A Championship- #1 Hibbing vs #3 Warroad

[ClassAGuy]

March 7th, 2026 | 12:00 PM CT | Class A Championship | @ Grand Casino Arena, St Paul MN

#1 seed Hibbing/Chisholm Blue Jackets (7A) (26-2-2)
Hibbing/Chisholm is back in the Class A Championship game for the first time since 1994. They were able to take down a very good Mahtomedi team in the Semifinal round. They will now be looking to bring a State Title back to the Range. The Bluejackets have been on a mission as since the start of the playoffs they have now outscored teams 35-7 through 5 games on their way to the A Title Game and they will be looking to bring home the 1st State Title since 1973.

Blue Jackets Leaders- Srs #8 Tate Swanson (28-43-71 pts), & #5 Isaiah Hildenbrand (18-39-57 pts) and Soph. #22 Cole Swanson (29-33-62 pts) lead an elite offensive attack. Sr #6 Ethan Sundvall (8-17-25 pts), Jr. #28 Jackson Strukel (10-19-29 pts) & Soph. #10 Whitaker Rewertz (21-27-48 pts) are gifted elite playmakers and gifted skaters on the blueline.

Blue Jackets Goalie-Sr #31 Gavin Lamphere (24-2-2) 2.17 GAA .921 SV% was excellent in theTourney Semifinal win as he was able to turn away 40 plus shots and he has been their quiet source of strength all year and will look to be great again in this one.

Blue Jackets Legacy- Hibbing/Chisholm entered the year as the prohibitive favorite to win Class A, as their current Sophomore, Junior & Senior classes were able to win A Pee Wee & A Bantam State titles coming up through the youth ranks to give hope of a Championship returning to the Range. Now they are in the Title game with a chance to put the perfect closing on their legacy and they can bring home championship hardware for a community in need.

Blue Jackets Special Teams- The Power Play is at 28.3% and Penalty Kill is at 83.5%

#3 seed Warroad Warriors (8A) (24-5-1)
Warroad is back in the Class A Title game for the first time since 2023. They were able to get some revenge vs Delano in the Semifinal round picking up a come from behind win. Now they will look for some more revenge as we get an All North Title Game. The Warriors lost a tough game to Hibbing earlier in the year but they are playing with all kinds of confidence right now and they will be coming into this one looking for their 1st Title in 20 plus years!

Warriors Leaders- Sr #20 Mooney Shaugabay (25-30-55 pts), Jr. #7 Gavin Andersen (33-36-69 pts) & 9th grader #5 Rodrick Jackson (13-22-35 pts) make up the Warrior elite big top line. Sr #21 Broden Hontvet (8-31-39 pts) & 9th grader #22 Ayven Hontvet (16-26-42 pts) are a talented pair of brother defenders who play big minutes and can add to the offensive Warroad attack.

Warriors Goalie-Sr. #1 Patrick Kennedy (8-0-0) 0.86 GAA .950 Sv% was the back up for most of the year but a season ending injury to the Warriors Starter has thrust him into the net now. He has been very solid so far and he will now look to win a State Title.

Warriors State Title Drought- Warroad was the first true power in Class A, winning 4 State Titles in the first 11 years of Class A. However, the title drought has now reached 20-plus years, as the last Boys Hockey State Title for the Warriors was back in 2005. The current group has had loads of success in the youth ranks and won multiple state titles growing up and they have now got into the position to finally bring a Title back home to Hockeytown USA.

Warriors Special Teams- The Power Play is at 34.4% and Penalty Kill is at 90.7 %

[east hockey]

Heart says Hibbing. Head says Warroad.

Lee

[elliott70]

Heart says Hibbing. Head says Warroad.

Lee

Head says Warroad, heart says Warroad.
Growing up Hibbing was the enemy.

[Sparlimb]

Heart says Hibbing. Head says Warroad.

Lee

Head says Warroad, heart says Warroad.
Growing up Hibbing was the enemy.

I doubt I'll watch with no cities teams in it. Just kidding. I'm pulling hard for Hibbing, because I'm still pissed about Warroad beating Hill in the '87 tourney. Never liked them since

[Nostalgic Nerd]

We'll see. Hibbing goalie is playing excellent.

[ryguyMN]

In Class A, I root for the outstate teams, so this is an ideal matchup. Taking Hibbing, but I'll be happy for Warroad too if they win.

[elliott70]

So far Warroad’s defense is the difference.

[headsupsticksdown]

Hibbing not getting the bounces. Seems like a matter of time.

[warriors41]

This feels like the gold medal game from two weeks ago. I hope it turns out the same.

[elliott70]

Great effort/skill by the Hibbing kid on that goal.

[elliott70]

And Warroad comes right back.

[Sparlimb]

I keep watching Hibbing dominate and Warroad score. So crazy.

[east hockey]

Stunning turnaround in the last minute! 4-3 Hibbing with 3:45 left with two goals in the last minute.

Lee

[Brodziak Fan Club]

Tough no call in front of the Hibbing net before they went down for their tying goal. I understand not blowing the whistle but I think Warroad has a gripe.

[east hockey]

The first line for Warroad gets it done again. OT, baby!

Lee

[TTpuckster]

What a game!!!!

[Sparlimb]

What a game. Both teams playing their hearts out. When does Warroad get too tired as Hibbing is deeper?

[east hockey]

Man, Hibbing survived the final several seconds of regulation. Fun stuff!

Lee

[Nostalgic Nerd]

OT! OT! OT!

[east hockey]

Last time I texted a friend when Minnetonka went to OT "This will be quick".

Then I remember saying that to my brother when East-Apple Valley went to OT in the '96 semis

Lee

[Brodziak Fan Club]

Just another all-time classic Class A title game.

[Sparlimb]

A great game. I was pulling for the other squad, but it didn't happen. Congrats to both teams.

[Nostalgic Nerd]

Congrats Warroad. Would have liked to see more zone defense by Hibbing.

[Brodziak Fan Club]

Chills for Warroad and a lump in my throat for Hibbing at the same time. High school hockey is the best.

[ChrisK]

<troll font> Warroad needs to move up <troll font off>

Seriously, another amazing class A final! I always loved the single level tourney, but getting to watch games like this and see schools like Warroad and Hibbing play in St. Paul makes me not miss it.