#1 Seed (7A) Hermantown Hawks (18-8-2)
Hermantown enters the state tournament for the 14th time in the last 15 years and the 20th time overall. This year's version of the Hawks has struggled more than normal as the offensive woes and high number of losses were noticeable throughout the season. However, much of that was attributed to playing a heavy dose of State’s Top AA Programs and having a very young group of forwards. When the Hawks have played Class A competition they have still been very dominant and they will look to win their program’s 5th Title this week.
Hawks Leaders- Junior #23 River Freeman (19-22-41 pts) and Sophomores #4 AJ Francisco (8-16-24 pts) & #18 Ford Skytta (16-18-34 pts) make up the Hawks top line. Seniors #9 Will Esterbrooks (13-22-35 pts), #13 Weston Bohlman (4-14-18 pts), #8 Drew Nelson (4-11-15 pts) & Junior Henry Peterson (9-9-18 pts) make up a very impressive defensive unit that controls most games and can add needed offensive punch.
Hawks Goalie- Senior #32 Dane Callaway (18-8-2) 1.75 GAA .938 SV% is one of the most decorated and impressive goalies in all of Class A. He has backboned 2 State Tourney runs already and won a Title in his Sophomore year. He is no stranger to the St Paul lights and he will be comfortable in net.
Hawks Class A Domination - The Hawks did have their struggles this year as they racked the most losses they have had since 2008. However, when playing Class A opponents they remained as dominant as ever and went (10-1-0) in those games. Adding to that gaudy record is the fact that they averaged over 5 goals a game in those 11 contests and have outscored Class A competition 59-13 in that stretch. Again the overall record may not look as glitzy as normal but this Hawks team is still been a very difficult team for any Class A opponent to match up with and they enter the Tourney as the #1 seed.
Hawks Special Teams- The Power Play is at 18.3% and Penalty Kill is at 86.6%
(6A) Alexandria Cardinals (18-9-1)
Alexandria enters the state tournament for the 3rd straight year and for the 8th time overall. The Cardinals really found their footing late in the year and went an impressive (14-2-0) in their last 16 games and they are playing their best hockey of the year. Alexandria has a large group of Seniors playing in their 3rd straight state tournament so they won't be intimidated by the big stage and they do have some program history when it comes to knocking off the Hawks as they upset them back in 2018 and they will look to do the same in this one.
Alex Leaders- Seniors #8 Gavin Olson (19-16-35 pts), #21 Evan Anderson (17-20-37 pts), #3 Leonard Kompelien (14-18-32 pts) have led the way up front and have plenty of Tourney experience. Seniors #2 Jack Lamski (4-23-27 pts.) & #4 Gage Castle (6-8-14 pts.) are the leaders of the blueline as they both have some good state tournament experience under their belt as well and will need to be good in their own end.
Alex Goalie- Senior #1 Brady Metcalf (15-8-1) 2.03 GAA .919 SV% has done a nice job stepping into the starting role this year in net. He has been especially good during their 2nd half push going (12-2-0) in his last 14 starts with a 1.71 GAA and .925 SV% and he will need to be at his best vs the mighty Hawks.
Alex Annual 2nd Half Push- Alex, as they tend to always do, has had a fantastic 2nd half push and they are now (14-2-0) in their last 16 games. The youngsters on this team are big reason for this is Sophomores #10 Brody Berg (10-9-19 pts) & #17 Evan Klimek (7-18-25 pts) and 9th graders #25 Grady Olson (8-13-21 pts) & #22 William Thornburg (7-10-17 pts) up front and blueliners Sophomore #15 Niklas Schultz (2-10-12 pts) & 9th grader #18 Grady Suchy (1-4-5 pts) having all stepped up and played well in very big roles for this team down the stretch and helped them get back to state this week.
Alex Special Teams- The Power Play is at 16.3% and Penalty Kill is at 85.2 %
Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-2) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
Moderators: Mitch Hawker, east hockey, karl(east)
Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-2) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
Last edited by ClassAGuy on Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-1) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
Below are are the links to the 15 Questions in 60 seconds that YHH does.
Always enjoy these allows you to get to know the players more:
Alexandria Senior #2 Jack Lamski
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnvUMCDujW8
Hermantown Senior #9 Will Esterbrooks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd2qkxDJvpw
Always enjoy these allows you to get to know the players more:
Alexandria Senior #2 Jack Lamski
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnvUMCDujW8
Hermantown Senior #9 Will Esterbrooks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd2qkxDJvpw
Re: Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-1) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
LPH Preview of Hermantown vs Alexandria
Hermantown Hawks (18-8-2)
LPH Final Rankings: 1
Goals for-Goals Against: 3.93-1.79
Power Play %: 18.3%
PK %: 86.6%
Goals Leader: River Freeman (19)
Assists leader : William Esterbrooks (22)
Points leader : River Freeman (41)
Powerhouse Hermantown finds themselves back in the state tournament after taking care of business against Hibbing/Chisholm 4-0 in the section final. Hermantown handily won the Lake Superior conference and finished with a 5-0-1 conference record. They will now go up against Alexandria Area in the first round of the state playoffs on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
The Hawks are led between the pipes by Dane Callaway, who has been excellent this season, sporting a 1.71 GAA, 0.939 Sv% and five shutouts. Callaway was huge in the playoffs stopping 65 of 68 through three games.
In the three playoff games, Callaway has stopped 65 of 68 shots.
“The Strength of our team is from the goal line out. Dane is as good as any goalie in the state. He’s ultra-competitive and a big strong kid who demands the net. He’s our captain without a letter,” said Head Coach Patrick Andrews.
The Hawks’ leading scorer River Freeman has scored 19-23-42 this season, leading the charge for another state title in Hermantown.
The Hawks are very strong defensively this season, arguably their best asset.
“We have four outstanding next level defensman, starting with our 6’4 St. Thomas commit Henry Peterson, who skates like hes 5’8,” said Andrews.
The Hawks went their first six games without a loss, beating Cretin-Derham Hall, tying Hill-Murray, and beating Centennial before losing to Rosemount for their first loss of the season.
“We lost more games than we’re used to but we learned more from the losses, it taught us great lessons.”
The Hawks are just as strong as they usually are and they are heading into St. Paul with a five game winning streak.
Alexandria Area Cardinals (18-9-1)
LPH Final Rankings: 9
Goals for-Goals Against: 4.00-2.04
Power Play %: 16.3%
PK %: 85.2%
Goals Leader: Gavin Olson (19)
Assists leader : Jack Lamski (24)
Points leader : Evan Anderson (35)
Alexandria Area had an up-and-down season in the Central Lakes conference as they finished with a 6-4-1 record. The team found their stride at the right time of the season and caught fire in the postseason, earning themselves a bid to the state tournament. Alexandria defeated Northern Lakes 6-1 in the section final and will now go up against Hermantown at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the first round of the state playoffs.
Alexandria is a little less experienced team from past years, with four freshmen and four Sophomores in the starting lineup, which made the start of the season one of lessons.
“We took some time to find the chemistry, not to mention we went about a month without a healthy full roster,” said Head Coach Josh Meyers.
The Cardinals dealt with injuries and illnesses for much of the early season, but once they got healthier they hit their stride.
“We started getting healthier and after the Holy Angels win, we got a good mental check.”
Metcalf has sported a 15-8-1 record, and 2.04 GAA, 0.919 Sv% along with three shutouts.
The Cardinals are led in net by Senior Brady Metcalf, who has put together a great first season with AAHS.
“It’s not too often we get players transferring to us, so Brady was a nice refresher, and he earned his way into the net and hasn’t looked back,” said Meyers.
Metcalf has sported a 15-8-1 record, and 2.04 GAA, 0.919 Sv% along with three shutouts.
“He makes big saves when we need them and it swings momentum in games.”
The Cardinals are a defensive-minded squad, who focuses on doing the right thing.
“Our team defense is really strong, we take all six guys to break out the puck. We are physical when we need to be and let the puck do the work,” said Meyers.
Alexandria was teetering with being .500 for most of the season, but after back-to-back Class AA wins, the Cardinals got hot. After a loss to Sartell, AAHS won 11 of their final 12 games to earn their third straight trip to state.
Hermantown Hawks (18-8-2)
LPH Final Rankings: 1
Goals for-Goals Against: 3.93-1.79
Power Play %: 18.3%
PK %: 86.6%
Goals Leader: River Freeman (19)
Assists leader : William Esterbrooks (22)
Points leader : River Freeman (41)
Powerhouse Hermantown finds themselves back in the state tournament after taking care of business against Hibbing/Chisholm 4-0 in the section final. Hermantown handily won the Lake Superior conference and finished with a 5-0-1 conference record. They will now go up against Alexandria Area in the first round of the state playoffs on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
The Hawks are led between the pipes by Dane Callaway, who has been excellent this season, sporting a 1.71 GAA, 0.939 Sv% and five shutouts. Callaway was huge in the playoffs stopping 65 of 68 through three games.
In the three playoff games, Callaway has stopped 65 of 68 shots.
“The Strength of our team is from the goal line out. Dane is as good as any goalie in the state. He’s ultra-competitive and a big strong kid who demands the net. He’s our captain without a letter,” said Head Coach Patrick Andrews.
The Hawks’ leading scorer River Freeman has scored 19-23-42 this season, leading the charge for another state title in Hermantown.
The Hawks are very strong defensively this season, arguably their best asset.
“We have four outstanding next level defensman, starting with our 6’4 St. Thomas commit Henry Peterson, who skates like hes 5’8,” said Andrews.
The Hawks went their first six games without a loss, beating Cretin-Derham Hall, tying Hill-Murray, and beating Centennial before losing to Rosemount for their first loss of the season.
“We lost more games than we’re used to but we learned more from the losses, it taught us great lessons.”
The Hawks are just as strong as they usually are and they are heading into St. Paul with a five game winning streak.
Alexandria Area Cardinals (18-9-1)
LPH Final Rankings: 9
Goals for-Goals Against: 4.00-2.04
Power Play %: 16.3%
PK %: 85.2%
Goals Leader: Gavin Olson (19)
Assists leader : Jack Lamski (24)
Points leader : Evan Anderson (35)
Alexandria Area had an up-and-down season in the Central Lakes conference as they finished with a 6-4-1 record. The team found their stride at the right time of the season and caught fire in the postseason, earning themselves a bid to the state tournament. Alexandria defeated Northern Lakes 6-1 in the section final and will now go up against Hermantown at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the first round of the state playoffs.
Alexandria is a little less experienced team from past years, with four freshmen and four Sophomores in the starting lineup, which made the start of the season one of lessons.
“We took some time to find the chemistry, not to mention we went about a month without a healthy full roster,” said Head Coach Josh Meyers.
The Cardinals dealt with injuries and illnesses for much of the early season, but once they got healthier they hit their stride.
“We started getting healthier and after the Holy Angels win, we got a good mental check.”
Metcalf has sported a 15-8-1 record, and 2.04 GAA, 0.919 Sv% along with three shutouts.
The Cardinals are led in net by Senior Brady Metcalf, who has put together a great first season with AAHS.
“It’s not too often we get players transferring to us, so Brady was a nice refresher, and he earned his way into the net and hasn’t looked back,” said Meyers.
Metcalf has sported a 15-8-1 record, and 2.04 GAA, 0.919 Sv% along with three shutouts.
“He makes big saves when we need them and it swings momentum in games.”
The Cardinals are a defensive-minded squad, who focuses on doing the right thing.
“Our team defense is really strong, we take all six guys to break out the puck. We are physical when we need to be and let the puck do the work,” said Meyers.
Alexandria was teetering with being .500 for most of the season, but after back-to-back Class AA wins, the Cardinals got hot. After a loss to Sartell, AAHS won 11 of their final 12 games to earn their third straight trip to state.
Re: Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-1) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
StarTribune GameDay Preview of Hermantown vs Alexandria
Alexandria Area (18-9-1) vs. No. 1 seed Hermantown (18-8-2), 6 p.m.
SCOUTING THE ALEXANDRIA AREA CARDINALS
State tournament trips: eighth.
Top three scorers: Evan Anderson, senior F (17 goals, 18 assists); Gavin Olson, senior F (19 goals, 15 assists); Leonard Kompelien, senior F (14 goals, 18 assists).
In goal: Brady Metcalf, senior — 15-8-1. 2.03 GAA, 91.9% saves, three shutouts.
Did you know? Alexandria won the Section 6 championship by outscoring opponents 24-1 in three games.
SCOUTING THE HERMANTOWN HAWKS
State tournament trips: 20th.
Top three scorers: River Freeman, junior F (19 goals, 22 assists); William Esterbrooks, senior F (13 goals, 22 assists); Bradford Skytta, sophomore F (16 goals, 18 assists).
In goal: Dane Callaway, senior — 18-8-2, 1.75 GAA, 93.8% saves, five shutouts.
Did you know? Hermantown's only loss to a Class 1A opponent this season was a 4-1 decision against Warroad on Jan. 13.
Alexandria Area (18-9-1) vs. No. 1 seed Hermantown (18-8-2), 6 p.m.
SCOUTING THE ALEXANDRIA AREA CARDINALS
State tournament trips: eighth.
Top three scorers: Evan Anderson, senior F (17 goals, 18 assists); Gavin Olson, senior F (19 goals, 15 assists); Leonard Kompelien, senior F (14 goals, 18 assists).
In goal: Brady Metcalf, senior — 15-8-1. 2.03 GAA, 91.9% saves, three shutouts.
Did you know? Alexandria won the Section 6 championship by outscoring opponents 24-1 in three games.
SCOUTING THE HERMANTOWN HAWKS
State tournament trips: 20th.
Top three scorers: River Freeman, junior F (19 goals, 22 assists); William Esterbrooks, senior F (13 goals, 22 assists); Bradford Skytta, sophomore F (16 goals, 18 assists).
In goal: Dane Callaway, senior — 18-8-2, 1.75 GAA, 93.8% saves, five shutouts.
Did you know? Hermantown's only loss to a Class 1A opponent this season was a 4-1 decision against Warroad on Jan. 13.
Re: Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-1) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
BHS Class A State QF #3
#1 Hermantown 1
Alexandria 0
1st Period
Hermantown scores early but Alexandria hung around well within the period and had good chances as the period went on. Good first period overall on Wednesday Night.
SOG- Hermantown 13-12
#1 Hermantown 1
Alexandria 0
1st Period
Hermantown scores early but Alexandria hung around well within the period and had good chances as the period went on. Good first period overall on Wednesday Night.
SOG- Hermantown 13-12
Re: Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-1) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
2-0 Hawks on the PP 2nd period
Re: Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-2) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
BHS Class A State QF #3
#1 Hermantown 4
Alexandria 0
End of 2nd Period
Hermantown scores twice in the last 2 minutes of the period and puts this one out of reach. Alexandria just wore out and Hawks smelled blood and put this one away.
SOG- 31-14 Hermantown
#1 Hermantown 4
Alexandria 0
End of 2nd Period
Hermantown scores twice in the last 2 minutes of the period and puts this one out of reach. Alexandria just wore out and Hawks smelled blood and put this one away.
SOG- 31-14 Hermantown
Re: Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-2) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
Hawks third line scores its 5-0 3rd period
Re: Class A QF #1 seed 7A Hermantown (18-8-2) vs 6A Alexandria (18-9-1)
BHS Class A State QF #3
#1 Hermantown 6
Alexandria 0
Final
Hermantown outshoots Alexandria 29-4 and outscores them 5-0 in the final 2 periods. Dane Callaway gets his 15th career shutout for a new school record and the Hawks are moving into the SF on Friday
#1 Hermantown 6
Alexandria 0
Final
Hermantown outshoots Alexandria 29-4 and outscores them 5-0 in the final 2 periods. Dane Callaway gets his 15th career shutout for a new school record and the Hawks are moving into the SF on Friday
Last edited by ClassAGuy on Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.