7A SF- #2 Hermantown vs #3 CEC

[ClassAGuy]

#2 Seed Hermantown (17-5-4) comes into this game having blown out North Shore in the 7A Quarterfinals. There has been a lot of talk about the Hawks' late-season skid that saw them limp into the playoffs. However, they were locked in game one of the playoffs as they only allowed one shot on net from the Storm. They will need to get scoring vs the tough Lumberjacks defense and look for big out of Jrs. Beau Christy & Micklain Martalock, and Soph. Paxon Madill. The biggest keys to this Hermatown team's success are defender Jr. Gabe Swenson and goaltender Sr. Bryce Francisco, as when they stabilize this team's back end, they are at their best, as they then can generate their attack from there and wear out their opponents. They have played a tough schedule all year to be ready for these kinds of games, and they will be the favorites to win and get back to the Section Final after missing out last year.

#3 Seed Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (14-12-0) enters this one having shut out Greenway in the Section 7A Quarterfinal, and this is by far the scariest #3 seed in all of the Class A sectionals. The Lumberjacks have shown all year that they can cause teams fits, and they have Top 5 wins over Mahtomedi & Warroad to show just how dangerous they are. They know they can play with this Hawks group, as they went toe to toe with them in their game earlier this year. One thing to watch is special teams, as there will be penalties in this one. The Lumberjacks have one of the State’s top PK units at over 90 %, and the Hawks' power play has struggled during the year, which will allow the boys in the purple sweaters to play a very physical game. The key, though, will be whether their top line of Srs. Luca Gentilini & Conor Sullivan, and Soph. Jordy Sewell can score enough goals to support what will be a great game in net from Sr. Jacob Iallonardo. The Lumberjacks feel like a group built to cause the Hawks fits to make this a fun 7A Playoff matchup!

[Corn Cobb]

Hermtown? lol.

[Upfan111]

LET'S GO LUMBERJACKS!!

4-1 WIN! Woooo!

[Corn Cobb]

Cloquet/Esko/Carlton 4
"Hermtown" 1