Hibbing/Chisholm at Hermantown
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11

Hibbing/Chisholm at Hermantown is likely the most important game this week in northeast Minnesota, as the Bluejackets and Hawks clash with a top seed in Class 1A, Section 7 on the line.

What was a three-team race has been culled to two with Hibbing/Chisholm’s 3-1 win over Greenway last week, the No. 4-1A Bluejackets' second this season over the Raiders.

Hibbing/Chisholm (21-2-0) now makes a run at the No. 1-1A Hawks (19-2-1) in a playoff tuneup and a likely postseason preview.

The Bluejackets come equipped with an outstanding goalie and one of the state's most talented defensemen. That combination has made it difficult for opponents to score on Hibbing/Chisholm and is one reason why it is one of the most dangerous teams in Class 1A.

Freshman goalie Ryan Ullan has a .937 save percentage and a .135 goals-against average while amassing a 21-2 record with five shutouts.

Junior blue liner and Minnesota-Duluth commit Scott Perunovich is close to 60 points for the season (11 goals, 48 assists) and one of seven Hibbing/Chisholm players with at least 10 goals.

Junior forward Zach DeBoom leads the Bluejackets with 19 goals.

Before Hermantown shifts into playoff mode and seeks its seventh straight trip to the state tournament, the Hawks must face a Hibbing/Chisholm team that is arguably the most talented opponent on their ambitious schedule.

Senior forward Cole Koepke (29-22-51) has almost 30 goals for the season and junior Ryan Sandelin (19-24-43) continues to produce big offense for Hermantown.