FIVE GAMES TO WATCH

Duluth Marshall at Proctor/Hermantown

7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15

This matchup in Hermantown — the only one between them during the regular season, at least — is a rematch of the last two Section 7A championship games, both won by Proctor/Hermantown. The Mirage won 6-0 in 2021 in Proctor en route to a 21-0 record and the program’s first state title. The Mirage won 3-0 last February in Virginia en route to a runner-up finish at the state tournament. Of course, you don’t have to tell the Hilltoppers twice. “We’ve been knocking at the door every year,” Duluth Marshall senior Meredith Boethcher said. “I think it’ll come down to how bad the girls want it, and I know that all the girls that we have want it.”

Moose Lake Area at Cloquet/Esko/Carlton

7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15

GOODLUCK HILLTOPPERS!

Head coach: Callie Hoff, first season 2021-22 record: 17-8 Conference: Lake Superior Section: 7A

Key departures: F Annika Lindgren (12-40—52), F Kendra Royer (6-11—17)

Key returners: Jr. F Ilsa Lindaman (34-21—55), Sr. F Meredith Boettcher (13-21—34), So. F Nina Thorson (15-12—27), Sr. F Danica Mark (9-11—20), Jr. G Chloe Clark (6-5, 2.91 GAA, .901 save percentage), So. G Ray Anderson (11-3, 1.73 GAA, .918 save percentage, four shutouts)

Newcomer to watch: Fr. D Sarah Stauber

Outlook: The Hilltoppers lost 11 skaters from last season, but the returners are all ready to fill bigger roles. Lindaman, a Duluth News Tribune All-Area First Team selection, and fellow center Danica Mark, as well as the versatile Meredith Boettcher, will serve as captains.

“We have a big test to start the season, but I know those girls are ready to lead the team,” Hoff said. “They’ll be ready.”

The Hilltoppers started their season playing four very strong ranked teams, including Warroad, the defending Class A champions, on Nov. 11, followed by Breck, Edina and Holy Angels. “These games will help prepare us for very competitive Section 7A competition,” Hoff said. That includes the likes of her alma mater, Proctor/Hermantown, Cloquet/ Esko-Carlton, Moose Lake Area and Hibbing/ Chisholm. Duluth Marshall checks in at No. 6 in the Let’s Play Hockey Class A preseason poll, with Proctor/Hermantown, the two-time defending section champions, sitting at No. 3.

“Within Section 7A, they’re always the team to beat,” Hoff said of the Mirage. “We’re excited to play them but the goal is always to focus on our next game.”

- Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet will be the host site for the latest chapter in this budding rivalry. The Lumberjacks have a new coach in former assistant Kennedy Houge. Moose Lake Area, meanwhile, has become a very solid program under coach Reilly Fawcett, the 2014 News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year, and last year played a very tight game with Fawcett’s old team, Proctor/Hermantown. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton and Moose Lake Area are also scheduled to meet Tuesday, Nov. 22, at Riverside Arena in Moose Lake.

Duluth at Duluth Marshall

4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

Mars Lakeview Arena is the location for this Saturday matinee, the one and only meeting between the programs this season. Both teams are fed by the Duluth youth program, the Duluth Icebreakers, and are natural rivals. And both have new coaches, with Ali Randall heading up the Northern Stars and Callie Hoff leading the Hilltoppers. It’s one of those matchups where pretty much everybody knows everybody.

Proctor/Hermantown at Grand Rapids/Greenway

7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8

This matchup at IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids, the only meeting between the programs this season, often pits the best of the Twin Ports against the best of the Iron Range. It’s not lacking in star power, either. Proctor/ Hermantown is deep with the likes of senior forward Nya Sieger (21-30—50) and junior forward Izy Fairchild (28-14—42). The Lightning counters with sophomore forward Mercury Bischoff (49-25—74) and senior forward/center Kalle Reed (17-28—45). Let the sparks fly.

Rock Ridge at Hibbing/Chisholm

7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10

This contest in Hibbing will be a rematch of their opener Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Eveleth Hippodrome. Rock Ridge has a new coach in former Minnesota Duluth goalie Paddy (Sautter) Elsmore. Hibbing/Chisholm has cagey veteran Pete Hyduke, who is approaching a halfcentury of coaching. Oh, and Hyduke recently got elected mayor of Hibbing.

“Moving forward I have to really keep a good schedule,” Hyduke said. “I still love every minute of coaching. Working with kids really keeps you young at heart. I also have a very understanding wife and my daughter Kristen is one of my assistants. It’s really been a family affair.”