High School Hockey Preview 2019 - 2020

NEW COACHES TAKE THE ICE

Marshall, Grand Rapids, North Shore all have first-year coaches on the bench

By Rick Weegman

rweegman@duluthnews.com

Going over his roster in a Mars Lakeview Arena locker room after a recent practice, new Duluth Marshall boys hockey coach Mark Vichorek spent most of

his time matching first names with jersey numbers.

Like a teacher in his classroom at the start of a new school year, getting the names right is half the battle.

The 56-year-old

FEED THE WHOLE TEAM SATURDAYS

Vichorek is one of three new boys coaches in the Northland this season, joining Wade Chiodo at Grand Rapids and Andy Fellows at North Shore.

All take over teams that suffered through losing seasons a year ago.

For Vichorek, it was a chance to remain close to home after decades worth of traveling as a player and coach.

“I’ve been doing this most of my life since I was a kid and had been traveling since juniors on and had been gone so much that I thought that it’s time to stay closer to home,” Vichorek said.

“When this job became available, I said, ‘If I get a chance, I’ll take it.’ ” Vichorek, a Moose Lake High School graduate who played college hockey at Lake Supe-

rior State, spent seven seasons playing for 12 minor-league teams after signing with the NHL’s Hartford Whalers organization.

Among other stops, he spent four seasons as coach of the Moose Lake Area boys team and several years as a juniors coach in Stevens Point, Wis., and Bozeman, Mont., before serving as an assistant with the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League last season.

“I still have a passion for it,” Vichorek said. “There’s just something about this game that’s in your blood. To be honest, we’re all nuts. We’re all crazy for doing this for a long period of time. It’s hard to step away from it. It’s nice to give back.”

After 22 years of stability under Brendan Flaherty, the last 18 months have been tough on the Hilltoppers. Flaherty suffered from throat cancer and a subsequent life-threatening brain infection, leading to Bill Owens taking over on an interim basis in 2018-19. Flaherty ultimately resigned last spring.

“Brendan created a legacy here, and it’s always difficult to follow somebody who has created something so successful,” Vichorek said. “Bill was put in a tough spot last year. The legacy that Brendan created is something that makes it tough to fill those shoes. We’re going to be scrutinized, we know we’re going to be looked at. The pressure is on us, too. I feel it a little bit.”

After winning only six games last season, with only 20 skaters in the program, no junior varsity and a Class AA schedule staring at them, it would be easy for Vichorek and his players to lower their expectations on this season.

Yet Vichorek has a goal of winning 15 games this season.

Part of his optimism is having an open mind on the returning players and what they can accomplish.

“It’s good for them and it’s good for us, too,” he said. “There’s no preconceived ideas about who these guys are and what they can do. We’re all starting on the same page, starting fresh.”

COACHES: Page S8

Duluth Marshall boys hockey coach Mark Vichorek outlines a drill during practice at Mars Lakeview Arena on Nov. 18. Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BLAKE BIONDI

Hermantown

Senior forward

The Minnesota Duluth commit has led the Hawks in goal-scoring the past two seasons and is one of the top players in the state

SHAWN EASTY

Duluth Denfeld

Senior goaltender

Posted a 2.78 goalsagainst average and .902 save percentage to help Hunters record their most victories (14) since the 2014-15 season

CHRISTIAN MILLER

Greenway

Senior defenseman

St. Cloud State commit used his 6-foot-3 frame to intimidate opponents and help Raiders end Hermantown’s Section 7A reign

55 5

JACK PEART

Grand Rapids

Junior defenseman

This St. Cloud State commit is a heady, twoway player who was second on the team in scoring and has been involved with national development team

BEN TROUMBLY

Greenway

Senior forward

Yet another St. Cloud State commit was a key cog in Raiders’ run to Class A state final, scoring nine of his 24 goals in the playoffs

GAMES TO WATCH

Andover at Duluth

East

3 p.m. Dec. 7

Rematch of thrilling Section 7AA final a year ago that the Greyhounds won 4-3 in overtime takes place at Essentia

Duluth Heritage Sports Center

Duluth East at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

7:30 p.m. Dec. 12

Longtime rivals meet for the first of two games (the second is

Feb. 3 at East) after the Greyhounds won all three times a year ago, including 5-2 in Section 7AA semifinals

Grand Rapids at Greenway

7 p.m. Jan. 11

Raiders beat their neighbors 4-1 in the 2018-19 season opener before embarking on a 5-13 tailspin that imperiled eventual section title run

Hermantown at Gre-

enway

7:30 p.m. Jan. 14

A rematch of the past two Section 7A finals, which both went into double overtime and saw each team win once, takes place at Coleraine CEC at Hermantown

7:30 p.m. Jan. 30

These teams tied 2-2 in last year’s regular-season finale to end up sharing the Lake Superior Conference title at 4-0-1

HOCKEY PREVIEW 2019

Coach: Darryl Penner

2018-2019 record: 10-10-1

Conference: Independent

Section: 1

Key departures: F Scott Gregor (25-11— 36); D Billy Watland (4-12—16)

Key returners: F Jack Santini (10-7—17); F Colin Trautt (9-8— 17); D Braden Stegman (2-6—8); G Zach Mor-

ris (2.72 GAA, .899 save percentage)

Outlook: Eight seniors return, though the Oredockers must replace their leading scorer in Gregor. Santini and Trautt are the leading returning scorers, but Ashland’s strength lies in a defensive corps that has a wealth of experience and a goalie in Morris, who kept games close and had a qual-

SCHEDULE

ASHLAND OREDOCKERS ROSTER

ity save percentage. Ashland plays an independent schedule and will travel to testing holiday tournaments in Amery and Madison that should show the Oredockers where they stand. One team goal is to keep alive a six-season streak of posting at least a .500 record.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Nov. 29-30 — at Amery Tournament

Dec. 7 — at Kingsford (Mich.), noon

Dec. 17 — Grantsburg, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Barron, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — Tomahawk, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at Jeffers (Mich.), 2 p.m.

Dec. 27-29 — at Madison Memorial Tournament

Jan. 3 — Barron, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Henry Sibley, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 9 — Lakeland Union, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — at Tomahawk, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Chequamegon, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Hayward, 5 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Kingsford (Mich.), 11 a.m.

Jan. 28 — Rhinelander, 6 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at North Shore (Two Harbors), 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Grantsburg, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — Jeffers (Mich.), 11 a.m.

1 Travis Alajoki G So.

2 Jack Santini F Sr.

4 Brayden Bender D Sr.

5 Cade Huotari F Sr.

7 Nolan Melek D So.

10 Cody Lustig F So.

14 Tanner Nelson F Sr.

16 Dean Karr D Sr.

17 Jack Miller F Sr.

19 Colin Trautt F Jr.

20 Braden Stegmann D Jr.

24 Christian Meierotto F Sr.

70 Zach Morris G Sr.

12 Ty Gilbertson F/D So.

6 Alex Grande F Fr.

8 Ethan Petersen F Fr.

13 Kellen Trautt F Fr.

9 Alex Warney F So.

25 Kyle Miller F So.

21 Braxton Zaleski F Fr.

Ashland's Colin Trautt is one of the Oredockers' top returning scorers after scoring nine goals and assisting on

Jake Brown / Ashland Daily Press

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton goaltender Owen Carlson is back in net for the Lumberjacks this season. News Tribune file photo

SCHEDULE

At 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 21 — Proctor

Nov. 23 — at Chaska

Dec. 3 — at Stillwater, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 — Duluth Denfeld

Dec. 7 — Bloomington Jefferson, 2 p.m.

Dec. 12 — Duluth East

Dec. 17 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Eastview, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26 — vs. Blaine (Plymouth, Minn.)

Dec. 27 — vs. Hill-Murray (Plymouth, Minn.)

Dec. 28 — at Centennial (Plymouth, Minn.)

Jan. 2 — Eagan, 7 p.m.

Jan. 3 — Holy Angels Academy

Jan. 7 — Duluth Marshall

Jan. 10 — at Eden Prairie, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — Superior

Jan. 24 — Bemidji

Jan. 28 — Forest Lake

Jan. 30 — at Hermantown

Feb. 1 — at Holy Family Catholic, 3 p.m.

Feb. 3 — at Duluth East (Heritage Center), 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — White Bear Lake Area, 1 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Grand Rapids

CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON LUMBERJACKS

Coach: Shea Walters, second season

2018-2019 record: 14-12-1

Conference: Lake Superior Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Landon Langenbrunner (19 goals, 24 assists, 43 points); F Gavin Rasmussen (20-10—30); F Kade Bender (10-17— 27); D Mason Langenbrunner (3-17—20); F Jon Baker (11-7—18); and D Andy Acers (2-7—9)

Key returners: Jr. F Christian Galatz (1614—30); sr. G Owen Carlson (2.55 goalsagainst average, .900 save percentage); sr. F Aaron Moore (4-17— 21); and sr. F Cole Ketola (8-7—15)

Outlook: The Lumberjacks lost three times to uber-rival Duluth East last season, including 5-2 in the section semifinals, but showed flashes of brilliance after an 0-5 start. Losing the Langenbrunners — Landon to graduation

and Mason to a transfer to Eden Prairie — will put the offense behind the eight-ball. However, CEC has a solid group of returning juniors and seniors. Galatz played junior hockey in the North American Hockey League before the season and will resume after the section playoffs.

“Our overall balance of talent and depth will be key this year,” Walters said in an email. “We are extremely deep when it comes to goaltending. We should have scoring by committee and have several kids that are great skaters, hard workers and are very coachable. We have high aspirations for this group.”

Besides the annual home-and-home series against Duluth East, the Lumberjacks play the same typically rugged schedule again this season in an effort to return to the state tournament for the first time since 2008. Class AA state entrants White Bear Lake Area and Eden Prairie are both included on the schedule.

“We put a lot of time in the offseason to prepare for this year,” Walters said. “They have paid their dues but they understand nothing is given and it will take a team effort to reach our goals this year. We are excited about this season and this group of kids.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

DULUTH DENFELD HUNTERS

Coach: Dale Jago, second season

2018-2019 record:

14-9-3

Conference: Lake

Superior

Section: 7A

Key departures: F

Payton Budisalovich (16-22—38); F Zach

DeCaro (11-18—29); F Jacob Eskola (10-19— 29); D Darren Shykes (3-20—23)

Key returners: F

Griffin Lehet (27-17— 44); F Kade Shea (1223—35); F Logan Jasper (4-11—15); D Dylan Jouppi (1-12—13); G

Shawn Easty (2.78 GAA, .902 save percentage); G

Jacob Snyder (3.41 GAA, .881 save percentage)

Outlook: The Hunters overachieved in Jago’s first season behind the bench, winning their most games since

the 2014-15 season and earning a No. 2 section playoff seed. But Jago isn’t complacent, stating his team should have won 17 games. The team loses Budisalovich, who scored a number of big goals, as well as scoring depth with DeCaro and Eskola. Lehet had three hat tricks, including one in the

playoffs, while Shea was third on the team in scoring. A total of 35 players, a half dozen more than a season ago, are in the program. “We have a nice group that moved up from bantams last year, so we have added some speed and some skill. But we are a little bit younger than we were in the past,” Jago said. With Greenway’s surprising late run ending Hermantown’s section reign, the Hunters feel they could be the next team to surprise and make the state tournament for the first time since 1989. “If you get hot at the right time, with the right goalie and playing the right way, anybody can win,” Jago said.

SCHEDULE

Home games at Heritage Center

Nov. 22 — Minnehaha Academy

Nov. 23 — Red Wing

Nov. 26 — at Two Harbors, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — Greenway, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — New Prague, 12:15 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 — Superior, 5:15 p.m.

Dec. 26-28 — Heritage Holiday Tournament

Jan. 3 — Bloomington Kennedy, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 — at Duluth East (Heritage Center)

Jan. 10 — Chanhassen, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 — Proctor, 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Thief River Falls, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Warroad, 2 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at Alexandria Area, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 — at Sartell-St. Stephen, 1 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Pine City, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Duluth Denfeld's Griffin Lehet (16) led the Hunters in scoring last season.

News Tribune file photo

DULUTH EAST GREYHOUNDS

Coach: Mike Randolph, 31st season

2018-2019 record: 20-7-2

Conference: Independent

Section: 7AA

Key departures: F

Ryder Donovan (1730—47); F Ricky Lyle (20-20—40); F Logan Anderson (9-30—39); D Hunter Paine (5-19— 24); F Brendan Baker (8-15—23); F Jack FitzGerald (10-13—23); F Jonathan Jones (8-9— 17); F Jacob Jeannette (6-11—17); D Carson Cochrane (0-10—10)

Key returners: Sr. F Charlie Erickson (11-

11—22); jr. D Garrett Johnson (2-4—6)

Outlook: The Greyhounds return only one regular (Erickson), something Randolph says he’s never experienced in his three decades at the helm. Not that rival teams will be shedding any tears for the defending section champions, who finished fifth at the Class AA state tournament last March. The toughest task will be replacing Donovan, a Mr. Hockey finalist, who decommitted from North Dakota and instead chose to attend the University

of Wisconsin. Anderson and Jeannette both decided to forgo their senior seasons to play in the United States Hockey League. The Greyhounds still have 10 seniors on the roster, though most played two seasons on the junior varsity. Senior goaltender Konrad Kausch only has 204 minutes of playing time heading into the season but he’s already entrenched as the starter. Randolph is closing in on 650 career victories and ranks third in state history.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Home games at Heritage Center

Nov. 29 — at White Bear Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — Wayzata, 3 p.m.

Dec. 3 — Lakeville South, 5:15 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Bemidji, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — Andover, 3 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 — Blaine, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 — Centennial, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 — Duluth Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 — Lakeville North, 3 p.m.

Dec. 27 — Champlin Park, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 — at Stillwater, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at Minnetonka, 2 p.m.

Jan. 6 — Duluth Denfeld, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Eden Prairie, 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 — Prior Lake, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 — Brainerd, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 — Moorhead, 1 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Forest Lake, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Eagan, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Elk River, 3 p.m.

Feb. 3 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — Maple Grove, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

Duluth East’s Finn Hoops (10), shown here in a Class AA state tournament quarterfinal game against St. Thomas Academy, is one of the few returning East players with any varsity experience.

News Tribune file photo

DULUTH MARSHALL HILLTOPPERS

Coach: Mark Vichorek, first season

2018-19 record: 6-19-1

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Carter Sullivan (21-15—36); F Aiden Bachand (1012—22); F Keelan Golat (10-10—20); G Alex Busick (3.98 GAA, .885 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F Dakota Oman (5-10— 15); sr. D Griff Pichetti (1-10—11); sr. F Xavier McNulty (6-3—9); jr. F Vance Johnson; sr. D Charlie Kleinschmdt

Outlook: Vichorek steps into a tough situation with the Hilltoppers. He replaces interim coach Bill Owens, who had stepped in to take the reins when 22-year head coach Brendan Flaherty was stricken with throat cancer and a serious brain infection. Flaherty officially resigned last spring and Vichorek, a Minnesota Wilderness assis-

COACHES

From Page S2

tant last season and a former high school and college coach, was hired. Besides struggling to compete at the Class AA level, Marshall allowed far too many shots on goal. Busick’s 760 saves were sixth-most in the state a year ago.

Marshall returns nine seniors, including defensemen and co-captains Kleinschmidt and Pichetti. Linemates Oman, McNulty and Johnson will be relied upon to provide scoring this season.

“I believe we are going to be a surprise to some of the teams in our section,” Vichorek said. “We are going to have to use everybody and be in shape and the players are buying in quickly to

Duluth Marshall will need to replace graduated forward Keelan Golat, right, shown in a 2018 photo, who scored 10 goals and had 10 assists last season.

News Tribune file photo

the systems and what we want to accomplish. We are going to protect our young goaltenders and block a lot of shots and keep our goals against

SCHEDULE

Home games at Mars Lakeview Arena

Nov. 22 — Benilde-St. Margaret’s

Nov. 26 — at Proctor, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at Mounds View, 3 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Superior (Wessman Arena), 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — Rochester Century, 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 — Totino-Grace, 3 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Duluth East (Heritage Center)

Dec. 21 — at Eagan, 3 p.m.

Dec. 26-28 — Hilltopper Holiday Classic

Jan. 4 — Minneapolis, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 — Chanhassen, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at Osseo, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Elk River, 3 p.m.

Jan. 21 — Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at St. Francis, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 — St. Thomas Academy, 2 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Forest Lake, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — at Holy Angels Academy, 2 p.m.

Feb. 13 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center), 7 p.m.

down. I think the biggest asset we have going for us is our discipline in all three zones and good defensive play.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Chiodo steps in at Grand Rapids

Until late October, Wade Chiodo was enjoying his other hockey-related jobs.

But after Grand Rapids boys hockey coach Chris Marinucci resigned late last month after being charged with second-degree DWI, Chiodo again waded into the world of high school hockey by applying for the Thunderhawks job.

He was hired Nov. 6, just five days before practice began.

“I had to get the blessing from my wife (Layne) and my work before I could put my name in the hat,” Chiodo said. “Once my wife said, ‘Go for it,’ and once I talked to my work and they said, ‘Go for it,’ it was a no-brainer.”

Chiodo spent nine seasons as head coach of the Bemidji High School boys team, leaving after the 2016-17 season before moving to Grand Rapids. He has served as head scout for the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League and as a coach and evaluator with WSA Hockey, the Minnesota Hockey High Performance program and the Upper Midwest Elite League.

While it’s been a whirlwind, Chiodo says he’s gotten off to a good start.

“I am getting to know the players every day. I do have some history with some of the kids returning and some of the kids who are brand new to high school,” he

said. “I feel I have a good base and knowledge on the sort of team that we’re going to have. Now that (the season is starting), I’m getting to know them every single day. Every day I am picking up a little bit more.

“But it’s a two-way street. They have to learn what kind of a coach I am and what kind of style I have.

Everybody right now is on a learning curve.”

Fellows follows Guzzo at North Shore

Mike Guzzo’s colorful coaching career along the North Shore came to a close after last season, allowing Andy Fellows an opportunity to make his mark on the bench. Guzzo, who spent 30 years coaching either the North Shore boys or girls teams, retired after the Silver Bay and Two Harbors co-op went 7-14-3.

Fellows, his assistant last season, stepped forward to apply and was hired to take over the Storm.

“I’m just trying to live up to what is established and keep things moving in the right direction,” Fellows said.

Fellows played high school hockey at Holy Angels Academy and then graduated from Burnsville in 2002. He attended Minnesota Duluth and St. Scholastica, with a six-year stint in the Marine Corps in between.

After getting his coaching start in Duluth East’s youth programs in 2003, he joined Guzzo’s staff last season.

“That’s helped a ton,” Fellows said.

ELY TIMBERWOLVES

Clint Austin / caustin@duluthnews.com

Head coach: Ben Johnson, fifth season

2018-19 record: 4-15-1

Conference: Independent

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Nick Mattila (26-13—39); F Austin Meskill (7-10— 17); D Dean Boese

Key returners: Sr. F Luke Olson (35-16—51); sr. D Dalton Schreffler (4-11—15); sr. D Seann Prigge (0-8—8); sr. F Jason Skube (1-6—7)

Outlook: Depth and experience are constant issues for the Timberwolves, who have an extremely young core.

Captains Prigge, Schref-

fler and the high-scoring Olson will be key. Then there’s younger players such as Justin Nyman and Jimmy Zupancich, who Ely coaches expect to have a breakout season. Sophomore goaltender Chase Sandberg (5.91 GAA, .840 save percentage) won all four games for the Timberwolves last season but may split time with freshman Ben Cavalier this year.

“With such a young core of players, we are excited to continue to build for the future — since we have success coming from our youth program — and it’s just

a matter of time till we have healthy numbers,” Johnson said.

Ely defeated International Falls 4-3 in a first-round playoff game last February, the first time the Timberwolves won a postseason game in ages.

“Last season’s playoff upset, beating International Falls for the first time in school history, was a big sign that our young core needed. Keep working hard and stay positive, and good things will happen,” Johnson said.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

ROSTER

SCHEDULE

Jan.

Jan.

Jan.

Jan.

Feb. 1 —

Feb. 4 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at Moose Lake Area, 6 p.m.

Andy Anderson (6) of Moose Lake controls the puck near Seann Prigge (11) of Ely during a game last year at Riverside Arena in Moose Lake.

EVELETH-GILBERT GOLDEN BEARS

Coach: Jeff Torrel, ninth season

2018-2019 record: 12-12-1

Conference: Iron

Range Section: 7A

Key departures: Josh James (10-11—21), Gavin Maki (6-5—11) and goalies Kodi Intihar and Baylee Grahek

Key returners: Sr. F Elliot Van Orsdel (2121—42), sr. D Will Troutwine (8-20—28), sr. D Nick Beaudette (12-7—19), sr. D Gage Everson (3-12—15), sr. G Noah Shuck (2.98, .888) and G Mack Lautigar (2.80, .899)

Outlook: The Gold-

SCHEDULE

At 7 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 22 — Red Wing

Nov. 23 — Minnehaha Academy

Nov. 26 — at Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 29 — International Falls (Hoyt Lakes), 6 p.m.

Dec. 6 — at Chaska

Dec. 7 — at Holy Angels Academy (Richfield), 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — Ely (Hoyt Lakes)

Dec. 12 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Dec. 17 — at Greenway

Dec. 19 — Proctor

Dec. 20 — Breck

Dec. 27-28 — at Thief River Falls Tournament

Jan. 4 — Rochester Mayo, 2 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 11 — Princeton, 2 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 — Greenway

Jan. 21 — at North Shore

Jan. 23 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Jan. 28 — Duluth Denfeld (Hoyt Lakes)

Jan. 30 — at Duluth Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

en Bears started strong before losing their final seven games of the 2018-19 season, including a triple-overtime playoff loss to Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, to finish .500. But they return plenty of experience, starting with Van Orsdel’s scoring prowess and Troutwine’s two-way ability. A total of 15 seniors and a large junior class should make Eveleth-Gilbert more formidable in the second half of this season. The Golden Bears are especially tough on the blue line, where they boast three players with multiple years of varsity

experience. Noah Shuck and Mack Lautigar were among four goalies who saw playing time last year and will battle for the No. 1 spot.

As usual, Hermantown stands in the way of Section 7A contenders, though Greenway’s surprise run to the Class A state title game means teams such as Virginia/ MIB can shoot for the stars. It’s been 21 seasons since the Golden Bears went to the state tournament and pulled off their own surprise by winning Class A.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Feb. 6 — Hibbing-Chisholm

Feb. 13 — North Shore

Feb. 14 — St. Thomas Academy, 6 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Jenifer Quick Krummi

GRAND RAPIDS THUNDERHAWKS

Coach: Wade Chiodo, first season

2018-2019 record: 9-17

Conference: Independent

Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Kobie Koenig (10-15— 25); F Anthony DelGreco (4-3—7); D Kameron

Jaeger

Key returners: Jr. D Jack Peart (8-14—22); jr. F Hunter Bischoff (6-10—16); jr. F Braeden Holcomb (4-12—16); jr. F John Bonner (4-7— 11); jr. F Maccrea Murphy (5-4—9); sr. G Carter Clafton (3.69 GAA, .886 save percentage)

Outlook: It’s been a chaotic time for the Thunderhawks, who won a Class AA state title after the 2016-17 season but lost a lot of topend talent afterward and have totaled only 16 victories in the two seasons

since. Then coach Chris Marinucci resigned in late October after being charged with a second-degree DWI. Forced to scramble for a new coach, the school hired Chiodo, who served as Bemidji High School’s boys hockey coach for nine seasons. Despite the frantic nature heading into the season, the cupboard is not bare. Peart, a St. Cloud State commit, has played for USA Hockey teams and is one of the top players in Northeastern Minnesota.

“He’s a high-end hockey player,” Chiodo said. “Everybody (involved in hockey) in the state of Minnesota and maybe the U.S. knows who he is. He has exceptional talent and, obviously, is going to have a long career.”

As Chiodo seeks to

mold his lineup in short order, he’s more concerned with getting them ready for the Section 7AA playoffs in a few months.

“They’re focused and driven, it’s a good group of kids. They want to compete and they want to learn,” he said.

“Those are all important parts in getting the team to peak at the right time, which is at the end of the season and right before playoffs. We are striving to be the best team we can be by the middle of February.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

SCHEDULE

Nov. 23 — Benilde-St. Margaret’s

Nov. 29 — Minnetonka, 3 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — at Roseau, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Warroad, 2:15 p.m.

Dec. 13 — at Moorhead, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19-21 — at Edina Tournament

Dec. 27 — Forest Lake, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — Holy Family Catholic, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 9 — Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Greenway, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — Bemidji, 3 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Duluth Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Hill-Murray, 3 p.m.

Jan. 29 — at Brainerd, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Wayzata, 3 p.m.

Feb. 7 — White Bear Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — Maple Grove, 3 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 — Hermantown, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

Grand Rapids goaltender Carter Clafton gives up a shot on goal against CloquetEsko-Carlton during a game last season.

News Tribune file photo

GREENWAY RAIDERS

Coach: Grant Clafton, fifth season

2018-19 record: 17-14

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Donte Lawson (3734—71); F Nikolai Rajala (12-23—35);D Cameron Lantz (5-19—24); F Tristan Birdsall (1212—24); D Aaron Elich (0-8—8)

Key returners: Sr. F Ben Troumbly (24-22— 46); sr. F Mitch Vekich (11-12—23); sr. D Christian Miller (3-16—19); jr. F Micah Gernander (5-12—17); sr. D Brock Trboyevich (2-13—15); sr. G Logan Wright (2.19 GAA, .919 save percentage)

Outlook: It was a storybook year for the Raiders, who went from a middling 6-13 team late

SCHEDULE

Nov. 26 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 — Ely, 4 p.m.

Nov. 30 — Minnetonka, 3 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Duluth Denfeld, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 — at St. Cloud Cathedral, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 17 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Moorhead, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at East Grand Forks, 2 p.m.

Dec. 27 — Delano, 7 p.m.

Dec. 28 — Orono, 3 p.m.

Jan. 2 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 — Holy Family Catholic, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — Roseau, 6 p.m.

Jan. 11 — Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

in the regular season all the way to the Class A state tournament championship game, losing 5-2 to St. Cloud Cathedral. Lawson was the heart and soul of that squad and his departure leaves a big void. However, the Raiders have two Division I commits in Troumbly and Miller — both of whom are headed to St. Cloud State — as well as other scoring options.

“I think we have guys who can be just as effective as the players that we lost,” Clafton said. “We are going to have to come up with scoring, which is going to be a tough deal. We’re not going to be a super, high-octane offense like we were at the end of

the year last year. We do have the guys who can chip away and put up 15, 20 (goals) rather than one guys putting up 35 or 40.”

Wright, who took over during the 11-game win streak toward the end of the season, is back in goal as the Raiders seek to again compete with Hermantown for a section title.

“We look to contend for a section championship in the 2019-2020 season. Last season was a storybook year for our team and we’re excited about putting that behind us and going back to work,” Clafton said.

Jan. 25 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — Wayzata, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 — International Falls, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at St. Paul Johnson, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Bemidji, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Returning Greenway player Christian Miller (12) battles Mahtomedi's Adam Johnson along the boards during a Minnesota Class A semifinal at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

News Tribune file photo

HERMANTOWN HAWKS

Coach: Patrick Andrews, third season

2018-2019 record: 22-4-2

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Brady Baker (2310—33); D Darian Gotz (10-17—27); D Sam High (10-17—27); F Elliot Peterson (6-19—25); G Cole Manahan (1.73 GAA, .912 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr. F Blake Biondi (34-29—63); jr. D/F Joey Pierce (1925—44); jr. F Ethan Lund (13-20—33); jr. sr. D/F Drew Sams (9-11—20); sr. D Indio Dowd (0-14—14); jr. D Jackson Lucia (2-14—16); jr. F Cole Antcliff (11-3—14); F Aydyn Dowd (1-8—9); jr. F Aaron Pionk (4-5—9)

Outlook: The Hawks’ nineyear run as section champs

came to an end in a double-overtime loss to Greenway in the 7A championship game. But Hermantown returns 14 letterwinners and has 11 seniors and 13 juniors on its roster, meaning Patrick Andrews’ squad is favored to make its way back to St. Paul. Hermantown led the section in scoring (5.2 goals per game) and putting the puck in the net shouldn’t be a problem again. Captain Biondi, a Minnesota Duluth commit who played for the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League this fall and for Team USA during last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scored six of his 34 goals in three playoff games. Joining him up front, the Hawks have a potent crew of forwards with Lund, Pionk, Antcliff and Aydyn Dowd, all of whom played large minutes for the Hawks last season.

SCHEDULE

At 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 26 — Eveleth-Gilbert

Nov. 29 — Wayzata

Nov. 30 — at Lakeville South

Dec. 6 — at Eden Prairie (St. Louis Park), 6 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — Duluth Marshall

Dec. 13 — Totino-Grace

Dec. 17 — Duluth Denfeld

Dec. 21 — Mahtomedi, 3:15 p.m.

Hermantown's Blake

Biondi scored 38 goals last season and returns to try and help the Hawks return to the state tournament after their nine-year run was interrupted a season ago.

News Tribune file photo

Alternate captains Sams and Indio Dowd return to the blue line. Pierce, who made the U-18 National Development Camp All-Star Game last summer, is slated to move back to the blue line joining returning senior Zach Carson, Lucia and sophomore Jack Glockle, who saw considerable varsity time last season as a freshman. The biggest question mark lies in goal as senior Jacob Backstrom takes over the starting job after seeing limited varsity action as a junior backup.

Jan. 3 — St. Cloud Cathedral

Jan. 7 — Grand Rapids

Jan. 11 — Cretin-Derham Hall, 3:15 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Greenway

Jan. 18 — at St. Cloud Tech, 3 p.m.

Jan. 21 — Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 23 — Proctor

Jan. 25 — at Holy Family Catholic, 3 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Feb. 1 — at Hill-Murray, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — Superior

Feb. 13 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

HIBBING-CHISHOLM BLUEJACKETS

Coach: Justin Tomberlin, fourth season

2018-2019 record: 4-23

Conference: Iron

Range

Section: 7A

Key departures: D

Skylar Rhodes (5-6— 11); F Nic Cicchi (5-5— 10); F Blace Tomberlin; D Carter Anderson

Key returners: Jr. F

Ethan Lund (9-6—15); jr. F Joe Allison (3-7— 10); jr. F Blake Frider (3-4—7); sr. F Mitchell

Ziemba (0-5—5); jr. D

Erik Sanborn Outlook: It’s been a tough couple of years for the Bluejackets, who have won only 11 games in that span and began last season 0-17. Transfers have hurt team chemistry and continuity, but Hibbing-Chisholm returns three of its top five point-scorers from last season in an effort to regain the respect it had when it played in 10 consecutive section finals. Scoring was a big

problem as the Bluejackets averaged a section-low 1.5 goals per game last season. They weren’t much better at keeping the puck out of the net, allowing a section-worst 6.3 goals an outing. Two new goalies and an influx of skilled bantams should complement a core of juniors and seniors who are working toward a better outcome this season.

SCHEDULE

At 7 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 29 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Dec. 3 — at Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 — International Falls

Dec. 7 — at Roseau, 3 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Superior

Dec. 17 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Dec. 21 — South St. Paul, 1 p.m.

Dec. 26 — Delano, 6 p.m.

Dec. 27 — Orono

Jan. 2 — Greenway

Jan. 3 — Rochester Mayo

Jan. 7 — Eveleth-Gilbert

Jan. 9 — Two Harbors

Jan. 10 — Hopkins

Jan. 16 — Grand Rapids

Jan. 21 — at Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Warroad

Jan. 25 — Thief River Falls, 3 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Duluth Denfeld

Jan. 31 — at North Shore

Feb. 4 — at Greenway

Feb. 6 — at Eveleth-Gilbert

Feb. 8 — at St. Paul Johnson, 2 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Photo courtesy of Tom Lindstrom Photography

MOOSE LAKE AREA REBELS

Coach: Lee Costley, fourth season

2018-2019 record: 6-17-1

Conference: Two Rivers

Section: 5A

Key departures: F Tommy Klinski (9-5— 14); D Vern Anderson (14-16—30)

Key returners: Jr. F Jordan Fjosne (21-17—38); jr. F Adam Olson (9-14— 23); soph. F Henry Ribich (7-5—12)

Outlook: For several years, the Rebels have been focused on survival as low roster numbers led to many

blowouts. Now, with a growing bantam program starting to impact varsity participation numbers, the future looks brighter. The varsity is expected to have 12-14 players this winter, while the freshman class competes in bantams.

“The program has now moved past survival mode and has started to turn the corner to become a competitive program. Our youth hockey numbers continue to grow. This should be the last season where we have a small roster,” Costley said. “We return a solid group of players from last year’s team. If the returning and incoming player development continues, our program has the potential to surprise a few teams. We may not have a big roster in terms of numbers,

INTERNATIONAL FALLS BRONCOS

but we have the right kids. They never quit and they keep coming at you for all three periods.”

Moose Lake Area is the lone Northland school in Section 5A. One problem with competing in the section, Costley says, is that two Class AA programs dropped a class into 5A, making three schools to do so in his four seasons as coach.

“This makes getting through our section more of a challenge. The point of having AA and A levels is to give smaller programs and larger programs competitive balance. It is unfortunate that larger schools that have high enrollment numbers and high participation numbers in high school are able to drop down to the A level,” Costley said.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune Members of the Moose Lake Area hockey team line up for the national anthem before a game at Riverside Arena in Moose Lake.

News Tribune file photo

SCHEDULE

At 7 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 26 — vs. Becker/Big Lake (Princeton)

Nov. 29-30 — at Henry Sibley Tournament (St. Paul)

Dec. 3 — Pine City

Dec. 5 — North Shore

Dec. 10 — at St. Paul Highland Park

Dec. 13 — at Ely, 6 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Proctor

Dec. 19 — Grantsburg

Dec. 26-28 — at North Shore Tournament

Jan. 3 — Mora/Milaca

Jan. 7 — at Northern Lakes, 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 — at Pine City

Jan. 17 — Bagley-Fosston, 6 p.m.

Jan. 21 — St. Paul Highland Park

Jan. 24 — Chisago Lakes, 5 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Dodge County, 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 — Sauk Rapids-Rice, 6 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Grantsburg

Feb. 4 — at Mora/Milaca

Feb. 14 — at Bagley-Fosston, 6 p.m.

ROSTER

Coach: George McDonald, fifth season

2018-2019 record: 7-17-1

Conference: Iron Range

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Simon Palm (1010—20); Joe Glowack (3-10—13)

Key returners: Jr. F Brady Wicklund (1715—32); sr. F Kian Gonzales (10-14—24); sr. F Jaxon Germain (8-8— 16); sr. F Bradyn Dremmel (9-4—13); sr. D Travis Kalar (3-4—7); sr. D Anthony Saari; jr. G Mitchell Nemec (3.83 GAA, .881 save percentage); jr. G Max Marcotte (3.52, .880)

Outlook: The Broncos will want to get off

the schnide in a hurry as they enter the season on an 11-game losing streak. They field a much more experienced team after losing only three seniors and bringing back 11. “We think leadership is very important and having 11 (seniors) is rare for us. We hope this group of seniors is going to show the younger guys the ropes and pull them along,” McDonald said.

Wicklund, last season’s leading point producer, and Gonzales are proven scorers, however for the Broncos to be appreciably better than last season, scoring might have to be a team concept. “We’re not a team that is going to

SCHEDULE

Nov. 22 — Little Falls

Nov. 29 — at Eveleth-Gilbert (Hoyt Lakes), 6 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at Lake of the Woods, 3 p.m.

Dec. 6 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 — Kittson Central, 3 p.m.

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

Dec. 26-28 — at Warroad Tournament

Jan. 3 — Ely, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — at North Shore (Silver Bay), 4 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 — Duluth Denfeld, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 — Red Lake Falls, 4 p.m.

Jan. 21 — Greenway, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Kittson Central, 4 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Fort Frances (Ontario), 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Greenway, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 — at Crookston, 3 p.m.

Feb. 13 — Lake of the Woods, 7 p.m.

have one guy do most of the damage, so our scoring is going to have to be done by committee. That’s how we hope it pans out,” McDonald said.

Marcotte and Nemec both return after splitting duties 50-50 in net as sophomores. McDonald expects to begin the season the same way. “To start with out of the gate until one of them steals the show,” he said. “We just felt they were evenly matched last year so in fairness we let them go. Unless one of them rises up or one of them stumbles, we’re going to continue to rotate them until we can’t anymore.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

ROSTER

1 Mitchell Nemec G Jr.

2 Jake Erickson D Sr.

3 Anthony Saari D Sr.

5 Travis Kalar D Sr.

6 Jaxon Germain F Sr.

7 Ben Skifstad F Sr.

8 Tucker Hell D Jr.

9 Brady Wicklund F Jr.

10 Justin Besch F Sr.

11 Jordan Smith F Jr.

12 Kian Gonzales F Sr.

13 Jackson Schulz F Sr.

15 Bradyn Dremmel F Sr.

16 Cooper LaVigne F Jr.

17 John Boerger F Sr.

19 Ben Glowack D So.

20 Brendan Beneki F Sr.

21 Myles Mason D Jr.

22 Parker Sivonen F So.

30 Max Marcotte G Jr.

NORTH SHORE STORM

Coach: Andy Fellows, first season

2018-2019 record: 7-14-3

Conference: Iron Range Section: 7A

Key departures: F Will Olson (20-9—29); Mason Meyer (13-12— 25); F Wyatt Haugan (3-5—8); G Cameron Roy (3.14 GAA, .901 save percentage)

Key returners: Jr. F Ryder McMillen (7-19— 26); sr. F Cole Komarek (10-11—21); jr. D Lucas Stadler (4-8—12); sr. D Spencer Jackson; sr. G

Connor Sullivan (4.01 GAA, .874 save percentage)

Outlook: A new era is beginning for the cooperative program from Silver Bay, Two Harbors and Cook County as Fellows replaces Mike Guzzo, who spent 30 seasons on the boys and girls benches. It’s been 20 years since Silver Bay reached the program’s lone state tournament and now the team is part of the Iron Range Conference, joining Eveleth-Gilbert, Greenway, Hibbing-Chisholm,

SCHEDULE

At 7 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 23 — Wadena-Deer Creek (Two Harbors)

Nov. 26 — Duluth Denfeld (Silver Bay)

Nov. 29 — at Proctor

Dec. 5 — at Moose Lake Area

Dec. 7 — at North Branch

Dec. 12 — at Superior

Dec. 17 — Pine City, 6:30 p.m. (Two Harbors)

Dec. 19 — at Hayward

Dec. 26-28 — North Shore Tournament

Jan. 4 — International Falls, 6:30 p.m. (Silver Bay)

Jan. 7 — at Greenway

Jan. 9 — at Hibbing-Chisholm

Jan. 11 — at Mora/Milaca, 1 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Jan. 16 — Chisago Lakes, 6 p.m. (Two Harbors)

Jan. 21 — Eveleth-Gilbert (Two Harbors)

Jan. 23 — at International Falls, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 — Proctor (Silver Bay)

Jan. 30 — Ashland (Two Harbors)

Jan. 31 — Hibbing-Chisholm (Silver Bay)

Feb. 4 — at Ely

Feb. 13 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 — Princeton (Two Harbors)

International Falls and

Virginia/Mountain

Iron-Buhl. Despite losing their leading scorer, the Storm return several players from a year ago led by McMillen and Komarek. Goaltender Sullivan started seven games a year ago so has varsity experience.

“We should be competitive,” Fellows said. “We’re fairly young, but we have a fair amount of returning talent and a very good goalie in Connor Sullivan.”

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

North Shore boys hockey coach Mike Guzzo retired at the end of last season.

News Tribune file photo

PROCTOR RAILS

Coach: Dan Stauber, fourth season

2018-2019 record: 7-19-1

Conference: Lake

Superior

Section: 7A

Key departures:

D Zach Gunderson (4-24—28); G Lucas Fulton (4.43 GAA, .871 save percentage)

Key returners: Jr. F Reece Ward (13-21— 34); sr. F Ben Harnell (20-11—31); sr. D Isaac Mosher (9-16—25); jr.

F Connor Bushbaum (10-8—18); jr. F Conner Pavlowich (5-4—9); sr. D Bo Dardis (2-7—9)

Outlook: The Rails return their top four forwards and two defensemen, but face issues with a lack of depth at forward and an untested goaltender. Harnell, Ward, Pavlowich, Bushbaum, Mosher and Dardis all logged plenty of ice time last year. Finding a second and third line to play their roles is one of Stauber’s main tasks. Getting senior goalie Cody Urie, who played sparingly on varsity as a junior, comfortable in net is another key.

Proctor has struggled

to compete in the Lake Superior Conference, failing to win a league game since early in the 2015-16 season, and also has gone three consecutive years without a playoff victory. The Rails lost 5-4 in overtime to Hibbing-Chisholm to close last season.

“It’s been several years since Proctor has won a first-round playoff game,” Stauber said.

“The team goal will be: Win a first-round playoff game.”

SCHEDULE

At 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 21 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Nov. 22 — Wadena-Deer Creek

Nov. 26 — Duluth Marshall

Nov. 29 — North Shore

Nov. 30 — at Northern Lakes (Crosby), 2 p.m.

Dec. 3 — Hibbing-Chisholm

Dec. 5 — at Superior

Dec. 10 — at Cambridge-Isanti, 6 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at International Falls

Dec. 14 — at Princeton

Dec. 17 — Moose Lake Area

Dec. 19 — at Eveleth-Gilbert

Dec. 26-28 — at North Shore Holiday Tournament

Jan. 7 — Mora/Milaca

Jan. 9 — Gentry Academy

Jan. 14 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center), 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Ely, 6 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at North Shore

Jan. 30 — at Chisago Lakes

Feb. 7 — Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

Feb. 11 — Northern Lakes

Feb. 13 — Pine City

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

The Proctor hockey teams have started their second seasons in the St. Luke’s Sports and Events Center. News Tribune file photo

SUPERIOR SPARTANS

Coach: Jason Kalin, 19th season

2018-2019 record: 18-7

Conference: Lake

Superior

Section: 1

Key departures: F Cayden Laurvick (44 points); F Taylor Burger (36 points); F Grant Sorensen (29 points); F Trevor Dalbec (23 points); D Max Curtis (plus-10 plus-minus ratio); D Derrick Mattson (plus-23); G Dayton Podvin (3.19 GAA, .880 save percentage)

Key returners: Sr.

F Gunnar Hansen (44 points); sr. F T.J. Sitek (10 points); sr. D Alex

Hanson (plus-23); sr. D Sean McCoshen (plus-8)

Outlook: Changes abound this year, both in the Spartans program and in Wisconsin hockey in general. The state has gone to a two-class system and Superior is slotted into Division 2 for a one-year commitment during a two-year statewide trial run. The school will re-evaluate its divisional placement after the season. Meanwhile, the Spartans are rebuilding their own squad as 13 seniors graduated from a team that lost to Hudson in the Sectional 1 final. Those players com-

prised the majority of the scoring. Hansen and Sitek had significant time playing on the top three lines and will be relied upon to provide scoring punch. A good group of junior forwards follows and a large, very promising sophomore contingent is waiting its turn to impress. Jamin Durfee played sparingly in goal last season but is considered the frontrunner for the starting position. Hanson and McCoshen are veteran defensemen and will be surrounded by several young players on the blue line.

SCHEDULE

Home games at Wessman Arena

Nov. 29-30 — Eau Claire Memorial Tournament

Dec. 3 — Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — Proctor, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Hudson, 8 p.m.

Dec. 10 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Chippewa Falls, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Duluth Denfeld (Heritage Center),

5:15 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at New Richmond, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26-28 — at Showdown in Titletown

Jan. 2 — at North Branch, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — Menomonie, 2 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Baldwin-Woodville, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — Eau Claire North, 2 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Hudson, 8 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Northland Pines, 4 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Hayward, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Duluth East, 7 p.m.

Feb. 15 — Eau Claire Memorial, 2 p.m.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Superior’s Gunnar Hansen (9) slips the puck past Chippewa Falls’ goaltender during a game in the 2018-19 season. Superior Telegram file photo

Coach: Cale Finseth, second season

2018-19 record: 10-16-1

Conference: Iron Range

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Cade Moreland (18-11—29); F Caleb Bialke (13-11— 24); D Nate Coldagelli (2-12—14); F Jack Zupetz; D Bailey Bonicatto; and G Cam Kreibich (2.94 GAA, .909) were among 16 seniors who graduated

Key returners: Jr. F Brett Okland

VIRGINIA/MOUNTAIN IRON-BUHL BLUE DEVILS

(7-15—22); jr. F Blake Zadnikar (7-4—11); jr. F Ryan Scherf; sr. F Dillon Drake Outlook: The Blue Devils struggled down the stretch in Finseth’s first season at the helm, losing seven of their final 10 games. The beginning of this season may be challenging, considering the youth of a squad that features five seniors, 15 juniors and 12 sophomores. VMIB lost much of its scoring from a year ago in More-

land and Bialke, who formed a dangerous 1-2 touch, so it might have to rely on defense to win games.

“The strength of the Blue Devils this season will need to be their work ethic and their ability to take care of the defensive zone. The team will need to buy into the systems and come together as a team,” Finseth said.

Inexperience presides in goal, however, as Kreibich started all but

SCHEDULE

At 7 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 23 — Little Falls

Nov. 26 — at Greenway

Nov. 29 — at Hibbing-Chisholm

Dec. 3 — Grand Rapids

Dec. 6 — at Warroad, 8 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Lake of the Woods, 1 p.m.

Dec. 10 — Duluth Denfeld

Dec. 12 — Eveleth-Gilbert

Dec. 20 — South St. Paul

Dec. 21 — Breck, 3 p.m.

Dec. 26 — Orono

Dec. 28 — Delano, 3 p.m.

Jan. 4 — Bloomington Kennedy, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — International Falls

Jan. 10 — Sauk Rapids-Rice

Jan. 11 — Hopkins, 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 — North Shore

Jan. 18 — at Sartell-St. Stephen, 3 p.m.

Jan. 21 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Jan. 23 — at Eveleth-Gilbert

Jan. 31 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 — Hermantown

Feb. 7 — at Proctor, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Hibbing-Chisholm

Feb. 13 — Greenway

one game in 2018-19. That means the early part of the season is vital to establish chemistry among the lines and trust in the defense. A midseason stretch of 11 consecutive home games should help.

“Our goal is to build throughout the season and put us in a position to be successful in the playoffs,” Finseth said.

Rick Weegman, News Tribune

Arik Lamppa

30 Tristan Pikula

Tyler

Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com

Virginia-Mountain Iron-Buhl will need to replace graduated goaltender Cam Kreibich, middle, shown in a file photo from the 2019 Section 7A semifinals at Amsoil Arena in Duluth. Kreibich had a 2.94 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage last season.

Greenway hopes to recapture magic

Surprising run to 2019 title game boosts Raiders heading into new season

By Rick Weegman rweegman@duluthnews.com

Bleak was probably a kind term for what faced the Greenway boys hockey team last Jan. 19 following a second consecutive shutout loss at the end of a dismal six-game stretch of road games, five of which were defeats.

The Raiders, full of talent and expectations, stood 6-13 and a long way from their eventual destination of Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

But in what was a Mighty Ducks-like revival, Greenway turned on the switch and won 11 straight games — knocking Hermantown off its perch atop Section 7A for the first time in 10 years along the way — before capturing the hearts of hockey fans statewide by upsetting two seeded teams in the state tournament, including No. 1

Mahtomedi, and reaching the Class A final.

“We just believed in each other, that’s a big part of being a team,” senior defenseman Christian Miller said.

“We paid the price and it just kicked in at the end

of the year. There was definitely frustration, but as a team we got around that and played together. It eventually paid off. Once you start winning, it becomes a habit.”

Though the championship game did not have a Hollywood ending — St. Cloud Cathedral defeated Greenway 5-2 — the Raiders proved a lot to themselves in achieving what they knew was possible.

“Throughout the year we had a lot of injuries that we had to battle through, along with a tough schedule,” senior forward Ben Troumbly said. “We battled through a lot of adversity, but toward the end of the year we got healthy and started clicking.

“No one quit and

everyone believed. We pushed each other in practice and it paid off. We never got down on each other and kept believing.”

Coach Grant Clafton said he was pleased with how his players kept their composure during tough times.

“We had a lot of expectations going into the season because of the talent we had,” Clafton said. “It was a bit of a conundrum for us to start out the way we did. Every team has the opportunity during the year when things are going poorly to blame, make excuses and point the finger at somebody else. The one thing that I thought was special about our group is that we overcame a lot of adversity that we had.

“They never looked to blame anyone else.”

That experience provided a big boost for a program that years ago was on the edge of a cliff as far as having enough numbers to continue. Wearing the color green became en vogue during those four days in March.

“It was huge for our program and huge for our area in general. We had a lot of support from the Iron Range communities and a lot of support from the whole State of Hockey,” Clafton said. “It shows that it doesn’t matter if you are a small or a big school, if you can overcome the adversity that comes at you during the season, then you can accomplish or achieve things that others think you couldn’t do.”

In order to repeat, the Raiders must find a way to overcome the loss of Donte Lawson, who had 10 goals and 10 assists in six magical playoff games.

Having Miller and Troumbly — both St. Cloud State commits — back is a good start. Players such as Mitchell Vekich, Micah Gernander and Brock Trboyevich will have a bigger role.

“We’re confident,” Miller said. “We lost a lot of great players but have a lot of skilled players coming back. We’re ready.”

Hermantown, which won nine consecutive section titles, again stands in the way of more good vibrations in the Coleraine area. The Hawks are sure to remember last season’s double-overtime section final loss.

“We know that we woke the giant last year, so we know that Hermantown is ready to go and will be the team to beat this year,” Clafton said. “We are not taking anything for granted. Last year was great … but it’s a forgotten season at this point as far as I’m concerned.”

Greenway’s Ben Troumbly (8) celebrates scoring against Hermantown in the 2019 Section 7A boys hockey final at Amsoil Arena.

News Tribune file photo

Greenway's Ben Troumbly (8) snags the puck after Mahtomedi's Joe Paradise (17) misses his shot in the second period of a Minnesota Class A semifinal game at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul last March.

News Tribune file photo

MIRAGE

on coaching. I felt like it was the right time, and coming to a program I know so well made it even easier.”

Stauber is part of perhaps Duluth’s most well known hockey family. Her father is James and her uncles include former NHL goalie Robb Stauber, former Wisconsin-Superior men’s hockey coach and current Proctor athletic director Dan Stauber and U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber. Emma Stauber helps manage the family business, Duluth Hockey Company.

“There’s a lot of stuff you have to take care of on the back end, administration wise, but overall it’s been good,” Stauber said of her first head coaching position.

By Jon Nowacki jnowacki@duluthnews.com

Emma Stauber stuck around after practice last Monday at Hermantown Ice Arena as three of her Proctor-Hermantown girls hockey players had questions about the Mirage power play and penalty kill about how to better communicate with their teammates.

The first step of course is listening, and while it was a bit chaotic, with children running around the rink and a youth game about to start, Stauber listened intently

to senior forwards Sydney Skorich and Megan Madill and junior center Alyssa Watkins. All eyes were on her as she then passed along the knowledge the 26-year-old has learned in a lifetime of hockey, and is still learning.

Stauber, a 2011 Duluth Marshall grad who played for the Mirage when the Hilltoppers were part of the program, is in her first year as Proctor-Hermantown head coach.

“She’s been really good,” Watkins said.

“It’s fun knowing she went through our pro-

gram, went on to college and then played professionally. We get to learn more and more from her as we go. Just going to the rink, everyday you see little girls who look up to her, and you see how special it is.”

Stauber, a defenseman, helped lead the Mirage to their first state tournament in 2010. She went on to play more than 140 games for Minnesota Duluth from 2011-15 and was a captain. She finished with three career goals and 20 assists. She played in Sweden before joining the Minnesota Whitecaps, helping them win the Isobel Cup in their inaugural season in the National Women’s Hockey League in 201819. While Stauber con-

tinues to play for the Whitecaps, based in the Twin Cities, she only makes their home games, so it is much less demanding than her previous schedule that included road games and practices. Stauber, who had previously served two seasons as an assistant at Duluth Marshall, was announced as head coach in April.

Stauber laughed about how she got her resume together not long after hearing about the job opening.

“I didn’t wait too long,” she said. “It definitely felt like the right time, even with my playing year last year, winning the Isobel Cup. I was satisfied reaching that, and didn’t mind taking a step back from playing to really focus

“I know there are a lot of things I do differently, but hopefully the girls feel it’s been a pretty smooth transition, as well. It’s been exciting to share what I’ve learned with them. It’s been good because a lot of them are asking questions.”

Stauber replaces Glen Gilderman, the Mirage coach since their inception. He was 322-219-

22 in 21 seasons and led teams to five state tournament appearances, four since 2014. They finished a program-best third at the Class A state tournament in February. The Mirage have dealt with injuries, including to junior defenseman McKenzie Gunderson, who tore knee ligaments in a powder puff football game and is out for the season. Like all teams, they are also dealing with the early-season process of experimenting with lines to see which combinations work best. Stauber has a system based approach, has introduced specially plays to run off the faceoff and emphasized what can be learned from watching video. As of last week, Proctor-Hermantown was off to a 2-1 start after winning 2-1 at Hibbing-Chisholm, a game Gilderman followed online.

Gilderman is proud to say that not only is Stauber leading the team, but former players Reilly Fawcett and Kennedy Halverson are also coaching in the program.

Emma Stauber becomes a head coach for the first time, leads her old team with the example that hard work pays off

Proctor-Hermantown girls hockey coach Emma Stauber explains drills during practice at Hermantown Hockey Arena Monday, Nov.

18, 2019.

Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com

STAUBER: Page S22

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CLAIRE VEKICH

Grand Rapids-Greenway

Junior forward

The Bemidji State recruit is a two-time News Tribune All-Area selection who led the Northland with 33 goals last season, more than any other Class AA sophomore in the state

STAUBER

From Page S21

“It will take a little time for them, but as I watch this team, I can see a team that’s going to be really good,” Gilderman said. “Just wait until things come together. Any early wrinkles are to be expected; it’s an adjustment.”

Gilderman recalled how Stauber started out as a very offensive-minded defenseman, scoring a lot of goals. But in 2009-10, when

the Mirage advanced to the state tournament, he really needed her to guard the blue.

“And she did that all season until the section final, when she put us on her back,” Gilderman recalled. “She had a hat trick in that game, and that was the first time we went to state, so that was pretty cool. That tells you something about her as a player, that we needed her to be more of a defenseman, and she did it without questioning it.

“Emma was always really hard nosed, really hard working.”

TAYLOR NELSON

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Senior forward

Two-time All-Area selection tallied 31 goals and 24 assists last season and gives the Lumberjacks the Northland’s best one-two punch with teammate Kiana Bender

ALYSSA WATKINS

Proctor-Hermantown

Junior forward

NCAA Division I prospect is poised for a breakout year after notching 23 goals and 10 assists in helping the Mirage finish a program-best third at the Class A girls state hockey tournament last season

MAREN FRIDAY

Duluth Marshall

Junior defenseman

The Union College recruit is a force on both ends of the ice, scoring 14 goals and adding 22 assists as the Hilltoppers (19-9) advanced to the Section 7A final last season

EMMA QUIMBY

Hayward-Ashland

Senior goalie

Carried the Hurricanes to a 12-10-4 record by posting stellar stats, with a 1.36 goals-against average, .933 save percentage and 11 shutouts to earn the Jessie Vetter Award as Wisconsin’s top goalie

And like Gilderman, she demands that of her players.

Stauber has a whistle and uses it plenty, but she tries to use stoppages as teaching moments, not just showing what a player might be doing wrong, but showing the difference between doing something the wrong way compared to doing it the right way, why it matters and how it makes a difference. Or it might not even be wrong at all, but it wasn’t the best option.

“It’s all listen, or else you get in trouble,” Watkins said, laughing. “If you don’t listen, it’s usually conditioning. If were not working hard, she’ll let us know. I feel like it’s

STAUBER: Page S24

GAMES TO WATCH 55 5

Duluth at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

7:30 p.m. Dec. 10

OK, it doesn’t quite have the buzz surrounding it as when the boys meet but it’s a fun rivalry and another opportunity for the Northern Stars to see how they stack up against Northland competition after mostly playing Twin Cities teams to start the season

Duluth Marshall at Proctor-Hermantown

7 p.m. Dec. 13 (St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center, Proctor)

A rematch of last season’s Section 7A final,

won 3-1 by the Mirage at Miners Memorial Building in Virginia, could serve as a preview of this year’s final Grand Rapids-Greenway at Duluth Marshall

7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 (Mars Lakeview Arena)

With the Lightning not playing Proctor-Hermantown this season, this is probably the next-best option for hockey fans wanting to see the best of Northland girls hockey, close to home (disclaimer: GRG had to remove a game for its Hockey Day Minnesota game vs.

Blake and couldn’t work it out with the Mirage)

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton at Proctor-Hermantown

7 p.m. Jan. 21 (St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center, Proctor)

The second-to-last game of the regular season for the Mirage — and one of the final games for the Lumberjacks — could serve as a playoff primer as both programs look to gain momentum for the Section 7A tournament

Hibbing-Chisholm at Grand Rapids-Greenway

7 p.m. Jan. 31 (IRA Civic Center, Grand Rapids)

Always a fun Range matchup in any sport, this is the final game of the regular season for both squads and features longtime Bluejackets coach Pete Hyduke matching up against his son, Lightning coach Brad Hyduke (same teams also matchup Dec. 10 at Hibbing Memorial Arena)

Jana Anderson

CLOQUET-ESKO-CARLTON LUMBERJACKS

Head coach: Courtney Olin, fifth season

2018-2019 Record: 19-8

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7A

Key departures: G Elise Lund, D Keagen Anderson

Key returners: Sr. F Taylor Nelson (55 points); sr. F Kiana Bender (49 points); sr. F Dea DeLeon (30 points); so. D Tenley Stewart (10 points)

Outlook: The Lumberjacks return their top five point producers from last season — led by Nelson, Bender and DeLeon — and two senior starters, Emmie Ellena and Jenna Zdebski, also return. CEC will need to break in a starting goalie, with freshman Araya Kiminski and senior Lauren Maslowski contending for the spot. Neither had varsity experience before this season. Olin expects Section 7A to be incredibly tough with CEC, Proctor-Hermantown, Duluth Marshall and Hibbing-Chisholm all being ranked in the top 10 in Class A at the end of last season. With 17 of 20 varsity players returning, the Lumberjacks expect to be in the mix again this season.

SCHEDULE

Nov. 26 — Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 30 — International Falls, 3 p.m.

Dec. 3 — North Shore, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Hibbing, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — at Sartell, 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — Duluth Northern Stars, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Princeton, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Moose Lake, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 2 — at Coon Rapids, 5 p.m.

Jan. 4 — Ashland-Hayward, 2 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — Duluth Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 — Cambridge-Isanti, 5 p.m.

Jan. 14 — Hibbing, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Bemidji, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Thief River Falls, 2 p.m.

ROSTER

DULUTH NORTHERN STARS

SCHEDULE

Nov. 26 — Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 — at Princeton, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at Blake, 2 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — Champlin Park, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at Warroad, 2 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Hibbing, 7 p.m.

Dec. 30-Jan. 1 — at Herb Brooks Holiday Classic (Blaine, Minn.), 2 p.m.

Jan. 3 — at St. Francis, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — Forest Lake, 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Rochester John Marshall, 3 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Hayward-Ashland (in Hayward), 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Superior, 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Moose Lake Area, 7:30 p.m.

ROSTER

Coach: Jamie Kenyon-Plesha, fifth season

2018-2019 record: 6-19-1

Conference: Lake Superior

Section: 7AA

Key departures: F Cassie McClure (20-3—23), a News Tribune All-Area second-team selection now playing at Wisconsin-Superior; F Noelle Stellmaker (9-5—14)

Key returners: Sr. G Sarah Spencer (.825 save percentage); so. F Annika Lindgren (7-14—21); sr. D Katie Kroska (0-8—8)

Outlook: Kenyon-Plesha said the Northern Stars will be banking on a new era of leadership from captains Sarah Spencer, Katie Kroska, Quinn Clark and Jorja Schooler as younger players work to define their roles.

The Northern Stars have won just 13 games the previous two seasons and have made it their goal to “do more” to put themselves in a position to compete with the top teams in the state. That included three days in the weight from from April through August in addition to on-ice work during the summer. Duluth plays a difficult schedule that includes the likes of girls hockey powers Edina, Blake and Warroad. “The Stars don’t want to only be able to compete against the top teams in the state, they have to,” Kenyon-Plesha said. Section 7AA has top competition with Andover, Forest Lake and newly added North Wright County. “The Stars and the coaching staff know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to accomplish their goals, but this group is excited and not afraid of a little work,” Kenyon-Plesha said.

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

News Tribune file photo

News Tribune file photo

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Dana Jones shoots the puck past Proctor-Hermantown’s Dehli Heikes during a game last season.

Annika Lindgren (15) and Rian Braun (3) of the Duluth Northern Stars celebrate after scoring a goal against Roseville during a Nov. 20, 2018 game at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center.

GOOD LUCK LADY TOPPERS!

SCHEDULE

At 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 26 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 — vs. Sartell/Sauk Rapids (St. Cloud

Turkey Trot), 5:15 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at St. Cloud (St. Cloud Turkey Trot), 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 — Hayward-Ashland, 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 — Superior, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 — Benilde-St. Margaret’s, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — Minneapolis, 3 p.m.

Dec. 28 — at Warroad (Gardens Arena

Hockeytown Holiday Classic, Warroad), 6 p.m.

Dec. 30 — vs. East Grand Forks (Gardens Arena

Hockeytown Holiday Classic, Warroad), 5 p.m.

Dec. 31 — vs. Dodge County (Gardens Arena

DULUTH MARSHALL HILLTOPPERS

Coach: Stephanie Erickson, second season

2018-2019 record: 19-9

Conference: Lake

Superior

Section: 7A

Key departures: F

Emily Lemker (1216—28); D Lily Aamodt (1-9—10)

Key returners: Jr. D Maren Friday (14-22— 36); Sr. F Tori Thorson (17-12—29); Jr. G

Charlie Prior (19-9, 1.63 GAA, .912 save percent-

age, nine shutouts)

Outlook: Erickson enjoyed an excellent first season, guiding the Hilltoppers to a runner-up finish in Section 7A, all the while expecting her first child, something that helped bond her with her new team. Friday is a strong defenseman with plenty of offensive skill and a big shot. She has committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey at Union College in Sche-

nectady, N.Y. Thorson leads the offense while Prior has the ability to shut down the opponent. Prior only allowed one goal in the first two rounds of the Section 7A playoffs before Marshall fell 3-1 to Proctor-Hermantown in the title game. It wouldn’t be a shock to see the same teams meet for the title again.

Hockeytown Holiday Classic, Warroad), noon

Jan. 4 — at International Falls, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — Grand Rapids-Greenway

Jan. 9 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Jan. 16 — Moose Lake Area

Jan. 18 — at Chisago Lakes, 2 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — Thief River Falls, 2 p.m.

Proctor-Hermantown girls hockey coach Emma Stauber tells her players to take two laps between drills at Hermantown Hockey Arena Monday, Nov. 18, 2019.

STAUBER

From Page S22

While Stauber would likely be flattered by that statement, she plans on continuing to work hard to become a better

coach. She’s young and there will undoubtedly be growing pains, but the bedrock, the foundation for what it takes to be successful, is firmly in place.

Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com more of a challenge every day, to make sure that we’re impressing her, to make sure that she knows it’s an honor to play for her.”

The Mirage end every practice at center ice, sticks raised in the air before bringing them down while chanting “hard work works.”

“Glen started that when he started the

program, and everyone who has been through this program has been through that,” Stauber said. “I really believe in that, so we’ve kept it. I have the same philosophy when it comes to hard work. I will never allow the girls to get away with not working hard, or not being proactive, with a positive attitude, so those things won’t change.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

Duluth Marshall's Ashlee Siegle, left, battles for the puck in a file photo from the 2018-2019 season. Siegle is one of six seniors the Hilltoppers have to replace this season.

EVELETH-GILBERT AREA GOLDEN BEARS

Coach: Earl Fitzgerald, second season

2018-2019 record: 14-13-3

Conference: Independent

Section: 7A

Key departures: D

Katie Scherf, D Becca Davidson, D Alana

Krause, F Loren Day, F Julia Licari

Key returners: Sr. F Autumn Gregorich, sr. F Anna Seitz (18 points), sr. F Sophia Flatley, sr. F Kada Ceglar, jr. F Anneka Lundgren (21-15—36), jr. G Rachel Woods (2.79

GAA, .908 save percentage), jr. D Sydni Richards, jr. F Alex Wercinski, so. D Jennie Krause, so. F Kylie Baranzeli (12-15—27)

Outlook: Fitzgerald likes the Golden Bears work ethic but would like to see them improve on pre-game preparation, with the goal being to start games quicker and win more one-on-one battles. He hopes they keep building on their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses in prepa-

SCHEDULE

Nov. 26 — at Moose Lake Area, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Grand Rapids-Greenway, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — at Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — International Falls, 7 p.m.

Dec. 30-Jan. 1 — Herb Brooks Holiday Classic

Jan. 7 — Hibbing, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 — at Minnehaha Academy, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Irondale

Jan. 14 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Northern Lakes, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Northern Lakes, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Jan.30 — at International Falls, 7:30 p.m.

ration for the playoffs. Fitzgerald believes the Golden Bears compete in one of the strongest sections in Minnesota, battling almost nightly with the likes of ProctorHermantown, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Duluth Marshall and Hibbing-Chisholm. “We feel it is of the utmost importance for our team to be at its best come playoff time in order for us to be a contender,” he said.

ROSTER

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

Eveleth-Gilbert players celebrate a goal in an undated photo. Submitted photo

GRAND RAPIDS-GREENWAY LIGHTNING

Proud of our Thunderhawks!

SCHEDULE

At 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 26 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Nov. 29 — White Bear Lake (Grand RapidsGreenway Turkey Trot)

Nov. 30 — Blaine, 1:30 p.m. (Grand RapidsGreenway Turkey Trot)

Dec. 3 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — Shakopee, 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Duluth, 5:15 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Brainerd/Little Falls, 5 p.m.

Dec. 26 — vs. North Wright County (Edina Classic), 2:15 p.m.

Dec. 27-28 — Edina Classic, TBA

Jan. 7 — at Duluth Marshall

Jan. 10 — Elk River/Zimmerman, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — Forest Lake, 2 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Blake (Hockey Day Minnesota), 8 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at Andover

Jan. 18 — at North St. Paul/Tartan, 3 p.m.

Jan. 23 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at Alexandria, 2 p.m.

Jan. 28 — Duluth (in Coleraine), 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

Coach: Brad Hyduke

2018-2019 records: 18-9

Conference: Independent (Lake Superior starting 20-21)

Section: 7AA

Key departures: Sadie Peart (Quinnipiac), Maddie Drotts, Sasha Stefan, Jazzi Rohloff

Key returners: F Claire Vekich (Class AA all-state honorable mention), F Ellie Tillma, F Amber Elich, F Jordan Troumbly, D Hannah Mark, D Kayden Broking, D Kaisa Reed, G Emily Trast, G Makenzie Cole

Outlook: The Light-

Go Raiders!

GO THUNDERHAWKS!

ning will blend a strong core of returners with an influx of talent from the junior varsity and girls youth programs, but replacing someone the caliber of Peart will be difficult. Peart, the 2019 News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year and a Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award semifinalist, has already earned Eastern College Athletic Conference rookie of the week honors at Quinnipiac, an NCAA Division I program in Hamden, Conn. The process of developing chemistry will be a yearlong endeavor but the Lightning have the pieces in place, starting with captain Claire Vekich and goaltender Emily Trast. Vekich, just a junior, led all Class AA sophomores with 33 goals last season. The News Tribune All-Area first-team selection has committed

to play at Bemidji State next year. She’s coming off a fall season in which she helped lead Greenway to the Class A state volleyball consolation title. Hyduke sees potential in young skill players like cousins Mercury and Jazzy Bischoff, but it will be tough advancing to the state tournament out of a stacked section. Mercury is a seventh grade forward who came out of peewees last year to score the game-winner for the Lightning in this year’s season opener, while Jazzy, a freshman blue liner, is the younger brother of Jake Bischoff, who made his NHL debut this year with Vegas. Hyduke said as many as five Section 7AA teams could be among the top 15 to 20 teams in Class AA, including topranked Andover.

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

Grand Rapids-Greenway goalie Emily Trast prepares for a shot from ProctorHermantown’s Michaela Phinney during a game last season in Proctor.

News Tribune file photo

HIBBING-CHISHOLM BLUEJACKETS ROSTER

Coach: Pete Hyduke

2018-2019 record: 10-16

Conference: Independent

Section: 7A

Key departures: G Abby Edstrom (2.28 GAA, .925 save percentage, four shutouts); Maria Gherardi (14-11—

15) and Sydney Haben (3-2—5)

Key returners: Sr. F Emma Lundell (11-14— 25); sr. F Allie Bussey (15-14—29); jr. F Dorothy Kearney (7-1—8); so. F Julia Gherardi (3-8—11); jr. D Maddie Rewertz (1-7—8); jr. D Courtney Anderson

SCHEDULE

(1-5—6) and sr. G Lily Hess

Outlook: Veteran coach Pete Hyduke will lead the team as Emily Erickson is taking a oneyear leave of absence. Hyduke has former Hibbing and Apple Valley coach Mark DeCenzo on the bench with him; they coached boys hockey together in the 1990s. The Bluejackets and Proctor-Hermantown are the only teams to win Section 7A over the past seven seasons, with Hibbing-Chisholm winning in 2013, ’15 and ’17, and the Mirage in ’14, ’16 and the past two seasons. The Bluejackets have a knack for turning it on in the playoffs but were blanked 3-0 by the Mirage in last year’s section semifinals. The biggest question will be goaltending, where Hibbing-Chisholm graduated News Tribune All-Area performer Abby Edstrom, who had the ability to stifle opponents and take over games. While her action was limited last season, Lily Hess, now a senior, looked good in spot duty backing up Edstrom, who is now playing for Finlandia. Hess stopped 81 of 86 shots she faced last season, good for a .942 save percentage.

Nov. 29 — Silver Bay, 6 p.m.

Nov. 29 — at Blaine, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 30 — at White Bear Lake, 11:30 a.m.

Dec. 3 — International Falls, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — Grand Rapids-Greenway, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — Duluth Northern Stars, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26-28 — South St. Paul Tournament

Jan. 7 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — Roseau, 2 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — at Alexandria, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 28 — Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Grand Rapids-Greenway, 7 p.m. Hibbing-Chisholm's Julia Gherardi moves the puck during a Nov. 16 game against Mahtomedi at Hibbing Memorial Arena.

Emily and John Law / Flom Designs and Photography

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

Emily and John Law / Flom Designs and Photography

Good Luck Lady Canes!

HAYWARD-ASHLAND HURRICANES

Coaches: Tom Duffy, second season, and Emily Stark, first season 2018-2019 record: 12-10-4 Conference: Lake Superior Section: Wisconsin Sectional 1

SCHEDULE

Nov. 29-30 — at Gobbler Cup Tournament, Mosinee, Wis., TBA

Dec. 5 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — at St. Croix, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Chippewa Falls/Menomonie, 6 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Superior Spartans, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27-28 — at Black River Falls (Wis.)

Tournament, TBA

Jan. 9 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Northland Pines, noon

Jan. 16 — at Duluth, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Wisconsin Valley Union, 1 p.m.

Jan. 21 — at Black River Falls, 6 p.m.

Jan. 23 — North Shore, 3 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Onalaska, 2 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Western Wisconsin, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Eau Claire Area, 6 p.m.

Feb. 1 — vs. Hudson (in Rice Lake, Wis.), 2 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Northern Edge, 6 p.m.

Feb. 6 — Central Wisconsin, 6 p.m.

Feb. 8 — Black River Falls, 2 p.m.

Feb. 11 — Superior, 7 p.m.

ROSTER

Key Departures: D Rikki Saletri, D Lauren Donnellan, E Reone Martin, F Makenzie Johnson

Key Returners: Sr. G Emma Quimby (1.36 GAA, .933 save percentage, 11 shutouts); Jr. Kennedy Springer (1010-20); Sr. Lily Pergolski (6-9-15); Jr. Alex Pieterek (7-2-9); Soile Doyle (0-808); Sr. Taylor Eytcheson (2-5-7);

Jerzy Petit (3-3-6)

Outlook: The Hurricanes lose two top defensemen and a sophomore to a season-ending knee surgery but return all-state goalie Emma Quimby. Quimby was first-team Lake Superior Conference, first team All-Area, first team and unanimous MVP of the independent schools of Wisconsin and was awarded the Jesse Vetter trophy as the best goalie in Wisconsin. The Hurricanes have many girls who got a lot of playing time last year who will be expected to step into leadership

roles. If they make that transition, this team could be dangerous. They better get used to the road as a product of their schedule is not having many home games until well after New Years.

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

INTERNATIONAL FALLS BRONCOS

Head coach: Michele McDonald, second season

2018-2019 Record:

9-13-1

Conference: Independent

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Morgan Rasmussen (7-11—18), D Taylor Sears (11-7—18), F Grace Bragg (9-6—15)

Key returners: Sr. G Macey Marcotte (2.00 GAA, .908 save percentage), jr. D Emma Erickson (9-3—12), sr. Maria Vollom (6-5—11)

Outlook: The Broncos

recently entered into a coop with Rainy River High School. They graduated a solid senior class and will be much younger this season, with only three seniors and three juniors listed on the roster. They will rely heavily on freshmen and even have an eight-grader on

the roster in forward Kaylee Scholler. International Falls wasn’t a high-scoring team last year. Rasmussen, who graduated, was the top scorer with only 18 points, but goals could be even harder to come by this year as Erickson, with 12 points, is the leading returning point getter. That will continue to put defense and goaltending at a premium, but the Broncos have a good one between the pipes in Marcotte.

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

Junior Alex Pieterek is one of Hayward-Ashland's top point producers from a year ago.

Jake Brown / Ashland Daily Press

SCHEDULE

Nov. 30 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 3 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — Superior, 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 — Duluth Northern Stars

Dec. 17 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — Proctor-Hermantown, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at Crookston, 2 p.m.

Dec. 30-Jan. 1 — at Blaine tournament

Jan. 4 — Duluth Marshall, 2 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Bemidji, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 — Wadena-Deer Creek

Jan. 17 — at North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 — at Fort Frances, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — Moose Lake Area, 2 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Crookston, 3 p.m.

ROSTER

Marcotte

Coach: Chris Gamst, second season

2018-2019 record: 2-21-1

Conference: Independent

Section: 7A

Key departures: D Abby Painovich (10-8— 18)

Key returners: Sr. G Jo Wekseth, sr. W Jamie Benzie, sr. C/D Savanna Gamst (5-6—11), sr. W Lexi Bonneville (6-4— 10), so. C/D Rachel Painovich (4-6—10), so. W Gabby Gamst (134—17)

LAKE AREA REBELS

Outlook: While the Rebels have a core of seniors back, blending a talented group of youth players into the varsity will be their primary challenge this season, according to Gamst. Take a quick look at the roster, and in spots it resembles a JV squad. The Rebels will get an influx of talent by bringing in seven seventh- and eighth-grade players who won a U12 B state championship last season, and they will see ice time immediate-

SCHEDULE

At 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 26 — Eveleth-Gilbert

Dec. 6 — at Dodge County, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at Superior, 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 — North Shore

Dec. 20 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

Dec. 30 — vs. Luverne (Herb Brooks Holiday Classic, Blaine, Minn.)

Dec. 31-Jan. 1 — Herb Brooks Holiday Classic, Blaine, Minn., TBA

Jan. 3 — at Cambridge-Isanti Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 — Proctor-Hermantown

Jan. 10 — Rochester John Marshall, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 14 — Superior, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Duluth Marshall

Jan 21 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7 p.m.

Jan 23 — Henry Sibley

Jan. 25 — at International Falls, 2 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Duluth

NORTH SHORE STORM

ly. That depth will help after a 2018-19 season in which the Rebels scrambled to piece together lines due to injuries and low class sizes. Gamst hopes those additions, along with the returning upperclassmen, keep the Rebels in games this year. “The biggest challenge for us will be goal scoring,” Gamst said. “We are going to have to find a way to put pucks in the net. I’m guessing we are going to have to score more ugly goals.”

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

Coach: Zach Vieau, first season

2018-19 record: 9-132

Conference: Independent

Section: 7A

Key departures: F Jessie Ketola (18-19—37); F Gracie Komarek (9-16— 25), who is now playing at Grand Canyon University along with Proctor-Hermantown’s Kaitlyn Fawcett

Key returners: Sr. D Megan Maxey (7-4—11); so. D Livia Hoff (1-4—

5); sr. F Rheo Johnson (13-6—19); sr. F Sydney Haugan (2-2—4); jr. F Emily Siepke (3-2—5)

Outlook: Vieau, an assistant last year, takes over the program after a little coaching swap, with Neva Maxwell, who was head coach of the team the past two seasons, serving as an assistant along with Steve Graden. Vieau ran track at Minnesota Duluth, where he graduated last year. The 23-year-old is originally from Becker, Minn.,

SCHEDULE

Nov. 26 — at Hibbing, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 — Superior, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 — St. Francis-North Branch, 2 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at International Falls, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Moose Lake Area, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 — Washburn, 7 p.m.

Dec. 30-Jan 1 — Blaine tournament

Jan. 4 — Pequot Lakes, 2 p.m.

Jan. 9 — Hayward-Ashland, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Eveleth-Gilbert, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 — International Falls, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Hayward-Ashland, 7 p.m.

Jan 25 — Kasson-Mantorville, 3 p.m.

Jan. 28 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

North Shore's Megan Maxey plays the puck away from Moose Lake Area's Jamie Benzie during a game last season.

News Tribune file photo

where he played hockey. Vieau inherits a young team that lost scoring punch. The Storm can build around an experienced defensive core but lost their top two goaltenders. There will be sophomores, freshmen and even eighth graders skating on the varsity this season. Hope Ernst, Lilly Benvie, Katie Carpenter, Brooke Velcheff, Jenna Marxhausen will be among the new players to watch.

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

19 Bree Torgerson

19 Bruna Genovese

19 Hayley Larson

19 Natalie Reinccius

20 Jenna Marxhausen

35 Harper Powell G

Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com

Moose Lake's Reagan Zywicki takes control of the puck during a game last season at Superior Ice Arena.

Coach: Emma Stauber, first season

2018-2019 Record: 20-8-3

Conference: Lake Superior Section: 7A

Key departures: G Ryan Gray, F Kaitlyn Fawcett (Grand Canyon University), F Ashley Hanson, F Briahna Bryant (Marian University), F Dehli Heikes (Wisconsin-Eau Claire), F Hannah Tanski, G Sam Lewis

Key returners: Jr. F Alyssa Watkins (2310—33); jr. F Michaela Phinney (18-9—27); sr. F Sydney Skorich (13-7—20); sr. D Braelyn Sathers (5-13— 18); jr. D Ella Anick (6-15—21); jr. F Aurora

Opsahl (9-5—14); sr. F Megan Madill (5-7—12); jr. G Vivi Helquist

Outlook: The Mirage have been anticipating the start of the season since a 5-3 win over Mound-Westonka in the Class A state third-place game last season, the highest the program has ever finished. Mirage alum Emma Stauber steps in for Glen Gilderman, the only head coach the program had ever known, who stepped down from coaching after 21 seasons. The Mirage are led by five seniors who were an integral part of the their state-tournament team. Offensively, the team returns two juniors and a senior

SCHEDULE

At 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Nov. 29 — at Blake, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — Duluth, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — Eveleth-Gilbert

Dec. 13 — Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Superior, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at International Falls

Dec. 21 — Benilde-St. Margaret’s, 2 p.m.

Dec. 30 — vs. Hill-Murray (Herb Brooks Holiday Classic, Blaine, Minn.), 6 p.m.

Dec. 31-Jan. 1 — Herb Brooks Holiday Classic, Blaine, Minn., TBA

Jan. 6 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Moose Lake Area

Jan. 14 — at Cambridge-Isanti Area, 6 p.m.

Jan. 16 — Hibbing-Chisholm, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — Blaine, 1 pm.

Jan. 21 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Dodge County, 7 p.m.

who tallied more than 20 points, and also has several players back who contributed more than 10 points. Defensively, the Mirage graduated two senior goaltenders but return all of their defensemen, including junior Ella Anick, who committed to Bemidji State this fall. A steady, experienced blue line should help relieve pressure on the goaltenders, freshman Abby Pajari and junior Vivi Helquist. If the Mirage can get decent play in net and continue their scoring by committee, they could be eyeing a fourth section title in the past five years.

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

ROSTER

27 Ella Anick

Proctor-Hermantown forward Sydney Skorich has a scoring attempt against Rochester Lourdes during a Class A state quarterfinal game last season at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

St. Paul Pioneer Press file photo

Coach: Marc Franta, third season

2018-2019 record: 2-19-2

Conference: Lake

Superior

Section: Wisconsin

Sectional 1

Key departures: G

Autumn Siers, D/F Paige

Lach, D Rose Ion

Key returners: Jr. D Lucy Drougas (18-5— 23); Jr. F Arika Trentor (6-8—14); Jr. F Isabelle Franta (2-5—7); Jr. F Brooklyn Burger (10-

9—19); Jr. F/D Jillian Reuille (0-3—3); Jr. G

Katrina Casper and Jr. G

Presley Beron.

Outlook: The Spartans feel like they have an up-and-coming team that could surprise some opponents this year if they can stay healthy. The record wasn’t indicative of how well the team played at times, with lots of one goal and overtime losses, but with no seniors, it could be hard getting over that

SCHEDULE

Dec. 9 — at Duluth Marshall, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 — Moose Lake Area, 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 — Proctor-Hermantown, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 — Hayward-Ashland, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27-29 — at Culver’s Cup, Madison

Jan. 4 — at St. Croix Valley, 2 p.m.

Jan. 7 — Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Moose Lake Area, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Western Wisconsin, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Northland Pines, 2 p.m.

Jan. 21 — Duluth, 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 31 — Western Wisconsin, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Chippewa Falls/Menomonie, 2 p.m.

Feb. 4 — North Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at Hudson, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 — at Hayward-Ashland, 7 p.m.

hump. Superior had a productive summer on and off the ice and features an exciting and athletic junior class, who along with the returning sophomores gives them good balance. The Spartans also have a small but talented freshman class. Newcomers to watch include freshmen Emma Welch and Madelyn Franta.

Jon Nowacki, News Tribune

Superior’s Isabel Franta (22) competes for the puck against Proctor-Hermantown during a game last season at Hermantown Arena.

News Tribune file photo