High School Hockey Preview 2024-25

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HOCKEY HOCKEY PREVIEW

T h e D e C a r o D i f f e r e n c e

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STORM BREWING

New co-op agreement could bring first section title in program history

BY JAMEY MALCOMB Duluth News Tribune

TWO HARBORS

Nina Thorson and Sarah Stauber are spending a lot of time on the bus these days.

In fact, sometimes they spend time on multiple buses each day.

Thorson, a senior

forward last season for Duluth Marshall, and Stauber, a junior defenseman, are hopping on a bus after school to get to hockey practice in Two Harbors.

After fielding just 13 skaters last year, the Hilltoppers program entered a cooperative agreement to play with North Shore this season.

The low numbers, however, doesn’t mean Marshall doesn’t bring something to the table. The Hilltoppers had some of the best players in the area. Two-time All-Area Player of the Year Ilsa Lindaman will play with St. Thomas this season, but second-leading scorer Nina Thorson and defenseman Sarah Stauber both committed to play with the Storm.

Duluth East forward Caden Cole (26) controls the puck against Grand Rapids forward Caleb Gunderson (2) and Grand Rapids forward Jameson Duell (24) on Nov. 28, 2023, at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center in Duluth.

Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group

DULUTH EAST GREYHOUNDS

Head coach: Steve Pitoscia, fourth season

Key departures: F Thomas Gunderson (20-22-42); F Noah Teng (14-24-38); F Wyatt Peterson (11-20-31); G Kole Kronstedt (4.01 GAA, .878 save percentage); D Luke Anderson (4-18-22)

Returning starters: Sr. F Caden Cole (8-14-22); Sr. F Kyle Peterson (5-3-8); Sr. F Timmy Balthazor (1-2-3); Sr. D Christian Cochran (0-3-3); Jr. D Landon Pearce (2-2-4); Jr. D Henrik Spenningsby (0-4-4); Jr. F Marccus Anttila (1-0-1)

New faces to watch: Jr. G Nolan Nygaard; Soph. D

2023-24 RESULTS

recorD: 10-16-1

Nov. 24 — at White Bear Lake, L, 4-3

Nov. 25 — at Shakopee, L, 5-4

Nov. 28 — GRAND RAPIDS, L, 2-1

Nov. 30 — BEMIDJI, W, 4-0

Dec. 2 — at Wayzata, L, 6-0

Dec. 5 — FOREST LAKE, W, 5-3

Dec. 7 — at Holy Family, L, 6-0

Dec. 9 — at Eden Prairie, L, 4-2

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 22 — WHITE BEAR LAKE,

Wally Lundell; Soph. F McKennen Kramer; Soph. F Fin Kuzmuk

Outlook: The Greyhounds sputtered out of the gate, losing eight of their first 10 games and allowing at least four goals in seven of those losses. This season the defense

Dec. 19 — at Andover, L, 4-2

Dec. 21 — at Coon Rapids, L, 8-6

Dec. 23 — MOUNDS VIEW, W, 4-3

Dec. 30 — at Blaine, T, 4-4

Jan. 4 — at Grand Rapids, L, 5-3

Jan. 6 — CHANHASSEN, L, 6-0

Jan. 11 — at Brainerd, W, 6-3

Jan. 13 — MINNETONKA, L, 6-3

Jan. 16 — at Duluth Denfeld, W, 2-1

Jan. 20 — ROCK RIDGE, W, 4-3

Jan. 25 — HOPKINS, W, 7-0

Jan. 27 — at Rock Ridge, W, 2-1

Jan. 31 — at Centennial, L, 6-3

Feb. 2 — at Champlin Park, L, 6-4

Feb. 9 — ROSEAU, L, 9-2

Feb. 10 — at Rogers, L, 8-0

Feb. 13 — DULUTH MARSHALL, W, 3-2

Feb. 20 — DULUTH DENFELD, W, 5-1, Section 7AA quarterfinals

Feb. 24 — at Andover, L, 4-1, Section 7AA semifinals

GREYHOUNDS

CONTINUED from J4

should be better, led by senior Christian Cochran, but coach Steve Pitoscia lost more than 110 points of offensive production with the graduation of Thomas Gunderson, Noah Teng and Wyatt Peterson.

BREWING

CONTINUED from J3

With a nearly 45-minute ride to Sonju Arena in Two Harbors — or more than an hour to Silver Bay, it’s been an adjustment, according to Stauber.

“The first week it was really hard to get situated,” she said. “I was stressed with school, I finally settled down and now we have a rhythm to it. We do our homework at this time or we’re studying on the bus.”

When practices are in Silver Bay, Thorson, Stauber and the Marshall contingent take a bus to Two Harbors. They then transfer onto a bus taking Two Harbors students to Silver Bay’s Rukavina Arena.

“It’s going to be a lot of road time — but that’s OK, as long as we get to play,” Thorson said.

The biggest challenge, according to first-year Storm coach Mike Hoff, is “blending” the three different systems of coaching players have become accustomed to.

Mike Hoff was a Peewee coach last season, with Zach Vieau coaching the Storm and Callie Hoff coaching at Marshall. Callie Hoff is making the trip up the shore for Storm practices as well, and she sees an opportunity for the former Hilltoppers and the young North Shore players.

“We’ve got a good group of older girls we’ve brought to this co-op and I think they’ve got a very good group of younger girls,” Callie Hoff said. “Our older girls have already been able to mentor the younger players

Pitoscia said “balanced depth” should be a strength for the Greyhounds, but they will need to find consistent scoring.

“We will be looking for

and they can start to see what it takes to be at that next level.”

The core of the North Shore program are the freshmen and sophomores, Mike Hoff said, but with players who have been to the last three Section 7A championship games on the roster, there is plenty to learn.

“They’ve been around the game and have done more in their time just because they’ve had more time to do it,” he said. “We have about 20 kids that are in ninth and 10th grade playing hockey. They’re young and not quite developed, so our kids will learn from their older kids.”

With a little more than two weeks of practice before they opened against the Duluth Northern Stars on Tuesday, Nov. 12, it’s been a race to bring the two programs together.

Sophomore Berkley Hoff said it’s going well from the perspective of the Two Harbors and Silver Bay players, but she admitted it will take time to really come together.

“Every little bit helps, but we need as much ice time as we can get so we can really get to know the girls,” she said.

Stauber is excited for the chance to play with a different group this season.

“I hope that we can find that click and really work together well,” she said. “I’m excited to work with them. It’s a good learning opportunity for all of us — we can make each other better every single day.”

Between preseason captains’ practices, summer camp and the regular

some guys to add to our scoring,” Pitoscia said. “We lost a lot of scoring out of our lineup from last year so it will be a challenge replacing that.”

Junior Marccus Anttila will look to increase his offensive role and

newcomers McKennen Kramer and Fin Kozmuk will need to contribute as well.

The Greyhounds will also have to replace Kole Kronstedt, the primary netminder the past two seasons. That responsibility will largely

fall to junior Nolan Nygaard this season.

East will be tested early, with games against White Bear Lake, Grand Rapids and Andover in their first nine contests.

The Greyhounds may take some lumps in the early

going, but if they come together to generate the offense they need, East could return to Amsoil Arena for the third straight season. - Jamey Malcomb

Members of the North Shore Storm and Duluth Marshall co-op hockey team goof around during a team photo at practice in Two Harbors on Monday afternoon, Nov. 11.

Jed Carlson / Duluth Media Group

North Shore senior Nina Thorson takes a shot during practice Nov. 11 at Sonju Arena in Two Harbors.

season practices, the players are starting to learn about each other and create those friendships that make teams special, Thor-

son said.

“That’s what’s really going to help us start building our team,” she said.

One thing the Hilltopper veterans won’t have to deal with is the short bench they’ve dealt with the past two seasons. They saw plenty of playing time, but every time a Marshall player went down with an injury, Callie Hoff’s heart dropped.

“Now we have options,” she said. “We’ve got people that can step in and step up. It’s that next man up mentality if someone does get hurt, sick or whatever it may be. It’s been very nice — the girls love it.”

The girls know they have plenty of work to do between now and the end of the season — a season that culminates in a matchup with fourthranked

Proctor-Hermantown at Mars Lakeview Arena.

The Storm still have a lot of work to do if they are going to compete for a section crown, but the same is true for the Mirage after they lost their opener to Warroad 7-1 on Friday, Nov. 8.

“There’s a big learning curve for everybody right now and what we’re trying to get in place,” Mike Hoff said. “There’s been some good days and some bad days, of course, but we’re all moving forward, but these kids, they just like to play. They’re having fun playing the game together.”

Jed Carlson / Duluth Media Group

DULUTH NORTHERN STARS G irls

Head coach: Ali Randall, third season

Key departures: F Grace Karakas (20-17-37), G Ella Brisbois (3.51 GAA, .874 save percentage)

Returning starters: Jr. F

Mae McCall (17-20-37), Sr. D

Carys Gerard (0-2-2), Jr. D Jessie Paulson (1-3-4), Jr. F Haili Truitt (2-3-5), Sr. F Gracyn Schipper (0-2-2)

New faces to watch: Fr. F Sasha Cole, Soph. F Bailey Theis, Soph. D Nora Good

Outlook: The Northern Stars started the 2023-24 campaign with hopes of getting back-to-back winning seasons and perhaps a win — or two — in the section tournament.

The season started to go awry immediately after

1 Cici King G Jr.

2

3

4

5

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 8 — at Breck, 6 p.m.

Nov. 9 — ROSEVILLE/MAHTOMEDI, 2 p.m.

Nov. 12 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Nov. 21 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Nov. 26 — PRINCETON/BIG LAKE/ BECKER, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 — DETROIT LAKES, 5 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at Brainerd/Little Falls, 1 p.m.

Dec. 3 — NORTHERN TIER, 5 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at Alexandria, 3:30 p.m.

Gracyn Schipper broke her collarbone in the third game and was lost for the season.

The team finished with just nine wins, but junior Mae McCall established herself as one of Duluth’s top players, leading the team in total points. Senior Carys Gerard and juniors Jessie Paulson and Haili Truitt all established themselves as solid players on the blue line.

Coach Ali Randall will miss the graduated Grace Karakas, but with Schipper healthy and back in the mix, the Northern Stars are ready to “turn up the heat,” she

2023-24 RESULTS

record: 9-16-1

Nov. 10 — BRECK, L, 5-2

Nov. 11 — ROSEVILLE/MAHTOMEDI, L, 6-0

Nov. 14 — NORTH SHORE, W, 3-2

Nov. 18 — NORTH ST. PAUL/TARTAN, W, 4-1

19

20

24

25

26

27

28

29

32 Carys Gerard D Sr.

33 Aaili Anttila G Soph.

37

Nov. 28 — at Princeton/Big Lake/ Becker, W, 8-1

Dec. 1 — BRAINERD/LITTLE FALLS, L, 3-1

Dec. 2 — HOLY FAMILY, L, 5-4

Dec. 4 — at Northern Tier, W, 5-3

Dec. 7 — DULUTH MARSHALL, L, 5-2

Dec. 12 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, W, 2-1

Dec. 14 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, L, 3-2

Dec. 19 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY, L, 6-2

Dec. 21 — at Elk River, L, 4-1

Dec. 17 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — ELK RIVER, 5 p.m.

Jan. 9 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — FOREST LAKE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at Anoka, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Blaine, 2 p.m.

Jan. 21 — SUPERIOR, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — at Rock Ridge, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 — PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN, 3 p.m.

Jan. 28 — GRAND RAPIDS/ GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — VISITATION, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, 2 p.m.

said.

The team has a great mix of returning and incoming players that have plenty of offensive skill, but they will need to work quickly to get everyone on the same page. What’s more, the Northern Stars will be physically smaller than many of the teams they play, according to Randall.

“The younger players bring a high level of competitiveness which will mesh well with our returners’ experience and composure at this high school level,” Randall said.

Dec. 26 — WAYZATA, L, 6-1, Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

Dec. 27 — MOUNDS VIEW/IRONDALE, L, 4-2, Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

Dec. 28 — at Hudson, W, 4-1, Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

Jan. 2 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, T, 1-1

Jan. 4 — at International Falls, W, 7-0

Jan. 11 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 4-3

Jan. 20 — BLAINE, W, 4-3

Jan. 23 — at Superior, L, 5-3

Jan. 26 — ROCK RIDGE, W, 3-2

Jan. 27 — at Proctor/Hermantown, L, 6-0

Jan. 30 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, L, 5-0

Feb. 2 — at Forest Lake, L, 8-2

Feb. 8 — at Andover, L, 8-0, Section 7AA quarterfinals

Section 7AA poses a real challenge for a team trying to break through to the upper echelon, with perennial champion Andover and a

Grand Rapids/Greenway squad that boasts perhaps the best goal-scorer in the state.

However, if the Northern Stars can stay healthy, they can certainly get a home playoff game and perhaps a win.

-

Jamey Malcomb

Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group Duluth Northern Stars forward Mae McCall celebrates after scoring a goal against Moose Lake goaltender Mallory Hartl (28) on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center.

Head coach: Dale Jago, ninth season

Key departures: G Connor Doyle (2.83 GAA, .910 save percentage); D Brady McGinn (1-7-8); F Jacob Feiro (2-5-7)

Returning starters: Sr. F

John Scott (20-14-34); Sr. F

Nolan Harju (12-18-30); Sr. D Brady Wick 2-11-13); Jr. F Liam Doyle (2-4-6)

New faces to watch: Jr. D

Bruno Decambaliza (1-3-4); Jr. F Hans Hovland (0-1-1); Jr. G Liam Fish (2.00 GAA, .946 save percentage)

Outlook: After moving to Class AA for the 2023-24 season, perhaps no team in the area was more surprising in the first half of the season than the Hunters.

After stumbling early against Coon Rapids and Hibbing/Chisholm, Denfeld won six of its next eight — including a 2-2 tie against Hermantown — culminating in a 2-1 win over CloquetEsko-Carlton in the Heritage Holiday Classic Dec. 29.

DULUTH DENFELD HUNTERS

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 23 — CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 — at Forest Lake, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 — at Orono, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — MINNEAPOLIS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — ROCK RIDGE, 5 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — NORTHERN LAKES, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at Duluth East, 3 p.m.

Dec. 26 — HERITAGE CLASSIC, TBD

2023-24 RESULTS

RECORD: 11-13-2

Nov. 25 — ST. PAUL ACADEMY, W, 8-1

Dec. 1 — at Minneapolis, W, 7-4

Dec. 2 — at Coon Rapids, L, 7-0

Dec. 5 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, L, 6-2

Dec. 7 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, W, 5-4

Dec. 9 — ORONO, W, 3-1

Dec. 12 — at Rock Ridge, L, 3-1

Dec. 14 — at Superior, W, 5-1

Dec. 19 — HERMANTOWN, T, 2-2

Dec. 27 — IRONDALE (Heritage Holiday Classic), W, 4-1

Dec. 28 — PARK OF COTTAGE GROVE (Heritage Holiday Classic), W, 4-3

Dec. 29 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON

Unfortunately for the Hunters, leading scorer John Scott suffered a wrist injury against the Lumberjacks and he spent much of the last

Dec. 27 — HERITAGE CLASSIC, TBD

Dec. 28 — HERITAGE CLASSIC, TBD

Jan. 4 — at Rock Ridge, 2 p.m.

Jan. 10 — at Little Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18 — NORTHERN EDGE, 2 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at Brainerd, 1 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Sartell, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Alexandria, 2 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — GENTRY ACADEMY, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Proctor, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

(Heritage Holiday Classic), W, 4-3 (OT)

Jan. 4 — PROCTOR, L, 3-1

Jan. 9 — at Cambridge-Isanti, W, 2-1

Jan. 12 — LITTLE FALLS, L, 2-0

Jan. 16 — DULUTH EAST, L, 2-1

Jan. 19 — at Warroad, L, 5-2

Jan. 20 — at East Grand Forks, L, 4-0

Jan. 25 — ROCK RIDGE, L, 2-1

Jan. 30 — BRAINERD, W, 2-1

Feb. 2 — SARTELL, L, 5-3

Feb. 3 — ALEXANDRIA, L, 3-2

Feb. 6 — GRAND RAPIDS, L, 3-0

Feb. 8 — DULUTH MARSHALL, T, 2-2

Feb. 15 — at Greenway, W, 9-3

Feb. 20 — at Duluth East, L, 5-1, Section 7AA quarterfinal

half of the season on the bench.

While goalie Connor Doyle

Hunters on J14

Carlson / File /

Duluth Denfeld’s John Scott (18) passes the puck up the ice past Duluth East’s Thomas Gunderson (15) in the first period of the playoff game at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center on Feb. 20.

Jed

Duluth Media Group

8 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey Preview

Head coach: Shawn Bartlette, third season

DULUTH MARSHALL HILLTOPPERS boys

Key departures: G Kaenan Smith (2.15 GAA, .934 save percentage)

Key returners: D Layton Anderson (5-16—21); F Benson Peterson (16-13—29); F Bennett Scissons (8-19—27); F Kyler Black (5-16—21); F Max Berrisford (4-7—11); D Owen Marsolek (4-6—10).

Outlook: Duluth Marshall’s strength this season will be its returning experience, particularly on the offensive end, as the Hilltoppers return four of their top five point scorers from last year.

That includes forwards Benson Peterson, Bennett Scissons, Kyler Black and defenseman Layton Anderson. Duluth Marshall head coach Shawn Bartlette said experience will be a key to the Hilltoppers seeing success in a tough Class AA field.

“Our strength will be our veteran players,” Bartlette said. “We have a good group of returning players who continue to put in the work needed to develop as players and leaders.”

The Hilltoppers are coming off of a 2023-24 campaign in which they finished several games above .500, in large part because of goaltender Kaenan Smith, who now plays for the US National U17 Team.

Smith’s departure leaves massive skates to be filled between the pipes, but Bartlette is confident that he has multiple capable goaltenders ready to step in and be competitive for Duluth Marshall this winter.

“Kaenan is a high-level goaltender and a gamechanger,” Bartlette said. “We have confidence in the other goaltenders within our program as they have put in the work over the offseason to elevate their games and prepare for the opportunity to take the net. We will look for them to step in and play impactful minutes for our program.”

Jake Przytarski

Duluth Marshall sophomore Kyler Black navigates through two defenders while carrying the puck during a game against Northern Lakes on Jan. 13 at Mars Lakeview Arena.

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 23 — BRECK, 2 p.m.

Nov. 29 — SOUTH ST. PAUL, 4 p.m.

Dec. 3 — SUPERIOR, 3 p.m.

Dec. 7 — MINNEAPOLIS, 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — HERMANTOWN, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 — ROCHESTER MAYO, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — ROCHESTER LOURDES, 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 — BRAINERD, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27 — Providence Academy (Schwan’s Super Rink), 1:45 p.m.

Jan. 2 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Duluth Marshall competes in a tough Section 7AA landscape that has been dominated by an Andover program that has won four of the last five section titles, including a state

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

Jan. 9 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Northern Lakes, 2 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Greenway, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at St. Cloud, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — HOLY FAMILY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at Princeton, 3 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Bagley/Fosston, 6 p.m.

Feb. 4 — PROCTOR, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — DULUTH DENFELD, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — DULUTH EAST, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — at Cambridge-Isanti, 7 p.m.

championship in 2022. Bartlette is focused on making sure his program is doing all of the little things correctly so that his Hilltoppers can put themselves into the Section 7AA

2023-24 RESULTS

record: 15-10-2

Nov. 24 — EAST RIDGE, W, 5-2

Nov. 30 — GRAND RAPIDS, L, 2-3

Dec. 2 — at Breck, T, 3-3

Dec. 5 — at Superior, L, 1-2

Dec. 12 — at Hermantown, L, 0-3

Dec. 15 — BAGLEY/FOSSTON, W, 5-1

Dec. 19 — at Brainerd, W, 2-1

Dec. 21 — at International Falls, W, 8-2

Dec. 26 — Red Lake Falls (Schwan’s Super Rink), W, 5-0

Dec. 27 — Two Rivers (Schwan’s Super Rink), W, 4-1

Dec. 28 — Gentry Academy (Ridder Arena), L, 0-3

conversation moving forward. That starts by getting better one day at a time.

“(Our goal) is to get better every day, make a positive impact within our school and the community, and

Jan. 4 — at North Shore, W, 3-1

Jan. 6 — at Rochester Lourdes, W, 4-1

Jan. 11 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, L, 1-3

Jan. 13 — NORTHERN LAKES, W, 2-1

Jan. 16 — GREENWAY, W, 9-2

Jan. 22 – at Hibbing/Chisholm, L, 0-3

Jan. 23 — at Mora/Milaca, W, 7-3

Jan. 27 — PRINCETON, W, 4-1

Jan. 29 — NORTH SHORE, W, 7-3

Jan. 30 — at Rock Ridge, L, 2-3

Feb. 3 — FORT FRANCIS (ON), W, 5-3

Feb. 6 — at Proctor, L, 1-2

Feb. 8 — at Duluth Denfeld, T, 2-2

Feb. 13 — at Duluth East, L, 2-3

Feb. 17 — NORTHERN EDGE, W, 9-1

Feb. 20 — at Andover, L, 1-6

position ourselves to make a postseason run,” Bartlette said.

While returning talent certainly will be the driving force behind any success Duluth Marshall has this

winter, an injection of young talent to the program will help foster additional opportunities.

Bartlette said that if the transition to high school hockey goes smoothly, he believes they will help Duluth Marshall compete at the Class AA landscape.

“We will add quite a few newcomers to our program and high school hockey,” Bartlette said. “We are optimistic they will make the transition to high school hockey quickly and provide the program with the needed depth to compete at the AA level.”

- Reagan Hoverman

/ Duluth Media Group

HERMANTOWN HAWKS

boy S

Head coach: Pat Andrews, eighth season

Key departures: G Dane Callaway (1.83 GAA, .934 save percentage), D Will Esterbrooks (12-21-33), D Drew Nelson (4-14-18), D Weston Bohlman (5-13-18), F Josh Kauppinen (14-11-25), F A.J. Francisco (13-17-30)

Returning starters: Sr. F River Freeman (22-28-50), Jr. F Ford Skytta (15-19-34); Sr. F Charlie Marchand (8-8-16), Jr. F Jack Slattengren (3-6-9), Jr. F Bode Madill (2-6-8), Jr. F Henry Martinsen (1-1-2), Sr. F Jaxsen Ericksen (0-2-2), Sr.

D Henry Peterson (11-12-23), Jr. D Kyler Berg (1-3-4), Jr. D Cayden Manion (1-1-2)

New faces to watch: Jr. G

Bryce Francisco, Soph. D Gabe Swenson, Soph. F Mick Martalock, Soph. F Beau Christy, Soph. F Al Nicklin, Soph. F Kole Lendzyk

Outlook: The Hawks ended last season just short of their second Class A championship in the past three seasons when they fell to St. Cloud Cathedral in the state final.

Hermantown returns “explosive goalscorer” River Freeman, according to coach Pat Andrews, as well as senior defenseman Henry Peterson, a St. Thomas commit. They did lose goalie Dane Callaway, a three-year starter now playing with the Fargo Force of the USHL, and defensemen Will Esterbrooks, Drew Nelson and Weston Bohlman, all of whom are playing in the NAHL this season.

In addition, forward A.J.

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 29 — CRETIN-DERHAM HALL, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at Hill-Murray, 3 p.m.

Dec. 6 — EAST GRAND FORKS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Mahtomedi, 12:45 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 — at Centennial, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — MAPLE GROVE, 5 p.m.

Dec. 17 — DULUTH DENFELD, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Rosemount, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26 — DELANO, 3 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

Record: 20-9-2

Dec. 1 — at Cretin-Derham Hall, W, 2-1

Dec. 2 — at Hill-Murray, T, 3-3

Dec. 9 — CENTENNIAL, W, 5-0

Dec. 12 — DULUTH MARSHALL, W, 3-0

Dec. 16 — MAHTOMEDI, W, 5-1

Dec. 19 — at Duluth Denfeld, T, 2-2

Dec. 22 — ROSEMOUNT, L, 3-1

Dec. 27 — DELANO, W, 5-1

Dec. 28 — EAST GRAND FORKS, W, 5-1

Dec. 29 — at Shakopee, L, 4-0

Jan. 2 — at Proctor, W, 2-1

Jan. 4 — at Rock Ridge, W, 6-1

Jan. 6 — EDEN PRAIRIE, W, 5-4

Jan. 11 — at St. Cloud Cathedral, W, 3-1

Jan. 13 — WARROAD, L, 4-1

Jan. 16 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, W, 8-1

Jan. 20 — WHITE BEAR LAKE, L, 3-2

Francisco, an All-State Tournament team selection, left for the U.S. National Team Development Program. Francisco’s 30 points was good enough for fourth on the team.

Peterson will lead a revamped defensive corps that will also feature a couple of “inexperienced, but skilled” players in Kyler Berg and Cayden Manion, and sophomore Gabe Swenson “looks very impressive,” according to Andrews. Swenson was a member of the Hawks Bantam AA team that was also a state runner-up last season.

Dec. 28 — at White Bear Lake, 2 p.m.

Jan. 2 — ROCK RIDGE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Eden Prairie, 2 p.m.

Jan. 7 — PROCTOR, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — ST. CLOUD CATHEDRAL, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Warroad, 4 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — at St. Thomas Academy, 6 p.m.

Jan. 25 — MAHTOMEDI, 2 p.m.

Jan. 30 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — MOORHEAD, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — GRAND RAPIDS, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — SUPERIOR, W, 6-0

Jan. 26 — ST. THOMAS ACADEMY, L, 3-0

Jan. 27 — MAPLE GROVE, L, 3-2

Feb. 1 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, W, 6-1

Feb. 3 — at Moorhead, L, 1-0

Feb. 9 — at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, L, 6-3

Feb. 10 — CHASKA, W, 7-1

Feb. 13 — at Grand Rapids, W, 4-1

Feb. 20 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, W, 14-0, Section 7A quarterfinal

Feb. 24 — PROCTOR, W, 6-3, Section 7A semifinal

Feb. 28 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, W, 4-0, Section 7A championship

March 6 — ALEXANDRIA, W, 6-0, Class A state quarterfinal

March 8 — MAHTOMEDI, W, 7-6, Class A state semifinal

March 9 — ST. CLOUD CATHEDRAL, L, 3-1, Class A state championship

Even more interesting, the Hawks will have a wide-open competition for goalie this season after the departure of Callaway.

“Overall, the season looks very exciting and our team looks to be coming together after a great summer season pushing each other,” Andrews said. “With our schedule we will be pushed every night. If our young guys can stay hungry and learn, and the older guys can stay patient and trust the process — we could be really good come February.”

- Jamey Malcomb

Jason Wachter / File / The Rink Live

Hermantown defenseman Henry Peterson (2) and Alexandria forward Brody Berg (10) battle for the puck behind the goal in the first period of a Class A state quarterfinal on March 6 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Peterson had two goals and two assists as the Hawks won 6-0.

Head coach: Emma Stauber

Key departures: F Izy Fairchild (25-24-29), F Hannah Graves (10-15-25), F Hailey Jussila (7-19-26), F Anika Burke (9-14-23), D Morgan LaValley (5-10-15), D Katie Sandelin (2-7-9)

Returning starters: Sr. G Neelah McLeod (2.06 GAA, .904 save percentage), Sr. F Ella Rothe (9-3-12), Sr. F Jane Eckstrom (13-22-35), Jr. F Mya Gunderson (10-10-20), Jr. F Grace Nichols (4-12-16), Jr. D Rylee Kalkbrenner (0-6-6), Jr. D Cambriia Thomas (2-911), Fr. D Taylee Manion (4-10-14), Soph. D Avery Milbridge (3-5-8)

New faces to watch: Fr. F Ella Kaups, Sr. F Addi Hieb (2-5-7), Sr. F Reese Knight, Sr. F Riah Ward

Outlook: Last season ended as most recent seasons have for the Mirage — at the Class A state tournament in St. Paul.

Proctor/Hermantown pushed eventual state champion Warroad to overtime in the state final before falling 2-1.

The Warriors entered the season as the top-ranked team in the state and in a rematch on Friday, Nov. 8, the Mirage fell 7-1.

Coach Emma Stauber said

PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN MIRAGE

G irls

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 8 — WARROAD, L, 7-1

Nov. 9 — ROSEAU, W, 2-1

Nov. 15 — at Bloomington Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Edina, 2 p.m.

Nov. 19 — MOOSE LAKE AREA (P), 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 — PRIOR LAKE (TBD), 2 p.m.

Nov. 26 — at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — GENTRY ACADEMY (H), 2 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Delano/Rockford, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Grand Rapids/ Greenway, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Orono, 1 p.m.

Dec. 10 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM (H), 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — SOUTH ST. PAUL (H), 12 p.m.

Dec. 17 — CLOQUET-ESKOCARLTON (P), 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Brainerd/Little Falls, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — HOLY FAMILY (P), 3 p.m.

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

Jan. 7 — DODGE COUNTY (P), 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Chisago Lakes, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — BRECK (P), 1 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at Duluth, 3 p.m.

Jan. 27 — SUPERIOR (P), 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Mound Westonka/ Southwest Christian, 3 p.m.

2023-24

RESULTS

record: 20-9-2

Nov. 10 — at Warroad, L, 2-1

Nov. 11 — at Roseau, W, 4-3

Nov. 17 — BLOOMINGTON JEFFERSON, W, 9-2

Nov. 18 — EDINA, L, 4-2

Nov. 24 — ORONO, L, 2-1

Nov. 28 — at Holy Angels, T, 1-1

Dec. 2 — at Gentry Academy, W, 4-3

Dec. 7 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY, L, 2-1

Dec. 8 — ANDOVER, L, 8-0

Dec. 12 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, W, 7-0

Dec. 15 — DELANO/ROCKFORD, W, 2-1

Dec. 16 — at South St. Paul, W, 5-3

Dec. 19 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, W, 4-0

Dec. 21 — at Simley, W, 5-2

Jan. 2 — at Moose Lake Area, W, 3-1

Jan. 6 — HILL-MURRAY, L, 7-1

Jan. 9 — at Holy Family, L, 4-3

Jan. 11 — CHISAGO LAKES, W, 6-2

Warroad forward Taylor Reese (6) tries to put

overtime of a Class A girls hockey state quarterfinal on Feb. 21 at the

Jan. 13 — at Breck, W, 2-1

Jan. 20 — BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S, L, 3-0

Jan. 23 — at Duluth Marshall, W, 4-3

Jan. 27 — DULUTH, W, 6-0

Jan. 29 — at Superior, W, 9-5

Feb. 1 — BRAINERD/LITTLE FALLS, T, 1-1

Feb. 3 — MOUND WESTONKA/SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN, W, 3-2

Feb. 6 — NORTH SHORE, W, 5-1, Section 7A quarterfinal

Feb. 10 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, W, 6-0, Section 7A semifinal

Feb. 14 — at Duluth Marshall, W, 4-0, Section 7A championship

Feb. 21 — at Warroad, L, 2-1, Class A state quarterfinal

Feb. 22 — LUVERNE, W, 3-2, Class A consolation semifinal

Feb. 23 — WILLMAR, W, 5-2, Class A consolation final

22

Jason Wachter / The Rink Live

the puck past Proctor/Hermantown goaltender Neelah McLeod (1) in

Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Mirage on J14

Head coach: Jeff Laspi, fifth season

Key departures: G

A.J. Reyelts (1.88 GAA, .936 save percentage), D Carson Pavlowich (6-3036), F Wyatt Mineheine (18-6-24)

Returning starters:

Sr. F Tanner Ross (20-2949), Sr. F Austin Bryant (20-17-37), Jr. F Breckin Ross (9-17-26), Sr. D Cooper Annala (3-8-11)

New faces to watch: Soph. D Wesley Paulson

Outlook: The Rails were among the best defensive teams in the area last season, thanks to a strong defensive corps and 2024 All-Area Player of the Year goalie

A.J. Reyelts.

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 21 — GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Nov. 22 — BRECK, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — GRAND RAPIDS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — CLOQUET-ESKOCARLTON, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 — ROCHESTER LOURDES, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — ROCHESTER MAYO, 1 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Greenway, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26 — New Ulm, TBD, Bill McGann Holiday Classic

Dec. 27 — TBD, Bill McGann

Holiday Classic

Dec. 28 — TBD, Bill McGann

Holiday Classic

Jan. 4 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Little Falls, 3 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Ely, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — TARTAN, 2 p.m.

Jan. 28 — PINE CITY AREA, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — DULUTH DENFELD, 7 p.m.

Reyelts and defensemen like Carson Pavlowich kept Proctor in a lot of games last season, but this year it will be the Rails’ ability to “score in bunches” that is a team strength, according to coach Jeff Laspi.

Proctor returns their top scorer in Tanner

Rails on J14

PROCTOR RAILS boy S

2023-24 RESULTS

RECORD: 19-8-0

Nov. 24 — WADENA-DEER CREEK, W, 9-0

Nov. 25 — ROCHESTER LOURDES, W, 6-3

Nov. 30 — at Greenway, W, 5-2

Dec. 1 — at Breck, L, 7-3

Dec. 5 — at Grand Rapids, L, 6-1

Dec. 8 — at Red Wing, W, 4-0

Dec. 9 — at Rochester Mayo, W, 4-1

Dec. 12 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 4-3

Dec. 14 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, L, 4-1

Dec. 19 — GREENWAY, W, 6-0

Dec. 27 — at Brookfield (WI), W, 3-1, Bill McGann Holiday Classic

Dec. 28 — SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN/RICHFIELD, W, 3-2, Bill McGann Holiday Classic

Dec. 29 — NORTHERN LAKES, W, 5-2,

Bill McGann Holiday Classic

Jan. 2 — HERMANTOWN, L, 2-1

Jan. 4 — at Duluth Denfeld, W, 3-1

Jan. 6 — at International Falls, W, 3-1

Jan. 13 — LITTLE FALLS, W, 4-1

Jan. 18 — ROCK RIDGE, L, 4-1

Jan. 23 — ELY, W, 9-1

Jan. 27 — at Tartan, W, 3-0

Jan. 30 — at Pine City Area, W, 7-4

boards in the first period of the game at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center on Jan. 4.

Group

Feb. 1 — at Superior, W, 2-1

Feb. 6 — DULUTH MARSHALL, W, 2-1

Feb. 8 — NORTH SHORE, W, 8-0

Feb. 15 — NORTHERN LAKES, L, 4-1

Feb. 20 — NORTH SHORE, W, 5-1, Section 7A quarterfinal

Feb. 24 — at Hermantown, L, 6-3, Section 7A semifinal

Duluth Denfeld’s Brady Wick (17) and Proctor’s Austin Bryant (14) fight for the puck along the

Jed Carlson / Duluth Media

12 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey Preview

CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON LUMBERJACKS G

Head coach: Kennedy Weets, third season

Key departures: Erin Loeb (11-6—17) and Gwen Lilly (6-5—11).

Key returners: Allie Jones (7-8—15); Josie Lindstrom (0-2—2); Emma Parks (5-11—16) and Reese Kuklinski (1-8—9).

Outlook: Third-year head coach Kennedy Weets has a Cloquet-Esko-Carlton varsity roster that includes more than 10 eighth-graders and freshmen combined, making the Lumberjacks one of the youngest programs in the Section 7A landscape.

Weets said that one of the most exciting parts of having such a young group is getting to watch them develop and grow both on the ice and in the locker room as leaders.

“The one major positive of having such a young group during our rebuild is getting to watch these players develop over time and take on leadership roles within our team,” Weets said. “You will see a dynamic and explosive crew and creative depth on our front end with some serious grit on our blue line.”

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton graduated a small but impactful senior class last year headlined by Erin Loeb and Gwen Lilly, both of whom were double-digit point scores for a Lumberjacks team that finished 14-12-1 last season.

With such a young roster this winter, Weets will turn to returners Allie Jones, Josie Lindstrom, Emma Parks and Reese Kuklinski, all of whom are set to wear the C this season. Weets expects the four captains to be CEC’s driving force this year.

“Our biggest goal for the season is to be mentally and physically tough,” Weets said. “Our schedule from start to finish is going to challenge us and in order for us to keep making steps in the right direction to be playing our best hockey at the end of the season and overcome any obstacles we may have, we need to be mentally and physically tough.”

Weets said that she is

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 7 — GRAND RAPIDS/ GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Nov. 9 — at Anoka, 3 p.m.

Nov. 12 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Bloomington Jefferson, 3 p.m.

Nov. 23 — at River Lakes, 3 p.m.

Nov. 26 — at Orono, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — NORTH SHORE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — DULUTH, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — SARTELL/SAUK RAPIDS, 3 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Proctor/Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Moose Lake Area, 5 p.m.

Jan. 2 — PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — SOUTH ST. PAUL, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — SUPERIOR, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — NORTHERN TIER, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — ROCK RIDGE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Thief River Falls, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Bemidji, 2 p.m.

encouraged by having a multitude of great athletes on the roster and that skating and conditioning are going to be two of the biggest strengths of this specific Lumberjacks team.

“We worked really hard this summer to push our development to new heights and are eagerly awaiting games to start to see our overall growth,” Weets said.

The Lumberjacks play another tough schedule this year, and Weets acknowledged that at some point there will be bumps in the road. She said that her team will need to be mentally tough to weather those storms when they inevitably arrive.

“We have some pretty big non-conference games right off the bat and have a solid

Fr. 33 Izzy Strang G Fr.

irls

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Emma Parks (8) falls as she

first period of the Lumberjacks’ game in Cloquet on Tuesday evening, Feb. 6.

conference/section schedule through the heart of our season,” Weets said. “We as a team will really need to pride ourselves on taking things one day at a time, staying in the moments and having some thick skin when things get tough.”

- Reagan Hoverman

2023-24 RESULTS

record: 14-12-1

Nov. 11 — at Anoka, L, 2-4

Nov. 14 — at Moose Lake Area, W, 1-0

Nov. 16 — DULUTH MARSHALL, L, 0-5

Nov. 18 — BLOOMINGTON JEFFERSON, W, 4-1

Nov. 21 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, W, 2-0

Nov. 25 — ORONO, L, 1-4

Nov. 28 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, L, 0-7

Dec. 5 — at North Shore, L, 1-2

Dec. 7 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, W, 2-1

Dec. 12 — at Duluth, L, 1-2

Dec. 15 — at Sartell/Sauk Rapids, W, 3-2

Dec. 19 — PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN, L, 0-4

Dec. 21 — PINE CITY AREA, L, 2-4

Jan. 5 — at Osseo/Park Center, L, 1-3

Jan. 6 — at South St. Paul, L, 1-4

Jan. 9 — at Superior, L, 0-4

Jan. 11 — DULUTH, W, 4-3

Jan. 13 — at Northern Tier, W, 5-2

Jan. 16 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, W, 4-2

Jan. 18 — NORTHERN LAKES, W, 2-0

Jan. 23 — at Rock Ridge, T, 1-1

Jan. 26 — CHISAGO LAKES, W, 4-2

Jan. 29 — NORTH SHORE, W, 3-0

Feb. 2 — THIEF RIVER FALLS, W, 2-0

Feb. 3 — BEMIDJI, W, 4-3

Feb. 6 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, W, 4-2

Feb. 10 — at Proctor/Hermantown, L, 0-6

Jed Carlson / Duluth Media Group

beats Hibbing/Chisholm goalie Grace McDowell (31) in the

Head coach: Shea Walters, seventh season

Key departures: F Joey Antonutti (10-6-16), F Jace Stewart (6-13-19), D Cooper Ellena (2-12-14)

Returning starters: Sr. D Karson Young (7-21-28), Sr. F Niko Gentilini (11-2536), Sr. F Grady Knutson (9-14-24), Sr. F Bobby Thornton (24-16-40), Sr. D Hudson Snesrud (0-5-5), Jr. D Cole Painovich (1-3-4)

New faces to watch: Braham Snesrud, Jordan Sewell, Jacob Parks, Kaden Willis

Outlook: The Lumberjacks got off to a hot start last season, winning seven of their first 10 games that included a win over Section 7A finalist Hibbing/ Chisholm.

The season took a turn with a loss to Duluth Denfeld in the Heritage Classic, beginning a slide where they lost 10 of 13.

This season, the Lumberjacks return their top four scorers in forwards Bobby Thornton, Niko Gentilini and Grady Knutson as well as defenseman Karson Young and that depth of scoring “will be key again for us,” coach Shea Walters said.

2023-24

RESULTS

Record: 13-14

Nov. 28 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, W, 4-3

Dec. 2 — at Bloomington Jefferson, W, 4-2

Dec. 7 — at Duluth Denfeld, L, 5-4

Dec. 9 — at East Grand Forks, W, 3-2

Dec. 12 — PROCTOR, W, 4-3

Dec. 15 — MAHTOMEDI, L, 4-1

Dec. 16 — BLAINE, W, 5-4

Dec. 19 — at St. Michael-Albertville, L, 3-1

Dec. 27 — at Apple Valley/Burnsville, W, 5-2

Dec. 28 — at Anoka, W, 6-1

Dec. 29 — at Duluth Denfeld, L, 4-3

Jan. 2 — at St. Cloud Cathedral, L, 3-2

Jan. 4 — SUPERIOR, W, 2-1

Jan. 6 — BRAINERD, L, 7-0

Jan. 11 — at Duluth Marshall, W, 3-1

Jan. 13 — COON RAPIDS, L, 6-3

Jan. 16 — GRAND RAPIDS, L, 3-2

Jan. 19 — at Holy Angels, L, 4-0

Jan. 23 — ROCK RIDGE, W, 4-1

Jan. 26 — at Bemidji, L, 4-2

Jan. 30 — at Forest Lake, L 6-5

Feb. 1 — HERMANTOWN, L, 6-1

Feb. 3 — at Champlin Park, L, 6-2

Feb. 8 — at Sartell, W, 3-2

Feb. 10 — ROSEAU, W, 5-4

Feb. 20 — ELY, W, 12-0, Section 7A quarterfinal

Feb. 24 — Hibbing/Chisholm, L, 4-2 Section 7A semifinal

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 23 — BLOOMINGTON JEFFERSON, 3 p.m.

Nov. 26 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — PRINCETON, 3 p.m.

Dec. 5 — DULUTH DENFELD, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — EAST GRAND FORKS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Proctor, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at Blaine, 2 p.m.

Dec. 19 — ST. CLOUD CATHEDRAL, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — ST. MICHAELALBERTVILLE, 3 p.m.

Dec. 26 — at Luverne, 5 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Mahtomedi, 3 p.m.

Jan. 9 — DULUTH MARSHALL, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — SARTELL, 2 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at Orono, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — BEMIDJI, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — MINNEAPOLIS, 3 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at Warroad, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 — at Roseau, 2 p.m.

Feb. 11 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

“We will lean heavily on our top line for offensive production this year,” he said. “They have been playing together since they were in youth hockey and have great chemistry when they are out there.”

Young spent the fall playing with the NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness in Cloquet and “improved immensely,” according to Walters. While the Lumberjacks have plenty of talent returning, their biggest challenge will be replacing departed seniors like Joey Antonutti, Jace Stewart and Cooper Ellena.

“We will need to fill those roles with incoming players and strong returners,” Walters said. “Our biggest challenge will be

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Bobby

Connor Doyle at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center on Dec. 7, 2023.

staying consistent throughout the season. We must maintain steady growth from the beginning of the year to the end so we can peak into the playoffs.”

- Jamey Malcomb

Amy Arntson / File / Duluth Media Group

Thornton scores his second goal of the night against Duluth Denfeld goaltender

Hig H Sc H ool Hockey

How hockey safety has changed one year after Minnesota native’s death on the ice

BY CATHY WURZER AND GRACIE STOCKTON MPR News

It’s been one year since former Hibbing High School and University of Minnesota Duluth hockey player Adam Johnson died after a freak accident during a hockey game overseas. His death sparked a larger conversation about safety in the sport.

The 29-year-old was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in England when an opposing

MIRAGE

CONTINUED from J10

her team has “some growing to do” between now and the end of the season, especially after the departure of Izy Fairchild and Hannah Graves for Bemidji State. While they will have to develop over the course of the season, the Mirage are among the most talented

HUNTERS

CONTINUED from J7

was excellent in net, the Hunters simply couldn’t score enough goals to get wins, losing eight of their next 10 and were shut out three times in that stretch.

This season, scoring shouldn’t be an issue, according to coach Dale Jago. Scott is back and healthy and Nolan Harju stepped up in the later stages of the season, finishing with 30 points.

player’s skate slashed his neck during a collision on the ice. There’s an ongoing manslaughter case in the U.K.

Immediately after the tragedy, calls for greater safety arose at several levels of hockey. It led USA Hockey to require all youth players and onice officials to wear neck laceration protection in practice and games. That regulation, approved in January, took effect Aug. 1.

SAfET y on J15

teams in the area.

They have a “strong, motivated defensive core,” according to Stauber, and depth at the goalie position, starting with senior Neelah McLeod. The Mirage will be one of the faster teams on the ice and the forward group has an “impressive creativity and skill set.”

Among the returning forwards are Jane Eckstrom, who trailed just Fairchild in

“We’re going to be big and we’re going to have a lot of depth and forward,” he said. “I wouldn’t say we’re too deep, but we’re going to have a lot of guys vying for forward jobs. Our back end is a little newer, but we’re counting on juniors to make a big step this year and guys that are going to be seniors to have big roles.”

The Hunters’ junior class is “vital” to their success, Jago said. Forwards Liam Doyle and Hans Hovland will be crucial to the offense and goalie Liam Fish has some

In between shifts during a scrimmage against Moose Lake Area, Duluth

wearing a Bauer Longsleeve Neckprotect on Nov. 4, 2023, at Mars Lakeview

total points last season, and Mya Gunderson. The lack of experience could be a challenge for Proctor/Hermantown early, but expect the Mirage to be in the mix for a fifth straight section title and potentially contend for a Class A championship.

- Jamey Malcomb

big shoes to fill with the departure of Connor Doyle.

The challenge will be to avoid the injury bug, Jago said. While Scott’s seemed the most crucial, he was just one in a line of injuries that plagued the Hunters in 2023-24.

“It’s like anything,” Jago said. “You’ve got to stay healthy and you’ve got to play your best hockey at the right time.”

- Jamey Malcomb

RAILS

CONTINUED from J11

Ross, as well as Austin Bryant and Breckin Ross, both also in the Rails’ top five in total points.

“We have an opportunity to put together three solid lines that can put pressure on opposing teams and help relieve some of the pressure on our inexperienced back

end,” he said. “I do think we will have a couple of players take a big step this season and make a name for themselves.”

The challenge will be rebuilding “the foundation” of the Rails’ 2023-24 team, Laspi said. Not only did they graduate an outstanding goalie, they also lost three of their top four defensemen.

“If we can get our

goaltending situation established early, that will go a long way to building our vision of this team,” Laspi said. “I think we have some very capable players who can fill out our blue line, but finding the right style of player and partner combinations will take some time.”

- Jamey Malcomb

Derek Montgomery / For MPR News

Marshall’s Sydney Erickson can be seen

Arena in Duluth.

No. 3 Andover 6, Rosemount 0

STANDINGS LAKE SUPERIOR FINAL W-L-T Pts

Duluth Marshall (22-4-1) 5-1-0 20

Proctor/Hermantown (20-9-2) 5-1-0 20

GR/Greenway (17-10-1) 7-1-0 20

Superior (21-4-1) 3-3-0 12

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (14-12-1) 3-5-0 6

Duluth (9-16-1) 1-6-1 4

Hibbing/Chisholm (7-18-1) 0-7-1 2

OTHERS

Moose Lake Area (14-12-1)

Rock Ridge (11-13-2)

North Shore (9-17-0)

POSTSEASON

STATE TOURNAMENT

At Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul

Quarterfinals

Class AA

Thursday, Feb. 22

No. 2 Hill-Murray 8, Roseau 2

SAFETY

Joe Delich, executive director of USA Hockey’s local division, Minnesota Hockey, told MPR News that the debate over neck guards gained new energy following Johnson’s death.

“I think what happened with Adam was so striking to everybody that interesting enough, we just have not seen the pushback that we tend to see every time we update [rules], whether it’s a protective gear rule or some other type of rule,” Delich said. “It really seems to have been embraced by the kids.”

Delich recalled masks and face shields becoming the norm during his hockey career. It wasn’t until 1978 that helmets with full cages were mandated in the NCAA. Much of the historical pushback by players was over bulk and equipment restricting their movement.

With neck guards, “the manufacturers have done a great job of, you know, trying to balance both the safety with comfort,” Delich said.

2023-24 GIRLS HOCKEY SEASON STATISTICS

No. 1 Minnetonka 2, Maple Grove 1

No. 4 Edina 5, No. 5 Northfield 0 Semifinals

Friday, Feb. 23

No. 2 Hill-Murray 3, No. 3 Andover 1 No. 4 Edina 3, No. 1 Minnetonka 2

Championship

Saturday, Feb. 24

No. 4 Edina 2, No. 2 Hill-Murray 0 Class A

Wednesday, Feb. 21

No. 2 Orono 4, Willmar 1 No. 3 Dodge County 4, Fergus Falls 0 No. 1 Holy Angels 6, Luverne 1 No. 4 Warroad 2, No. 5 Proctor/Hermantown 1 (OT)

Semifinals

Friday, Feb. 23

No. 3 Dodge County 4, No. 2 Orono 2 No. 4 Warroad 3, No. 1 Holy Angels 2 Consolation Semifinals

At TRIA Rink, St. Paul

Thursday, Feb. 22

No. 5 Proctor/Hermantown 3, Luverne 2 Championship

Saturday, Feb. 24

No. 4 Warroad 5, No. 3 Dodge County 2 Consolation Championship

At TRIA Rink, St. Paul

Saturday, Feb. 24

No. 5 Proctor/Hermantown 5, Willmar 2

Section 7AA

Quarterfinals

Thursday, Feb. 8

No. 1 Andover 8, No. 8 Duluth 0 No. 4 Anoka 2, No. 5 Forest Lake 1 No. 2 Grand Rapids/Greenway 5, No. 7

Northern Tier 0 No. 3 Blaine 2, No. 6 Elk River/Zimmerman 0

Semifinals

Saturday, Feb. 10

No. 1 Andover 5, No. 4 Anoka 1 No. 2 Grand Rapids/Greenway 3, No. 3 Blaine 2

Section Final

Thursday, Feb. 15

At Fogerty Arena, Blaine No. 1 Andover 8, No. 2 Grand Rapids/ Greenway 1 Section 7A

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, Feb. 6

No. 4 Moose Lake Area 1, No. 5 Rock

Ridge 0 No. 2 Proctor/Hermantown 5, No. 7 North Shore 1 No. 3 Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 4, No. 6 Hibbing/Chisholm 2

Semifinals

Saturday, Feb. 10

At St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center No. 2 Proctor/Hermantown 6, No. 3

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 0 No. 1 Duluth Marshall 5, No. 4 Moose Lake Area 1

Section Final

Wednesday, Feb. 14

At St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center, Proctor No. 2 Proctor/Hermantown 4, No. 1 Duluth

Marshall 0 WISCONSIN

Division 1

Sectional Semifinal

Tuesday, Feb. 20 No. 1 Superior 10, No. 5 Northland

Pines 2

Sectional Final

Friday, Feb. 23

At Mosinee No. 2 Central Wisconsin 4, No. 1 Superior 3 (OT)

SEASON STATS

SCORING LEADERS

Player G A PTS

Ilsa Lindaman, DM 57 29 86

Autumn Cooper, Sup 33 34 67

Mercury Bischoff, GRG 39 22 61

Makaela

McCall, DNS 17 20

Karakas, DNS 20 16 36

DeBay, GRG 15 21 36

Avery Lian, DM 13 23 36 Jane Eckstrom, PH 13 22 35

Gabryel Olson, Sup 13 20 33 Sarah Stauber, DM 5 28 33

Hockey sticks adorned with No. 7 are displayed outside before a memorial service was held for

the Hibbing Memorial Building Arena.

- This story was originally published on MPRNews.org. CONTINUED from J14

“I think that was always one of the issues — and moveability — so it doesn’t restrict head movement to where, you know, kids, kids start to get impacted in their ability to see what’s coming at them from the side,

which can have its own dangers in a collision sport like hockey,” he added. “Overall, it really has been pretty well received by our base.”

The new gear requirements bring an additional

cost for families in an already pricey sport. Minnesota Hockey, along with many other organizations, tries to offset some of the costs in a partnership with the Minnesota Wild.

“There’s a lot that happens to try and outfit and equip kids that, especially kids that might come from a family that economically can’t afford to play and so we really try and break down those

barriers,” Delich said.

However, neck guards weren’t widely used, so recycling old equipment en masse proved impossible. Even so, Johnson’s tragic death “made it really difficult for people to object.”

“Our community has been really open to … tagging on that extra cost,” Delich said.

Erica Dischino / For MPR News

hockey player Adam Johnson on Nov. 7, 2023, at

Hermantown

Senior defenseman

Peterson is a “stalwart defenseman,” according to coach Pat Andrews, and will lead an inexperienced defensive group for the Hawks this season. A St. Thomas commit, Peterson led the Hermantown defensemen with 23 points last season. More importantly, he and the defensive corps could shut down opposing offenses and keep pressure off 2023-24 goalie Dane Callaway, even when the Hawks offense sputtered midseason. With Hermantown introducing three new defensemen and a new goalie in Bryce Francisco, Peterson’s leadership and experience will be crucial if the Hawks want to win a sixth consecutive section title.

Senior forward

Duluth East

Cole’s eight goals and 22 points are the most for any returning Greyhound this season. Coach

Steve Pitoscia lost more than 100 points of offense last season after graduating Thomas Gunderson, Noah Teng and Wyatt Peterson, and he will need Cole to lead a young offensive corps all season. East will need to score by committee this season, but Cole will be the spark plug for the Greyhounds attack. If the Greyhounds want to return to Amsoil Arena for a third straight season, look for Cole to lead the way offensively.

Senior forward

Duluth Denfeld

Throughout the first several weeks of the season, Denfeld was among the most explosive — and surprising — offensive teams anywhere. Scott had 20 goals last season, 14 before he was sidelined with a wrist injury against Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Dec. 29, 2023. After Scott went down, the Hunters struggled to score the rest of the season and won just three more games. This season, the Denfeld offense should be more balanced, but coach Dale Jago will need Scott to return to his pre-injury form if the Hunters want to return to Amsoil Arena or contend for their first state tournament since 1987.

Junior forward Hibbing/ Chisholm

Swanson’s 29 assists were 10 more than any other Bluejacket player and his 41 points led the team. New coach Aaron Jamnick will need Swanson to be just as good if not better as the 2023-24 campaign, when he was a News Tribune All-Area Team selection. The Bluejackets are looking to stop Hermantown from a sixth straight Section 7A title and clinch a spot in the state tournament for the first time since 2011. Hibbing/Chisholm has a great core of young talent that should contend for section titles the next two seasons, but Swanson will be a key part of any run the Bluejackets make.

Junior goaltender

Grand Rapids Casey was among the best goalies in the area last season and he could be among the best in Minnesota in 2024-25.

A News Tribune All-Area selection last season, Casey’s play in goal held White Bear Lake and Nolan Roed, a Mr. Hockey finalist in 2024, in check and gave Nathan Garski the chance to score the game-winner with less than a second to play in the Class AA quarterfinal. The Thunderhawks could be even better this season and are the favorites to return to the state tournament in no small part thanks to Casey’s continued presence in net.

- Jamey Malcomb

FIVE FIVE GAMES TO WATCH PLAYERSTOWATCH 5 BOYS

DULUTH EAST VS. DULUTH DENFELD

3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21

What’s better than a little crosstown rivalry game as the lead-in to a holiday celebration? The Essentia Duluth Heritage Center is always buzzing when these two play and my guess is this one — played at 3 p.m. on a Saturday — will feel like more of an event than even past editions. Kids won’t have school, parents won’t have work, this really feels like when this game should be held — even if it does conflict with the first round of the College Football Playoff. Last season, the Greyhounds wouldn’t let up, but Hunters goalie Connor Doyle wouldn’t go down. It was an instant classic, with the teams scoring matching goals

in the final two minutes of regulation before Garrett Olek’s overtime game-winner.

HERMANTOWN AT HIBBING/CHISHOLM

7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17

A rematch of the Section 7A championship at Amsoil Arena last season, this is perhaps just round two, with the final round occurring at Amsoil this spring. The Hawks have an elite goalscorer in River Freeman, but will be working with a young and inexperienced defensive corps. The Bluejackets have their own goalscoring duo in Tate Swanson and Isaiah Hildenbrand, and an elite defenseman in Jackson Strukel, though Strukel may be out or just working his way back after an injury in the fall Elite League. After

winning 14 of their last 15 section titles, the Hawks are still the favorite headed in, but this game should give folks an idea if Hibbing/Chisholm is ready to get the job done.

ROCK RIDGE AT DULUTH EAST

7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4

The Wolverines, under first-year head coach Matt Niskanen, will be playing a true Class AA schedule after playing a primarily Class A schedule in 2023-24, their first year after moving up. Rock Ridge has plenty of talented players in 2024 AllArea selection Caz Carlson, Grady Dimberio, Levi Flatley and Derik Dahl. The Greyhounds will have to score by committee this season after the departure of the majority of their scoring from last season. Both

teams will be looking to generate a little momentum as the regular season winds down and the section tournament revs up.

HIBBING/CHISHOLM AT CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON

7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11

Another late-season matchup, the Bluejackets will be looking to shore up their seeding for the section tournament, but so will a dangerous Lumberjacks team. CEC, led by forward Bobby Thornton and forward Karson Young, has its own designs on breaking Hermantown’s stranglehold on the section. Another preview of a possible section tournament matchup, this will be among the final tests for both teams as they turn their attention to the postseason.

GRAND RAPIDS AT HERMANTOWN

7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb . 11

These teams have made a tradition out of ending the regular season against each other. Three seasons ago, the Thunderhawks took a 2-0 lead before the Hawks stormed back for an overtime win on a Max Plante goal in an instant classic. The Hawks have won the last two matchups, but Grand Rapids is looking to make a second straight trip to the state tournament and will be a difficult challenge for any team. Hermantown is looking to fend off a talented Hibbing/Chisholm team and a host of other opponents for its sixth straight Section 7A title.

- Jamey Malcomb

Peterson Cole Scott Swanson Casey

HENRY PETERSON

JOHN SCOTT

CADEN COLE

TATE SWANSON CARTER CASEY

Senior forward

Proctor/Hermantown

Eckstrom finished last season second for the Mirage in points to Izy Fairchild, a 2024 News Tribune All-Area Team selection now playing at Bemidji State, and had perhaps the most dramatic goal of the season. After rallying from three goals down against top 10-ranked Duluth Marshall, Eckstrom provided the gamewinning “dirty goal” with less than a second to play and the Mirage went on to win its fourth straight section title. Eckstrom will be key in Proctor/Hermantown’s quest for a fifth straight trip to the state tournament in February.

Senior forward Duluth Northern Stars

Schipper was in line to be part of a potent Northern Stars attack last season, but an injury ended her season before it really got off the ground. This season, and wearing a C on her jersey, coach Ali Randall is looking for a ton of leadership from Schipper and she’ll need plenty of points. Junior Mae McCall led the Northern Stars with 37 last season, but the graduation of leading goalscorer Grace Karakas has left a big hole to fill. The Northern Stars are looking to post a winning record for the second time in the last three seasons and they will need a healthy and dynamic Schipper to do it.

Senior forward Grand Rapids/ Greenway

Bischoff’s 61 points last season were her fewest for the Lightning in her last three seasons, but it was still good enough for the top 10 in Minnesota. The Minnesota State recruit recorded more than 70 points in each of the previous two seasons and coach Brad Hyduke will have high expectations once again. Bischoff is among the top players in the state and is likely to be in the running for Ms. Hockey. More importantly, the Lightning will need every one of her points if they hope to top Andover for a section championship in February.

Junior defenseman North Shore

Stauber firmly established herself as one of the elite defensive players in the area in backto-back 20-win seasons for Duluth Marshall. After struggling through last season with just 13 skaters, the Hilltoppers joined forces with North Shore and with Stauber in the back end, they will be looking to end Proctor/Hermantown’s run of four consecutive section titles. Stauber and the other Marshall veterans will have to gel quickly with their new teammates, but with the infusion of talent and plenty of skaters, the Storm could be ready to contend in no time.

Hartl was one of the best goalies in the area last season, posting a .946 save percentage and a 1.55 goals against average for coach Reilly Fawcett and the Rebels. Hartl’s season was highlighted by a 52-save shutout of a top-10 ranked Duluth Marshall powered by twotime All-Area Player of the Year Ilsa Lindaman. The Rebels fell to the Hilltoppers in the section tournament, but Hartl will be key if her team is to advance to the section championship or even knock off Proctor/Hermantown for a trip to the state tournament.

- Jamey Malcomb

FIVE FIVE GAMES TO WATCH PLAYERSTOWATCH 5 GIRLS

NORTH SHORE AT CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON

7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3

The Storm are perhaps the team with the most question marks heading into the season. They received an infusion of elite talent thanks to a cooperative agreement with Duluth Marshall. The Lumberjacks are looking to make a leap back to the top of Section 7A, but North Shore, Proctor/Hermantown and Moose Lake Area are all vying for a spot in the state tournament. This early season matchup will gauge where each team stands and what they need to do to contend for a section title.

PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN AT GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY

7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5

An early season test for the Mirage, Grand Rapids/Greenway will give coach Emma Stau-

ber a good idea of where her team stands a few weeks into the season. The Lightning have perhaps the most potent offensive player in the state in senior Mercury Bischoff. In her first three years, she recorded more than 200 points and hopes to lead Grand Rapids/Greenway to a section title for the first time since 2012. Proctor/Hermantown will need to play a nearly perfect game to get a win, but they are certainly capable of topping the Lightning.

ROCK RIDGE AT NORTH SHORE

7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14

A midseason test for the Storm, Rock Ridge will also look to be in the hunt at the end of the season and will need to record some wins over quality opponents. The Wolverines split a pair of matchups in 2024 with North Shore, but this is a different Storm squad that has added a ton of goal-scoring in Nina Thorson. The Storm

will also have a stingy defense led by Sarah Stauber, Avery Lian and Ray Anderson. The Wolverines will need another big effort from senior Natalie Bergman, who had 35 goals and 49 total points, 17 more than second-place Mayme Scott.

GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY AT DULUTH NORTHERN STARS

7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28

The Lightning come to Duluth for a late-season matchup that could help Grand Rapids/ Greenway with its section tournament seeding or end in a shocking upset for the Northern Stars. Mercury Bischoff has recorded two 70-point seasons in her career and she will make things hard for Duluth. On the other hand, the Northern Stars return Mae McCall, who led the team in points last season and Gracyn Schipper will be back in the lineup after

missing nearly all of 2023-24 due to injury.

PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN AT NORTH SHORE

7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30 (at Mars Lakeview Arena in Duluth)

A special game for the Storm, as they play their regular season finale at Mars Lakeview Arena, giving North Shore players from Duluth Marshall a chance to play a game on their home ice. More importantly, it’s against the Hilltoppers’ biggest rival from the past several seasons and the Storm look to be a serious challenge in the Mirage’s quest for a fifth straight section title. Adding players like Nina Thorson, Sarah Stauber and Ray Anderson to a team with a strong sophomore class could be the recipe to ending Proctor/Hermantown’s dominance.

- Jamey Malcomb

Eckstrom Schipper

Bischoff

Stauber Hartl

Senior goaltender Moose Lake Area

Head coach: Mark Manney, 16th season

Key departures: F Ben Doll (18-15-33); F Brooks Cogswell (17-2037); D Landon Stringfellow (4-9-13); D Anthony Pardo (3-13-16); Sr. G Cal Conway (2.33 GAA, .916 save percentage)

Returning starters: Jr. G Cash Cruitt (2.08 GAA, .911 save percentage); Jr. D Chase Nadeau (1-14-15); Jr. F K.J. Sauer (3-15-18); Sr. F Luke Babineau (10-16-26)

New faces to watch: Jr. F Keaton Coe (6-9-15)

Outlook: Andover was stunned in the Section 7AA championship by an overtime goal by Grand Rapids — a week before the Thunderhawks upset White Bear Lake in even more dramatic fashion in the state quarterfinal — after four consecutive appearances in St. Paul.

The Huskies advanced to those tournaments, winning the 2022 title, behind elite offensive players like Gavyn Thoreson, Cooper Conway and Cayden Casey. This year will look a little more like last season than the four that preceded it, according to coach Mark Manney.

“We’ve just got a bunch of grinders,” he said. “We’re going to have to score by committee to succeed — which was what the plan was last year, too.”

The Huskies’ “strength,” Manney said, will begin at goalie, where the Huskies have two legitimate starters in senior Cal Conway and junior Cash Cruitt. Junior Chase Nadeau will lead a revamped defensive core after the departure of 2023-24 starters Landon Stringfellow and Anthony Pardo.

Junior K.J. Sauer, with two years of varsity

ANDOVER HUSKIES

boy S

Andover players after scoring a goal against Duluth East during the Section 7AA championship at Amsoil Arena on Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Duluth.

experience, will lead the offense along with senior Luke Babineau, the Huskies leading returning scorer.

“We think our top six forwards will be competitive,” Manney said. “We’ll play well in our own end, but we’re going to have to find a way to win games 2-1.”

- Jamey Malcomb

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 21 — ROGERS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Champlin Park, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — MOORHEAD, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — ELK RIVER/ZIMMERMAN, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — WAYZATA, 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27 — at Holy Angels, 5 p.m.

Jan. 4 — ANOKA, 1 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Centennial, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — MAPLE GROVE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Robbinsdale Amrstrong/ Cooper, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — SPRING LAKE PARK/ COON RAPIDS, TBD

Jan. 23 — at Osseo, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Blaine, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Totino-Grace, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — GRAND RAPIDS, 2 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Rogers, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — MAPLE GROVE, 7 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

Record: 18-9-1

Nov. 24 — at Chanhassen, W, 3-2

Nov. 25 — at Minnetonka, L, 8-0

Nov. 30 — ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG/ COOPER, W, 9-4

Dec. 5 — at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, L, 4-2

Dec. 7 — at Rogers, L, 3-1

Dec. 9 — at Wayzata, L, 6-2

Dec. 14 — CHAMPLIN PARK, W, 4-2

Dec. 15 — at Moorhead, W, 3-1

Dec. 19 — DULUTH EAST, W, 4-2

Dec. 27 — Rosemount, L, 4-2

Dec. 28 — Hill-Murray, W, 4-2

Dec. 29 — Blake, W, 7-0

Jan. 4 — at Maple Grove, W, 1-0

Jan. 6 — OSSEO, W, 2-1

Jan. 11 — at Centennial, T, 2-2

Jan. 13 — TOTINO-GRACE, W, 6-1

Jan. 20 — at Anoka, W, 4-1

Jan. 23 — BLAINE, W, 7-1

Jan. 25 — at Spring Lake Park/ Coon Rapids, W, 8-2

Jan. 27 — COON RAPIDS, W, 6-3

Feb. 1 — ELK RIVER/ZIMMERMAN, L, 4-1

Feb. 2 — at Grand Rapids, L, 1-0

Feb. 8 — at Blaine, W, 6-1

Feb. 10 — CENTENNIAL, W, 3-1

Feb. 16 — MAPLE GROVE, L, 4-2

Feb. 20 — DULUTH MARSHALL, W, 6-1, Section 7AA quarterfinal

Feb. 24 — Duluth East, W, 4-1, Section 7AA semifinal

Feb. 29 — Grand Rapids, L, 3-2, Section 7AA final

Clint Austin / File / Duluth Media Group

20 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey

Head coach: Melissa Volk, 12th season

Key departures: D

Cailin Mumm (7-16-23), F Nora Sauer (15-16-31), D Merrill Delich (2-5-7)

Returning starters: Sr. F Maya Engler (14-14-28), Sr. F Hannah Christenson (15-20-35), Sr. F Hanna Olson (9-8-17), Sr. F Ella Thoreson (12-16-28), Sr. F Amelia McQuay (11-11-22), Jr. F Pyper Andrews (2-911), Sr. D Courtney Little (12-19-31), Sr. D Mackenzie Jones (18-29-47), Jr. D Samantha Angellotti (3-1215), Jr. G Clairebella Hills (1.40 GAA, .913 save percentage)

New faces to watch: Soph. D Taylor Schreifels (2-2-4)

Outlook: With 10 players that reached at least 20 points in 2023-24, the Huskies were an offensive juggernaut that blasted their way to the state semifinal before falling to Hill-Murray 3-1.

This year should be no different with seven of those 10 players returning, including Andover’s top two scorers in Mackenzie Jones, a Wisconsin recruit, and Northeasternbound Hannah Christenson.

Jones and Christensen lead a team that oozes “senior leadership,” according to coach Melissa Volk, and should be the favorites to win Section 7AA once again.

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 7 — at Holy Angels, W, 1-0

Nov. 14 — at Minnetonka, 7 p.m.

Nov. 19 — EDINA, 7 p.m.

Nov. 21 — at Holy Family, 7 p.m.

Nov. 22 — BLAINE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Robbinsdale Armstrong/ Cooper, 7 p.m.

Dec 7 — CENTENNIAL/SPRING LAKE PARK, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Rogers, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 — WARROAD, 5 p.m.

ANDOVER HUSKIES G irls

Andover’s Maya Engler (11) circles around to the goal against Minnetonka during the first period Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Andover will have to contend with Grand Rapids/Greenway and Mercury Bischoff, one of the

Dec. 17 — at Anoka, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — HILL-MURRAY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 — MAPLE GROVE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — EDEN PRAIRIE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Osseo/Park Center, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — ELK RIVER, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — at Hill-Murray, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Champlin Park/ Coon Rapids, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — ORONO, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Moorhead, 3 p.m.

most prolific goal-scorers in the state, as well as a Duluth Northern Stars squad still looking to

2023-24 RESULTS

record: 22-6-3

Nov. 14 — BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S, W, 4-1

Nov. 17 — MOORHEAD, T, 1-1

Nov. 18 — MINNETONKA, L, 5-4

Nov. 28 — HOLY FAMILY, W, 4-1

Dec. 2 — ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG/ COOPER, W, 12-0

Dec. 5 — CENTENNIAL/SPRING

LAKE PARK, T, 3-3

Dec. 8 — at Proctor/Hermantown, W, 8-0

Dec. 12 — ROGERS, W, 5-0

Dec. 14 — at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, W, 5-0

Dec. 16 — at Blaine, W, 9-1

Dec. 22 — HILL-MURRAY, L, 2-0

Dec. 26 — Maple Grove, W, 1-0

Dec. 27 — Edina, W, 3-0

Dec. 28 — Minnetonka, T, 0-0

Jan. 6 — ANOKA, W, 3-0

Jan. 9 — at Maple Grove, W, 2-1

break into Section 7AA’s upper echelon.

The Huskies also return junior goalie Clairebella

Jan. 16 — OSSEO/PARK CENTER, W, 11-1

Jan. 20 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, 8-1

Jan. 23 — at Elk River, W, 6-0

Jan. 25 — at Edina, L, 3-0

Jan. 30 — CHAMPLIN PARK/ COON RAPIDS, W, 4-1

Feb. 1 — at Eden Prairie, W, 5-0

Feb. 3 — STILLWATER, W, 4-3

Feb. 8 — DULUTH, W, 8-0, Section 7AA quarterfinal

Feb. 10 — ANOKA, W, 5-1, Section 7AA semifinal

Feb. 15 — Grand Rapids/Greenway, W, 8-1, Section 7AA final

Feb. 22 — Rosemount, W, 6-0, Class AA quarterfinal

Feb. 23 — Hill-Murray, L, 3-1, Class AA semifinal

Feb. 24 — Minnetonka, L, 5-3, Class AA third place

Hills, who won 19 games in net last season.

However, it is Andover’s ability to score and score

often that will be the key to another appearance in the state tournament. - Jamey Malcomb

Jason Wachter / File / The Rink Live

Head coach: Ted Mitshulis, third season

Key departures: Trevor Lang (5-9—14), Will Cedestrand (9-4—13), Jackson Provoncha (5-6—11)

Key returners: Colin Rosenau (4.79 GAA, .888 save percentage), Hunter Brunner (3-4—7), Teddy Mitshulis (1-1—2), and Braeden Thorson.

Outlook: Anoka is coming off of a 2023-24 campaign last winter in which the Tornadoes won just four games for the second consecutive season. Third-year head coach Ted Mitshulis believes that this senior class has a chance to flip the script this year.

ANOKA TORNADOES

boy S

That group of seniors, led by Hunter Brunner, Teddy Mitshulis, Braeden Thorson and backstopped by Colin Rosenau, has seen the down years, but the coaching staff believes it has the pieces this year to put Anoka back in the competitive hockey landscape.

“This is an experienced group with strong leadership and solid goaltending,” Ted Mitshulis said. “This has been a resilient group that has put in the time, battled through some rough patches, and ultimately is looking to reestablish Anoka hockey’s relevancy.”

Mitshulis indicated that Anoka will play a brand of hockey that is fundamentally sound defensively while

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 26 — PRINCETON, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — BLOOMINGTON JEFFERSON, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at St. Cloud, 6 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Northern Edge, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Totino-Grace, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Tartan, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Blaine, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at Forest Lake, 2 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Andover, 1 p.m.

Jan. 9 — CHAMPLIN PARK, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Cambridge-Isanti, 3 p.m.

being opportunistic on the offensive side. He believes in doing so, Anoka will be more competitive and has the possibility of finishing above .500.

“We look to be a competitive team that’s hard to play against with strong play in the defensive zone and opportunistic play in the offensive zone,” Mitshulis said. “We are looking to get Anoka hockey back to a winning record.”

One of Anoka’s goals for

Jan. 14 — HASTINGS, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 — ELK RIVER/ZIMMERMAN 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — ROGERS, 1 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at St. Michael-Albertville, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Centennial, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Irondale, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Robbinsdale Armstrong/ Cooper, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — SPRING LAKE PARK/ COON RAPIDS, 1 p.m.

Feb. 4 — MAPLE GROVE, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Osseo, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — at Two Rivers, 3 p.m.

the season is to be more physical, which Mitshulis said should increase goalscoring opportunities for his Tornadoes.

“The program is known for a tenacious style of play,” Mitshulis said. “We look to increase our physicality this season and couple it with more offensive production.”

Anoka graduated three double-digit point scorers in Trevor Lang, Will Cedestrand and Jackson Provoncha, but the Tornadoes

2023-24 RESULTS

Record: 4-22

Nov. 28 — IRONDALE, L, 3-5

Nov. 30 — at Maple Grove, L, 0-9

Dec. 2 — TWO RIVERS, L, 0-7

Dec. 7 — OSSEO, L, 3-4

Dec. 9 — at Southwest Christian/ Richfield, L, 0-3

Dec. 14 — at Centennial, L, 0-6

Dec. 16 —at Coon Rapids, L, 0-6

Dec. 19 — SOUTH ST. PAUL, W, 6-0

Dec. 21 — at Hastings, L, 3-6

Dec. 23 — ROSEVILLE, L, 2-6

Dec. 27 — Mankato West (Heritage Sports Center), W, 3-2

Dec. 28 — Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (Heritage Sports Center), L, 1-6

added a strong sophomore class headlined by Landen Lafferty, a dynamic forward with a knack for scoring goals.

Dec. 29 — Park of Cottage Grove (Heritage Sports Center), L, 0-7

Jan. 4 — TOTINO-GRACE, L, 0-4

Jan. 6 — CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI, W, 4-1

Jan. 11 — ELK RIVER/ZIMMERMAN, L, 3-7

Jan. 13 — SPRING LAKE PARK/ COON RAPIDS, L, 3-7

Jan. 18 — COON RAPIDS, L, 0-13

Jan. 20 — ANDOVER, L, 1-4

Jan. 25 — at Blaine, L, 3-4

Jan. 27 — at Robbinsdale Armstrong/ Cooper, L, 6-10

Feb. 1 — ROGERS, L, 0-10

Feb. 3 — FOREST LAKE, L, 0-7

Feb. 8 — at Champlin Park, L, 1-5

Feb. 10 — ST. CLOUD, W, 2-1

Feb. 17 — CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI, L, 1-3

This winter will be an adjustment for those underclassmen, especially because Anoka plays a significant amount of games on the road this winter. Mitshulis said his team will need to acclimate to the schedule, but ultimately it may be a positive.

“We play on the road a lot this season,” Mitshulis said. “We don’t have a home game in December. I don’t know how much of a challenge that is as much as just a need to acclimate to a routine of playing away. In all honesty, it may actually play a positive role in establishing a team identity.”

- Reagan Hoverman

ANOKA TORNADOES

G irl S

Head coach: Logan Syvock, third season

Key departures: F Amaya Olsen (2-5—7); F Mystique Baron (2-7—9); G Gretchen Paaverud (2.52 GAA, .933 save percentage); G Annika Olson (2.71 GAA, .897 save percentage).

Key returners: F Kendall Rykkeli (8-11—19); F Katelyn Buth (8-14—22); F Leah Amsler (11-7—18); F Reagan Reinholz (5-11—16); F Lucy Mitshulis (7-2—9); F Abby Moore (2-2—4).

Outlook: Anoka head coach Logan Syvock believes this season has the potential to be an all-time turnaround for his Tornadoes. His program is coming off of a 2023-24 campaign in which the Tornadoes won 11 games and just seven the year before last. Anoka has taken its lumps, but Syvock said he has a talented senior class

entering its fourth varsity year, and that helps build confidence.

The seniors are headlined by Kendall Rykkeli, Katelyn Buth, Leah Amsler, Reagan Reinholz, Lucy Mitshulis and Abby Moore, all of whom were among top point scores last year. The Anoka coaching staff believes they will be pivotal in the Tornadoes achieving the breakout season they’re chasing.

“They have developed

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 9 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, 3 p.m.

Nov. 15 — ST. CLOUD, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Osseo/Park Center, 3 p.m.

Nov. 19 — at Northern Tier, 7 p.m.

Nov. 21 — at Forest Lake, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — Mounds View/Irondale (Super Rink), 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 — CHAMPLIN PARK/COON RAPIDS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG/ COOPER, TBD

Dec. 10 — at Centennial/Spring Lake Park, 7 p.m.

into great leaders and have learned to start putting the team before themselves,” Syvock said. “Our motto this season is ‘leave your legacy’ and I think this group is really buying into that and wants to leave Tornado hockey in a better place than when they came in.”

It’s been a half-decade since Anoka last finished above .500 or truly competed for a conference or

Dec. 14 — ROGERS, 3 p.m.

Dec. 17 — ANDOVER, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — HOPKINS/PARK, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26 — at Lakeville South, 6 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Buffalo, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Blaine, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — WESTERN WISCONSIN, 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Maple Grove, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — DULUTH, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY, 3 p.m.

Jan. 21 — OSSEO/PARK CENTER, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at Rogers, 3 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Elk River, 7 p.m.

Jan. 29 — at Visitation, 12 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Hutchinson, 1 p.m.

section championship, but Syvock believes his girls have a chance of competing for both this winter, and that has the locker room buzzing.

“We would like to finish top five in our conference for the first time in over five years,” Syvock said. “We also have a goal of being over .500 for the first time in five years. This

2023-24 RESULTS

Record: 11-14-2

Nov. 11 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, W, 4-2

Nov. 14 — NORTH/TARTAN, W, 3-2

Nov. 18 — OSSEO/PARK CENTER, T, 2-2

Nov. 21 — NORTHERN TIER, L, 2-3

Nov. 28 — at Champlin Park/ Coon Rapids, L, 0-8

Nov. 30 — HUTCHINSON, T, 1-1

Dec. 5 — at Robbinsdale Armstrong/ Cooper, L, 2-4

Dec. 8 — at Rogers, L, 1-3

Dec. 12 — CENTENNIAL/SPRING LAKE PARK, L, 1-4

Dec. 14 — Visitation, W, 8-1

Dec. 19 — at Hopkins/Park, W, 2-1

Dec. 21 — BUFFALO, W, 3-2

Dec. 27 — at Lakeville South, L, 0-7

Dec. 28 — at Shakopee, L, 3-4

Dec. 29 — at White Bear Lake, L, 1-4

Jan. 3 — FOREST LAKE, W, 3-0

Jan. 6 — at Andover, L, 0-3

Jan. 9 — BLAINE, L, 0-1

Jan. 13 — at St. Cloud, L, 2-5

Jan. 16 — MAPLE GROVE, L, 1-4

Jan. 20 — ROGERS, W, 5-1

Jan. 23 — at Osseo/Park Center, W, 3-1

Jan. 27 — MOUNDS VIEW/IRONDALE, L, 0-4

Jan. 30 — ELK RIVER, W, 1-0

Feb. 1 — at Northern Tier, W, 2-1

Feb. 8 — FOREST LAKE, W, 2-1

Feb. 10 — at Andover, L, 1-5

22 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey

Head coach: Jay Ekman, second season

Key departures: F Caden

Speidel (17-18-35); G Andrew Saxe (3.28 GAA, .896 save percentage); D Riley Middendorf (3-12-15)

Returning starters: Sr. F

Cole Rivard (14-16-30); Jr. F Ryder Siedow (14-16-30); Sr. F Blake Jacobson (5-14-19)

New faces to watch: Jr. F Colton Horak; Jr. G Zachary Schnabel

Outlook: The Rangers started out slowly under first-year head coach Jay Ekman, losing six of their first eight games last season.

They finished on a high note, however, winning six

FOREST LAKE RANGERS boys

of their final seven regular season games before falling 4-3 in a four-overtime thriller against Rock Ridge in the Section 7AA quarterfinal. This season, the Rangers return nearly 80 points of offensive production in

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 22 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 — at Rock Ridge, 2 p.m.

Nov. 26 — DULUTH DENFELD, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at White Bear Lake, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Cretin-Derham Hall, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 — WOODBURY, TBD

Dec. 17 — WHITE BEAR LAKE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — EAST RIDGE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — ANOKA, 2 p.m.

Dec. 28 — NORTHERN EDGE, 2 p.m.

Dec. 31 — at Chisago Lakes, 1 p.m.

Jan. 4 — STILLWATER, TBD

forwards Cole Rivard, Ryder Siedow and Blake Jacobson, and newcomer Colton Horak is someone to keep an eye on as the season progresses, according to Ekman. Forest Lake will be a

Jan. 7 — at Cambridge-Isanti, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Mounds View, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Roseville, 3:15 p.m.

Jan. 14 — DULUTH EAST, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Park of Cottage Grove, TBD

Jan. 23 — CRETIN-DERHAM HALL, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at Woodbury, 3 p.m.

Jan. 28 — PARK OF COTTAGE GROVE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at East Ridge, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Stillwater, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — MOUNDS VIEW, TBD

Feb. 11 — CHAMPLIN PARK, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — ROSEVILLE, 7 p.m.

physical team, using speed to its advantage and reading the ice well.

The problem for a young team trying to take a step forward is playing in a difficult Section 7AA. Not only

2023-24 RESULTS

recorD: 11-14-1

Nov. 29 — at Park of Cottage Grove, L, 6-3

Dec. 2 — GRAND RAPIDS, W, 3-2

Dec. 5 — at Duluth East, L, 5-3

Dec. 7 — WHITE BEAR LAKE, L, 6-3

Dec. 12 — at Northern Edge, W, 6-1

Dec. 14 — CRETIN-DERHAM HALL, L, 4-0

Dec. 16 — at Woodbury, L, 3-1

Dec. 19 — at Blaine, L, 5-2

Dec. 21 — at East Ridge, W, 2-0

Dec. 28 — CHISAGO LAKES, W, 3-2

Jan. 3 — ELK RIVER/ZIMMERMAN, L, 4-1

Jan. 6 — at Stillwater, L, 2-1

Jan. 11 — MOUNDS VIEW, T, 1-1

do the Rangers have to contend with perennial power Andover, but also Grand Rapids, Duluth East and an always scrappy Duluth Denfeld team.

However, if Horak can gel

FOREST LAKE RANGERS G irls

Head coach: Breanna Gaffy, first season

Key departures: D Sami Pool (15-9-24), F/D Cordelia Hauck (0-4-4), F Abby Tuma (1-4-5)

Returning starters: Sr. F Rylen Kissel (14-11-25), Jr. F Abigail Sklavenitis (1210-22), Sr. F Madelyn Kemplin (3-14-17), Jr. F Samantha Scott (6-5-11), Jr. G Taylor Thompson (2.90 GAA, .916 save percentage)

New faces to watch: Soph. D Piper DeLong, Soph. F/D Vanessa Joyce, Soph. D Hadley Roche, Fr. F Camryn Jenni

Outlook: Forest Lake had just five players with more than 10 points last season and the Rangers fell to Anoka in the section

quarterfinal.

That’s the bad news. The good news is Forest Lake returns four of those five players with a big senior class that includes leading scorer from last season

Rylen Kissel as well as Abigail Sklaventis and Madelyn Kemplin.

The Rangers also have

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 12 — EAST RIDGE, 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 — GENTRY ACADEMY, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Roseville/Mahtomedi, 3:15 p.m.

Nov. 19 — at Cretin-Derham Hall, 7 p.m.

Nov. 21 — ANOKA, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — MOUNDS VIEW/IRONDALE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Stillwater, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Park of Cottage Grove, 2:15 p.m.

Dec. 10 — WOODBURY, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — CHISAGO LAKES, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — STILLWATER, TBD

Dec. 17 — at East Ridge, 7:30 p.m.

an experienced goalie in junior Taylor Thompson, who had a save percentage of .916 over 25 starts last season.

First year head coach Breanna Gaffy has a talented squad. The problem is they play in a section with Andover, an offensive juggernaut that returned all

Dec. 20 — BLAINE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 28 — at Brainerd/Little Falls, 1 p.m.

Jan. 2 — ELK RIVER, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — ROSEVILLE/MAHTOMEDI, TBD

Jan. 7 — CRETIN-DERHAM HALL, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, 2 p.m.

Jan. 16 — WHITE BEAR LAKE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Mounds View/ Irondale, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 — PARK OF COTTAGE GROVE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at Woodbury, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at White Bear Lake, TBD

Jan. 30 — NORTHERN TIER, 7 p.m.

but three players from a state semifinal team last season. They also have to deal with a Grand Rapids/ Greenway squad that boasts Mercury Bischoff, among the most prolific offensive players in the state.

- Jamey Malcomb

2023-24 RESULTS record: 11-14-1

Nov. 14 — at East Ridge, W, 4-2

Nov. 16 — ROSEVILLE/MAHTOMEDI, W, 5-4

Nov. 21 — CRETIN-DERHAM HALL, W, 5-2

Nov. 28 — at Chisago Lakes, L, 2-0

Nov. 30 — STILLWATER, L, 7-0

Dec. 2 — WHITE BEAR LAKE, W, 3-2

Dec. 5 — at Mounds View/Irondale, L, 2-1

Dec. 7 — at Elk River, L, 3-2

Dec. 12 — at Woodbury, L, 3-1

Dec. 16 — at Stillwater, L, 8-0

Dec. 19 — EAST RIDGE, W, 3-1

Dec. 22 — NORTH ST. PAUL/TARTAN, W, 7-1

Dec. 23 — at Blaine, T, 2-2

Dec. 30 — BRAINERD/LITTLE FALLS, L, 3-1

Jan. 3 — at Anoka, L, 3-0

Jan. 6 — at Roseville/Mahtomedi, L, 5-3

Jan. 9 — at Cretin-Derham Hall, L, 4-2

Jan. 12 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY, L, 6-2

Jan. 16 — at White Bear Lake, L, 5-0

Jan. 18 — PARK OF COTTAGE GROVE, W, 3-1

Jan. 20 — MOUNDS VIEW/IRONDALE, W, 4-3

Jan. 23 — at Park of Cottage Grove, W, 4-1

Jan. 25 — at Northern Tier, W, 6-3

Jan. 27 — WOODBURY, L, 3-0

Feb. 2 — DULUTH, W, 8-2

Feb. 8 — at Anoka, L, 2-1, Section 7AA quarterfinal

Jan. 13 — at Roseville, W, 5-3

Jan. 16 — at White Bear Lake, L, 3-0

Jan. 20 — PARK OF COTTAGE GROVE, L, 2-1

Jan. 25 — at Cretin-Derham Hall, L, 4-0

Jan. 27 — WOODBURY, L, 8-2

Jan. 30 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, W, 6-5

Feb. 1 — EAST RIDGE, W, 7-1

Feb. 3 — at Anoka, W, 7-0

Feb. 7 — STILLWATER, L, 4-2

Feb. 10 — at Mounds View, W, 5-1

Feb. 13 — at Coon Rapids, W, 9-8

Feb. 15 — ROSEVILLE, W, 6-1

Feb. 20 — at Rock Ridge, L, 4-3 (4OT), Section 7AA quarterfinal

with the offense and Zachary Schnabel can provide consistent goaltending, Forest Lake could find itself playing at Amsoil Arena for the first time since 2022.

- Jamey Malcomb

team has real aspirations of making it to the sectional championship this year and making the trip to state.”

If Anoka is going to buck the trend and make a run

to the state tournament, the Tornadoes need to play their traditional free and fast style of play. With droves of experience on the roster, Syvock believes that won’t be a problem.

“I think with the experience they are bringing to the ice this season, we will

be able to play fast and free without overthinking what we are doing on the ice,” Syvock said. “We have been historically good defensively keeping pucks to the outside to give our goalie good looks at the puck, and we plan to continue doing that this season.”

While Anoka will undoubtedly be led by its seniors, the coaching staff has been encouraged by a talented freshman class that is learning from the more experienced athletes on the roster.

Syvock believes that a breakout season will spawn

from a carefully crafted mix of returning talent and promising underclassmen, which puts the Tornadoes in position to chase that lasting legacy this winter.

“The blend of talent and determination has created a positive atmosphere

where each player is motivated to contribute to the team’s success,” Syvock said. “As they prepare for the season ahead, the girls are united by their shared vision of excellence and a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy.”

- Reagan Hoverman

Head coach: Calla Athman, second season

Key departures: F Grace Chapman (6-9—15)

Key returners: F Gracyn Knowles (11-11—22) and Bella Brady (7-15—22)

Outlook: Now in her second year at the helm in Blaine, head coach Calla Athman is looking to take a step forward after leading the Bengals to an 11-12-4 record last season that ended in a Section 7AA semifinal defeat against Grand Rapids/Greenway.

Athman said that the Bengals’ goals this year are to improve on their record from last season along with their standing in the section ranking while building throughout the season so that Blaine is playing its best hockey come playoff time.

Seniors Gracyn Knowles and Bella Brady, who finished tied with a team-high 22 points last

STANDINGS

LAKE SUPERIOR

season, are back on the ice as team captains and will be pivotal to Blaine’s success this winter.

“Gracyn has great speed and vision and can control the ice,” Athman said. “She is the one we can go to for goals in high-pressure situations. Bella is a strong, smart, tough defenseman and has the hardest shot on our team. She is a great lady and is so good at helping the younger players as they transitioned from youth hockey to high school.”

Knowles and Brady will

BLAINE BENGALS

G irl S

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 7 —EAST RIDGE, 7 p.m.

Nov. 9 — OWATONNA, 2 p.m.

Nov. 14 — at Elk River, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Wayzata, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 22 – at Andover, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 — BRECK 5 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at Grand Rapids/ Greenway, 1 p.m.

Dec. 3 — OSSEO/PARK CENTER, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Rogers, 3 p.m.

Dec. 10 — ELK RIVER, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — CHAMPLIN PARK/

be at the forefront this season more than ever, especially since Grace Chapman, who was a senior forward and captain last year, graduated and began her collegiate hockey career at St. Scholastica.

Athman said that she has a talented trio of sophomores including Abbey Costa, Colleigh Johnson and Olive Heugel, all of whom are ready to step into more prominent roles this winter and begin replacing some of that lost

COON RAPIDS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Forest Lake, 7 p.m.

Dec. 31 — MINNEAPOLIS, 3 p.m.

Jan. 3 — at Eagan, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 — ANOKA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — ROGERS, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Robbinsdale Armstrong/ Cooper, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — DULUTH, 2 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Maple Grove, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — MINNETONKA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — CENTENNIAL/SPRING LAKE PARK, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at White Bear Lake, 3 p.m.

production.

“We have three sophomores that played regular varsity shifts last year,” Athman said. “They already have seen the speed and physicality of high school hockey. I am looking forward to seeing each of them come out of their shell and put points on the board.”

Athman is in just her second year as a head coach, but she has been involved with the Blaine program for 15 years. She knows what it takes to build a winner, including

2023-24 RESULTS

Record: 11-12-4

Nov. 14 — ELK RIVER, T, 2-2

Nov. 16 — WOODBURY, L, 1-6

Nov. 24 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, W, 3-1

Nov. 25 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, L, 1-2

Nov. 30 — at East Ridge, W, 2-1

Dec. 2 — at Osseo/Park Center, W, 5-1

Dec. 5 — ROGERS, W, 3-2

Dec. 12 — at Elk River, W, 3-2

Dec. 14 — HOLY ANGELS, L, 1-5

Dec. 16 — ANDOVER, L, 1-9

Dec. 19 — LAKEVILLE SOUTH, L, 0-3

Dec. 23 — FOREST LAKE, T, 2-2

Dec. 30 — at Mound Westonka/SWC, W, 5-2

Jan. 4 — CHAMPLIN PARK/

the style her Bengals need to play this year and challenges they will encounter along the way.

“Our strength is in our defensive core, we focus on playing great in the defensive zone and earning the right to play offense,” Athman said.

“Our biggest challenge is finishing. I think a key will be for some natural goal scorers to emerge from our younger players and have some veteran players step up to feed them.”

- Reagan Hoverman

BOYS HOCKEY SEASON STATISTICS 2023-24

W-L-T Pts

Hermantown (20-9-2) 6-0-1 26

Grand Rapids (18-13-0) 6-1-0 24

Cloquet (13-14) 4-3-0 16

Hibbing (19-9-0) 4-3-0 16

Proctor (19-8-0) 3-4-0 12

Duluth Denfeld (11-13-2) 2-3-2 12

Superior (9-13-3) 1-6-0 4

Duluth Marshall (15-10-2) 0-6-1 2

IRON RANGE W-L-T Pts

Rock Ridge (20-6-1) 3-0-0 12

North Shore (12-11-3) 4-1-2 10

Greenway (5-18-3) 2-3-1 7 Ely (14-12-0) 2-3-0 4

International Falls (6-19-2) 1-5-1 3

OTHERS

Duluth East (10-16-1)

Moose Lake Area (6-19-0)

POSTSEASON

MINNESOTA

STATE TOURNAMENT

At Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul CLASS AA Quarterfinals

Thursday, March 7 No. 2 Chanhassen 7, Rochester Century/ John Marshall 0 Cretin-Derham Hall 4, No. 3 Centennial 3 (2OT) No. 1 Edina 6, Elk River-Zimmerman 2 No. 5 Grand Rapids 2, No. 4 White Bear Lake Area 1 Semifinals

Friday, March 8 No. 2 Chanhassen 6, Cretin-Derham Hall 1 No. 1 Edina 5, No. 5 Grand Rapids 2 Championship

Saturday, March 9 No. 1 Edina 2, No. 2 Chanhassen 1 Third-Place Game

Saturday, March 9

Cretin-Derham Hall 6, No. 5 Grand Rapids 3 CLASS A Quarterfinals

Wednesday, March 6 No. 2 Warroad 8, New Ulm 1 No. 3 St. Cloud Cathedral 5, Northfield 1 No. 1 Hermantown 6, Alexandria Area 0 No. 4 Mahtomedi 5, No. 5 Orono 2 Semifinals

Friday, March 8

No. 3 St. Cloud Cathedral 4, No. 2 Warroad 3 (OT) No. 1 Hermantown 7, No. 4 Mahtomedi 6 (OT)

Championship

Saturday, March 9 No. 3 St. Cloud Cathedral 3, No. 1 Hermantown 1

Section 7AA

Opening Round

Saturday, Feb. 17

No. 7 Duluth Marshall 9, No. 10 Northern Edge 1 No. 9 Cambridge-Isanti 3, No. 8 Anoka 1

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, Feb. 20

No. 1 Grand Rapids 9, No. 9 CambridgeIsanti 0 No. 4 Rock Ridge 4, No. 5 Forest Lake 3 (4OT) No. 3 Duluth East 5, No. 6 Duluth Denfeld

1 No. 2 Andover 6, No. 7 Duluth Marshall 1

Semifinals

Saturday, Feb. 24

At Amsoil Arena, Duluth No. 1 Grand Rapids 6, No. 4 Rock Ridge

2 No. 2 Andover 4, No. 3 Duluth East 1

Section Final

Thursday, Feb. 29

No. 1 Grand Rapids 3, No. 2 Andover 2 (2OT)

Section 7A

Opening Round

Saturday, Feb. 17

No. 8 International Falls 8, No. 9 Moose Lake Area 4 Quarterfinals

Tuesday, Feb. 20

No. 1 Hermantown 14, No. 8 International Falls 0 No. 4 Proctor 5, No. 5 North Shore 1 No. 2 Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 12, No. 7 Ely 0 No. 3 Hibbing/Chisholm 4, No. 6 Greenway 1

Semifinals

Saturday, Feb. 24

At Amsoil Arena, Duluth No. 1 Hermantown 6, No. 4 Proctor 3 No. 3 Hibbing/Chisholm 4, No. 2 CloquetEsko-Carlton 2

Section Final

Wednesday, Feb. 28

At Amsoil Arena, Duluth No. 1 Hermantown 4, No. 3 Hibbing/ Chisholm 0

WISCONSIN

Division 1Regional Semifinal

Tuesday, Feb. 13

No. 5 Superior 7, No. 12 Ashland 1

Regional Final

Thursday, Feb. 15

No. 4 Eau Claire Memorial 4, No. 5

Superior 1

SEASON STATS

SCORING LEADERS

Player G A PTS

Caz Carlson, RR 21 32 53

Grady Dimberio, RR 19 31 50

Tanner Ross, Proc 20 29 49

River Freeman, Herm 22 27 49

Tate Swanson, HC 12 36 48

Thomas Gunderson, DE 20 23 43

Jake Stadler, NS 18 24 42

Kasey Lamppa, RR 22 19 41

Valtteri Luhtalampi, DD 11 30 41

Bobby Thornton, CEC 24 16 40

Noah Teng, DE 14 25 39

Jacob Garski, GR 13 26 39

Nathan Garski, GR 18 21 39

Isaiah Hildenbrand, HC 22 16 38

Austin Bryant, Proc 20 17 37

COON RAPIDS, T, 2-2

Jan. 6 — at Champlin Park/ Coon Rapids, W, 3-2

Jan. 9 — at Anoka, W, 1-0

Jan. 11 — WAYZATA, T, 5-5

Jan. 13 — at Hastings, L, 0-1

Jan. 16 — ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG/ COOPER, L, 4-5

Jan. 20 — at Duluth, L, 3-4

Jan. 23 — MAPLE GROVE, L, 1-3

Jan. 26 — at Blake, W, 2-1

Jan. 27 — VISITATION, W, 7-0

Jan. 30 — at Centennial/Spring Lake Park, L, 2-4

Feb. 3 — at Minnetonka, L, 0-9

Feb. 8 — ELK RIVER, W, 2-1

Feb. 10 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, L, 2-3

Kelin Elsner, HC 19 18 37 Bradford

2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey

Head coach: Brian Ballenger, seventh season

Key departures: D Carly Humphrey (9-12—21)

Key returners: G Abby Huselid (2.61 GAA, .922 save percentage), F Reese Thunell (1-6—7), D/F Abby Hansberger (8-13—21), D/F Tony Alm (4-6—10), F Jayden Petersen (9-8—17)

Outlook: The X’s and O’s on a hockey grease board are important to Elk River/Zimmerman head coach Brian Ballenger, but he’s more focused on maintaining and adding to a culture he has built in seven-plus years leading the Elks.

Ballenger calls it the five C’s of culture, which include caring, character, compete, communication and commitment. The goal is always to compete for a section title, but he believes wins, especially in the playoffs, come from strong cultures and programs.

“We are very focused on culture,” Ballenger said. “Wins and losses are the result, but not the end measure. We always have a goal of getting to the section final, giving us an opportunity to advance to the state tournament to compete for a state championship.”

Elk River/Zimmerman will rely on its strong defensive unit this winter, according to Ballenger. He said that their strong defense will make them

ELK RIVER/ZIMMERMAN ELKS

G irls

competitive in every game this season, even if scoring goals is a bit of a challenge.

“Our strengths will be the defensive side of the game, expect us not to give up many goals and be in every game,” Ballenger said. “(Our) biggest challenge will be scoring goals.

Coon Rapids, 12 p.m.

Nov. 9 — at Minnetonka, 2 p.m.

Nov. 14 — BLAINE, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Moorhead, 2 p.m.

Nov. 19 — at Osseo/Park Center, 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 — NORTHERN TIER, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 — BRAINERD/LITTLE FALLS, 5 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Maple Grove, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — CENTENNIAL/SPRING LAKE PARK, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — OSSEO/PARK CENTER, 1 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Blaine, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at Champlin Park/

Dec. 17 — ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG/ COOPER, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Duluth, 5 p.m.

Jan. 2 — at Forest Lake, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — OWATONNA, 1 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Centennial/Spring Lake Park, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — at Grand Rapids/ Greenway, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — ROGERS, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — BUFFALO, 11 a.m.

Jan. 21 — at Andover, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — ANOKA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at

We will create scoring chances and compete to put it in the back of the net.”

Scoring goals will likely be a challenge this year because Elk River/Zimmerman graduated defenseman Carly Humphrey, who is now playing at the University of Minnesota.

2023-24 RESULTS

record: 7-18-1

Nov. 11 — MINNETONKA, L, 1-8

Nov. 14 — at Blaine, T, 2-2

Nov. 18 — at Owatonna, W, 2-0

Nov. 21 — OSSEO/PARK CENTER, W, 3-0

Nov. 28 — at Centennial/Spring Lake Park, L, 2-3

Dec. 2 — MAPLE GROVE, L, 0-3

Dec. 5 — at Osseo/Park Center, W, 3-0

Dec. 7 — FOREST LAKE, W, 3-2

Dec. 9 — MOORHEAD, L, 1-3

Dec. 12 — BLAINE, L, 2-3

Dec. 16 — at Champlin Park/ Coon Rapids, L, 1-5

Dec. 21 — DULUTH, W, 4-1

Dec. 28 — CHAMPLIN PARK/

Humphrey, who was a standout player for the Elks, tallied 21 points last season, which was tied for a team-high figure with Abby Hansberger. Ballenger said losing a Division I-caliber player will naturally make the Elks play with more balance moving forward.

COON RAPIDS, L, 2-3

Dec. 29 — at Eagan, W, 7-3

Dec. 30 — ROSEVILLE/MAHTOMEDI, L, 3-4

Jan. 2 — CHISAGO LAKES, W, 3-2

Jan. 6 — Robbinsdale Armstrong/ Cooper, L, 3-5

Jan. 9 — CENTENNIAL/SPRING LAKE PARK, L, 0-2

Jan. 13 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY, L, 1-4

Jan. 16 — at Rogers, L, 2-3

Jan. 20 — at Roseville/Mahtomedi, L, 1-4

Jan. 23 — ANDOVER, L, 0-6

Jan. 27 — at Brainerd/Little Falls, L, 1-2

Jan. 30 — at Anoka, L, 0-1

Feb. 1 — ROGERS, L, 2-3

Feb. 8 — at Blaine, L, 1-2

“(We) lose an explosive player, but gain strength in numbers,” Ballenger said. “Rather than relying on a single player, we will rely on the team.”

That balanced attack will include Reese Thunell, Tony Alm, Jayden Petersen and the aforementioned Hansberger, while Abby

Duluth’s Grace Karakas tries to keep the puck away from Elk River’s Carly Humphrey during the Northern Stars’ loss in the Section 7AA quarterfinal on Feb. 9, 2023 at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. Humphrey, now at the University of Minnesota, is a big player to replace for Elk River/ Zimmerman in 2024-25.

Jamey Malcomb / Duluth News Tribune

Huselid will backstop the Elks this season. Ballenger said those five players are critical to the team this year for several reasons.

“(They have) experience, compete and (are) commitment to being great people,” Ballenger said.

- Reagan Hoverman

ELY TIMBERWOLVES boy S

Head coach: Jacob Myers

2023-2024 record: 14-12 Conference: Two Rivers Section: 7A

Key departures: F Drew Marolt (27-14—41); F Deegan Richards (1618—34); F Brecken Sandberg (6-6—12); D Wes Sandy (3-8—11); F Ty Walker (2-5—7)

Key returners: So. F Owen Marolt (6-6—12); Sr. F Garrett Rohr (8-4—12); Jr. D Jayden Zemke (6-5— 11); Sr. F Jace Huntbach (2-6—8); Sr. D Alex Merriman (0-6—6); Sr. G Ben Leeson (3.45 GAA, .901 save percentage)

Outlook: There was plenty to celebrate in Timberwolves country last season as the Ely boys hockey team recorded its highest win total in two decades, dating back to the 2001-2002 season. At the heart of the team’s success was the goal-scoring ability of 2024 grads Drew Marolt and Deegan Richards, who collectively accounted for over half of the Timberwolves’ offense last season as seniors with a combined 43 goals. The offensive output will undoubtedly be hard to replace this coming

season with sophomores Owen Marolt and Garrett Rohr returning as the most proven goalscorers for this year’s Ely team. The Timberwolves will benefit from continuity between the pipes, though, as Ben Leeson returns for his senior season after a strong junior campaign, while junior Jayden Zemke and senior Alex Merriman will be back on the blue line.

- Jake Przytarski

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 30 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, 2 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at North Shore, TBD

Dec. 6 — at Mora/Milaca, 6 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Mora/Milaca, 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at Lake of the Woods, 2 p.m.

Dec. 19 — GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at Wadena-Deer Creek, 2 p.m.

Dec. 26 — TBD, 7 p.m., (Ely Holiday Classic)

Dec. 27 — TBD, 7 p.m., (Ely Holiday Classic)

Dec. 28 — TBD, 2:30 p.m., (Ely Holiday Classic)

2023-24 RESULTS

RECORD: 14-12-0

Nov. 24 — at Kittson County Central, W, 6-2

Nov. 25 — at Kittson County Central, W, 5-1

Dec. 1 — MORA/MILACA, L, 4-1

Dec. 2 — MORA/MILACA, W, 2-1

Dec. 5 — at North Shore, L, 4-1

Dec. 7 — at Ashland (WI), W, 7-5

Dec. 9 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, W, 7-1

Dec. 12 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, W, 3-2

Dec. 15 — WSFLG (WI), W, 8-2

Dec. 21 — at Greenway, L, 4-1

Dec. 27 — KITTSON COUNTY CENTRAL, W, 2-1, (Ely Holiday Classic)

Dec. 28 — ST. PAUL JOHNSON, W, 4-3, (Ely Holiday Classic)

Jan. 3 — BAGLEY/FOSSTON, 6 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Burnett Blizzard (WI), 2 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at International Falls, TBD

Jan. 17 — LAKE OF THE WOODS, 6 p.m.

Jan. 18 — WADENA-DEER CREEK, 2 p.m.

Jan. 21 — PROCTOR, 6 p.m.

Jan. 24 — at Bagley/Fosston, 6 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at Park Rapids, 2 p.m.

Jan. 26 — at Greenway, 6 p.m.

Feb. 1 — BURNETT BLIZZARD (WI), 2 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at Moose Lake Area, 6 p.m.

Feb. 8 — NORTH SHORE, 6 p.m.

Dec. 29 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, W, 3-2, (Ely Holiday Classic)

Jan. 5 — at Bagley/Fosston, L, 4-2

Jan. 6 — ASHLAND (WI), W, 6-2

Jan. 12 — at Lake of the Woods, L, 5-1

Jan. 16 — at International Falls, W, 4-2

Jan. 19 — LAKE OF THE WOODS, L, 6-2

Jan. 20 — PARK RAPIDS, L, 7-2

Jan. 23 — at Proctor, L, 9-1

Jan. 26 — BAGLEY/FOSSTON, L, 2-1

Feb. 2 — at St. Paul Johnson, L, 4-1

Feb. 3 — at WSFLG (WI), W, 6-0

Feb. 5 — NORTH SHORE, L, 7-0

Feb. 9 — at Moose Lake Area, W, 5-4

Feb. 20 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 12-0, Section 7A quarterfinal game

INTERNATIONAL FALLS BRONCOS

Head coach: Chad Baldwin, 5th season Conference: Iron Range

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Noah Shikowski (7-9—16); F Royce Allan (6-8—14); F Jake Olson (1-8—9); F Parker Olson (5-1—6)

Key returners: Sr. F Cooper Crandall (15-18— 33); Jr. F/D Zach Youso (9-8—17); Sr. F Asher Keep (7-9—16); Sr. D Aiden McFarland (3-4—7); Jr. G Kane Thompson (4.69 GAA, .874 save percentage)

New faces to watch: Anthony Yerxa and Willy Yerxa

Outlook: After a 13-win season in 20222023, the International Falls boys hockey team took a step back last season with a 6-19-2 record. Goalscoring, or lack thereof, proved to be among the biggest factors

Broncos on J31

2023-24 RESULTS

RECORD: 6-19-2

Nov. 28 — LAKE OF THE WOODS, L, 6-1

Dec. 7 — at Crookston, L, 4-1

Dec. 12 — at Ely, L, 3-2

Dec. 14 — at Moose Lake Area, W, 5-4

Dec. 16 — KITTSON COUNTY CENTRAL, W, 5-1

Dec. 21 — DULUTH MARSHALL, L, 8-2

Dec. 22 — FORT FRANCES (Ontario), T, 2-2

Dec. 27 — at West Fargo Sheyenne (N.D.), L, 10-2, (West Fargo Winter Classic)

Dec. 28 — at West Fargo (N.D.), L, 11-1, (West Fargo Winter Classic)

Dec. 29 — at Bismarck Century (N.D.), L, 7-0, (West Fargo Winter Classic)

Jan. 6 — PROCTOR, L, 3-1

Jan. 9 — ROCK RIDGE, L, 15-1

Jan. 12 — ST. PAUL JOHNSON, W, 2-0

Jan. 16 — ELY, L, 4-2

Jan. 18 — GREENWAY, W, 3-0

Jan. 25 — NORTH SHORE, T, 2-2

Jan. 26 — at Red Lake Falls, L, 9-2

Jan. 30 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, L, 11-0

Feb. 1 — at Kittson County Central, W, 7-0

Feb. 3 — CROOKSTON, L, 2-1

Feb. 6 — RED LAKE FALLS, L, 7-0

Feb. 9 — at Greenway, L, 2-1

Feb. 10 — at Fort Frances (Ontario), L, 5-2

Feb. 13 — at North Shore, L, 6-3

Feb. 15 — at Lake of the Woods, L, 5-4

Feb. 17 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, W, 8-4, Section 7A play-in game

Feb. 20 — at Hermantown, L, 14-0, Section 7A quarterfinal

Contributed / Bobbi Sivonen International Falls forward Asher Keep carries the puck through the neutral zone during a game against Moose Lake Area in the Section 7A play-in game on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Bronco Arena.

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 19 — at Greenway, 6 p.m.

Nov. 23 — at Wadena-Deer Creek, 6 p.m.

Dec. 6 — at Beaver Brae Secondary, 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Ely, 6 p.m.

Dec. 12 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, 6 p.m.

Dec. 14 — KITTSON COUNTY CENTRAL, 11 a.m.

Dec. 17 — at Park Rapids, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Fort Frances (Ontario), 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 26 — WILLMAR , 7:30 p.m., (Holiday Tournament)

Dec. 27 — FORT FRANCES, 7:30 p.m., (Holiday Tournament)

Dec. 28 — BAGLEY/FOSSTON , 7:30 p.m., (Holiday Tournament)

Jan. 3 — RED LAKE FALLS, 6 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Proctor, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Lake of the Woods, 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 — at Kittson County Central, 6 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Ely, 6 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Greenway, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Dryden (Ontario), 2 p.m.

Jan. 21 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at North Shore, 6 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Red Lake Falls, 6 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Crookston, 2 p.m.

Feb. 4 — FORT FRANCES (Ontario), 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 7 — GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — NORTH SHORE, 6 p.m.

Feb. 13 — LAKE OF THE WOODS, 6 p.m.

Head coach: Eric Thompson, first season

2023-2024 record: 2-22-1

Conference: Mississippi 8

Section: 7AA

Key departures: F

Zach Monson (6-5—11); D Justin Christenson (5-3— 8); F Lavonte Fischer (2-5—7); G Riley Pickell (5.34 GAA, .883 save percentage)

Key returners: Jr. F Ryan Troxell (5-1—6); Sr. D Milo Hetland (4-0—4); Jr. D Paul Wolters (0-1— 1); Jr. D Matt Wolters (0-3—3)

New faces to watch: So. F Riley Dufour; So. F Ben Fruth; So. D Kaden

NORTHERN EDGE STARS

Swenson Outlook: The 2023-2024 season proved to be a long and challenging one for the fledgling Northern Edge program as the team recorded just two wins and one tie in 25 games, including

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 22 — at Mora/Milaca, 7 p.m.

Nov. 26 — at Waconia, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — PRINCETON, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — ANOKA, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Cambridge-Isanti, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Chisago Lakes, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — TARTAN, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Monticello, 7 p.m.

Dec. 28 — at Forest Lake, 2 p.m.

Jan. 3 — BECKER/BIG LAKE, 7 p.m.

victories over Mora/ Milaca and Moose Lake Area, and a draw against Tartan.

Perhaps providing a glimmer of hope for the future is a new voice behind the bench in Eric Thompson, who previously served as an assistant last season. Thompson

Jan. 7 — MORA/MILACA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Princeton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Duluth Denfeld, 2 p.m.

Jan. 21 — BLOOMINGTON KENNEDY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — MONTICELLO, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — BRECK, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at Becker/Big Lake, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — PINE CITY AREA, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — SAUK RAPIDS/RICE, 7 p.m.

expects this year’s team, while still young, to be built on conditioning, work ethic and discipline.

The Stars, which were held to just over one goal per game last season, will need every bit of the aforementioned grit as the team loses its three top scorers in Zach

2023-24 RESULTS

recorD: 2-22-1

Nov. 24 — Bloomington Kennedy, L, 2-1, (River Falls Thanksgiving Invitational)

Nov. 25 — River Falls, L, 4-0, (River Falls Thanksgiving Invitational),

Dec. 2 — at Tartan, T, 3-3

Dec. 6 — at Princeton, L, 9-1

Dec. 7 — MORA/MILACA, L, 4-2

Dec. 12 — FOREST LAKE, L, 6-1

Dec. 14 — CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI, L, 5-0

Dec. 19 — at Chisago Lakes, L, 6-0

Dec. 22 — MONTICELLO, L, 7-0

Jan. 4 — BECKER/BIG LAKE, L, 4-0

Jan. 6 — at River Lakes, L, 5-2

Monson, Justin Christenson and Lavonte Fischer.

Team captain Ryan Troxell returns as the team’s leading point-getter from a season ago.

The Stars will look to Troxell’s guidance this coming year to help lead some of its newcomers in

NORTHERN TIER STARS

Head coach: Joe Fredrickson, first season Conference: Mississippi 8 Section: 7AA

Key departures: Jr. F Chloe King (transfer) (2415—39); F Jaden Kozak (14-20—34); So. F Molly Larson (transfer) (12-8— 20); F Kennedy Cusick (6-8—14); D Mackenzie Fiedler (0-5—5); G Mackenzie Baumgardt (2.35 GAA, .926 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F Ariel Carlsten (9-10—19); So. F Taylor Kozak (3-7— 10); Sr. F Makenna Sanders (1-2-3), Sr. F Josaphine Jones, Sr. D Olivia Nielsen (3-5—8); Sr. D Natalie Cheney (2-5—7) Sr. D

2023-24 RESULTS

recorD: 16-9-1

Nov. 14 — SARTELL/SAUK RAPIDS, W, 3-2

Nov. 16 — at Chisago Lakes, W, 8-4

Nov. 18 — at Buffalo, L, 2-1

Nov. 21 — at Anoka, W, 3-2

Nov. 28 — at North St. Paul/Tartan, L, 4-2

Dec. 2 — BRECK, W, 3-2

Dec. 4 — DULUTH, L, 5-3

Dec. 8 — NORTHERN LAKES, W, 6-2

Dec. 14 — HOPKINS/ST. LOUIS PARK, W, 5-1

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 12 — at Sartell/Sauk Rapids, 7:15 p.m.

Nov. 14 — CHISAGO LAKES, 7 p.m.

Nov. 19 — ANOKA, 7 p.m.

Nov. 21 — at Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 — at Elk River, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 — ST. PAUL/TWO RIVERS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — HUTCHINSON, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Breck, 1 p.m.

Dec. 12 — BUFFALO, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — PINE CITY AREA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG/

Taylor Johnson; Sr. G Abby Thurmer (2.62 GAA, .894 save percentage)

New faces to watch: So. F Tori Thurmer, Sr. F Alayna Szfranski (missed 2023-24 season due to injury)

Outlook: Since its inaugural season in

Dec. 19 — at Pine City Area, L, 4-0

Dec. 21 — OSSEO/PARK CENTER, T, 1-1

Dec. 26 — Rochester Mayo, W, 4-1, (Herb Brooks Holiday Classic)

Dec. 27 — North Shore, W, 1-0, (Herb Brooks Holiday Classic)

Dec. 28 — Pine City Area, W, 4-3, (Herb Brooks Holiday Classic),

Jan. 3 — at Robbinsdale Armstrong/ Cooper, W, 4-3

Jan. 4 — at Princeton/Big Lake/ Becker, W, 5-0

Jan. 9 — at Mora/Milaca, W, 3-2

Jan. 11 — at Pine City Area, L, 6-1

Jan. 13 — at Sauk Rapids-Rice, L, 8-0

Jan. 16 — PRINCETON, L, 5-1

Jan. 18 — at Moose Lake Area, W, 4-1

Jan. 20 — HOPKINS, L, 6-2

Jan. 25 — at Cambridge-Isanti, L, 5-0

Jan. 30 — CHISAGO LAKES, L, 7-2

Feb. 2 — at Monticello, L, 10-0

Feb. 6 — at Breck, L, 11-1

Feb. 8 — at Becker/Big Lake, L, 8-2

Feb. 10 — at Rock Ridge, L, 6-0

Feb. 12 — PINE CITY AREA, L, 9-1

Feb. 17 — at Duluth Marshall, L, 9-1, Section 7AA play-in game

sophomore forwards Riley Dufour and Ben Fruth, along with sophomore defenseman Kaden Swenson, who will look to provide a youthful spark to this year’s roster.

- Jake Przytarski

COOPER, 1 p.m.

Jan. 9 — HAYWARD (WI), 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at GENTRY ACADEMY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Osseo/Park Center, 3 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Chisago Lakes, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — at Princeton/Big Lake/ Becker, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 — MOUND WESTONKA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — PRINCETON/BIG LAKE/ BECKER, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Forest Lake

2019-2020, the Northern Tier girls hockey co-op has been a program on the rise with growth shown in each season. That trend continued this past year with the Stars establishing a new program benchmark in wins

Contributed / John “Legend on Wheels” Olson Northern Tier forward Ariel Carlsten fires a shot on goal during a game against Chisago Lakes on Jan. 23 at East Bethel Ice Arena. Tier on J31

Jan. 11 — PINE CITY AREA, W, 3-2

Jan. 13 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, L, 5-2

Jan. 16 — at Hutchinson, W, 4-2

Jan. 18 — PRINCETON/BIG LAKE/ BECKER, W, 9-0

Jan. 19 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, W, 3-2

Jan. 23 — CHISAGO LAKES, L, 5-1

Jan. 25 — FOREST LAKE, L, 6-3

Jan. 30 — at St. Paul/Two Rivers, W, 3-1

Feb. 1 — ANOKA, L, 2-1

Feb. 8 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, L, 5-0, Section 7AA quarterfinal

CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BLUEJACKETS

Head coach: Scott Overby, first season Conference: Mississippi 8

Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Seth Terhell (28-21—49); F Nolan Wotachek (4-6—10); Magnus Lillemo (2-6—8); D Jared Foster (5-9—14)

Key returners: Sr. F Sean Brown (10-25—35); Sr. F Josh Sauro (20-11—31); Sr. F Caleb Wisen (13-13—26); Sr. D Seth Splittstoser (3-11—14); Sr. G Jaxon Sibell (3.44 GAA, .896 save percentage)

New faces to watch:

“Not necessarily a new face to watch, (but) Jackson Ziebarth is a returner we expect to have a breakout year,” said first-year head coach Scott Overby. “He has great speed, plays with pace, and shoots the puck well. We also have a handful of

sophomores who have the potential to be big time contributors.”

Outlook: Last season marked a new, but familiar chapter for the CambridgeIsanti boys hockey program as the Bluejackets, after three years of competing in Section 5A, transitioned back to Section 7AA for the first time since the 2018-2019 season.

Though it took its fair

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

boy S

Nov. 23 — at Duluth Denfeld, 3 p.m.

Nov. 29 — Providence Academy (at TRIA Rink), TBD

Nov. 30 — Minneapolis (at TRIA Rink), TBD

Dec. 3 — at Chisago Lakes, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — at Princeton, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — NORTHERN EDGE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Becker/Big Lake, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — PINE CITY AREA, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 5 p.m.

Dec. 30 — SSP Premier Tournament (at Doug Woog Arena), TBD

Dec. 31 — SSP Premier Tournament (at Doug Woog Arena), TBD

share of lumps along the way in finishing with a 11-16 record, the group proved it’s more than capable of competing at the higher classification level with nine of its losses decided by one goal.

The tightly-contested games have formed a battletested group led by

Jan. 1 — SSP Premier Tournament (at Doug Woog Arena), TBD

Jan. 7 — FOREST LAKE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — MONTICELLO, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — ANOKA, 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Chisago Lakes, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — PRINCETON (Rusty Skates), 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Osseo, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Northern Edge, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — BECKER/BIG LAKE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Monticello, 7p.m.

Feb. 8 — LITTLE FALLS, 3 p.m.

Feb. 11 — ROCK RIDGE, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — DULUTH MARSHALL, 7 p.m.

double-digit goalscorers in Sean Brown, Josh Sauro, Caleb Wisen at forward, senior defenseman Seth Splittstoser and senior goaltender Jaxon Sibell.

“We have a strong seniorled team with a lot of varsity experience,” said Overby. “(We have) strong depth at

2023-24 RESULTS

RECORD: 11-16-0

Nov. 24 — Rochester Century/John Marshall, L, 6-3, (at TRIA Rink)

Nov. 25 — Mankato East, L, 4-3, (at TRIA Rink)

Nov. 28 — at Pine City Area, W, 5-2

Dec. 1 — TARTAN, W, 5-0

Dec. 5 — CHISAGO LAKES, L, 6-2

Dec. 8 — PRINCETON, W, 5-2

Dec. 14 — at Northern Edge, W, 5-0

Dec. 19 — at Becker/Big Lake W, 6-3

Dec. 21 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, L, 5-4

Dec. 26 — St. Paul Highland Park, W, 5-3, (SSP Premier Tournament)

Dec. 27 — Hastings, L, 3-2, (SSP Premier Tournament)

Dec. 28 — Farmington, W, 3-1, (SSP Premier Tournament)

forward with many of our top scorers returning.”

“Defensively we have a defensive pair that logged heavy minutes last year and we expect to have great goaltending,” he added.

How the bottom defensive pairings will fare remains the biggest question mark

MOOSE LAKE AREA

Jan. 5 — MONTICELLO, L, 6-4

Jan. 6 — at Anoka, L, 4-1

Jan. 9 — DULUTH DENFELD, L, 2-1

Jan. 12 — at Rock Ridge, L, 6-4

Jan. 16 — at Chisago Lakes, L, 5-4

Jan. 19 — at Princeton, L, 4-3

Jan. 25 — NORTHERN EDGE, W, 5-0

Jan. 27 — LUVERNE, L, 5-4

Jan. 30 — BECKER/BIG LAKE, W, 9-2

Feb. 2 — PINE CITY AREA, W, 6-3

Feb. 8 — at

entering the season.

“We have some inexperience defensively,” shared Overby. “Last year we lost five overtime games and nine one-goal games. Learning how to finish games will be one of our biggest challenges (as well).”

- Jake Przytarski

Head coach: Reilly Fawcett, fifth season

Key departures: F Jorja Jusczak (6-21—27); F Gracie Hartl (18-8—26); D Katie Metzer (6-6—12); F Megan Hattenberger (4-6—10).

Key returners: Sr. G Mallory Hartl (1.55 GAA, .946 save percentage); Sr. F Sandra Ribich (12-19— 31 last healthy season); Sr. D Hallie Klavu (13-13—26).

Outlook: Moose Lake Area graduated four of its top five point scorers following the 2023-24 campaign that ended in a Section 7A semifinal loss at the hands of Duluth Marshall, but that doesn’t

1

2 Chelbi

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 9 — at Breck, 3 p.m.

Nov. 12 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 — NORTH SHORE, 7 p.m.

Nov. 19 — at Proctor/Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 — FORT FRANCES (ON), 1 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — at St. Paul/Two Rivers, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — CHISAGO LAKES, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Hopkins/Park, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — HAYWARD, 1 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, 5 p.m.

Dec. 26 — TBD (National Sports

mean the Rebels are planning on taking a step backward this year.

Head coach Reilly Fawcett said her Rebels have set their sights on the Section 7A title game after narrowly missing it

Center), TBD

Dec. 27 — TBD (National Sports Center), TBD

Dec. 28 — TBD (National Sports Center), TBD

Dec. 30 — at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Jan. 3 — at Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — DODGE COUNTY, 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 — DULUTH, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — NORTHERN TIER, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, 5 p.m.

Jan. 27 — PINE CITY AREA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Simley, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — WARROAD, 6 p.m.

for the last several years.

“Our goal is to make it to the section final game,” Fawcett said.

“After narrowly missing it the past few years, our

Moose Lake on J28

2023-24

Nov. 11 — BRECK, L, 2-4

Nov. 14 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, L, 0-1

Nov. 21 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 0-2

Nov. 28 — ROCK RIDGE, L, 1-4

Nov. 30 — at North Shore, W, 6-2

Clint Austin / Duluth

Moose Lake Area goaltender Mallory Hartl (28) makes a save against Duluth Marshall at Mars Lakeview Arena on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, in Duluth.

Dec. 5 — ST. PAUL/TWO RIVERS, W, 3-0

Dec. 7 — at Superior, L, 2-5

Dec. 9 — HOPKINS/PARK, W, 3-0

Dec. 12 — at Chisago Lakes, L, 1-4

Dec. 14 — at Duluth, W, 3-2

Dec. 16 — at Hayward, W, 3-1

Dec. 19 — SIMLEY, W, 3-1

Dec. 21 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, W, 3-0

Jan. 2 — PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN, L, 1-3

Jan. 4 — NORTH SHORE, W, 3-0

Jan. 8 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, W, 3-1

Jan. 12 — LITCHFIELD/DASSEL-COKATO, L, 1-2

Jan. 15 — GENTRY ACADEMY, T, 1-1

Jan. 16 — at Northern Lakes, W, 8-0

Jan. 19 — at Northern Tier, L, 2-3

Jan. 25 — at Duluth Marshall, L, 1-2

Jan. 27 — at Dodge County, L, 0-3

Jan. 29 — DULUTH MARSHALL, W, 4-0

Feb. 1 — at Pine City Area, W, 1-0

Feb. 6 — ROCK RIDGE, W, 1-0

Feb. 10 — at Duluth Marshall, L, 1-5

News Tribune

28 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey

Head coach: Tony Bender, first season

Key departures: D Dalton Slama (15-10—25); D Jordan Bird (7-7—14); F Dawson Fjosne (8-8—16).

Key returners: F Joe Olson (8-14—22); D Ethan Dresel (0-2—2); D Henry Wyndt (2-6—8); D Max Petry (2-2—4); F Colin Prachar (0-1—1); F Jarek Caspersan (1-0—1); F Michael Larson (5-7—12); G Eli Gilbertson (4.87 GAA, .883 save percentage); Landen Lake.

Outlook: Moose Lake Area graduated an impactful senior class, including leading point-scorer Dalton Slama, but with nine seniors back on the roster this winter, first-year head coach Tony Bender believes the Rebels have more than enough to fill those gaps.

“We lost four seniors,”

MOOSE LAKE AREA REBELS

boys

Bender said. “Having nine seniors this year means we have a good core of kids who have varsity experience and can fill the gaps from last year.”

The Rebels return one 20-plus point scorer, senior forward Joe Olson, who tallied eight goals and 14 assists last season for a Moose Lake Area team that finished 6-19 overall.

Olson, alongside a strong returning cast, will also get help from sophomore Chase Klavu and senior Brayden Strand, a pair of forwards who Bender said will bring “skill level and added speed” to Moose Lake Area’s attack this year. As a first-year head coach, Bender is focused on having a roster that

Fawcett hopes is a stout Rebels defense.

from J27

players are more determined than ever to get there.”

One of the main focuses of the Moose Lake Area staff is improving consistency throughout the entire game. Last year, Fawcett’s team played dominant periods most nights, but sometimes faltered in one period that ultimately led to losses.

“Another key focus is improving our consistency across all three periods,” Fawcett said. “An area we struggled with last season that ultimately affected our playoff performance.”

Perhaps no player will be more important to Moose Lake Area achieving its goals than goaltender Mallory Hartl.

Already committed to play Division I hockey at Providence next year, Hartl is the anchor for what

Hartl is coming off of a season in which she allowed just 1.55 goals per game while boasting a staggering .946 save percentage. Fawcett said goaltending is a strength for her Rebels and that Hartl will significantly impact Moose Lake Area’s success this year.

“Our strengths this year will be our goaltending, leadership and grit on the ice,” Fawcett said. “We have a standout goaltender who not only makes crucial saves, but stays calm under pressure.”

While Hartl will backstop the Rebels this year, senior forward Sandra Ribich has a chance to be the offensive spark Moose Lake Area needs after graduating several top scorers from last year. Ribich led Moose Lake Area in points during her sophomore year, but missed all of the 2023-24 campaign due to injury.

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 22 — WADENA-DEER CREEK, 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 — RED WING, 11 a.m.

Nov. 26 — at Greenway, 6 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at Ely, 2 p.m.

Dec. 3 — MORA/MILACA, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at WSFLG, 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 — NORTHWEST ICEMEN, 6 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at International Falls, 6 p.m.

Dec. 16 — SPOONER, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — BAGLEY/FOSSTON, 5 p.m.

works hard, refines the fundamentals continually and plays as a cohesive unit. He said that exercising discipline will help Moose Lake Area reach its goals this season.

“(Our strengths are) work ethic, strong leadership, team unity and discipline,” Bender said. “Goals this year are to improve on last year’s record, get better as the season goes on and make a strong playoff run.”

She’s back on the ice for her senior year and Fawcett believes Ribich, alongside Hallie Klavu, will be critical to the Rebels’ offense.

“Sandra led our team in points during her sophomore year, and we definitely felt her absence last season,” Fawcett said.

“Hallie Klavu is a returning defensemen who made an impact on both ends of the ice, contributing 26 points last year.”

Fawcett acknowledged that Moose Lake Area is a young team this year, but said that with a handful of key returning veterans at important positions, the Rebels are poised to have a big year.

“We have several plays that lead by example both on and off the ice,” Fawcett said. “Their ability to motivate teams, communicate and set high standards will help guide our team through reaching our goals.”

- Reagan Hoverman

Jan. 3 — at Mora Milaca, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Ashland, 6 p.m.

Jan. 9 — WSFLG, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 — NORTH SHORE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Northern Edge, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Pine City Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — at Northwest Icemen, 6 p.m.

Jan. 28 — ASHLAND, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Becker/Big Lake, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Lake of the Woods, 5 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — ELY, 6 p.m.

Mose Lake Area is looking to make a jump this year, but it won’t be without challenges. The Rebels will not face every Section 7A program in the regular season and the road trips they face may be daunting, both in terms of distance and opposing competition.

2023-24 RESULTS

record: 6-19

Nov. 28 — at Mora/Milaca, L, 4-6

Dec. 5 — at Becker/Big Lake, L, 2-12

Dec. 7 — at WSFLG, W, 3-2

Dec. 9 — at Ely, L, 1-7

Dec. 12 — at Spooner, W, 4-2

Dec. 14 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, L, 4-5

Dec. 19 — at North Shore, L, 2-5

Dec. 21 — at Bagley/Fosston, W, 4-3

Dec. 27 — St. Paul Johnson (Ely Ice Arena), L, 2-5

Dec. 28 — Kittson County Central (Ely Ice Arena), L, 2-3

Dec. 29 — Ely (Ely Ice Arena), L, 2-3

Jan. 5 — MORA/MILACA, L, 1-3

Jan. 9 — ASHLAN, W, 9-2

Jan. 16 — SPOONER, W, 5-3

Jan. 18 — NORTHERN EDGE, L, 1-4

Jan. 20 — at Lake of the Woods, L, 2-10

Jan. 23 — PINE CITY AREA, L, 0-8

Jan. 25 — WSFLG, L, 1-4

Jan. 27 — at Wadena-Deer Creek, L, 5-7

Jan. 29 — at Ashland, W, 3-2

Feb. 2 — BECKER/BIG LAKE, L, 1-4

Feb. 6 — NORTH SHARE, L, 1-6

Feb. 8 — at Northern Lakes, L, 0-5

Feb. 9 — ELY, L, 4-5

Feb. 17 — at International Falls, L, 4-8

“The biggest challenge is we don’t play all the teams in Section 7A,” Bender said. “Also, our away schedule and the distance we have to travel will make it challenging. I think we will compete every game and make the necessary adjustments to be successful.” - Reagan Hoverman

PREP BOYS HOCKEY

YOUTH SUCCESS

translates to bright future for Hibbing/Chisholm

BY JAKE PRZYTARSKI Duluth News Tribune

HIBBING

Every so often in a program’s history, a special group of players comes along who can elevate a team to new heights in a short amount of time.

That was the case for a youthful, but highlytouted Hibbing/ Chisholm boys hockey team last season, as the Bluejackets reached their first Section 7A title game since 20152016 with 19 underclassmen leading the way. With a full season of varsity hockey now under their belts, the group of players from the 2026, 2027, and 2028 classes may be on the precipice of something much greater after winning state titles at the PeeWee A and Bantam A levels in 2021 and 2023.

Over the two championship seasons, the Bluejackets went a combined 86-8 with largely the same group of players united in the youth program since Squirts.

“We had the mentality that we were better than every other team, and it showed,” said junior forward Tate Swanson of the team’s unprecedented youth hockey run, of which he was a major part. “We just outworked everyone, and I think we could do it this year. That’s our

main focus.”

In his first year of varsity hockey as a sophomore, Swanson led the team with 48 points, along with fellow 2026 class members Isaiah Hildenbrand and Kelin Elsner, who

collectively formed a dynamic scoring trio.

The Bluejackets have the ability to shut down teams defensively as well, with Jackson Strukel, Ethan Sundvall and Mason McDonald leading the blue line,

along with junior Gavin Lamphere, who was the starting goaltender for the two youth state titles, and figures to split time in net with senior Rex Walli this season.

“They’re a really

hungry group,” said first-year head coach Aaron Jamnick on the team’s large classes of freshmen, sophomores and juniors. “They’re rink rats, and they love the game. They’re a really tight group and

they get along great and they all just want to get better…”

Over the fall, Swanson, Strukel and Sundvall all got a head start on the season by

Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group Hibbing/Chisholm goaltender Rex Walli focuses before the start of the second period against during the Section 7A championship on Feb. 28 at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

Hibbing on J30

30 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey

making their Elite League debuts competing for Team TDS Transportation against some of the best players across the state.

“We all put in a ton of work to take big jumps,” said Strukel, who will miss a large part of the season due to an injury sustained in the final Elite League game. “All throughout the year, I just think we need to keep getting better just like we always do, and hopefully that’ll help us make that jump to make it to the state tournament.”

The Bluejackets will have a long and challenging road to get there this season as the team faces a gauntlet of highly-competitive teams to start the regular season including matchups against top Class A teams in Mahtomedi, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, St. Cloud Cathedral, along with Class AA opponent Cretin-Derham Hall.

The tough schedule will provide plenty of biggame experience ahead of the ever-daunting Section 7A tournament which features a host of capable teams and prohibitive favorite Hermantown, which defeated the Bluejackets in last year’s section final.

“Everybody’s super excited,” said Hildenbrand looking ahead to the start of the season. “There’s a lot of great teams in our section, so just trying to get better everyday and hopefully put ourselves back in that situation and try to win that.”

The team’s unity created through the enormous success attained in the youth hockey ranks, along with time spent off the ice as friends, will go a long way towards helping them reach their goals, according to Hildenbrand.

Hibbing/Chisholm

“They’re rink rats, and they love the game. They’re a really tight group and they get along great and they all just want to get better…”

– HEAD COACH AARON JAMNICK

Hildenbrand. “We all try to stay together during the offseason to do some workouts together and make sure that we’re not just together during the hockey season so we can kind of grow even when we’re not in hockey.” CONTINUED from J29

“Everybody really gets along with each other so that really helps,” said

Photos by Amy Arntson / Duluth Media Group

players celebrate their second goal of the Section 7A semifinals against Cloquet-Esko-Carlton at Amsoil Arena in Duluth on Feb. 24.

Hibbing/Chisholm players celebrate after winning a Section 7A semifinal against Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Feb. 24 at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL

BRONCOS

in the Broncos’ regression, as the team was held to only 59 goals—a significant dip from their mark of 107 the year prior.

In spite of the recent offensive challenges, head coach Chad Baldwin remains optimistic that the team can take a step forward this season given the talent across the 2025, 2026 and 2027 classes for this year’s Broncos’ squad.

“Our senior, junior, and sophomore groups have all had great success at the youth levels,” said International Falls head coach Chad Baldwin. “They’ve all played in big games and know what it takes to win. They are a committed and dedicated group.”

International Falls returns leading goalscorer Cooper Crandall this season, along with starting goaltender Kane Thompson. Added to this year’s mix are Anthony and Willy Yerxa, who Baldwin believes will be

among some of the team’s newcomers to keep an eye on this season.

The influx of young talent will be both exciting and challenging at times for the team as they look to replace forwards Noah Shikowski, Royce Allan, Jake Olson and Parker Olson.

“(We’re a) younger team that will have underclassmen playing important roles throughout the lineup as soon as the season begins,” he shared.

- Jake Przytarski

TIER

CONTINUED from J26

after finishing the season 16-9-1—doubling its win total the year prior.

As the unified program consisting of North Branch, Cambridge-Isanti, and St. Francis looks to take another step forward this season, the team will rely on its senior leadership, team speed, and a steady returning goaltender in senior Abby Thurmer to get there.

“(Our) 10 returning seniors will provide

Mike Randolph targets multi-year tenure with Northern Lakes hockey program

BY REAGAN HOVERMAN Duluth News Tribune

PROCTOR

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally appeared in the News Tribune on July 31.

Everyone in the State of Hockey appears to have an obsession with Minnesota’s storied alltime prep coaching wins record.

Everyone ... except the man who is one win away from owning it by himself.

Mike Randolph, Duluth East’s former head coach who spent 32 years with the program, has amassed 707 career wins, tying him for Minnesota’s all-time

benchmark. His most recent 49 victories came in a three-year stint at St. Thomas Academy, an institution that chose not to renew his contract in April, just one win shy of making state history.

“I couldn’t care less about one more win,” Randolph said. “I would tell those (who think it’s only about the record) that they don’t know me. I got offers from Duluth East, an offer from Cretin-Derham Hall, that if I didn’t get a job, they would have me on the bench for one more win.”

With offers on the table and the record seemingly

leadership and a speedy group of forwards and defense corps, along with a steady goaltender (will be our biggest strength),” according to first-year head coach Joe Fredrickson, who started the St. Francis girls hockey program in 1997.

The Stars will have some holes to patch up front this season after losing their top three scorers to graduation and transfers. Ariel Carlsten, who posted 19 points (9-10—19) as a junior last season, is Northern Tier’s most proven returning point-getter for a team

that averaged 3.15 goals per game last season. Fredrickson anticipates the team will see some of its newest members continue to grow as they get acclimated to their new roles.

“Losing four to graduation and three to transfer (will be the biggest challenge),” said Fredrickson. “Getting players into new roles with additional ice time should be seasonlong development that builds us as the season progresses into the playoffs.”

- Jake Przytarski

Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group

Duluth East coach Steve Pitoscia and Northern Lakes coach Mike Randolph laugh together after the summer game on Saturday, July 27 at the Aspirus St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center in Proctor.

RaNDOlph on J32

32 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey

easily breakable, Randolph was under no pressure to find another job this offseason. If he went through months of interviews and didn’t feel as if a program was the right fit, he wasn’t going to force it.

Randolph, who led Duluth East to 18 state tournaments and two state championships from 1988 to 2021, ultimately found the right fit. Four programs reached out quickly after hearing of his departure from St. Thomas Academy, one of which was Northern Lakes.

“I went in for an interview with Northern Lakes and it just felt right,” Randolph said. “I have an assistant who has been with me the last two years, and he came here too, so there were a lot of pieces that came together. A lot of things had to fall in place.”

The Pequot Lakesbased co-op program, which played in the Section 6A championship game last year, proved to be an attractive destination. When assessing the state of the program, he saw a roster that includes several integral returning starters from last year’s team that finished 18-10 overall, in addition to a pipeline of promising talent in the youth program.

Because of those factors, Randolph has targeted a multi-year tenure with Northern Lakes. He doesn’t foresee it being a one-year stint, as many hockey fans around the state initially speculated after hearing of his hiring this summer.

“No,” Randolph said about Northern Lakes potentially being a oneyear stop. “We’ve got a good three years going. People have been telling

me (that I’m chasing the record) forever.”

When word of Randolph’s hiring reached the players, it sent shockwaves through the locker room. They knew what kind of a coach was about to walk through their doors — and their excitement was nearly uncontrollable.

Among those who believe Randolph will take the program to the next level is Anthony Noyes, a senior forward who spent nearly all of last season recovering from a significant back injury.

“I think everyone is excited to have him here,” Noyes said.

“Everyone sees that he is good for our program and we’re all excited to have him here. It’s definitely been different so far.”

Although practice has been limited, Randolph and his players grow more acquainted each time they touch ice, which included the opening two days of the Proctor Hockey Summerfest at Aspirus St. Luke’s Sports & Event Center in late July.

Northern Lakes battled with Cloquet-EskoCarlton on Friday morning before squaring off in another exhibition game against Duluth East on Saturday evening. Noyes said the games are an opportunity to continue learning Randolph’s extensive new system.

“Literally everything is different,” Noyes said. “It’s good, and he’s legit. It’s hard to learn right away, but we’ve caught on pretty quickly. He’s just teaching us the basics of his new style of coaching and it’s really good. Everyone is learning pretty fast.”

Randolph’s supporters are not only in the Northern Lakes locker room. Coaches around the state revere the

Pitoscia said. “He knows how to lead and drive young men to be better. It’s tough to explain unless you’ve been in his room, but you just don’t want to let him down.”

Just as Pitoscia didn’t want to let Randolph down when he played for him more than three decades ago at Duluth East, Noyes feels the same way about the upcoming season with Northern Lakes.

Noyes said that he and his teammates are being coached differently than ever before and that with Randolph’s nearly unprecedented track record of success, the future looks bright.

legend, including Duluth East’s Steve Pitoscia, who played for Randolph in the early 1990s and succeeded him as head coach of the Greyhounds in 2021.

Between playing for Randolph and serving as a coach in his feeder program for the better part of two decades, Pitoscia knows his predecessor as well as anyone. He

believes that Randolph will immediately elevate a program, no matter where he goes.

“I think he will have success there, or anywhere he coaches,”

“He has so much experience with all of those state titles, I think he can bring that to us,” Noyes said. “Nobody in this locker room has ever been coached like this. It’s different for sure, but he’s top-level. Hopefully we can get there too.”

Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group

Coach Mike Randolph talks to his team on Saturday, July 27 at the Aspirus St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center in Proctor.

Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group Duluth East coach Steve Pitoscia watches his team play Northern Lakes at the Aspirus St. Luke’s Sports & Event Center in Proctor.

TEAM EFFORT

Replacing Autumn Cooper’s offensive production will require the help of all the Spartans

BY REAGAN HOVERMAN Duluth News Tribune

SUPERIOR

Few high school student-athletes have a legacy that rivals that of Superior’s Autumn Cooper.

As a junior, Cooper led Superior to its first state tournament since 2006 and first state title game since 2005. A season later, last winter, she earned Wisconsin’s Ms. Hockey honors while leading the state in scoring with 71 total points.

Simply put, she was a trailblazer in a historically strong program. Her on-ice contributions are second to none, but Superior head coach Doug Trentor said Cooper was just as good — if not better — off the ice as a leader and individual of character.

“She was a leader inside and outside the locker room, and in the community,” Trentor said. “Truly one of a kind. She will be missed, there is no getting around that. The whole organization down to the youth level looked up to her. It’s a big loss, for sure.”

Trentor acknowledged that replacing Cooper — regardless of who is on the roster — is not a oneperson job. Trying to recoup some of her stateleading 71 points, which included playoff production, will be a full team effort.

“The nice thing is our depth,” Trentor said. “We’re not asking one

Reinke may be poised for a marvelous senior Jed Carlson / Duluth Media Group Superior’s Makaela Reinke (11) blasts a shot during the Spartans’ game with Duluth Marshall at the Superior Ice Arena in early December 2022.

person to collect 70 points, it needs to be a team effort. We have a balanced team with good lines, good depth, and as a whole, we should recoup some of the points we’re losing from her.”

If there were a player tailormade to replace outgoing offensive production, it would be Makaela Reinke. During her junior season last winter, the dynamic forward tallied 36 goals and 18 assists for 54 total points, which made her a top-10 scorer in the state.

Although Cooper far and away led the Spartans in points last season,

Reinke paced Superior in goals. A uniquely talented player with a knack for scoring, Reinke is excited to build on last season and up her game even more in her senior campaign.

“Last year I built off of my sophomore season a lot,” Reinke said. “This year, I’m just going to keep building and doing everything I can to score points and help us win games.”

Trentor said that Reinke is no secret in Wisconsin. Teams throughout the state know how dominant she can be and now, as the primary scoring

option, the Spartans are going to fully unleash their seemingly unstoppable goal-scorer.

“You talk about who’s up next, it’s her,” Trentor said. “She is one of the best in the state, we know that, we’re going to use that to our strengths and unleash her. We’re going to let her get as many points as she possibly can.”

Superior on J34

SERVING THE NORTHLAND FOR 40 YEARS!

34 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey

from J33

year, but recording 70-plus points is a tall task, even for a player as athletically gifted as her. That’s why Superior will look to a couple of other forwards to maintain the Spartans’ potent offensive attack.

Among those players who are capable of scoring in bunches are junior Addy Benson and senior Gabryel Olson, who scored 42 and 35 points last season, respectively. Both were top-four pointscorers for the Spartans, and they’re expected to produce again.

“We talk about Autumn Cooper and Makaela Reinke, but you also have to take a look at Addy Benson,” Trentor said. “She’s another one of those five-tool athletes. We’ve got players who complement each other well. I really like our depth.”

There is no doubt that Superior has legitimate firepower and enough offensive production to test all of the light bulbs in even the oldest scoreboards around the Twin Ports, but the Spartans also have players flying under the radar.

Trentor said that senior forward Emma Ferg, who tallied 22 points last year for a Spartans team that finished 21-4-1, brings the complete package to the program. Ferg is excited for another winter playing for what she expects to be a strong Spartans team.

“I think we will have another great year,” Ferg said. “Our coaches are doing a really good job of team building to help us connect more as a group on and off the ice. That’s really helpful for the team to build an atmosphere like that.”

Ferg expressed a similar sentiment to Trentor, saying that both Reinke and Benson will be

pivotal to any success Superior is going to have this year, especially if the Spartans find themselves in Madison for the state tournament.

“(Makaela) leads by example, but she talks and hypes up the locker room, too,” Ferg said.

“Addy Benson is the sweetest girl ever. She’s a leader — very uplifting,

very confident. She just does a great job.”

After coming up short in a Division 1 sectional title game last year, Superior isn’t shying away from its thirst for revenge. The Spartans rallied from three goals down in that game, but ultimately lost in OT to a Central Wisconsin team that went on to win the state championship. The pain of losing that game is still fresh in the minds of Reinke and the Spartans, and this season is a chance to avenge that loss and get back to Madison to compete for a state title.

“We want some revenge against the Storm,” Reinke said.

“That’s the only team from Wisconsin that beat us, and it was our last game of the year. This season, we want to make it to Madison.”

Superior’s Addy Benson (27) rips a shot past North Shore’s Reese Costley (9) in the first period of the game in Superior on Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, 2023.

Superior’s Makaela Reinke (11) keeps her eyes on the puck as she skates to the corner in the second period of the game in Superior on Tuesday evening, Jan. 9.

Photos by Jed Carlson / Duluth Media Group

Superior’s Autumn Cooper (21) celebrates her goal during the Spartans’ game with Hayward in Superior on Feb. 22.

Head coach: Doug Trentor, sixth season

Key departures: F Autumn Cooper (35-36—71)

SUPERIOR SPARTANS

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 22 — at Eau Claire Area, 5 p.m.

Nov. 26 — CFM SABERS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at International Falls, 3 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Hayward, 5 p.m.

Dec. 21 — BLACK RIVER FALLS, 2 p.m.

Dec. 26 — TBD, Madison tournament

Dec. 27 — TBD, Madison tournament

Dec. 28 — TBD, Madison tournament

Jan. 2 — at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — ST. CROIX VALLEY, 12:30 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

Record: 21-4-1

Nov. 17 — at Western Wisconsin, W, 6-0

Nov. 21 — at CFM Sabers, W, 9-1

Dec. 2 — at Sartell/Sauk Rapids, W, 8-3

Dec. 7 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, W, 5-2

Dec. 9 — at Coulee Region, W, 16-1

Dec. 12 — NORTH SHORE, W, 9-0

Dec. 14 — at Duluth Marshall, L, 1-5

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

Jan. 9 — ROCK RIDGE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Hudson, 4 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 — at Proctor/Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — COULEE REGION, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — ROCK COUNTY, 1 p.m.

Feb. 8 — at Central Wisconsin, 2 p.m.

Feb. 13 — HAYWARD, 7 p.m.

Feb. 14 — WESTERN WISCONSIN, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 29 — Central Wisconsin (Madison Ice Arena), W, 3-2

Jan. 5 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, W, 5-0

Jan. 6 — EAU CLAIRE AREA, W, 7-3

Jan. 9 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, W, 4-0

Jan. 13 — at Medford, W, 8-0

Jan. 16 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, L, 3-8

Jan. 20 — HUDSON, W, 3-1

Dec. 16 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, W, 8-0

Dec. 19 — at Rock Ridge, W, 3-2

Dec. 21 — HAYWARD, W, 5-2

Dec. 23 — at St. Croix Valley, W, 5-3

Dec. 27 — at Lightning, W, 10-2

Dec. 28 — Metro Lynx (Madison Ice Arena), W, 6-0

2024-25 ROSTER

Key returners: Sr. G Kaylie Nault (2.04 GAA, .902 save percentage); Soph. F PaisLee Lystig (5-11—16); Sr. F Isabella Thompson (5-5—10), Soph. D Ellie Olson; Soph. F Adelynn Severin; Jr. D Michaela Geissler (4-14—18); Sr. F Kenlyn Thimm (4-9—13); Soph. F Kylee Lindberg; Sr. F Makaela Reinke (36-18— 54); Soph. F Abbryella Hatinger; Sr. F Hailey Olby (1-10—11); Jr. F Olivia Prendergast (0-4—4); Jr. D Alexia Kimmes (0-3—3); Soph. F Aaliyah Haroldson (6-2—8); Sr. D Katelyn Stamper (3-8— 11); Jr. F Liz Powell (2-4— 6); Sr. F Gabryel Olson (14-21—35); Sr. F Emma Ferg (10-12—22); Sr. F Alivia Visger (1-0—1); Soph. F Ella Larson (1-5— 6); Jr. F Adalyn Benson (21-21—42); Jr. D Madelyn Bachand (6-14—20); Soph. G Evie Jenkins. Outlook: Superior enters the season with justifiably high expectations after playing in a Division 1 state championship game two years ago and a sectional title contest last winter. Being in Madison, or on the doorstep, is the standard, but this year the team will look differently. The Spartans graduated just one player, Autumn Cooper, but her departure cannot be understated. The dynamic forward was crowned Wisconsin’s Ms. Hockey

Jan. 23 — DULUTH, W, 5-3

Jan. 29 — PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN, L, 5-9

Feb. 3 — CENTRAL WISCONSIN, T, 1-1

Feb. 10 — WESTERN WISCONSIN, W, 6-2

Feb. 20 — NORTHLAND PINES, W, 10-1

Feb. 23 — at Central Wisconsin, L, 3-4

Capitol Ice Arena in Middleton.

last season after she finished with 71 points stemming from 35 goals and 36 assists.

SpartanS on J46

Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram Superior’s Makaela Reinke (11) beats Hudson goalie Catt Donna (30) to tie the game 2-2 in the third period of the state semifinal game on March 2, 2023, at Bob Suter’s

Head coach: Rob Downs, first season

Key departures: G Trent Peterson (2.73 GAA, .920 save percentage); F Lucas Williams 12-10— 22); D Jackson Marthaler (6-1—7).

Key returners: F Brayden Severin (6-9—15); F Brady Haroldson (7-7— 14); F Braydon Hurtig (4-9—13); F/D Tyler Olson (6-6—12); F Cainen Raivala (3-5—8).

Outlook: This may be Rob Downs’ first year leading the Superior Spartans, but he’s no stranger to the program. He was on staff as an assistant for 18 years before taking the head coaching position this summer.

Also on staff are Evan Nelson, who was head coach for the last two years and has a decade of experience in the program, along with Ryan Hendry, who has 18 years of experience as an assistant coach. Downs also

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 26 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 — Eau Claire Memorial tournament (Hobbs Ice Arena), 4 p.m.

Nov. 30 — Eau Claire Memorial tournament (Hobbs Ice Arena), TBD

Dec. 3 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — NEW RICHMOND, 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — CHIPPEWA FALLS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Duluth Denfeld, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 — ROCK RIDGE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Hayward, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26 — Denfeld Holiday (Essentia Duluth Heritage Center), TBD

SUPERIOR SPARTANS boys

added a 2014 Superior graduate to his coaching staff this summer.

“One new face will be behind the bench with the addition of Aaron Miller as a coach,” Downs said. “Aaron brings experience from his time in junior hockey (Minnesota Wilderness), his college years at Bemidji State and years of playing professional hockey.”

During his first several months as head coach, Downs has emphasized the importance of culture, team above individual, and doing all of the little things correctly that will lead to winning.

Of course, Downs and the Spartans want to compete for and win sectional and state titles, but his goals for the 2024-25 campaign are tied more to controlling the controllable with the belief that winning and success will follow.

Superior on J46

Dec. 27 — Denfeld Holiday (Essentia Duluth Heritage Center), TBD

Dec. 28 — Denfeld Holiday (Essentia Duluth Heritage Center), TBD

Jan. 2 — CLOQUET, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Eau Claire Memorial, 6 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — EAU CLAIRE NORTH, 2 p.m.

Jan. 21 — HERMANTOWN, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Proctor, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — RIVER FALLS, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at Eau Claire North, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — BALDWIN-WOODVILLE, 7 p.m.

Feb. 15 — UNIVERSITY SCHOOL, 2 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

record: 9-13-3

Nov. 24 — Notre Dame (Hobbs Ice Arena), L, 1-2

Nov. 25 — Wausau West (Hobbs Ice Arena), W, 6-2

Dec. 5 — DULUTH MARSHALL, W, 2-1

Dec. 12 — NORTH SHORE, W, 5-1

Dec. 14 — DULUTH DENFELD, L, 1-5

Dec. 16 — AMERY, W, 4-1

Dec. 19 — at Rock Ridge, L, 1-4

Dec. 21 — HAYWARD, W, 6-0

Dec. 27 — at Bay Port, L, 2-5

Dec. 28 — Tomahawk (Community First Champion Center), W, 5-3

Dec. 29 — New Richmond (Community First

Champion Center), T, 4-4

Jan. 4 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 1-2

Jan. 5 — at Baldwin-Woodville, W, 2-0

Jan. 9 — GRAND RAPIDS, 2-5

Jan. 16 — at Chippewa Falls, L, 2-5

Jan. 20 — at New Richmond, L, 1-8

Jan. 23 — at Hermantown, L, 0-6

Jan. 25 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, L, 2-3

Jan. 27 — at Hudson, L, 1-3

Feb. 1 — PROCTOR, L, 1-2

Feb. 2 — at Sheboygan, T, 3-3

Feb. 3 — at University School, T, 1-1

Feb. 9 — at Eau Claire North, W, 2-1

Feb. 13 — ASHLAND, W, 7-1

Feb. 15 — at Eau Claire Memorial, L, 1-4

Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram

Superior’s Brayden Severin (7) moves the puck around Chippewa Falls’ Sam Hebert (5) in the first period at Wessman Arena in Superior on Jan. 17, 2023.

Head coach: Mike Hoff, first season

Key departures: G Harper Powell (2.63 GAA, .915 save percentage), F Kinsey Komarek (4-10-14), F/D Katie Carpenter (7-6-13)

Returning starters:

Soph. F Berkley Hoff (9-918), Soph. F Reese Costley (7-9-16), Soph. F Hayden Bright (7-8-15)

New faces to watch: Fr. F Hallie Komarek; from Duluth Marshall: Sr. F Nina Thorson (24-17-41), Jr. Sarah Stauber (5-28-33)

Outlook: Despite some solid goaltending from Harper Powell last season, the Storm averaged just 2.27 goals per game and struggled to just nine wins and a section quarterfinal loss to Proctor/ Hermantown.

This year could be a completely different story for North Shore and firstyear head coach Mike Hoff thanks to a dynamite sophomore class and an infusion of players from Duluth Marshall. The Hilltoppers fielded just 13 skaters last season and still managed to challenge Proctor/Hermantown for section dominance behind the often transcendent play of two-time All-Area Player of the Year Ilsa Lindaman.

While Lindaman is now at St. Thomas, teammates Nina Thorson and Sarah Stauber are both playing with the Storm now.

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 12 — DULUTH, 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 — at Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Nov. 19 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Nov. 22 — at Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 — at Hopkins/St. Louis Park, 1 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Pine City Area, 3 p.m.

Dec. 10 — SUPERIOR, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, 6 p.m.

Dec. 13 — SARTELL/SAUK RAPIDS, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — NORTHERN LAKES, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26 — at Minnesota River, TBD, Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

NORTH SHORE STORM

North Shore’s Berkley Hoff (8) tries to knock the puck away from Superior’s Emma Ferg

Arena on December 12, 2023.

Thorson was among the most skilled offensive players in the area not named Lindaman last season and Stauber is perhaps the most talented defenseman in the area.

Sophomores Berkley Hoff, Reese Costley and Hayden Bright were the

Dec. 27 — Univ. of Milwaukee (WI), TBD, Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

Dec. 28 — at Rochester Mayo, TBD, Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

Jan. 3 — at Mound Westonka/ Southwest Christian, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Hayward (WI), 6 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Princeton/Big Lake/ Becker, 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 — ROCK RIDGE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at International Falls, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — PINE CITY AREA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — PROCTOR-HERMANTOWN, 7 p.m. (at Mars Lakeview Arena)

Feb. 1 — VISITATION, 1 p.m.

top three scorers for the Storm last season and should pack even more punch this year.

North Shore will have better numbers with its contingent from Marshall than it has had and the Hilltopper veterans will be able to spend a little more time on the bench between

2023-24 RESULTS

Record: 9-17-0

Nov. 14 — at Duluth, L, 3-2

Nov. 17 — LITCHFIELD/DASSELCOKATO, L, 5-0

Nov. 21 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, L, 5-2

Nov. 28 — at Duluth Marshall, L, 5-0

Nov. 30 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, L, 6-2

Dec. 2 — at Pine City Area, L, 3-0

Dec. 5 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, W, 2-1

Dec. 8 — HOPKINS/ST. LOUIS PARK, W, 5-3

Dec. 12 — at Superior, L, 9-0

Dec. 14 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, W, 7-0

Dec. 15 — at Northern Lakes, W, 2-0

Dec. 19 — DULUTH MARSHALL, L, 6-2

Dec. 21 — at Rock Ridge, L, 3-1

Dec. 26 — at Univ. of Milwaukee (WI), W, 5-1,

shifts than they have in seasons.

The challenge for the Storm will be scheduling logistics with students in Duluth, Two Harbors and Silver Bay as well as getting the players all on the same page, according to Mike Hoff.

- Jamey Malcomb

Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

Dec. 27 — NORTHERN TIER, L, 1-0, Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

Dec. 28 — at Western Wisconsin, L, 4-1, Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

Jan. 4 — at Moose Lake Area, L, 3-0

Jan. 13 — PRINCETON/BIG LAKE/BECKER, W, 6-0

Jan. 16 — ROCK RIDGE, L, 3-2

Jan. 20 — at Detroit Lakes, W, 5-0

Jan. 23 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, L, 1-0

Jan. 26 — PINE CITY AREA, L, 3-1

Jan. 29 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 3-0

Feb. 1 — at International Falls, W, 9-0

Feb. 2 — FORT FRANCES (ON), W, 4-1

Feb. 6 — at Proctor/Hermantown, L, 5-1, Section 7A quarterfinal

Jed Carlson / Duluth Media Group

(22) in the first period of the game at the Superior Ice

38 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey Preview

Head coach: Shawn Lundgren, fourth season

Key departures: G Zach Bentler (2.93 GAA, .912 save percentage), D Tucker Cook (0-4-4), F Braylen Hoff (5-16), F Andrew Wehrman (4-59), F Jake Stadler (18-23-41), F Kip Jones (0-1-1)

Returning starters: Sr. F Ayden Althaus (14-12-26), Sr. F Cooper Anderson (0-11), Sr. D Jacob Carpenter (7-16-23)

New faces to watch: Nox Petersen, Albin Linder Outlook: The Storm broke out early, winning five of their first seven games last season, and finished the same way — winning five of seven.

In between, North Shore won just two games and struggled against some of Section 7A’s best teams. The Storm lost all three games played against section teams that made it to the section semifinals at Amsoil Arena, by a combined score of 15-1.

This season, coach Shawn Lundgren returns 17 players from the 2023-24 campaign.

“This group understands and has the willingness to work hard and compete for each other,” he said.

Lundgren will have to replace leading scorer Jake Stadler as well as goalie Zach Bentler, but he believes his team is ready to step up to the challenge. Senior forward Ayden Althaus trailed only Stadler in goals and total points and Jacob Carpenter was the Storm’s top-scoring defense-

NORTH SHORE STORM boys

Proctor defenseman Nolan Okstad (12) clears the puck away from

Event Center in Proctor.

man last season.

“We understand that as a collective group, we need to be the hardest working team daily,” Lundgren said.

“Our success is based on making this commitment.”

- Jamey Malcomb

Dec. 28 — Bill McGann Holiday Classic, TBD

Jan. 2 — DULUTH MARSHALL, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Wadena-Deer Creek, 2 p.m.

Jan. 7 — GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — MORA/MILACA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 — at Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — ST. PAUL JOHNSON, 6 p.m.

Jan. 23 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, 6 p.m.

Jan. 30 — NORTHERN LAKES, 7 p.m.

Dec.

Dec.

Feb. 4 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — PROCTOR, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — at Ely, TBD

Feb. 11 — at International Falls, 6 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

recorD: 12-11-3

Nov. 25 — WADENA-DEER CREEK, W, 6-0

Dec. 2 — at Northern Lakes, L, 10-1

Dec. 5 — ELY, W, 4-1

Dec. 7 — HAYWARD, W, 3-2

Dec. 12 — at Superior, L, 5-1

Dec. 19 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, W, 5-2

Dec. 22 — MORA/MILACA, W, 4-1

Dec. 27 — at Somerset (WI), T, 1-1, Bill McGann Holiday Classic

Dec. 28 — at Hopkins, L, 2-1, Bill McGann Holiday Classic

Dec. 29 — OSSEO, L, 7-1, Bill McGann Holiday Classic

Jan. 2 — GREENWAY, T, 1-1

Jan. 4 — DULUTH MARSHALL, L, 3-1

Jan. 9 — at Greenway, W, 4-1

Jan. 12 — at Mora/Milaca, W, 3-2

Jan. 16 — at Rock Ridge, L, 10-0

Jan. 18 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, L, 5-0

Jan. 25 — at International Falls, T, 2-2

Jan. 29 — at Duluth Marshall, L, 7-3

Jan. 30 — ASHLAND (WI), W, 6-1

Feb. 2 — FORT FRANCES (ON), L, 3-2

Feb. 5 — at Ely, W, 7-0

Feb. 6 — at Moose Lake Area, W, 6-1

Feb. 8 — at Proctor, L, 8-0

Feb. 13 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, W, 6-3

Feb. 15 — at St. Paul Johnson, W, 6-2

Feb. 20 — at Proctor, L, 5-1, Section 7A quarterfinal

Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group

Ayden Althaus (15) of North Shore on Feb. 8 at the St. Luke’s Sports and

Head coach: Kassie Strand, first season

2023-24 record: 11-13-2

Conference: Independent Section: 7A

Key departures: D Teryn Swan

Key returners: Jr. F Natalie Bergman (35-14— 49); So. F Mayme Scott (18-14—32); Fr. F Kate Morley (7-11—18); Jr. F Ayla Troutwine (11-5— 16); Jr. D Amelia Babiracki (2-8—10); Sr. G Nola Kwiatkowski (2.84 GAA, .901 save percentage)

Newcomer to watch: Fr. D Maddy Bartovich and Fr. D Riley Harju

Outlook: Depth and varsity experience will be among the biggest assets for the Rock Ridge girls hockey team this season under new head coach, Kassie Strand.

Strand, who spent the past two seasons as an assistant under Paddie Elsmore-Sautter, expects the team’s bevy of seniors and juniors to set the tone for the Wolverines on and off the ice this season.

“(Our biggest strength will be our) depth in upperclassmen who have been playing together for years, and continued leadership on and off the ice from this group,” said Strand.

Senior Natalie Bergman will lead a highly talented forward group this season following

ROCK RIDGE WOLVERINES

G irl S

Rock Ridge sophomore Gabby Hutar enters the offensive zone during a Section 7A quarterfinal game against

on Feb. 7, 2023, at Northwoods Credit Union Arena.

after a breakout 49-point campaign last year as a junior. In all, the Wolverines return 99% of their goalscoring output from a season ago with top point-getters Mayme Scott, freshman Kate Morley and junior Ayla

Dec. 7 — at East Grand Forks, 2 p.m.

Dec. 12 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON (V), 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at Holy Family, 3 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 2 p.m.

Dec. 30 — MOOSE LAKE AREA (E), 7 p.m.

Jan. 2 — SUPERIOR (E), 7 p.m.

Becker, 3 p.m.

Nov. 12 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 — SOUTH ST. PAUL (V), 2 p.m.

Nov. 22 — ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG/ COOPER (V), 7 p.m.

Nov. 26 — PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN (V), 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY (V), 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — PINE CITY AREA, 2 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at

Troutwine all back in the lineup.

On the back end, senior goaltender Nola Kwiatkowski and junior defensemen Amelia Babiracki, Mattelyn Seppi and senior Sylvia Shock will look to be a

2023-24 RESULTS

RECORD: 11-13-2

Nov. 10 — ST. PAUL/TWO RIVERS, L, 2-1

Nov. 11 — PRINCETON/BIG LAKE/ BECKER, W, 7-0

Nov. 14 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, L, 4-2

Nov. 18 — SOUTH ST. PAUL, L, 4-0

Nov. 21 — NORTHERN LAKES, W, 2-1

Nov. 24 — at Sartell/Sauk Rapids, T, 2-2

Nov. 25 — at St. Cloud, L, 4-2

Nov. 28 — at Moose Lake Area, W, 4-1

Dec. 1 — HOLY FAMILY, L, 9-2

Dec. 2 — at Princeton/Big Lake/ Becker, W, 9-3

Dec. 5 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, L, 6-0

Dec. 8 — CROOKSTON, L, 3-1

stabilizing force for the team’s youthful blue line that includes freshmen Maddy Bartovich and Riley Harju, among others.

The group’s ability to lead by example for its youngest members in

Dec. 9 — DETROIT LAKES, W, 10-0

Dec. 12 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, W, 8-0

Dec. 19 — SUPERIOR, L, 3-2

Dec. 21 — NORTH SHORE, W, 3-1

Jan. 4 — at Duluth Marshall, L, 6-0

Jan. 9 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, W, 6-2

Jan. 13 — at Pine City Area, L, 8-2

Jan. 16 — at North Shore, W, 3-2

Jan. 19 — VISITATION, W, 8-2

Jan. 23 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, T, 1-1

Jan. 26 — at Duluth, L, 3-2

Feb. 2 — at International Falls, W, 10-1

Feb. 3 — at Warroad, L, 10-0

Feb. 6 — at Moose Lake Area, L, 1-0, Section 7A quarterfinal

practice will go a long way toward helping the Wolverines reach their ultimate goal, according to Strand.

“Staying consistent as a team and learning to mentally prepare for games (will be the biggest challenge),” shared Strand. “Aside from our core senior group, our age gap is large in players.”

- Jake Przytarski

Jake Przytarski / Cloquet Pine Journal

CEC,

Head coach: Matt Niskanen

Key departures: F Kasey Lamppa (22-18-40), D Sam Troutwine (8-2028), F Ian Mikulich (7-512), G Ryan Rothfork (2.33 GAA, .916 save percentage), F Brant Tiedeman (18-11-29)

Returning starters: Sr. F Grady Dimberio (19-32-51), Jr. F Caz Carlson (20-31-51), Sr. F Levi Flatley (11-11-22), Sr. D Easton Walters (2-11-13), Sr. D Derik Dahl (0-1-5) New faces to watch: Sr. G Steven Ranisate (1.00 GAA, .940 save percentage)

Outlook: In their first season playing at the Class AA level, the Wolverines made it to Amsoil Arena before bowing out against eventual state semifinalist Grand Rapids. This season will pose some new challenges for the Wolverines. Firstyear head coach Matt Niskanen knows will need to replace top goalscorer Kasey Lamppa and goalie Ryan Rothfork, but perhaps looming larger in his mind is the tougher schedule. Gone are games against North Shore, International Falls and Providence Academy, some

ROCK RIDGE WOLVERINES boys

weaker Class A teams. They were replaced with matchups against Class AA opponents Forest Lake and Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids.

Many of the Class A teams remaining on the Wolverines’ schedule are some of the best in Minnesota. Rock Ridge will still face perennial Section 7A champion Hermantown, 2024 Class A champion St. Cloud Cathedral and Warroad, a state semifinalist last season.

Fortunately for the Wolverines, they return Caz Carlson and Grady Dimberio — their two leading scorers last year. Levi Flatley will also pitch in at forward and Niskanen will depend on seniors Easton Walters and Derik Dahl to bolster their defensive corps.

- Jamey Malcomb

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS, games at the Eveleth Hippodrome are marked (E) and games at Iron Trail Motors Event Center are marked (V))

Nov. 21 — at Brainerd, 6 p.m.

Nov. 23 — FOREST LAKE, 2 p.m. (V)

Nov. 29 — WAYZATA, 7 p.m. (V)

Nov. 30 — WACONIA, 1 p.m. (V)

Dec. 6 — WARROAD, 7 p.m. (V)

Dec. 10 — at Duluth Denfeld, 5 p.m.

Dec. 13 — LITTLE FALLS, 7 p.m. (V)

Dec. 14 — ST. CLOUD CATHEDRAL, 3 p.m. (V)

Dec. 17 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at Rogers, 7 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

record: 20-6-1

Nov. 25 — WACONIA, W, 10-1

Nov. 28 — at Greenway, W, 7-1

Dec. 2 — PROVIDENCE ACADEMY, W, 7-0

Dec. 8 — at Warroad, L, 6-2

Dec. 12 — DULUTH DENFELD, W, 3-1

Dec. 15 — at Little Falls, W, 2-1

Dec. 16 — at St. Cloud Cathedral, W, 5-3

Dec. 19 — SUPERIOR, W, 4-1

Dec. 22 — at Minneapolis, W, 4-1

Dec. 28 — DELANO, T, 4-4

Jan. 4 — HERMANTOWN, L, 6-1

Jan. 6 — at Princeton, W, 5-2

Jan. 9 — at International Falls, W, 15-1

Jan. 12 — CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI, W, 6-4

Dec. 27 — DELANO, 7 p.m. (E)

Dec. 28 — BUFFALO, 3 p.m. (E)

Jan. 2 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — DULUTH DENFELD, 2 p.m. (V)

Jan. 7 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — SARTELL, 7 p.m. (V)

Jan. 11 — SPRING LAKE PARK/ COON RAPIDS, 2 p.m. (V)

Jan. 16 — PROCTOR, 7 p.m. (V)

Jan. 18 — DULUTH EAST, 2 p.m. (V)

Jan. 21 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, 7 p.m. (V)

Jan. 28 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m. (V)

Jan. 30 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — at Northern Edge, 3 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Cambridge-Isanti, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 — MOUND WESTONKA, W, 6-2

Jan. 16 — NORTH SHORE, W, 10-0

Jan. 18 — at Proctor, W, 4-1

Jan. 20 — at Duluth East, L, 4-3

Jan. 23 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 4-1

Jan. 25 — at Duluth Denfeld, W, 2-1

Jan. 27 — DULUTH EAST, L, 2-1

Jan. 30 — DULUTH MARSHALL, W, 3-2

Feb. 3 — BRAINERD, W, 4-2

Feb. 10 — NORTHERN EDGE, W, 6-0

Feb. 13 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, W, 7-1

Feb. 20 — FOREST LAKE, W, 4-3, Section 7AA quarterfinal

Feb. 24 — Grand Rapids, L, 6-2, Section 7AA semifinal at Amsoil Arena

Caz Carlson (4) of Rock Ridge skates with the puck against Kyle Peterson (12) of Duluth East on Jan. 20 at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center.

Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group

HIBBING/CHISHOLM BLUEJACKETS

Head coach: Aaron Jamnick, first season 2023-2024 record: 19-9

Key departures: D Christian Edmonds (3-18—21); F Jack Gabardi (7-3—10); D Blaydon Kubena-McCue (2-6—8)

Key returners: Jr. F Tate Swanson (12-36—48); Jr. F Isaiah Hildenbrand (22-16—38); Jr. F Kelin Elsner (19-18—37); So. D Jackson Strukel (11-24— 35); Jr. F Benny Galli (8-13—21); Jr. D Ethan Sundvall (5-12—17); Sr. F Jace Kampsula (5-7—12); So. F Joey Gabardi (2-7— 9); Sr. G Rex Walli (2.99 GAA, .918 save percentage); Jr. G Gavin Lamphere (2.99 GAA, .892 save percentage); Sr. G Tim Urdahl (3.33 GAA, .859 save percentage)

New faces to watch: Returning letterwinners — Jr. D Mason McDonald, Jr. F Hunter Gustavsson, Sr F Tyler Raatsi, Sr F Ayden Jerkovich and Jr. D Landon Krampotich.

Outlook: A new era of Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey is set to unfold this season as Aaron Jamnick takes the reins of his alma mater after spending the past six years as an assistant.

Jamnick, who played four years of Division I hockey at Providence College and more as a grad transfer at Minnesota Duluth, is looking forward to the chance to lead the Bluejackets program this coming season.

“It’s a great honor,” said the 2009 Hibbing grad. “It’s a great program, with a lot of tradition. (I’m) just very excited.”

Jamnick takes over a program that shows no signs of slowing down after embarking on its deepest postseason run since the 2015-2016 season with an appearance in the Section 7A

championship game against Hermantown.

With the bulk of last year’s roster set to return along with a bevy of talented newcomers from the JV and Bantam teams added to the mix, the Bluejackets are positioned to continue their impressive run this season and beyond.

As exciting as the future looks for the Bluejackets, Jamnick is determined to maintain a game-by-game approach in order to get to where they want to be by season’s end.

“We have to keep building throughout the year and we gotta play 200-foot hockey and grind away,” said Jamnick. “It’s gonna be tough, (but) that’s what it’s gonna take.”

Like last season, the backbone of this year’s roster is a deeply-talented 2026 class featuring 15 players, many of whom were part of Hibbing/ Chisholm’s Pee Wee and Bantam A state championship teams in 2021 and 2023, including top scorers Tate Swanson, Isaiah Hildenbrand, Kelin Elsner and defenseman Ethan Sundvall, among others.

Junior goaltender Gavin Lamphere, who backstopped both state championship youth teams, split time in net last year with Tim Urdahl and Rex Walli last season. All three are back this year in what will be a position overflowing with depth.

Defensively, the Bluejackets will be without star sophomore Jackson Strukel for a large portion of the season after he sustained an injury in the final game of the Elite League earlier this fall.

- Jake Przytarski

boy S

championship on Feb. 28 at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

2023-24 RESULTS

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 23 — at Mahtomedi, 3 p.m.

Nov. 26 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 — ST. CLOUD CATHEDRAL, 2 p.m.

Nov. 30 — CRETIN-DERHAM HALL, 2 p.m.

Dec. 3 — DULUTH DENFELD, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Proctor, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Totino-Grace, 3 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Greenway, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — LITTLE FALLS, 3 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Orono, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at Gentry Academy, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 — CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI, 5 p.m.

Dec. 28 — DELANO, 2 p.m.

Jan. 2 — GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — SPRING LAKE PARK/ COON RAPIDS, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — GRAND RAPIDS, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — HERMANTOWN, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at International Falls, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Eden Prairie, TBD

Jan. 28 — at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — at Detroit Lakes, 2 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 14 — CHISAGO LAKES, 7 p.m.

RECORD: 19-9-0

Nov. 22 — at Grand Rapids, L, 5-2

Nov. 24 — Two Rivers, W, 3-2, (TRIA Turkey Day Classic)

Nov. 25 — Northfield, L, 7-1, (TRIA Turkey Day Classic)

Nov. 28 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 4-3

Dec. 1 — at Faribault, W, 5-1

Dec. 2 — at Mankato East, W, 4-2

Dec. 5 — DULUTH DENFELD, W, 6-2

Dec. 9 — TOTINO-GRACE, L, 7-3

Dec. 12 — at Greenway, W, 5-0

Dec. 14 — at Proctor, W, 4-1

Dec. 21 — at Cambridge-Isanti, W, 5-4

Dec. 26 — Breck, W, 3-2, (Herb Brooks Holiday Classic)

Dec. 27 — Gentry Academy, L, 4-2, (Herb Brooks Holiday Classic)

Dec. 28 — Two Rivers, W, 3-1, (Herb Brooks Holiday Classic)

Jan. 4 — GREENWAY, W, 8-0

Jan. 6 — at Little Falls, L, 4-2

Jan. 16 — at Hermantown, L, 8-1

Jan. 18 — at North Shore, W, 5-0

Jan. 22 — DULUTH MARSHALL, W, 3-0

Jan. 25 — SUPERIOR, W, 3-2

Jan. 26 — at Crookston, W, 8-1

Jan. 27 — at Thief River Falls, W, 5-3

Jan. 30 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, W, 11-0

Feb. 10 — DETROIT LAKES, W, 2-1

Feb. 13 — ROCK RIDGE, L, 7-1

Feb. 20 — GREENWAY, W, 4-1, Section 7A quarterfinal game

Feb. 24 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, W, 4-2, Section 7A semifinal game

Feb. 28 — Hermantown, L, 4-0, Section 7A championship game

Clint Austin / Duluth Media Group

Jace Kampsula (3) of Hibbing/Chisholm skates with the puck against Will Esterbrooks (9) of Hermantown during the Section 7A

HIBBING/CHISHOLM BLUEJACKETS

G irls

Head coach: Pete Hyduke, 21st season

2023-24 record: 7-18-1

Conference: Lake Superior Section: 7A

Key departures: F

Aune Boben (15-15—30); F Trista Warmbold (2-3—5); G Grace McDowell (3.15 GAA, .907 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F/D Kendal Gustavsson (10-13—23); Fr. F Audrey Minor (9-14—23); Sr. F Panella Rewertz (9-7—16); Sr. D Lily Renskers (0-7— 7); Sr. F Alizah Langner (2-3—5)

New faces to watch: Fr. F Avery Kukowski; Fr. F Lauren Ringhofer; Fr. F Sophie Bangs; So. G Bryjah Schnipkoweit

Outlook: After an impressive start to the 2023-2024 season featuring wins over Rock Ridge, North Shore and International Falls, the Hibbing/Chisholm girls hockey team battled through a month-long slump in December with only one win over a 10-game span.

According to head

coach Pete Hyduke, this year’s Bluejackets club will strive for more consistent play, namely on the offensive end, led by a strong group of five seniors spearheading

that effort.

“We will be a younger team led by a solid group of seniors,” said 21-year head coach, Pete Hyduke. “Our biggest challenge will be improving our

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 15 — SOUTH ST. PAUL, 7 p.m.

Nov. 16 — EDEN PRAIRIE, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Nov. 21 — DULUTH, 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 — ROBBINSDALE ARMSTRONG/ COOPER, 2 p.m.

Nov. 26 — at International Falls, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — DULUTH MARSHALL, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Proctor/Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, 7 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

recorD: 7-18-1

Nov. 14 — ROCK RIDGE, W, 4-2

Nov. 17 — SOUTH ST. PAUL, L, 3-1

Nov. 21 — NORTH SHORE, W, 5-2

Nov. 24 — Blaine, L, 3-1, (Lightning Tournament)

Nov. 25 — White Bear Lake, L, 6-1, (Lightning Tournament)

Nov. 28 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, W, 7-0

Dec. 2 — MINNEAPOLIS, L, 2-0

Dec. 4 — at Duluth Marshall, L, 7-2

Dec. 7 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 2-1

Dec. 12 — PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN, L, 7-0

Dec. 15 — GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY, L, 6-0

Dec. 19 — at Northern Lakes, W, 6-2

Dec. 21 — at Moose Lake Area, L, 3-0

consistency in our team’s offensive scoring.”

The return of seniors Kendal Gustavsson and Panella Rewertz will certainly help as the team looks to replace the production of 2024 grad Aune Boben, who led the team in goals in each of

Dec. 17 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — ROCK RIDGE, 2 p.m.

Jan. 6 — at Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — NORTHERN LAKES, 2 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — FORT FRANCES (Ont.), 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — NORTH SHORE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Rock Ridge, 5 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, 7 p.m.

Dec. 28 — Woodbury, L, 5-2, (Kaposia Classic Tournament)

Dec. 29 — Roseville/Mahtomedi, L, 5-1, (Kaposia Classic Tournament)

Dec. 30 — Eagan, L, 1-0, (Kaposia Classic Tournament)

Jan. 2 — at Duluth, T, 1-1

Jan. 5 — SUPERIOR, L, 5-0

Jan. 8 — MOOSE LAKE AREA, L, 3-1

Jan. 9 — at Rock Ridge, L, 6-2

Jan. 13 — NORTHERN LAKES, W, 7-2

Jan. 16 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, L, 4-2

Jan. 20 — VISITATION, W, 3-2

Jan. 23 — at North Shore, W, 1-0

Feb. 1 — at Grand Rapids/Greenway, L, 7-1

Feb. 6 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, L, 4-2, Section 7A quarterfinal

the past three seasons. After a strong debut season as an eighth-grader, Audrey Minor leads a promising cast of freshman forwards, including Avery Kukowski, Lauren Ringhofer, and Sophie Bangs, who are all expected to be offensive

contributors as well this season for the Bluejackets, according to Hyduke.

Senior defenseman Lily Renskers leads a youthful group of blueliners this season in front of new goaltender Bryjah Schnipkoweit, who takes over for 2024 grad Grace McDowell, who recorded a solid .907 save percentage last season.

- Jake Przytarski

GREENWAY RAIDERS

Head coach: Andy Sertich, fifth season

2023-2024 record: 5-18-3

Key Departures: F

Thomas Vekich (11-12— 23); D Caiden Carpenter (7-7—14); F Jace Kammeier (4-9—13); D Dylan Villenueve (6-3—9); F Layn Hustad (5-2—7); D Cole Donahue (1-4—5); G Derek Gibeau (4.75 GAA, .871 save percentage)

Key returners: Jr. F Bryce Nielsen (2-5—7); Jr. F Brayden Nielsen (3-3—6); Sr. D Max Gangl (1-4—5)

New faces to watch: So. D Damian Mandich, Fr. G Blayne Kelly, So. F Cohen Mitchell

Outlook: Since their 13-win campaign in 20212022, the Greenway boys hockey team has battled through some difficult seasons the past two years, including a disappointing 5-18-3 showing in 2023-2024.

An overall lack of scoring depth has been at the heart of the decline, as the Raiders went from 3.68 goals per game down to 1.96 and 1.81 the past two seasons. With leading scorers Thomas Vekich and Caiden Carpenter no longer with the program, the Raiders could face the same challenges this season as they look to get back on track.

“It will need to be a team effort and it will have to start with team defense in our own end,” shared Greenway head coach Andy Sertich of their offensive approach.

In lieu of proven firepower up front, Greenway will look to grind out low-scoring wins as they did last season, with their last three victories coming in 2-1 finals.

boy S

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 21 — at Proctor, 7 p.m.

Nov. 22 — RED WING, 7 p.m.

Nov. 26 — at Moose Lake Area, 6 p.m.

Nov. 29 — WACONIA, 5 p.m.

Dec. 5 — NORTH SHORE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — PROCTOR, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Ely, 7 p.m.

Dec. 28 — at Park Rapids, 2 p.m.

Jan. 2 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — NORTHERN LAKES, 7 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

Record: 5-18-3

Nov. 24 — WACONIA, L, 5-3

Nov. 28 — ROCK RIDGE, L, 7-1

Nov. 30 — PROCTOR, L, 5-2

Dec. 5 — NORTHERN LAKES, L, 7-3

Dec. 9 — at Red Wing, W, 5-4

Dec. 12 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, L, 5-0

Dec. 19 — at Proctor, L, 6-0

Dec. 21 — ELY, W, 4-1

Dec. 29 — DELANO, L, 9-0

Dec. 30 — PARK RAPIDS, T, 1-1

Jan. 2 — at North Shore, T, 1-1

Jan. 4 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, L, 8-0

The defense-first style calls for grittiness and discipline and hard work by members of the team, something that Sertich views as the team’s biggest strength heading into the season. Add in a trio of promising newcomers in sophomore defenseman Damian

Jan. 14 — DULUTH MARSHALL, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — ST. PAUL JOHNSON, 2 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Lake of the Woods, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — THIEF RIVER FALLS, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — MORA/MILACA, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — ELY, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Crookston, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Red Lake Falls, 3 p.m.

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

Feb. 8 — RED LAKE FALLS, 3 p.m.

Feb. 11 — PARK RAPIDS, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — at Duluth Denfeld, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — NORTH SHORE, L, 4-1

Jan. 11 — at Northern Lakes, L, 7-1

Jan. 12 — MOUND WESTONKA, L, 5-2

Jan. 16 — at Duluth Marshall, L, 9-2

Jan. 18 — at International Falls, L, 3-0

Jan. 23 — LAKE OF THE WOODS, W, 2-1

Jan. 26 — at Thief River Falls, L, 5-0

Feb. 2 — CROOKSTON, L, 4-3

Feb. 3 — RED LAKE FALLS, T, 6-6

Feb. 9 — INTERNATIONAL FALLS, W, 2-1

Feb. 10 — at Red Lake Falls, L, 6-2

Feb. 13 — at Park Rapids, W, 2-1

Feb. 15 — DULUTH DENFELD, L, 9-3

Feb. 20 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, L, 4-1, Sec-

tion 7A quarterfinal

Mandich, freshman goaltender Blayne Kelly and sophomore forward Cohen Mitchell and the Raiders could surprise some teams if they’re not ready for Greenway’s lunch-pail style.

- Jake Przytarski

Lighting the lamp

Amy Arntson / Duluth Media Group

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton freshman Hadley Carlson scores the third goal against the Moose Lake Area on Tuesday night, Nov. 12 at Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet.

Marquee matchup

Jake Przytarski / Duluth Media Group

Proctor/Hermantown defenseman Taylee Manion disrupts a scoring attempt by Kaiya Sandy of Warroad during a game on Friday, Nov. 8 at Hermantown Arena.

We’d like to invite you to become a part of a communityfocused bank that always puts you first.

44 2024 Hig H Sc H ool Hockey Preview

GRAND RAPIDS/GREENWAY LIGHTNING G irls

Head coach: Brad Hyduke, 14th season

2023-2024 record: 17-10-1

Conference: Lake Superior Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Molly Pierce (8-23—31); D Allie LeClaire (4-18—22); D Cali Madsen (3-18—21); G Riley Toivonen (2.56 GAA, .885 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F Mercury Bischoff (39-22—61); Jr. F Kylie DeBay (15-21—36); So. D Sophie Carlson (4-16—20); Sr. F Mira Rajala (7-9—16); So. F Opal Anderson (8-4— 12); Jr. D Haylie Forrest (2-8—10); Sr. D Maisie Bader (0-9—9); Sr. F Ryleigh Sherlock (4-4--8)

Newcomers to watch:

“GRG 12 & 15U youth teams were successful at their respective state tournaments last year, and key players from those teams should impact the varsity lineup for 2024-2025 and provide depth,” said head coach Brad Hyduke.

Outlook: When it comes to pure goal-scoring ability, few across the state have been able to match the production of soon-to-be sixthyear Grand Rapids/Greenway varsity member Mercu-

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 7 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Nov. 12 — BEMIDJI, 7 p.m.

Nov. 15 — EDEN PRAIRIE, 7 p.m.

Nov. 22 — at St. Cloud, 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 — at Rogers, 2 p.m.

Nov. 29 — White Bear Lake (Turkey Tourney), 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — Blaine (Turkey Tourney), 1 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — PROCTOR/HERMANTOWN, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — DULUTH, 7 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

recorD: 17-10-1

Nov. 14 — at Bemidji, W, 3-2

Nov. 18 — ROGERS, L, 4-1

Nov. 24 — WHITE BEAR LAKE L, 3-1, (Lightning Tournament)

Nov. 25 — BLAINE , W, 2-1, (Lightning Tournament)

Nov. 28 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, W, 7-0

Dec. 1 — at Shakopee, W, 10-1

Dec. 2 — at St. Cloud, W, 5-0

Dec. 5 — ROCK RIDGE, W, 6-0

Dec. 7 — at Proctor/Hermantown, W, 2-1

Dec. 12 — DULUTH MARSHALL, L, 2-1

Dec. 15 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, W, 6-0

Dec. 19 — at Duluth, W, 6-2

Dec. 26 — Edina, L, 7-2, (Walser Tourney)

ry Bischoff.

The Minnesota Statebound senior lit the lamp 39 times last season as a junior, and has racked up well over 250 points and counting for her career.

The dependability of preseason Miss Hockey candidate Bischoff up front with fellow forwards Opal Anderson, Mira Rajala and mobile defenseman Sophie Carlson has Hyduke optimistic about the team’s goal-scoring prospects.

“Most of the goalscoring and offense returns from (the) section runner-up team,” said head coach Brad Hyduke. “A young D-corps who developed last year is ready to play sound and physical defensively while providing some increased offense on the rush from the back-end.”

The Lightning, which fell 8-1 to Andover in the 2024 Section 7AA championship game, will have some holes to fill on the back end and in between the pipes after the graduation of defensemen Allie LeClaire and Cali Madsen, along with two-year starting goaltender Riley Toivonen.

Both Madsen and LeClaire

Dec. 26 — TBD (Eden Prairie Tourney)

Dec. 27 — TBD (Eden Prairie Tourney)

Dec. 28 — TBD (Eden Prairie Tourney)

Jan. 4 — at Brainerd, 2 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Bemidji, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — ELK RIVER/ZIMMERMAN, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — FOREST LAKE, 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at Andover, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Anoka, 2 p.m.

Jan. 25 — ALEXANDRIA, 1 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Thief River Falls, 2 p.m.

Dec. 27 — Maple Grove, L, 2-1, (Walser Tourney)

Dec. 28 — Holy Family, L, 8-0, (Walser Tourney)

Jan. 2 — BRAINERD/LITTLE FALLS, W, 5-1

Jan. 5 — HILL-MURRAY, L, 12-2

Jan. 12 — at Forest Lake, W, 6-2

Jan. 13 — at Elk River, W, 4-1

Jan. 16 — SUPERIOR, W, 8-3

Jan. 18 — BEMIDJI, L, 3-1

Jan. 20 — ANDOVER, L, 8-1

Jan. 26 — at Alexandria, T 1-1

Jan. 30 — DULUTH, W, 5-0

Feb. 1 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, W, 7-1

Feb. 8 — NORTHERN TIER, W, 5-0

Feb. 10 — BLAINE, W, 3-2

Feb. 15 — at Andover, L, 8-1

- Jake Przytarski Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Mercury Bischoff (12) beats Superior goalie Kaylie Nault (1) for a first-period goal at the Superior Ice Arena on Jan. 17, 2023.

are currently competing at the Division III level, with LeClaire at Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Madsen at Wisconsin-Superior.

“Replacing two experienced defensemen and our starting goalie will be the challenge as younger D takes on a larger productive role…,” said Hyduke. “Our second-leading scorer is recovering from a fall sports injury and will not be available the first part of the season.”

As usual, the Lightning will be a battle-tested bunch by the time postseason rolls around with their biggest

2024-25 ROSTER (tentative)

1 Teagan Christy G So.

2 Morgan Carsrud D Sr.

4 Sophie Carlson D So.

5 Maisie Bader D Sr.

6 Abby Skelly F Jr.

7 Makenna Sobtak F So.

8 Kylie DeBay F Jr.

10 Hailey Kilduff F Sr.

11 Haylie Forrest D Jr.

12 Mercury Bischoff F Sr.

14 Opal Anderson F So.

15 Ryleigh Sherlock F Sr.

16 Mira Rajala F Sr.

19 Lilyan DeBay F Fr.

21 Emma Muller D So.

22 Nina Hofstad D Sr.

24 Katelyn Carlson F 8th

26 Laura Toivonen F Sr.

31 Claire Tobeck G Jr.

likely to come in the MidWinter Meltdown tournament hosted by Eden Prairie,

featuring the Eagles, Lakeville North, Cretin-Derham Hall, Roseau and others.

GRAND RAPIDS THUNDERHAWKS

Head coach: Grant Clafton, 2nd season

Key departures: F Jacob Garski (13-26—39); D Bauer Murphy (12-18— 30); F Kyler Miller (8-15— 23); F Gavin Forrest (6-6— 12); D Dominic Broberg (1-3—4)

Returning starters: Jr. F Nathan Garski (1821—39); Jr. F Seth Carlson (11-11—22); Jr. D Will Shermoen (7-15—22); Jr. F Jameson Duell (7-7—14); Sr. D Luka Rohloff (2-10— 12); Sr. F Gus Drennan (3-4—7); Jr. G Carter Casey (2.42 GAA, .913 save percentage); Sr. G Ryan Kerr (3.02 GAA, .900 save percentage)

Outlook: Grant Clafton’s first year at the helm of the Grand Rapids boys program was a highly successful one after leading the Thunderhawks to their first state tournament appearance since 2017, ending with a fourth-place finish.

The 2001 alum is looking to build on the promising start to his tenure with a host of quality returners leading the way, including goaltenders Carter Casey and Ryan Kerr.

The netminding tandem will likely be tested early on this season with the blue line still dealing with injuries, according to Clafton.

“Our back end is beat up and we need to replace our seniors from last season,” said Clafton of the biggest challenge this season. “We lost a significant defenseman in Bauer Murphy to graduation, and a critical puckmoving defenseman in Will Shermoen to injury.”

Helping to alleviate some of the injury woes is the return of two-year varsity defenseman Luka Rohloff, who is coming off of his third fall season competing in the Elite League for Team

TDS Transportation. Rohloff finished with seven goals, the most among defensemen on the team, while Thunderhawks teammate Nathan Garski, a 2024 DNT AllArea second team selection, finished with 11 points (1-10—11) in 12 games.

Garski led all Grand Rapids skaters in goals last season and had 39 points (18-21—39) as a sophomore.

Garski’s impact in his first varsity season, along with contributions from blueliners Murphy and Shermoen, helped the Thunderhawks jump from 66 goals (2.44 goals per game) overall for the 2022-2023 season up to 94 (3.03 per game) in 20232024. The team’s power play followed suit with a 25.9% success rate compared to just 12.3% the previous season.

- Jake Przytarski

2024-25 SCHEDULE

(Home games in ALL CAPS)

Nov. 22 — FOREST LAKE, 7 p.m.

Nov. 26 — DULUTH EAST, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at Moorhead, 5 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Proctor, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — ROSEAU, 6 p.m.

Dec. 7 — WARROAD, 2 p.m.

Dec. 13 — MAPLE GROVE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — Edina (Edina Holiday Classic), 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 — Eden Prairie (Edina Holiday Classic), 6 p.m.

Dec. 21 — Elk River/Zimmerman (Edina Holiday Classic), 6 p.m.

2023-24 RESULTS

RECORD: 18-13-0

Nov. 22 — HIBBING/CHISHOLM, W, 5-2

Nov. 28 — at Duluth East W, 2-1

Nov. 30 — at Duluth Marshall, W, 3-2

Dec. 2 — at Forest Lake, L, 3-2

Dec. 5 — PROCTOR, W, 6-1

Dec. 8 — at Roseau, L, 3-2

Dec. 9 — at Warroad, L, 5-3

Dec. 14 — Edina (Edina Holiday Classic), L, 6-2

Dec. 15 — Eden Prairie (Edina Holiday Classic), W, 4-3

Dec. 16 — Elk River/Zimmerman (Edina Holiday Classic), W, 2-1

Dec. 21 — at Minnetonka L, 3-1

Jan. 4 — DULUTH EAST, W, 5-3

Jan. 6 — WAYZATA, L, 6-2

Jan. 9 — at Superior, W, 5-2

Jan. 13 — MOORHEAD, L, 4-2

boy S

Jan. 2 — at Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Wayzata, 2:45 p.m.

Jan. 9 — SUPERIOR, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Hibbing/Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at White Bear Lake, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Hill-Murray, 2 p.m.

Jan. 23 — BRAINERD, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at St. Thomas Academy, 2 p.m.

Jan. 28 — DULUTH MARSHALL, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — ROCK RIDGE, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Andover, 2 p.m.

Feb. 4 — DULUTH DENFELD, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S, 3 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, W, 3-2

Jan. 19 — WHITE BEAR LAKE, L, 2-0

Jan. 20 — HILL-MURRAY, L, 4-3

Jan. 23 — at Brainerd, W, 4-0

Jan. 26 — MAPLE GROVE, W, 3-2

Jan. 27 — ST. THOMAS ACADEMY W, 4-1

Feb. 2 — ANDOVER, W, 1-0

Feb. 6 — at Duluth Denfeld, W, 3-0

Feb. 10 — at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, L, 5-1

Feb. 13 — HERMANTOWN, L, 4-1

Feb. 20 — CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI, W, 9-0

Feb. 24 — Rock Ridge (at Amsoil Arena) W, 6-2

Feb. 29 — Andover (at Amsoil Arena), W, 3-2

March 7 — White Bear Lake (at Xcel Energy Center), W, 2-1

March 8 — Edina (at Xcel Energy Center), L, 5-2

March 9 — Cretin-Derham Hall (at Xcel Energy Center), L, 6-3

Clint Austin/Duluth Media Group

Gavin Sullivan (26) of Andover strips the helmet off of Grand Rapids goaltender Carter Casey (1) in overtime during the Section 7AA championship on Thursday, Feb. 29 at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

Eye in the sky

Clint Austin/Duluth Media Group

Charlie Marchand (26) of Hermantown scores a goal against Hibbing/Chisholm goaltender Rex Walli (30) during the Section 7A Championship on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

SPARTANS

“Losing a key spokesperson in the locker room and one of the state’s best, if not the best player in the state,” Trentor said. “We are deep, so we’re not asking for just one player to step up. We are a family and the group as a whole knows we all need to do our part.”

Despite losing perhaps the most dominant player in program history, the Spartans still have a veteran roster full of athletes who have competed in massive postseason games. Their experience and versatility makes this another remarkably

strong Spartans team.

“(We have) depth and players who can play multiple positions when asked to,” Trentor said.

“(It’s also) team cohesion and we’re very good on the back end. We like to play fast, structured and systematic in all three zones.”

Superior will lean on a casting of returning talent headlined by senior forward Makaela Reinke, who finished her junior campaign with 36 goals and 18 assists. She, along with returning goaltender Kaylie Nault, will be essential to Superior’s quest for a state title.

“(Our goals) are to play together, keep the family Spartan culture alive and well, and return to

Clint Austin/Duluth Media Group

Young fans watch as Hermantown plays Hibbing/ Chisholm during the Section 7A Championship on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

Clint Austin/Duluth Media Group

The Grand Rapids bench erupts in celebration after the officials call the overtime goal against Andover good during the Section 7AA Championship on Thursday, Feb. 29 at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

Fan frenzy

Madison and win the state championship,” Trentor said.

The road to Madison will be tough, even for another talented Spartans team. The schedule, which features a multitude of Minnesota-based programs and a competitive tournament in Madison, will make Superior a truly battle-tested squad.

“Our schedule is tough by design,” Trentor said. “We plan to learn and grow together and exhibit mental toughness when things don’t go the way we want them to. (We’re going to) earn every goal we score and play for each other.”

- Reagan Hoverman

SUPERIOR

CONTINUED from J36

“(We want to) bring compete to everything we do, be it practice or games,” Downs said. “Be disciplined and understand assignments and roles. Work together and support each other for growth. Work to be great teammates, no matter your role. If we can prioritize these things, good things will follow.”

Brining that tenacity and competitive fire will be crucial for players trying to fill the shoes of a couple of seniors from last year. The Spartans graduated their top point scorer, Lucas Williams, and top goaltender, Trent Peterson.

Downs said his juniors and seniors this year are a deep group that has a lot of talent and experience, most of whom have been playing since they were freshmen in the program.

“We have a solid senior group with a lot of skill and experience,” Downs said. “Our junior class provides a lot of skill and depth. Many have played since their freshman year. This includes the two goaltenders vying for the starting position voided by Trent.”

As is similar to most years, Superior will play a grueling schedule consisting of several Minnesota-based programs and a litany of elite teams in Wisconsin, a majority of which are in the Spar-

Championship moment

tans’ sectional bracket. Downs said that Superior plays in one of the most difficult conferences in either Minnesota or Wisconsin in addition to a challenging sectional that will make the Spartans a battled-tested squad come playoff time.

“Superior plays in by far the deepest, hardest section in the state,” Downs said. “We continually have the hardest schedule in the state. This makes us battle-tested by the time we get to the playoffs. We need to understand we will be tested every game. Win or lose, we will need to learn, grow and move forward.”

- Reagan Hoverman