan. 29 — at WSFLG, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at North Shore (Silver Bay), 6 p.m.

Feb. 6 — Moose Lake Area, 2 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Duluth Marshall, 6 p.m.

Feb. 13 — Mora/Milaca, 2 p.m.

Feb. 19 — Bagley/Fosston, 6 p.m.

Feb. 26 — at Moose Lake Area, 6 p.m.

March 4 — at International Falls, 7 p.m.

March 6 — at Bagley/Fosston, 1 p.m.

March 11 — Duluth Marshall, 6 p.m.

ROSTER

1 Chase Sandberg G So.

2 Logan Loe F Fr.

3 Lexi Halberg F So.

4 Jack Mathias

5 Owen Brekke

6 Drew Marolt F 8th

7 Tommy Homer D 8th

8 Jakson Hegman D Fr.

9 Jace Huntbach

10 Breken Sandberg F 8th

12 Alex Merriman

14 Brady Eaton

15 Wes Sandy D 7th

16 Chase Anderson F 8th

17 Ty Walker D 8th

18 Jon Schlosser

19 Garret Rohr

20 Kole Macho F Fr.

21 Sam Leeson F Fr.

22 Kaden Zupancich F 8th

23 Jimmy Zupancich F Jr.

31 Ben Cavalier G Fr.

Ely

Clint Austin / File / News Tribune

defenseman Seann Prigge (left) is one of the players Ely lost to graduation from its 2019-20 team.

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EVELETH-GILBERT GOLDEN BEARS

Coach: Jeff Torrel, 10th season

2019-20 record: 17-10

Conference: Iron Range

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Elliot Van Orsdel (22-31—53); D Will Troutwine (1621—37); F Bryce Kopp (13-23—36); D Nick Beaudette (7-13—20); D Gage Everson (1-14—15); G Noah Shuck (2.91 GA, .908 save percentage)

Key returners: Jr. D Nick Troutwine (6-11—17); sr. F Tommy Schlotec (3-8—11); sr. F Brandon Lind; sr. F Cooper Mattson; jr. D Gavin Skelton; sr. G Andrew Torrel (6-1, 2.00 GAA, .920 save percentage)

Outlook: The Golden Bears lost a stunning amount of firepower from a team that posted more victories than any other season during Jeff Torrel’s tenure on the bench and won eight

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — at Greenway

Jan. 16 — Hermantown

Jan. 19 — at North Shore

Jan. 21 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Jan. 26 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center)

Jan. 29 — Superior, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — Duluth Marshall (Hoyt Lakes), 2 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Proctor, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — Providence Academy, 3 p.m.

Feb. 18 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 — International Falls, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Mar. 2 — at International Falls, 7 p.m.

Mar. 4 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Mar. 9 — Greenway, 7 p.m.

Mar. 11 — at Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

in a row at midseason. Van Orsdel’s production up front and Troutwine’s play from the blue line will be hard to replicate as Eveleth-Gilbert seeks to replace its top four scorers, eight of its top nine and the starting goalie.

Despite the loss of a large crop of seniors, another one follows in its place, including goaltender Andrew Torrel, who put up better numbers as the backup.

“It should be a fun season, another senior-laden team,” Torrel said. “I am excited that the boys can get back out there and play after the layoff.”

It’s been 22 seasons since the Golden Bears last went to the state tournament, where they beat Hermantown to capture the Class A title.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

ROSTER

Several Hermantown and Eveleth-Gilbert players contend for the puck behind Eveleth-Gilbert’s goal during a game last season.

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GRAND RAPIDS THUNDERHAWKS

Coach: Wade Chiodo, second season

2019-20 record: 18-8-1

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Maccrea Murphy (9-18—27); D Grant Wilson; G Carter Clafton (1.58 GAA, .935 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. D Jack Peart (13-18—31); sr. F Braeden Holcomb (8-21—29); jr. F Joey DelGreco (6-13—19); sr. F Hunter Bischoff (107—17); sr. D Easton Young (7-7—14); sr. F John Bonner (7-4—11); jr. D Sam Sterle; jr. D Ren Morque

Outlook: The Thunderhawks dominated late in the season, allowing only five goals during an eight-game winning streak that extended into the playoffs. But that came with Clafton in net. Now Grand Rapids must find a new netminder, something that isn’t keeping Chiodo up at night.

“It’s a position of ours that’s up in the air,” he said. “We have good goalies here and they are battling for that No. 1 spot until someone takes

it and runs with it. I have total confidence with what we have. I’m not worried about it.”

Part of that confidence stems from Peart returning to school from the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League, where he played 16 games during the fall. Considered one of the best defensemen in the state, the St. Cloud State commit and onetime U.S. junior player is the key to the team winning more games last season than the previous two years combined. Toss in talented players such as Holcomb, DelGreco and Bischoff and Grand Rapids should be a player again in Section 7AA and the Lake Superior Conference.

“We have depth, we have speed and we have size this year,” Chiodo said. “I think there’s a lot of kids who will have opportunities. We have internal competition, which is good because it’s going to be tough to make our lineup.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Jan. 16 — at Moorhead

Jan. 19 — Duluth Marshall

Jan. 23 — at Hill-Murray

Jan. 28 — Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 — Duluth Denfeld, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 — at Roseau, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Brainerd, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — Superior, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — Moorhead, 6 p.m.

Feb. 27 — Warroad, 2 p.m.

Mar. 2 — at Duluth East (Heritage Center), 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 6 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 3 p.m.

Mar. 9 — Roseau, 6 p.m.

Mar. 13 — at Wayzata, 2:30 p.m.

Mar. 16 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center), 7 p.m.

Mar. 18 — at Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

ROSTER

Elk River’s Jake Kotzian (from left), Grand Rapids’ Jack Peart, and Elks’ Nik Hughes contend for the puck during their Section 7AA semifinal game at Amsoil Arena last season.

Elk River won 3-1.

Steve Kuchera / 2020 file / News Tribune

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SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — Eveleth-Gilbert

Jan. 16 — at North Shore

Jan. 19 — International Falls

Jan. 23 — Duluth Marshall

Jan. 26 — Ely

Jan. 28 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at International Falls, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 19 — Thief River Falls, 6 p.m.

Feb. 23 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Feb. 27 — at Hermantown, 3:15 p.m.

Mar. 2 — at Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 4 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Mar. 9 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Mar. 11 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 13 — Duluth Denfeld, 3 p.m.

ROSTER

GREENWAY RAIDERS

Coach: Andy Sertich, first season

2019-20 record: 13-13-1

Conference: Iron Range

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Ben Troumbly (18-31—49); D Christian Miller (9-21—30); F Micah Gernander (15-14—29); D Brock Trboyevich (8-17—25); F Mitch Vekich (15-8— 23); G Logan Wright (3.06 GAA, .909 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. D Ty Donahue (6-7—13); soph. F Ezra Carlson; F Aiden Rajala; sr. F Darric Davidson; jr. D Bodie Jorgenson

Outlook: Raiders alum Sertich steps into a high-profile position without anywhere near the firepower the team had the past couple of seasons. Gone are the top

five scorers, including Troumbly and Miller — who both committed to Division I St. Cloud State — and the starting goaltender in Wright.

Still, even with those talented players, Greenway started 6-13 and 5-11 the past two seasons. The Raiders rebounded both years to reach the 2019 Class A state championship game and the 7A semifinals last year, however with a much younger group whose season was delayed several weeks it might be difficult to hit the ice running.

“We have a young team with senior leadership that I will rely on to help bring the younger players into the fold,” Sertich said. “We hope to be a disciplined, hard-working team.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Steve Kuchera / File / News Tribune

Greenway’s Brock Trboyevich handles the puck along the boards during a game last season.

Coach: Patrick Andrews, fourth season

2019-20 record: 23-4-4

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Blake Biondi (47-48—95); F Zach Kilen (27-45—72); D Zach Carson; D Indio Dowd

Lund (17-39—56); sr. F Aaron

Pionk (12-22—34); sr. F Aydyn

Dowd (17-9—26); sr. F Cole Antcliff (7-15—22); jr. D Beau Janzig (4-7—11)

Outlook: After a one-year absence, the Hawks returned to their usual perch atop Section 7A and back in the Class A state title game. Unfortunately,

Pierce, another Mr. Hockey candidate and UMD commit, heads up those coming back. Up front, the Hawks have tremendous depth and experience despite losing their career scoring leader and Kilen’s 72 points. Lund, Pionk, Dowd and Antcliff possess lots of speed and puck savvy while sophomore Zam Plante looks to make an immediate impact after playing in the Elite League. Two juniors and two sophomores are competing for the top spot in goal.

“Joey is an elite playmaker and leader,” Andrews said. “Joey has an endless motor which leads to incredible energy and intensity on the ice. Joey plays with a nasty edge to his game, often breaking opponents in half if they cross the redline with their head down, which is equally as effective in demoralizing the opposition as his playmaking and goal-scoring ability.

“Joey will look to (join Biondi) as the first back-to-back players from the same school to win the prestigious Mr. Hockey Award, something that is well within his reach considering his ability to single-handedly take games over.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — at Superior

Jan. 16 — at Eveleth-Gilbert

Jan. 19 — at Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 21 — at Proctor

Jan. 28 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 — St. Cloud Cathedral, 3:15 p.m.

Feb. 2 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — Brainerd, 3:15 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — Duluth Denfeld, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center), 7 p.m.

Feb. 27 — Greenway, 3:15 p.m.

Mar. 2 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Mar. 4 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Mar. 6 — St. Cloud State, 3:15 p.m.

Mar. 9 — Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Mar. 11 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com

Hermantown forward Aaron Pionk (11) skates down ice in the second period of the Class A boys state hockey semifinals Friday, March 6, 2020, Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — at North Shore

Jan. 19 — Hermantown

Jan. 22 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Jan. 26 — International Falls

Jan. 28 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center), 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 2 — Greenway, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 18 — at Duluth Marshall, 6 p.m.

Feb. 25 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Mar. 2 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Mar. 4 — at Greenway, 7 p.m.

Mar. 11 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Mar. 15 — at Duluth East (Heritage Center), 7 p.m.

Mar. 16 — Proctor, 7 p.m.

Mar. 18 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

HIBBING-CHISHOLM BLUEJACKETS

Coach: Eric Rewertz, first season

2019-20 record: 4-22 Conference: Iron Range

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Mitchell Ziemba (16-15—31); G Vytek Vozdecky (3.97 GAA, .877 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F Joe Allison (7-22—29); sr. F Ethan Lund (8-19—27); sr. F Blake Frider (9-4—13); jr. F Kasey Kemp (5-7—12); sr. D Erik Sanborn; jr. D Drew Kubena

Outlook: Rewertz steps into a rebuilding project after back-

to-back four-win seasons that included three losing streaks of at least eight games in that span. The program is a long way removed from the team that reached 10 consecutive section finals, though improved scoring depth and an experienced top defensive pairing give the Bluejackets hope.

Five of the team’s top six scorers from the 2019-20 season return, highlighted by Allison and Lund, while Sanborn and Kubena are quality defensemen. Scoring has been a problem in recent years, with the Bluejack-

ets averaging 1.5 goals a game in 2018-19 and 2.0 last season.

“A year of experience with some of the younger players should help with experience, and a new-look attitude and coaching staff hope to see the team continue to improve throughout the season,” Rewertz said.

Hibbing-Chisholm plans to leave the Iron Range Conference after this season to join the Lake Superior Conference. That would leave the IRC — once the state’s most-feared conference — with five teams.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Jed Carlson / File / Superior Telegram Hibbing-Chisholm goalie Vytek Vozdecky (1) stops a shot in the second period of a game at Wessman Arena in Superior last season.

Coach: Chad Baldwin, first season

2019-20 record: 13-12-1

Conference: Iron Range

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Bradyn Dremmel (13-15—28); F Kian Gonzales (7-13—20); F Jaxon Germain (106—16); D Anthony Saari (4-13—17); Travis Kalar

Key returners: Sr. F Brady Wicklund (17-16—33); sr. G Mitchell Nemec (2.71 GAA, .910 save percentage); jr. F Parker Sivonen; sr. D Tucker Hell

Outlook: Baldwin takes over at his alma mater and while losing a large senior class, he returns key elements behind the Broncos’ winning season. Wicklund, the team’s leading scorer in each of the past two sea-

sons, has had back-to-back 30-pluspoint campaigns and Nemec lowered his goals-against average by more than a goal as International Falls put together five-game and four-game winning streaks. The Broncos entered the season having won their last four home games in the Nation’s Icebox.

“We had a large senior group last year, so there has been some turnover,” Baldwin said. “But I am excited about our returning core and expect big things out of them. We also have some underclassmen that should step in and do a good job of filling the holes left from graduation. We will have a group that competes on a nightly basis.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Jan. 16 — Kittson Central

Jan. 19 — at Greenway

Jan. 21 — North Shore

Jan. 26 — at Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 28 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 — Lake of the Woods, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — Greenway, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at North Shore (Two Harbors), 6 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Lake of the Woods, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 20 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center), 2:30 p.m.

Mar. 2 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Mar. 6 — at Red Lake Falls, 2 p.m.

Mar. 9 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 11 — Greenway, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 13 — at Kittson Central, 3 p.m.

ROSTER

MOOSE LAKE AREA REBELS

Coach: Lee Costley, fifth season

2019-20 record: 6-19

Conference:

Two Rivers

Section: 5A

Key departures: F Jordan Fjosne (30-28—58); F Jack Ergen (8-4—12)

Key returners: Sr. F Adam Olson (10-29— 39); jr. F Henry Ribich (20-12—32); sr. F/D Paxton Vogel (5-13— 18); sr. D Jeff Cisar

Outlook: Wins continued to be sparse for the Rebels a year ago, but now numbers more important to the program than wins and losses are going in the team’s favor. The Moose Lake program teetered on the brink of extinction just a few short years ago due to the lack of players. But Costley and others instituted a bantam program, and this marks the first season where those play-

ers are being elevated to the varsity. While three players have graduated, seven have filled their spots.

“This is the first season where we get the full benefit of our bantam program,” Costley said. “My first season at Moose Lake we started up the bantam program. Before that, kids were going from peewee B to high school, not a safe transition to high school hockey, and not an ideal formula for any success. This wouldn’t have happened without all the hard work and efforts of our youth hockey association, and them buying into what we are doing and the goals to build the program.”

Losing Fjosne and his 30 goals to the Willmar WarHawks of the NA3HL undoubtedly will hurt the scoring production, though Olson

SCHEDULE

ROSTER

and Ribich each finished among the top 25 scorers in the Northland.

The COVID-19 pandemic already has hurt the program, Costley said, with a few players opting out, and how the rest of the players manage the situation might determine if the Rebels finish the season.

“The success of this year’s team will depend on everyone being smart and diligent with COVID distancing and masking, as well as focusing on academics and everyone being academically eligible,” Costley said.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Jan. 16 — Ashland

Jan. 19 — at Mora/Milaca

Jan. 22 — Bagley/Fosston

Jan. 28 — at Duluth Marshall, 5 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Bagley/Fosston, 1 p.m.

Feb. 2 — Mora/Milaca, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Ely, 2 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Sauk Rapids-Rice, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Feb. 17 — at St. Paul Highland Park, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 25 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 — Ely, 6 p.m.

Mar. 2 — at St. Francis, 7 p.m.

Mar. 8 — at Henry Sibley (West St. Paul), 7 p.m.

Mar. 11 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Mar. 13 — at Sauk Rapids-Rice, 7 p.m.

The International Falls boys hockey team

Photo by Bobbi Sivonen

Moose Lake Area's Adam Olson shoots the puck during a game with North Shore at Riverside Arena last season. 2019 file / Pine Journal

Coach: Andy Fellows, second season

2019-20 record: 9-18

Conference: Iron Range

Section: 7A

Key departures: G Connor Sullivan (3.37 GAA, .906 save percentage); Cole Komarek (12-6—18); Sam Johnson (7-8—15)

Key returners: Sr. F Sully Tikkanen (10-12—22); sr. F Ryder McMillen (11-7—18); jr. F Nate Bilben (9-7— 16); sr. F Carter Zabrocki (6-6—12); sr. D Isaac Swanson (5-8—13); sr. D Lucas Stadler

Outlook: Fellows enters his second season at the helm of the Silver Bay, Two Harbors and Cook County cooperative after replacing longtime coach Mike Guzzo. It was a rough first year in the Iron Range Confer-

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 16 — Greenway

Jan. 19 — Eveleth-Gilbert

Jan. 21 — at International Falls

Jan. 26 — at Proctor

Feb. 2 — Ely (Silver Bay), 6 p.m.

Feb. 9 — International Falls (Two Harbors), 6 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Greenway, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 3 p.m.

Feb. 23 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center), 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — Moose Lake Area (Two Harbors), 7 p.m.

Mar. 4— Duluth Marshall (Two Harbors), 7 p.m.

Mar. 6 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 3 p.m.

Mar. 11 — at Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Mar. 12 — Proctor (Two Harbors), 7 p.m.

Mar. 18 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

ence as the Storm finished winless in league play, though they defeated Hibbing-Chisholm in the playoffs.

Tikkanen, McMillen and Bilben give the Storm several goal-scoring options on a team lacking in depth. Swanson and Stadler are experienced defensemen, but North Shore needs to find a regular goaltender to replace Sullivan.

“The boys will be looking to compete in the Iron Range Conference this season,” Fellows said. “The Storm don’t have a lot of numbers this year, but they have quality in the numbers they have. The boys have been adjusting admirably to the change in circumstances and just want to get this season going.”

Rick

Weegman,

NORTH SHORE STORM ROSTER

News Tribune

3 Ryan Christiansen So.

4 Lucas Stadler Sr.

5 Wesley Beck Jr.

6 Kole Anderson So.

8 Ryder McMillen Sr.

9 Mitch Svir So.

10 Kody Costley Sr.

11 Isaac Swanson Sr.

13 Ero Wallin Sr.

16 Caden Costley Sr.

18 Nate Bilben Jr.

19 Caleb Waldron Jr.

20 Sully Tikkanen Sr.

21 Jacob Marxhausen Jr.

22 Bjren Jones Jr.

28 Carter Zabrocki Sr.

30 Ryan Bilben Sr.

31 Chase Malory So.

Jed Carlson / 2019 file / Superior Telegram North Shore’s Carter Zabroski (28) keeps the puck away from Superior’s Ethan Welch (11) in the second period of the Storm’s game at Wessman Arena in Superior on Dec. 12, 2019.

Coach: Jeff Laspi, first season

2019-20 record: 11-16

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Ben Harnell (17-23—40); F Reece Ward (22-11—33); F Connor Bushbaum (9-5—14); D Isaac Mosher; G Cody Urie

Key returners: Sr. F Conner Pavlowich (9-12—21); jr. F Kennan Reyelts (8-6—14); jr. D Tanner Olson (6-6—12); jr. F Dylan Halla (2-9—11); sr. D Mason Kalnbach; jr. G Sam Johnson (3.24 GAA, .881 save percentage)

Outlook: First-year coach Laspi faces a tough challenge minus his top two scorers and starting goaltender for a program that hasn’t won a conference game since the 2015-16 season and has one playoff victory in the last four years.

This year’s squad has a large group of seniors with limited varsity experience. Four double-digit scorers return, though Conner Bushbaum — the South Ridge running back who was the News Tribune’s All-Area Player of the Year in football — is sitting out to concentrate on earning a college baseball scholarship.

“We will need this senior group to contribute now that they are finally getting their opportunity,” Laspi said. “After losing 70% of our team’s scoring and starting goalie to graduation, we have plenty of opportunities for players to fill some key roles. I like the makeup of this team and feel like our progression will really take off once each player gets more comfortable in their role. I am just happy that our seniors have an opportunity to compete this season after a lot of doubt over the last few months.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — at Duluth Marshall

Jan. 16 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Jan. 19 — Pine City Area

Jan. 21 — Hermantown

Jan. 25 — Superior

Jan. 26 — North Shore

Feb. 1 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7:30

p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 — at Mora/Milaca, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — Duluth Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 2 — Greenway, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 11 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 12 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Mar. 16 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Mar. 18 — Duluth Denfeld, 7:30 p.m.

Proctor’s Austin Mooers (12) and goalie Cody Urie (35) team to stop Superior’s Gunnar Hansen (9) in the first period of a game at Wessman Arena in Superior last season.

Blake Imhoff G So.

Jed Carlson / File / Superior Telegram

Coach: Jason Kalin, 20th season

2019-20 record: 9-16-1

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: Wisconsin Division 2, Sectional 1

Key departures: F Gunnar Hansen (19-11—30); F T.J. Sitek (10-13—23); D Alex Hanson; D Sean McCoshen

Key returners: Sr. F Drew Scharte (7-11—18); sr. F Ethan Welch (7-3— 10); sr. G Jamin Durfee (3.84 GAA, .874 save percentage)

Outlook: The Spartans own the Wisconsin record for state tournament appearances (37) and titles (13), but despite starting out the twoyear, two-division trial in Divi

Superior was automatically slotted into Division 2 by enrollment classification during the first year of the two-class experiment, though Kalin hopes the school can opt up in the near future.

“Last year, the administration thought it was important for all of our teams at SHS to be placed in the division that our enrollment suggests out of fairness to our student-athletes and consistency amongst our programs,” Kalin said. “We are allowed to opt up at any point and hope to do so in the future if the strength of our program (in numbers and postseason results) improves.

“It is our hope (coaches and players) to convince our administration (through results) that we belong at the DI level very soon, if possible, next year. If we do opt up, the state has made it clear that it must be for a two-year commit-

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Superior’s Mason Stenberg (18) takes control of the puck in the first period of the Spartans’ loss to Eau Claire North Tuesday, Jan.5, at Wessman Arena in Superior.

Jed Carlson / 2021 file / Superior Telegram

SCHEDULE

Home games at Wessman Arena

Jan. 5 — Eau Claire North

Jan. 7 — at Amery

Jan. 9 — Chippewa Falls

Jan. 12 — at Wausau West

Jan. 14 — Hermantown

Jan. 16 — New Richmond

Jan. 19 — at Hayward

Jan. 21 — at Duluth East

Jan. 22 — at Eau Claire Memorial

Jan. 23 — Duluth Denfeld

Jan. 26 — at Duluth Marshall

Jan. 29 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Baldwin-Woodville, 2 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at Somerset, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 2 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

VIRGINIA/MOUNTAIN IRON-BUHL BLUE DEVILS

Coach: Cale Finseth, third season

2019-20 record: 7-17-2

Conference: Iron Range

Section: 7A

Key departure: D Dillon Drake (104—14)

Key returners: Sr. F Ryan Scherf (14-19—33) and jr. F Brennan Peterson (11-13—24) finished 1-2 on the team in scoring; five of six regular defensemen return: Matt Callister, Tom Nemanich (3-12—15), Tyler Lamourea, Braden Tiedman and Rollie Seppala; jr. G Ian Kangas (3.77 GAA, 900 save percentage)

Outlook: The Blue Devils return 13 players from last season, one in which the team lost nine games by at least five goals. Many of those were in a 2-10 start, while VMIB improved during the season by putting together a five-game unbeaten streak and back-to-back wins near the end of the regular season. The main core of defensemen is back — as is goalie

Kangas — so expect the team’s average of 4.8 goals allowed per game to drop.

Scoring punch was lacking last season though Scherf has a nice touch around the net and Finseth expects sophomores Isaac Flatley and Dylan Hedley to make contributions.

It’s hard to predict where the Blue Devils will end up in Section 7A considering the shortened season and the uncertainty surrounding the COVID19 pandemic.

“We are just thankful for the opportunity to have a season,” Finseth said. “The players are excited to be back on the ice and understand that we cannot take anything for granted this season. The season will come with its challenges of navigating hockey and the COVID pandemic. We look forward to another strong Section 7A and the competition it presents every game.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Jan. 16 — at Proctor

Jan. 19 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Jan. 21 — Eveleth-Gilbert

Jan. 26 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Jan. 28 — International Falls, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 — Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Greenway, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 — Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 — at North Shore, 3 p.m.

Feb. 23 — Greenway, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 — Warroad, 7 p.m.

Mar. 2 — at Duluth Denfeld, 7 p.m.

Mar. 4 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Mar. 6 — North Shore, 3 p.m.

Mar. 9 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 11 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

ARENAS CONFORM TO CHANGES

HOCKEY VENUES ADAPT TO CONSTANT-CHANGING COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

By Rick Weegman rweegman@duluthnews.com

Zarley Ziemski is convinced that he and his Duluth East boys hockey teammates contracted COVID-19 before anyone suspected the world-changing illness had crossed Minnesota’s border.

The Greyhounds senior forward became sick, along with around 20 teammates, in January 2020 at a time when the novel coronavirus was still a mystery.

East postponed four games during the period of illness that spread throughout the varsity and junior varsity.

“I think that was COVID,” Ziemski said. “The doctor just said we had influenza. I tested negative for influenza and they said I had pneumonia and to go home and rest.”

Ziemski said he had a fever and struggled breathing though he doesn’t recall losing his sense of smell or taste, which many coronavirus victims claim happens.

While Ziemski’s assessment would be hard to prove, what has happened in the ensuing year is undeniable: The

COVID-19 pandemic has altered life as we know it.

Among the numerous changes is how hockey arenas have adopted strict protocols for entry into their buildings.

That was on full display Jan. 14 on opening night of the high school hockey season when the Duluth Denfeld and Duluth East boys teams met at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center.

Players must come to games and practices dressed in uniform and are not allowed to use the locker rooms. They can’t carry big bags into the arena, and sit in chairs 6 feet apart in a hallway to put on their skates. Their temperature is taken as they enter the arena — they can’t get in for practices until 10 minutes before their scheduled ice time — masks must be worn and social distancing observed.

On game nights, only 150 people — or 25% of capacity at larger arenas — are allowed in the Heritage Center’s main rink under Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.

That is the biggest complaint, Heritage Center general manager Shari Olson says.

“Right now, people are getting a little COVID tired,” Olson said. “They are tired of dealing with it so they are a little bit frustrated. They would like to see a normal season and be able to participate any way they want to, but unfortunately since we are still dealing with the (higher) numbers, we have to limit them to two spectators per player.

“There isn’t an arena manager or staff in the state of Minnesota who doesn’t want to throw open the doors and say, ‘We want you back and we want you to have fun.’ We are looking forward to that day.”

Once the Department of Health comes up its with ever-changing guidelines, the Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association, the Amateur Sports Commission and Minnesota Hockey work together to distribute the information.

“The problem on our side is that it’s such short notice,” Olson said. “They are watching the (COVID-19) numbers (rise or fall) and I understand where they are coming from, but when you have to turn on a dime and generate a new policy and get

that information out to everybody, it makes it challenging.”

East boys coach Mike Randolph has been dealing with Heritage’s protocols ever since holding his summer camp there.

“Shari runs a tight ship,” Randolph said. “After having my camp this past summer, it was as tight of arena protocol as I’ve seen across the state. She does a great job of following the guidelines presented to her. It’s very well run and a lot of thought has been put into it, considering the layout of the building.”

Randolph hopes with the increased awareness, his team won’t experience another shutdown like last season. One drawback, he says, is the lack of team bonding that the locker room and long bus rides used to build.

“It’s sad that they are spending, as a team off the ice, such little time together,” Randolph said. “It’s a big piece that is missing. I’m not complaining, the kids are on the ice. I just hope in time it gets back to normal and they can experience that part of a normal season.”

Clint Austin / caustin@duluthnews.com

(Left) The student section at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center sits mostly empty during the Duluth East vs. Denfeld game on Jan. 14. (Right) Rope and signs mark a closed-off section of seats at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center.

LUMBERJACKS PLAY THE WAITING GAME

DEFENDING SECTION 7A CHAMPIONS WILL BUILD AROUND GOALIE ARAYA KIMINSKI, BUT FIRST THEY HAVE TO QUARANTINE

By Jon Nowacki jnowacki@duluthnews.com

Araya Kiminski sat down to have dinner Sunday, Jan. 3, but something just didn’t feel right.

Days earlier, Kiminski had been in contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19, so the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton sophomore goalie had to monitor her situation, as well. She felt fine and showed no symptoms — no cough, no sore throat, nothing — until that Sunday.

“I went up to my kitchen to have dinner, and I couldn’t smell it,” Kiminski said. “I couldn’t taste the pickle or anything, and those are very strong, so I was like, ‘Uh-oh.’”

Kiminski went to MedExpress Urgent

Care in Cloquet, where she received the last test of the day, a rapid test, and about 15 minutes later was told she had COVID-19.

The Lumberjacks began practicing the very next day, and Kiminski couldn’t join them as she went into quarantine.

“I was very upset and sad because this season is short already, and I got like another three weeks cut off,” Kiminski said.

Now, the rest of her teammates can relate as more developments followed less than two weeks later.

CEC coach Courtney Olin found out Thursday, Jan. 14, that the

first four games of the season would be postponed. The Lumberjacks aren’t expected to return to practice until Jan. 27.

“I think we all are disappointed but are continuing to try to make the best of a bad situation and looking forward to being back on the ice at the end of January,” Olin said.

The Lumberjacks were set to open the season Friday, Jan. 15, against Duluth, with freshman Torrie Lane expected to start in net until Kiminski returned. That, however, no longer appears necessary.

Kiminski will likely start the Lumberjacks’ new season opener when they host Pine City Area at 2 p.m. Jan. 30.

“One of the things we’ve really focused on early in practice was just shooting. We know we might not have the same skill level that we had last season, so we’re going to have to kind of adapt our game and how we play.”

Olin expects Proctor-Hermantown, last year’s Section 7A runner-up, to be the team to beat.

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton has prided itself on stout goaltending since the program’s inception and this year’s team could have that old familiar look of lower scoring contests where the Lumberjacks’ focus starts at their own net and works its way out.

year,” said junior forward Dana Jones. “It will be great having Araya back. She brings so much to the team. She was so young last year, but what she brought was amazing. It’s unbelievable what she could do in the future. She has so much potential, and knowing she has three more years, it’s crazy to think about.”

While Jones (10-7— 17) didn’t put up huge numbers last year, that output could increase as she plays on the Lumberjacks’ No. 1 line with junior winger Marina Dostal and senior center Lauren Sertich, the granddaughter of former UMD men’s hockey coach Mike Sertich.

shouldn’t look a whole lot different. Olin said everyone will wear masks at all times, walking into the rink, walking out, on the bus, in the locker room and while playing.

Since Cloquet is currently in distance learning, the team, when they were practicing, was required to come to the rink in full gear and uniform. Put the skates and helmets on, practice and go home. The locker room and buses will have assigned seating, and the team will be limited to 10 to 15 minutes in the locker room. They can’t keep equipment in there, either, meaning players will no longer be able to keep their gear at the rink.

Kiminski’s presence could make a big difference for a CEC team that has big skates to fill.

The Lumberjacks lost 68% of their scoring from last season with the graduation of their top line from a team that went 27-4 and finished as Minnesota Class A runner-up. That line included News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year Taylor Nelson, a Bemidji State hockey recruit who had a Northland-best 47 goals and 32 assists for 79 points, as well as Minnesota Duluth softball recruits Kiana Bender (34-27— 61) and center Dea DeLeon (7-34—41).

“It’s a challenge we’ve known was coming,” Olin said of replacing all that offensive firepower.

That’s a good place to start when you have Kiminski, who went 17-3 last season with a .897 save percentage, 1.95 goals-against average and a pair of shutouts. Kiminski split time in net with senior Lauren Maslowski before Kiminski took over in the Section 7A playoffs, stopping 52 of the 55 shots she faced in three playoff games, good for a .945 save percentage and 1.08 GAA while leading the Lumberjacks to their first state tournament since 2009.

In front of Kiminski, the Lumberjacks have one of the area’s better defenseman in junior Tenley Stewart and up-and-coming eighth-grade defenseman Emma Parks.

“We’re definitely going to be a lot more defensive minded this

Whenever COVID restrictions have hampered indoor training, Jones said she and a couple of her teammates kick it old school, getting in skating workouts on frozen local lakes like Big Lake and Chub. Par for the course for CEC.

“We’re just going to keep working hard, and it will come with time,” Jones said. “If we just keep working hard for each other on the ice, we’ll produce those goals. I know hard work can take you farther than talent sometimes — we can always rely on hard work.”

That is the rock the Lumberjacks have built their program on, and it will be the mantra they continue to instill in their players.

This season will feel different, no doubt about it, but on the ice, it

“We’re essentially in and out,” Olin said.

Despite all these rules and regulations, and this latest setback, Olin said make no mistake, her team is ecstatic to get back on the ice and into a real game. That has been the case for teams across the “State of Hockey,” but for these Lumberjacks, that agonizing wait has been even longer.

“The girls hit the ice running as if it was a game,” Olin said of the team’s first practice. “Everyone was just really excited. Everyone was just so happy to be back on the ice and have that opportunity to play. It was like waking up on Christmas morning as a little kid, and that energy hasn’t died out by any means. If anything, we’ve just continued to ramp up in excitement.”

Tyler Schank / File / News Tribune CEC goaltender Araya Kiminski (30) makes a save in the second period of the girls Class A state championship against Breck Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

PLAYERS TO WATCH 5

Proctor-Hermantown

Senior forward

Watkins had career highs for goals (21), assists (26) and points (47) last year but might just be scratching the surface. With the shortened season, the overall numbers might not be bigger this year, but the impact could be.

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Sophomore goalie

The only underclassman on this list, Northland girls hockey fans will find out — eventually — if Kiminski’s torrid postseason last winter, including a .945 save percentage and 1.08 goals-against average in section play — was an aberration or a sign of even better things to come. CEC’s start has been delayed more than everyone else’s, and while it will be impossible to match those numbers for an entire season, Kiminski certainly has talent, not to mention three years remaining.

ELLA ANICK

Proctor-Hermantown

Senior defenseman

Another Bemidji State recruit, Anick is a twotime All-Area First Team selection who had nine goals and 21 assists for 30 points as the Mirage came just a game away from another state tournament appearance last season.

GAMES TO WATCH 5

Grand Rapids-Greenway at Proctor-Hermantown

7:30 p.m. Feb. 11

CLAIRE VEKICH

Grand Rapids-Greenway

Senior forward/center

Arguably the Northland’s best high school girls athlete, there isn’t much Vekich can’t do. The two-time reigning All-Area Volleyball Player of the Year is pretty good at hockey, too. Vekich (25-22—47), a three-time All-Area First Team hockey selection, has committed to playing hockey at Bemidji State.

MAREN FRIDAY

Duluth Marshall

Senior defenseman

The Union College recruit is strong and physical and has a big shot — as evidenced by her 20 goals and 11 assists last year while still manning the blue line. After last year’s hockey season was complete, Friday even helped the Hilltoppers advance to the Class AA girls basketball state tournament, only for COVID-19 to steal the dance.

While having no section implications, the winner of this game can often make claim to “best team in the Northland.” And this year, GRG is now part of the Lake Superior Conference, rather than being an independent. And this year they play twice, with the rematch March 2 in Grand Rapids.

Duluth at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

7:30 p.m. Feb. 4

The first meeting scheduled for Jan. 15 — the season opener — was shelved as CEC had to postpone its first four games of the season. Let’s cross our fingers and hope this season matchup occurs between hockey rivals.

Hibbing-Chisholm at Grand Rapids-Greenway

7 p.m. Feb. 25

These teams are doing it old school

by playing at Hodgins-Berardo Arena in Coleraine, Senior Night saluting the likes of Greenway product Claire Vekich. The coaching matchup also pits father (HC’s Pete Hyduke) vs. son (GRG’s Brad Hyduke).

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton at Proctor-Hermantown

7:30 p.m. March 1

A rematch of last year’s spectacular Section 7A final, where seemingly everyone from the schools was in attendance. The host Mirage will try to avenge last year’s loss.

Proctor-Hermantown at Duluth Marshall

7 p.m. March 4

In what could be a Section 7A final preview, this game showcases the Mirage’s depth and skill against a Hilltoppers’ team featuring premier players in defenseman Maren Friday and goalie Charlesa Prior, with the rematch March 13 in Hermantown.

ALYSSA WATKINS

ARAYA KIMINSKI

Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com

CEC forward Dana Jones (right) (4) skates with the puck while forward Keelee Grashorn (7) trails her during a drill at practice Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Cloquet Area Recreation Center.

CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON LUMBERJACKS

Coach: Courtney Olin, 7th season

2019-20 record: 27-4

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: Section 7A

Key departures: Captains F Taylor Nelson (47-32—79, All-Area Player of the Year), C Dea DeLeon (7-34— 41); F Kiana Bender (34-27—61, twotime All-Area selection)

Key returners: So. G Araya Kiminski (17-3, 1.95 GAA, .897 save percentage, two shutouts); jr. D Tenley Stewart (3-25—28); jr. F Dana Jones (107—17)

Outlook: First Kiminski was diagnosed with COVID-19 but there still was hope for the rest of the team to get started Jan. 15 against the Duluth Northern Stars. That, however, wasn’t happening as CEC’s first four games were postponed. That makes

SCHEDULE

Home games at Cloquet Area Recreation Center

Jan. 15 — at Duluth, ppd.

Jan. 18 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, ppd.

Jan. 21 — Eveleth-Gilbert Area, ppd.

Jan. 26 — North Shore, ppd.

Jan. 30 — Pine City Area, 2 p.m.

Feb. 2 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — Duluth, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 — Superior, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 — at Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — Proctor-Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 18 — at Grand Rapids-Greenway, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 27 — at Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

March 1 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

March 5 — Grand Rapids-Greenway, 7:30 p.m.

March 8 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

March 10 — Duluth Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

March 12 — at Moose Lake Area, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 — a 2 p.m. home date against Pine City Area — as the new tentative starting date. Yes, that’s the fluid nature of playing during a pandemic. The Lumberjacks, last year’s Class A runner-up, have waited this long and now will just have to wait a little longer.

“We’re looking at the bigger picture and hopefully competing at the end if we’re fortunate enough to have some playoffs,” Olin said. “The first few weeks will be an adjustment period as we have a lot of new players stepping into big roles and getting used to the pace of the game. Our goal is always to be playing our best hockey by playoff time, so hopefully we’ll continue to adjust and improve and be able to compete when it counts.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

DULUTH NORTHERN STARS

Coach: Jamie Kenyon-Plesha, 6th season

2019-20 record: 8-16-2

Conference: Lake Superior Section: Section 7AA

Key departures: G Sarah Spencer (4.19 GAA, .858 save percentage, two shutouts), D Jorja Schooler (3-9—12), D Katie Kroska (2-5— 7), F Quinn Clark (2-4—6)

Key returners: Sr. F Molly Henderson (6-10—16), jr. F Annika Lindgren (14-18—32), jr. D Hannah Martin (7-6—13), jr. F Emma Fellman (12-8—20), so. F Jenna Horvat (8-11—19)

Outlook: The Northern Stars have reasons for optimism with a lot of key returners, including their top five scorers from last year.

Duluth should have more depth this season but will need to develop goaltending, with senior Jules Lebsack, junior Sophie Mitchell and freshman Ella Brisbois competing in net.

“The season definitely looks different, but we are happy to be on the ice and playing,” said Kenyon-Plesha, a former Minnesota Duluth hockey captain from Sparta, Wis. “I think we do have an emerging team. I expect our juniors to really step up this year. We have a few incoming players that will be in the lineup and contributors in their first year. The biggest unknown is our goaltending. All three of our goalies will be competing for that starting spot.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

Jan. 15 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, ppd.

Jan. 19 — Superior

Jan. 22 — Dodge County

Jan. 25 — Grand Rapids-Greenway

Jan 28 — at Moose Lake Area, 6:15 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 — at Northern Tier, 3 p.m.

Feb. 16 — Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 — Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Feb 23— at Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

March 5 — Princeton, 7 p.m.

March 6 — at Princeton, 7 p.m.

March 8 — at Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

March 12 — at Grand Rapids-Greenway, 7 p.m.

March 15 — Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

March 18 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

Jed Carlson / jcarlson@ superiortelegram.com

Duluth’s Lucy Fellman (30) keeps the puck away from Superior’s Arika Trentor (11) in the first period of the game at the Heritage Sports Center in Duluth Jan. 19.

Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey head coach Courtney Olin (left) gives direction before running a drill during practice Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Cloquet Area Recreation Center.

Torrie Lane

Reese

Good Luck Lady Canes!

haywardmemorialhospital.com ashlandmmc.com

HAYWARD-ASHLAND HURRICANES

Coach: Emily Stark, first season

2019-20 record: 11-11-2

Conference: Independent Section: Sectional 1

Key players: Sr. D Soile Doyle (5-5—10); Sr. G Taylor Hammerel (3.09 GAA, .863 save percentage); Sr. F Kennedy Sprenger (7-4—11); Jr. D Hadley Owen (0-5—5); Jr. F Lily Eytcheson (1-2—3); Sr. F Alex Pieterek (4-3—7); and So. F/D Riley Sprenger (8-2—10)

Outlook: Stark is in her first official season as head coach after being co-head coach with Tom Duffy last season. The Hurricanes are off to a 4-8 start. Goals have been hard to come by and they miss Emma Quimby, a two-time News Tribune All-Area First Team selection who had a 1.98 goals-against average, 921 save percentage and five shutouts last season. With only 17 players, num-

SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 — Western Wisconsin 6,

Hayward-Ashland 1

Dec. 8 — Central Wisconsin

Dec. 15 — Western Wisconsin

Dec. 17 — St. Croix Valley

Dec. 19 — Northern Edge

Dec. 22 — Northland Pines

Dec. 29 — Eau Claire Area

Dec. 30 — Hudson

Jan 5. — Superior

Jan. 7 — St. Croix Valley

Jan. 9 — Northland Pines

Jan. 12 — Northern Edge

Jan. 16 — Wisconsin Valley Union

Jan. 19 — Black River Falls.

Jan. 21 — at North Shore

Jan. 23 — at Onalaska

Jan. 25 — at St. Croix Valley

Jan. 28 — Eau Claire Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 29 — Western Wisconsin, 6 p.m.

DULUTH MARSHALL HILLTOPPERS

Coach: Amanda Boulier, first season

2019-20 record: 14-9-2

Conference: Lake Superior Section: Section 7A

Key departures: F Victoria Thorson (15-13—28); F Caitlin Breen (139—22)

ey League All-Star and played for the Minnesota Whitecaps.

Boulier inherits a team that, while the roster isn’t huge, has some talent, especially from the blue line back.

bers are down a bit so the Hurricanes don’t have a lot of depth.

“The girls have been working hard and cohesively throughout the season, and we’re hoping that continues,” Stark said.

Besides Hayward and Ashland, the co-op also includes Rice Lake, Spooner, Barron and Shell Lake. Stark said her team just wants to play.

“We have girls driving an hour both ways just to make it to practice, so the dedication these girls have is astounding,” she said. “We are just grateful to be able to play during the pandemic. Although things are a little different when it comes to traveling, locker rooms and the mask mandate, the girls are resilient and are just thankful to have a season. We are trying to get in as many games as possible for these girls.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

Key returners: Sr. D Maren Friday (20-11—31, two-time All-Area First Team selection); sr. G Charlie Prior (7-5-1, 2.57 GAA, .899 save percentage); so. F Merideth Boettcher (6-12—18); Outlook: Former St. Lawrence University women’s hockey player Amanda Boulier takes the helm. Boulier was a two-time captain at St. Lawrence who earned All-American honors. She played on the gold-medal winning U.S. National Team in 2011 and went on to be a three-time National Women’s Hock-

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — Grand Rapids-Greenway

Jan. 19 — Moose Lake Area

Jan. 21 — Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 26 — at Superior

Feb. 2 — Duluth, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 — at Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 — Grand Rapids/Greenway, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — Moose Lake Area, 7:30 p.m.

March 4 — Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

March 6 — at Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 1 p.m.

March 8 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

March 10 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

March 13 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

March 16 — North Shore, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, a Union recruit, and Prior give the Hilltoppers the ability to win games defensively, while Friday provides a cannon shot from the point on the power play. Freshman forward Ilsa Lindaman and junior forward Kendra Royer are two new players who will play critical roles this year.

“We are thrilled to finally start our season,” Boulier said. “While many things look different this year playing amidst a global pandemic, once we step onto the ice as a team for practice or games, a much-needed sense of normalcy returns.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

1

Feb. 1 — Chippewa Falls/Menomonie, 6 p.m.

Marshall’s Danica Mark hits the puck during a game last season against CEC. Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com

GOLDEN BEARS

Coach: Earl Fitzgerald, third season

2019-20 record: 9-15-1

Conference: Independent

Section: Section 7A

Key departures: F Anna Sietz (6-7— 23); F Autumn Gregorich (6-6—12); F Sophia Flatley (3-9—12); F Kada Ceglar (1-0—1)

Key returners: Sr. G Rachel Woods (.878 save percentage); sr. C Anneka Lundgren (16-18—34); sr. D Sydni Richards (9-9—18); jr. D Jennie Krause (6-8—14); jr. F Kylie Baranzelli (15-14—29)

Outlook: Juniors forwards Kaitlynn James and Rhys Ceglar and sopho-

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — Superior

Jan. 21 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, ppd.

Jan. 22 — Northern Lakes

Jan. 28 — International Falls, 7 p.m.

Jan. 29 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Northern Lakes, 3 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 12 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Princeton, 6 p.m.

Feb. 18 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — at International Falls, 7 p.m.

March 2 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

March 6 — Duluth Marshall, 1 p.m.

mores forwards Sydney Fitzgerald, Katelyn Torrel, Kendra Rosati and defenseman Maggie Koskela fill out the list of returners.

“We feel our strength will be our defensive coverage along with some strong goaltending, along with some goal-scoring potential,” Fitzgerald said. “We’re happy to be back on the ice during this shutdown. All of the players are excited to be back with each other. Hopefully we can have a healthy season along with the rest of the teams … we wish them all the best.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

March 9 — Grand Rapids-Greenway, 7 p.m.

March 11 — Proctor-Hermantown, 6 p.m.

March 12 — Princeton, 7 p.m.

GRAND RAPIDS-GREENWAY

LIGHTNING

Coach: Brad Hyduke, 11th season

2019-20 record: 10-13-2

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: Section 7AA

Key departures: G Emily Trast; F Ellie Tillma; D Kayden Broking; D Hannah Mark

Key returners: Sr. F/C Claire Vekich (25-22—47, three-time All-Area

First Team selection); 8th F Mercury Bischoff (12-19—31); sr. D Kaisa Reed (4-11—15); so. F/C Kalle Reed (4-8—12); fr. F Molly Pierce (2-8— 10); sr. F Amber Elich (3-2—5); jr. D Jade Rohloff (2-2—4); so. D Jazzy Bischoff (1-4—5); jr. G Kenzie Cole (five games, 3.49 GAA); jr. G Kenny Martinson (two games, 0.00 GAA)

Outlook: Hyduke expects defending state champion Andover to be the team to beat in Section 7AA, but the section will be wide open after that with the Lightning, Forest Lake, Elk River, North Wright County and an improved Duluth squad vying for top four seeding.

Grand Rapids-Greenway was among the youngest teams in Class AA hockey last year and returns

most of its scoring. That includes arguably the area’s best all-around athlete in Claire Vekich, the Lightning’s top-scoring defenseman and a tandem of junior goalies who are very skilled.

In the area, Hyduke sees Proctor-Hermantown as a deep and skilled team that is the clearcut favorite in Section 7A and a potential challenger to Breck and Warroad for the Class A state title.

“The waiting was expected and ultimately worth it — the state of Minnesota is in a much better place to successfully pull off a sea son from COVID-19 standpoint, and importantly, our season will be 3 1/2 months long and likely include a state tourney,” Hyduke said. “The message to the girls is this: We can and should be giddy and excited about our delayed return, but now it’s time to channel that excitement into the season — get better individually and as a team, and set goals heading into the playoffs in late March.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Home games at IRA Civic Center

Jan. 14 — Duluth Marshall

Jan. 16 — North Wright County

Jan. 19 — Bemidji

Jan. 21 — at Superior

Jan. 22 — Alexandria

Jan. 25 — at Duluth

Jan. 28 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 — Brainerd/Little Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 — at Roseau, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Proctor-Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 — Alexandria, 2 p.m.

Feb. 18 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 — Northern Tier, 2 p.m.

Feb. 23 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — Hibbing-Chisholm

(at Hodgins-Berardo Arena, Coleraine), 7 p.m.

March 2 — Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

March 5 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

March 9 — at Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 7 p.m.

March 12 — Duluth, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

Kaisa Reed (No. 10) brings the puck up the ice for Grand Rapids-Greenway.

HIBBING-CHISHOLM BLUEJACKETS

Coach: Pete Hyduke, 17th season (21st overall with girls program)

2019-20 record: 11-15-1

Conference: Independent

Section: Section 7A

Key departures: F Allie Bussey (30-18—48, All-Area Second Team selection); F Emma Lundell (11-12—23); G Lilly Hess (2.30 GAA, .896 save percentage, four shutouts)

Key returners: Jr. F Julia Gherardi (12-14—26); sr. F. Dorothy Kearney (6-7—23); jr. F Megan Bussey (5-11—16)

Outlook: The Bluejackets have a nice mix of experience and youth with five seniors in Kearney, Elyssa Durie, Maddie Rewertz, McKenna Folstad and Courtney Anderson and three juniors in Gherardi, Bussey and Annika Lundell. Sophomores Monroe Rewertz, Abigail Sullivan and Claire Rewertz, and freshmen Aune Boben, Trista Warmbold, Addison Hess and Grace McDowell will also contribute.

“The players and the coaches are really looking forward to the start of the season,” Hyduke

said. “There is also a good group of young players working hard to fill out the remaining roster spots. All my returning varsity players have one to four years of experience, so that should be beneficial from a leadership standpoint. We did lose some outstanding seniors from last year’s team — about half of our scoring — so we do have some shoes to fill. We should be a hard-working team with a mix of youth and experience at all positions.”

SCHEDULE

Home games at Hibbing Memorial Arena

Jan. 14 — Proctor-Hermantown

Jan. 18 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, ppd.

Jan. 21 — at Duluth Marshall

Jan. 26 — at Moose Lake Area

Jan. 28 — Grand Rapids-Greenway, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Duluth, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — International Falls, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 — Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 — at Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — at Grand Rapids-Greenway (at Hodgins-Berardo Arena, Coleraine), 7 p.m.

March 2 — Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 7 p.m.

March 5 — Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

March 9 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

March 12 — at International Falls, 7 p.m.

March 15 — North Shore, 7:30 p.m.

March 18 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

2 Monroe Rewertz

Elyssa Durie F Sr.

Aune Boben

Maddie Rewertz

Trista Warmbold

Annika Lundell

Julia Gherardi

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

Photo courtesy of Flom Designs and Photography

Hibbing-Chisholm players celebrate a goal during a girls hockey game against Proctor-Hermantown earlier this month.

MOOSE LAKE AREA REBELS INTERNATIONAL FALLS

Coach: Co-head coaches Reilly Fawcett, first year, and Chris Gamst, third year

2019-20 record: 12-14

Conference: Independent

Section: Section 7A

Key departures: F Jamie Benzie (25-19—44, All-Area selection, now playing at St. Benedict’s); F Savannah Gamst (9-8—17); F Lexi Bonneville (3-12—15) and G Jo Wekseth (.904 save percentage)

Key returners: Jr. F Raechel Painovich (10-16—26); jr. F Gabby Gamst (8-8—16); jr. F/G Julia Jusczak

Outlook: The Rebels have 12 returning players who saw a lot of varsity experience last season but will need to develop goaltending as Wekseth kept them in many games where they were outshot the past two years.

Painovich, Gabby Gamst and Jusczak will serve as captains. Jusczak is an interesting story, having played both forward and goalie the past three years — occasionally, even in the same game. She had a goal and an assist as a forward and played 204 minutes of varsity goalie last season.

The Rebels also have all four defensemen returning in eighth grader Hallie Klavu (1-18—19) and

SCHEDULE

Jan. 19 — at Duluth Marshall

Jan. 23 — Dodge County

Jan. 26 — Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 28 — Duluth, 6:15 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at Henry Sibley, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Princeton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Northern Tier, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 — Princeton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — at Duluth Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 27 — International Falls, 2 p.m.

March 5 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

March 12 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

March 13 — at Hopkins/St. Louis Park, 4:15 p.m.

March 15 — Northern Lakes, 7:30 p.m.

March 16 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

freshmen Jorja Jusczak (2-5—7), Megan Hattenberger (0-6—6) and Lily Kahara (1-2—3). Freshmen forwards Sandra Ribich (14-12— 26) and Gracie Hartl (7-7—14) also return. Eighth grader Mallory Hartl will back up Jusczak in net, having already played 114 minutes of varsity action last season as a seventh grader.

Fawcett, who is in her first year teaching elementary physical education at Moose Lake Elementary School, should provide a jolt of energy to the program. The 2014 Proctor High grad played for the Mirage from 2009-2014, making it to the state tournament her eighth-grade year (2009-2010) and senior year (201314). She played NCAA Division I hockey at Bemidji State and professionally in Germany for one year with the Eisbaren Juniors Berlin team.

“Our goal is to make our program’s first appearance in the Section 7A title game,” Fawcett said. “We return a lot of young eighth and ninth grade players who gained a great amount of experience and ice time last season. Goaltending will have to be huge for us this season.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

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MOOSE LAKE

Coach: Michele McDonald, third season

2019-20 record: 0-20-1

Conference: Independent

Section: Section 7A

Key departures: G Macey Marcotte (.878 save percentage); F Maria Vollum (2-3—5); D Taytum Stone (2-1—3)

Key returners: Sr. D Emma Erickson (15-3—18); sr. G Naomi Carradice (.878 save percentage)

Outlook: The Broncos are young but could have a foundation to start building on, with eight eighth grad-

SCHEDULE

Home games at Bronco Arena

Jan. 15 — North Shore

Jan. 19 — at Crookston

Jan. 22 — Detroit Lakes

Jan. 28 — at Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — at Prairie Centre, 2 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 19 — at Detroit Lakes, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 27 — at Moose Lake Area, 2 p.m.

March 6 — Thief River Falls, 3 p.m.

March 12 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

March 13 — Prairie Centre, 2 p.m.

ers on the roster compared to only two seniors. Those two seniors are a couple of good ones in Erickson and Carradice, both captains.

“The Broncos have anxiously been waiting for the start of the season,” McDonald said. “Emma and Naomi are looking to have promising senior seasons. They have done a great job keeping a positive atmosphere through virtual practices and have worked hard during the offseason to prepare.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

2 Chelbi Hanson

5 Megan Hattenberger F Fr.

6 Gracie Hartl F Fr.

7 Jorja Jusczak D Fr.

8 Mallory Hartl G 8th

9 Jojo Fossum D Jr. 10 Lily Ludwig

11 Lily Kahara D Fr.

Madilyn Balut

Hallie Klavu D 8th

Mackenzie Hoffmann F 8th

Raechel Painovich D Jr.

Alexis Childs F Jr.

Julia Jusczak G/F Jr.

Gracie Gamst F Fr.

Gabby Gamst F Jr.

Sandra Ribich F 8th

Laney Fetters F Sr.

Jada Jerry F Sr.

Jillian Gandsey / 2020 File / Bemidji Pioneer

Two International Falls players pursue a Bemidji player in control of the puck during a girls hockey game last season at the Bemidji Community Arena.

NORTH SHORE STORM

Coach: Zach Vieau, second season

2019-20 record: 7-18

Conference: Independent

Section: Section 7A

Key departures: F Sydney Haugan (7-10—17); D Megan Maxey (12-13—

25, All-Area Second Team selection); Rheo Johnson (19-6—25)

Key returners: Jr. D Livia Hoff (5-7—12); so. F Hope Ernest (5-2—

7); sr. F Emily Seipke (1-3—4)

Outlook: The Storm will be small in terms of numbers and very young, with only two seniors (Seipke, D Maia

SCHEDULE

Jan. 15 — at International Falls

Jan. 21 — Hayward-Ashland

Jan. 26 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, ppd.

Jan. 29 — Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 — International Falls, 7 p.m.

Feb. 12 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 — Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — at Princeton, 7 p.m.

March 6 — Northern Lakes, 3 p.m.

March 9 — Princeton, 6 p.m.

March 12 — at Pine City Area, 3 p.m.

Conlan) and three juniors (Hoff, G Megan Larson, F Nevaeh Nordlund).

Eighth graders, freshmen and sophomores dot the roster but give them something to build on in the future.

“Although we are very young, I feel that we have a high upside and potential to have a very successful year,” Vieau said. “Our players have shown a fantastic appreciation for being able to be back on the ice despite the circumstances.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

March 15 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7:30 p.m.

March 16 — at Duluth Marshall, 5:30 p.m.

Steve Kuchera / File / News Tribune

North Shore’s Bree Torgerson (left) brings the puck up the ice during a game against Moose Lake.

PROCTOR-HERMANTOWN MIRAGE

Coach: Emma Stauber, second season

2019-20 record: 19-9

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: Section 7A

Key departures: D Braelyn

Sathers (2-11—13, two-time All-Area selection); D Bailey Stokke (1-4—5); F Megan Madill (11-7—18); F Sydney Skorich (8-12—20)

Key returners: Sr. F Alyssa Watkins (21-26—47, two-time

All-Area selection); sr. F Michaela Phinney (23-14—37); sr. F Aurora Opsahl (18-21—39); sr. D Ella Anick (9-21—30, two-time

All-Area First Team selection)

Outlook: The Mirage graduated five seniors, including four who were varsity regulars, but this team is deep. Watkins leads a strong senior class that includes Anick, a Bemidji State recruit. While Cloquet-Esko-Carlton is the defending Section 7A cham-

pion until somebody proves otherwise, section coaches have the Mirage pegged as the favorite after finishing runner-up last year.

“We have a lot of experience, but we also have a lot of young, talented, hard-working players,” Stauber said. “We have a strong, deep lineup. The potential is there for our program to have a very successful season.”

Jon Nowacki, News

SCHEDULE

Jan. 14 — Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 26 — at Pine City Area

Jan. 28 — Superior (at Hermantown), 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at Northern Tier, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 — International Falls (at Proctor), 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Grand Rapids-Greenway (at Proctor), 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 — Duluth (at Hermantown), 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 — Pine City Area (at Hermantown), 7 p.m.

March 1 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (at Proctor), 7:30 p.m.

March 2 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, 7 p.m.

March 4 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

March 9 — Hibbing/Chisholm (at Proctor), 7:30 p.m.

March 11 — at Eveleth-Gilbert Area, 6 p.m.

March 13 — Duluth Marshall (at Hermantown), 7 p.m.

March 15 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

March 16 — Moose Lake Area (at Hermantown), 7 p.m.

ROSTER

Tribune

Tyler Schank 2020 file / News Tribune Proctor-Hermantown goaltender Abby Pajari (32) makes a save in the second period of a game at St. Luke’s Arena in Proctor last season.

SUPERIOR SPARTANS

Coach: Doug Trentor, first season

2019-20 record: 4-20

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: Sectional 1

Key departures: D Lucy Drougas (13-3—16); F Isabel Franta

Key returners: Sr. F Brooklyn Burger (8-15—23); so. F Madelyn Franta (11-8—19); sr. F Arika Trentor (8-4— 12); jr. D Callie Holmlund (1-5—6); sr. F/D Jillian Reuille (2-1—3)

Outlook: Doug Trentor takes over as head coach for Marc Franta after serving the previous three years as assistant coach. Trentor will be assisted by Ronald Praet Jr. in his first year as a Spartans assistant coach, and Kevin Mudrak, in his third year as goalie coach.

Superior returns the bulk of last year’s team as well as several young players who will contribute.

“We’re excited to be back on the ice despite it being a shortened season,” Trentor said. “The girls have followed through with the voluntary offseason workout program and it showed the first day of practice. The energy, attention to detail and willingness to learn are clearly apparent.”

The Superior School Board met in

mid-December and agreed to allow the Spartans to start practicing on Dec. 21, with players wearing masks.

“They really felt the need to get these kids going, all winter sports, get them out there, get them playing, get them competing, get them practicing, so much for sitting home, let’s get these kids going.”

That created a scramble, a whirlwind of activity as the Spartans had to revamp their schedule.

“With Minnesota delayed, now we can’t play them, so we kind of had to rob Peter to pay Paul,” Trentor said.

“We moved the Wisconsin opponents up, the Minnesota opponents back. It was kind of a nightmare there for a few days.”

A nightmare yes, and this is an oxymoron, but a good nightmare. Trentor called it a good kind of busy.

“That’s exactly it,” Trentor said. “You couldn’t say it any better. If the circumstances were different, I’d be complaining, I’m too busy, but this is a different kind of busy. It’s all positive energy. You can just feel it throughout the ice rink. The girls are just flying.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

7:30 p.m.

Jed Carlson / 2020 file / Superior Telegram Superior’s Callie Holmlund (18) beats Chippewa Falls’ Haley Frank (1) for a second-period goal at the Superior Ice Arena in Superior last season.

TRA DITIO N

LIK EN OW HERE EL SESM

Tradition runs deep here, rooted in astrong work ethic. We pass ourskill and knowledge down through generations. Here, we work hard and play for each other.

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