Hermantown Hockey Returns to State With Experience at Xcel

Hawks facing Alexandria in Quarterfinals

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- History continues to repeat itself for the Hermantown Hawks, who are once again getting ready for the Class A Boys Hockey Tournament.

As the top seed in this year’s tournament, the Hawks will face Alexandria on Wednesday. After suffering eight losses during the regular season, Hermantown’s road to state was a little bumpier than in previous years. However, the Hawks put any doubts to rest with a 4-1 victory over Grand Rapids and three convincing wins in sectionals.

“We’ve been hitting hard, playing fast,” says Senior Forward Will Esterbrooks. “I think it’s the best we’ve played all year, and we just want to keep that rolling.”

“We’ve just got to push the pace, play our game, and we’ll be fine,” says Senior Goaltender Dane Callaway. “No team can handle us, so we(‘ve) just got to fly.”

If the Hawks defeat Alexandria on Wednesday, Hermantown will face either Orono or Mahtomedi in Friday’s semifinals. The Class A State Championship will take place on Saturday, with every State Tournament game being played at Xcel Energy Center.