7A Final - #1 Hibbing vs. #3 CEC

[ClassAGuy]

#1 seed Hibbing/Chisholm Blue Jackets (23-2-2) vs #3 seed Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (15-12-0)
February 25th, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT | @ Amsoil Arena, Duluth

Hibbing/Chisholm enters the Section 7A Final as Class A’s #1 team and they have been on fire so far in the playoffs as they have outscored the opposition 24-1 in the first two games and they are looking to repeat as 7A champs. This is a group that has had the expectations of a community to carry on their shoulders all year and they are now one step away from getting back to the big show in St Paul where they want to make amends. First though they will need to beat a tough Cloquet/Esko/Carlton team that will be out for revenge and looking to return the favor of last year's playoff OT upset.

Blue Jackets Leaders- Srs #8 Tate Swanson (27-39-66 pts), & #5 Isaiah Hildenbrand (16-37-53 pts) and Soph. #22 Cole Swanson (28-31-51 pts) lead an elite offensive attack. Sr #6 Ethan Sundvall (8-17-25 pts), Jr. #28 Jackson Strukel (8-18-26 pts) & Soph. #10 Whitaker Rewertz (18-25-43 pts) are gifted elite playmakers and gifted skaters on the blueline.

Blue Jackets Goalie- Sr #31 Gavin Lamphere (21-2-2) 2.24 GAA .916 SV% has been their starter this year and he has been their unsung hero for most of the winter. Many said the net would be a weakness for Hibbing coming into the year but his play has been steady and a source of strength instead.

Blue Jackets High Powered Offense- Hibbing has put up some impressive goal scoring numbers in the 7A playoffs so far scoring 24 goals in two games. However, one thing to note is that they have only been held to three goals or less in a game four times and they are (0-2-2) in those 4 games and are (23-0-0) in the rest. If they are unable to get to 4 goals in this game it could be a bad omen or a great opportunity to show they can win a low scoring game when the offense is held down as they will need to do should they get back to State.

Blue Jackets Special Teams- The Power Play is at 29.8% and Penalty Kill is at 82.4%

Cloquet/Esko/Carlton enters the 7A Final for the 2nd straight year fresh off upsetting #2 seed Hermantown. The Lumberjacks have had a strong season that saw them get overlooked at times due to their .500 record but the team defense and high end compete level was always there. Now they will take on the talented and defending 7A Champion Hibbing/Chisholm, a team that swept them during the year and ended their season in this same game a year ago. It won't be easy but CEC is looking for their 1st Tourney berth since 2008 with a win in this one.

Lumberjacks Leaders- Srs. #11 Conor Sullivan (16-21- 37pts.) & #8 Luca Gentilini (15-16-31 pts) and Soph #17 Jordy Sewell (27-20-47 pts) make up the Jacks dangerous top line. Sr. #22 Cole Painovich (3-18-21 pts) & Soph. #2 Brahm Snesrud (5-12-17 pts) lead the defensive unit and they can both join the rush as needed and play a very good physical blueline.

Lumberjacks Goalie- Sr. #1 Jacob Iallonardo (15-12-0) 1.90 GAA .927 SV% Has been one of the top goalies in Class A all winter long. He has the ability to steal a game on any given night when he is on his game and he will need to be at his best vs the elite skill of Hibbing’s lineup.

Lumberjacks “Race to Three”-. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton is by now means an offensive juggernaut as they are currently only averaging around two goals a game. However, three appears to be their magic number as when the Lumberjacks are able to score 3 goals in a game like they have been so far in their 7A Playoff run they are (12-0-0) on the year. It's something to watch as if they can force Hibbing into a low scoring game and their magical three goals it could spell a surprise State Tourney entry for the boys in purple.

Lumberjacks Special Teams-The Power Play is at 26.7% and Penalty Kill is at 91.4%

[grindiangrad-80]

I was looking forward to a Hibbing/ Hermantown game.

Now, after watching how Cloquet played the Hawks, I’m really excited to see this game.

If the Jacks can duplicate that intensity for the whole game, the Bluejackets will have their hands full. 2 very good teams.