Hibbing/Chisholm shuts out Luvurne in state tournament
On Wednesday night, the top-seeded Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team rolled to an empathic 7-0 Class A state quarterfinal win over No. 8 Luverne at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. This marked the Bluejackets’ first state tournament appearance since 2011, when they finished in fourth place.
“I mean, I’m still kind of in shock that we’re here, but yeah, it’s definitely lived up. Absolutely,” junior forward Ben Galli said.
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Tate Swanson cracked open the scoring for the Bluejackets giving them the 1-0 lead just 1:15 into the game. Just over a minute later Hunter Gustavsson doubled their lead to 2-0. Jace Kampsula and Ben Galli continued the Bluejackets’ offensive onslaught, each scoring once to give Hibbing/Chisholm the 4-0 lead after the first period. The Bluejackets led in shots on goal 12-7 after one frame.
Swanson came out fast again in the second period, scoring his second goal of the game 1:36 into the frame for the 5-0 lead. Later, Luverne took a high sticking penalty, and his younger brother Cole Swanson scored on the power play with 2:14 left in the period. The Bluejackets led 6-0 after the second, outshooting the Cardinals 26-14.
In the third period Jackson Strukel added the final Bluejackets goal for the 7-0 win. Hibbing/Chisholm goaltender Rex Walli started in net earning 15 saves, and Gavin Lamphere closed it out making 6 saves. The final shots on goal count was 40-21 in favor of the Bluejackets.
“With this whole playoffs, we’ve just been all more lively. I think everyone’s just coming together,” senior forward Jace Kampsula said.
The already special day was made extra special by the return of Dylan Vesel, who missed the Section 7A championship game due to illness.
“He is a great kid, I think one of the favorites on the team for the boys. Great guy, team first guy. He’s had some health stuff going on and got good news. Everyone on the team is excited,” head coach Aaron Jamnick said.
No. 1 Hibbing/Chisholm (20-9) advances to the semifinals for the first time since 2011, and will seek their first title berth since 1994. Puck drop is set for Friday at 1 p.m. against the winner of the No. 5 Northern Lakes vs. No. 4 East Grand Forks quarterfinal set for 8 p.m. Wednesday night. For the full Class A bracket, Click here.
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