A SF- #1 Hibbing vs #4 Mahtomedi

[ClassAGuy]

March 6th, 2025 | 11:00 AM CT | Class A Semifinals | @ Grand Casino Arena, St Paul MN

#1 seed Hibbing/Chisholm Blue Jackets (7A) (25-2-2)
Hibbing/Chisholm got the job done as they took care of Dodge County in the Quarterfinal Round. They did struggle, though, but their skill was able to eventually take over the game with a late 2nd period push. Now they move back into the State Semis looking for redemption, as this is where their season ended one year ago, and they have been working all year to get back to this game, and now will look to take the next step and move into the A Title Game.

Blue Jackets Leaders- Srs #8 Tate Swanson (28-42-70 pts), & #5 Isaiah Hildenbrand (18-38-56 pts) and Soph. #22 Cole Swanson (28-33-61 pts) lead an elite offensive attack. Sr #6 Ethan Sundvall (8-17-25 pts), Jr. #28 Jackson Strukel (9-19-28 pts) & Soph. #10 Whitaker Rewertz (20-26-46 pts) are gifted elite playmakers and gifted skaters on the blueline.

Blue Jackets Goalie- Sr #31 Gavin Lamphere (23-2-2) 2.22 GAA .919 SV% was good again in the opener of the Tourney as while his team struggled to get going he was able to remain solid in net and picked up another win.

Blue Jackets Redemption- This is the game that the Blue Jackets have been trying to get back to since they lost in the State Semis a year ago. Now they will look to get Cole Swanson back in the lineup as they are looking for redemption in this one. Last year, they took a big 2nd period lead only to see things fall apart late. Now they will look to show that this preparation of a very tough schedule all winter long has them ready to take the next step as a group.

Blue Jackets Special Teams- The Power Play is at 28.1% and Penalty Kill is at 82.9%

#4 seed Mahtomedi Zephyrs (4A) (18-9-2)
Mahtomedi won a heavyweight fight over St Cloud Cathedral in an excellent hockey game. Now the Zephyrs will head to Friday and get another shot at mighty Hibbing. The first game between these two was a slugfest in every sense of the word, as it was a penalty filled affair. Mahtomedi will need to stay out of the box this time around, but this is the type of game they thrive in, as they love to lock down highly skilled teams, and they will be at their best here.

Zephyrs Leaders- Jrs. #8 Devin O'Donnell (15-18-33 pts) & #17 Will Seevers (14-10-24 pts) and Sophs. #10 Vinny Redpath (16-15-31 pts) & #22 Brock Gutterman (9-13-22 pts) lead the forward group for Mahtomedi. On the blueline Srs #4 Henry Sampair (7-9-16 pts) & #23 Cody Loida (3-22-25 pts) and Soph. Ryker Dunbar (6-10-16 pts) lead a deep group of defenders.

Zephyrs Goalies- Sr. #30 Jackson Chesak (17-9-2) 2.63 GAA .916 SV% was excellent in net in their win in the opening round of the Tourney he saw 30 plus shots and stopped all but one and they will need similar type effort in this one.

Zephyrs Bounce Back- Mahtomedi is now back to where they are normally playing this time of year, and that Friday afternoon in St Paul. Now they will get another chance to have a bounce back as they get a rematch vs Hibbing, who beat them up on the Range earlier this year. There was no love lost between these two teams when they met last time, and the Zephyrs will be looking to get revenge here and get back to the Title Game for the 3rd time in 6 years.

Zephyrs Special Teams- The Power Play is at 21.3% and Penalty Kill is at 72.2%

[Teak]

I smell an upset on the way.

[elliott70]

Try climax or a Kleenex