Prep Hockey: Hermantown, Proctor, C-E-C, Duluth East Boys Advance

Home teams stand strong in section quarterfinals

DULUTH, Minn.- High scores and blowouts were the norm on Tuesday as boys hockey teams faced off in the first round of sectionals.

In 7A, top-seeded Hermantown dominated in their 14-0 shutout over International Falls. The Hawks — who are seeking their fifth-straight section championship — outshot the Broncos 65-9.

Meanwhile, Proctor survived their first sectional test, defeating North Shore 5-1. This sets up a section semifinal matchup between Hermantown and Proctor, which is scheduled for Saturday at 6:05 p.m.

On the other side of the 7A bracket, Cloquet/Esko/Carlton delivered a 12-0 blowout over Ely. On Saturday, the Lumberjacks will face off against Hibbing/Chisholm, which is set to begin at 8:05 p.m.

In 7AA, Duluth East defeated Duluth Denfeld 5-1 at the Heritage Center. This was the Hunters’ first postseason game since their switch from A to AA hockey. The Greyhounds will now take on Andover on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Each of the section semifinal matchups mentioned above will take place at Duluth’s Amsoil Arena.