Bemidji (No. 5, 23-2-2) vs. Grand Rapids (No. 4, 21-6-1), 8 p.m. Thursday
Scouting the Lumberjacks: Experience is the key for Bemidji. A whopping 16 players return from the 'Jacks' 2015 state tournament team. Coach Wade Chiodo learned a little something, too. The team arrived in St. Paul on Tuesday and practiced at a local rink Wednesday. "We wanted to make sure the kids got to settle in," Chiodo said. Bemidji found its groove in a victory against Class 1A Hermantown in mid-January. A few top 'Jacks players were out, but teammates picked up the slack. "That game showed us we had depth," Chiodo said. "It created more competition at practice, and that brings out the best in guys." Senior Tyler McNamara saved his best for the section final. His overtime goal guaranteed another tournament appearance.
Scouting the Thunderhawks: First-year coach and NHL veteran Trent Klatt knew this Grand Rapids team had the stuff state tournament trips are made of. His patient approach helped make the dream real. All 21 varsity players saw ice time through the season's first half. A shutout loss to Hermantown on Jan. 5 triggered tough decisions for Klatt and a shorter bench. "We said, 'That's enough,' and we've lost once since," Klatt said. Senior forward Alex Adams has been hot, tallying 11 goals in the past eight games. His last one, with six seconds remaining in regulation, ended Duluth East's seven-year reign as Section 7 champion.
Worth knowing: The teams played to a 1-1 tie on Nov. 24. How much does that matter now? "Not at all," Klatt said. "It doesn't," Chiodo said. All right, then.
david la vaque
