5 players 5 games to watch to watch

7 p.m. Nov. 30

An early season test for both teams, Grand Rapids is looking to get into the Class AA state tournament for the first time since 2017, while the Greyhounds are trying to find their footing under new coach Steve Pitoscia.

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton at Duluth Denfeld

7 p.m. Dec. 9

The Hunters are fresh off a trip to the Section 7A title game, while the Lumberjacks are still smarting from a loss to Grand Rapids in the Section 7AA semifinal. The clash will give each team an indicator of where they stand and how competitive they can be in their respective sections.

Duluth Denfeld at Duluth East

7 p.m. Jan. 18

The Hunters and the Greyhounds tied the last time they faced each other, in the opening game of the 2021 season. A second game between the two city rivals was canceled, and this year the Hunters will face a Duluth East squad without Mike Randolph on the bench for the first time in 32 years.

Hermantown at Grand Rapids

7 p.m. Feb. 15 a lawyer or whatever. At the end of the day, the things that make successful professionals are attention to detail, hard work, preparation, being of high character and doing things

The regular season finale for both teams, this could be a clash between the eventual Section 7A and 7AA champions and a good indicator for where the Hawks and Thunderhawks are as they look toward the state tournament in March.

Good Luck To All The Teams

the right way, even when people aren’t there to see it.”

Mathias, who also played at Minnesota Duluth in college, said their goal as a staff is to continue Randolph’s tradition of helping their players become better people on and off the ice. It’s the tradition and loyalty to the program that brought Pitoscia back to Duluth.

“Steve was in a great situation in Omaha,” Mathias said. “But because of how much he cares about the Duluth East program, he took that opportunity to come back here.”

The Greyhounds only won six games in 2021, but Pitoscia said there is a lot of talent returning to the program, and while the focus is on improving players as individuals, he hopes to play a style that “continues to develop their hockey ability” for the boys who want to continue playing after high school.

What’s more, in addition to Pitoscia and Mathias, the Duluth East program has turned out coaches in programs around the area. Dylan

Mills, a Greyhound alum and University of Minnesota player, is another assistant for Pitoscia. In addition, former Greyhound Ben Johnson coached at Ely before taking over Rock Ridge this season.

Johnson was thrilled to see Pitoscia take over at Duluth East.

“I’ve known Steve for a long time and I’m happy he got the job,” Johnson said. “He’s been dedicated to the East program for so many years. It’s nice to see him finally take it over.”