FIVE GAMES TO WATCH

Duluth East vs. St. Thomas Academy

3 p.m. Nov. 26 (at Bloomington)

The annual Youth Hockey Hub Opener features a matchup that will get a lot of attention inside and outside the Twin Cities metro. Citing a lack of support, Mike Randolph left Duluth East in 2021 with 671 career victories but also under an administrative investigation. After a year as an assistant, Randolph was elevated to coach St. Thomas. Neither team was happy with last year, with St. Thomas going 13-13-1 and the Greyhounds going 8-18-1.

Hibbing/Chisholm at Duluth Denfeld

7 p.m. Dec. 6

Hibbing/Chisholm fell to Denfeld 3-0 in the Section 7A semifinal last year, but the Hunters lost three of their top four scorers from last season. This game will be a good test for both teams as the Bluejackets look to end Denfeld’s run of advancing to the section final the last three years.

Duluth Denfeld at Duluth East

7 p.m. Jan. 17

The Hunters topped Duluth East for the first time in nine years in a game remembered more for ugly penalties than hockey. The Greyhounds hope to rebound, while the Hunters are hoping to continue their run of three consecutive trips to the Section 7A championship.

Hermantown vs. Mahtomedi

1 p.m. Jan. 29 (at White Bear Lake)

The Hawks will face off with the Zephyrs in one of three Hockey Day Minnesota matchups in White Bear Lake. The Zephyrs must replace goalie Ben Dardis, 2022 Frank Brimsek award winner, from their third-place team, while Hermantown must replace the offensive production of Zam and Max Plante.

Grand Rapids at Hermantown

7 p.m. Feb. 14

The Thunderhawks and Hermantown met in the regular season finale for both teams in 2022 and it was perhaps the game of the year, with Hermantown falling behind by two goals before a third period rally and a game-winning goal in overtime by Max Plante.

GOOD LUCK SPARTANS!

Jed Carlson / Superior Telegram Superior’s Carson Gotelaere (9) keeps control of the puck as he gets knocked to the ice in a 2022 Spartans’ playoff game at Wessman Arena in Superior.