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.