Duluth East is one step closer to a seventh consecutive Class 2A state tournament appearance after defeating Grand Rapids 3-2 in a Section 7 semifinal game at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minn., on Saturday.

The game was a tale of three distinct chapters, with the first being a fairly even battle between the teams early in the matchup. The second was all about second-seeded Duluth East exerting control midway through the contest, while the third had the third-seeded Thunderhawks nearly pulling off a furious rally late in the game. 

Both teams appeared to turn up the volume on their offensive play after the first period. The energy was palpable inside the arena as fans voiced their appreciation for their respective teams’ efforts. 

The Duluth East faithful got especially enthusiastic when senior captain Nick Altmann scored to give the Greyhounds’ a 3-1 lead near the end of the second period. 

The forward led the team in goals (nine) and points (22) this season and had a hat trick in a 3-0 victory over Andover in the section quarterfinals Feb. 17. 

Duluth East coach Mike Randolph said Altmann is not only a goal scorer but also a team leader.

“He’s got the experience, been around the block,” Randolph said. “He’s a senior, and he’s been to the state tournament. You’re not going to win without your seniors. We had a lot of seniors throughout the lineup tonight who got the job done. That’s just nice to see.”

The Thunderhawks outshot the Greyhounds 41-20 in game, but Duluth East held the advantage where it counted most: the score column.

And the stellar play of Greyhounds senior goaltender Gunner Howg was key in keeping Grand Rapids’ goal total to just two.

The Thunderhawks pushed hard in the third period during a comeback attempt, but Howg was solid between the pipes as the pressure built. Even after giving up a goal to Jonah Bischoff that cut the Duluth East’s lead to 3-2, Howg stood strong seconds later and made a big stop to preserve the one-goal cushion. He made 23 saves in the third period and finished with 39 in the game.

“When you play a game like that, your goaltender has to win it for you and that’s what happened here,” Randolph said. 

Howg finished the regular season with a 7-6-4 record, a 2.58 goals against average and a .899 save percentage.

Randolph said Howg’s performance against Grand Rapids should give his team confidence heading into the section final, but other players must step up their play if the Greyhounds hope to return to the state tournament.

“We have a very tough task ahead of us,” Randolph said. “We told the kids, 'If we play that way, we don’t have a chance.’”

Duluth East faces top-seeded Elk River Thursday night at Amsoil Arena in the Section 7 championship, and the winner earns a spot in the state tournament -- a place the Greyhounds know well after making their six consecutive trip to St. Paul last year. 

Randolph said he hopes the previous experience makes his team more comfortable playing in the section final.

“There were a lot of nerves out there that you could see, and a lot of our problems stem from the nervousness,” Randolph said. “I hope we can find our game. We don’t have a lot of time when we’re playing a very talented Elk River team on Thursday. We’re just going to enjoy this one now and get ready for Thursday.”

Duluth East's Gunnar Howg made 41 saves.  (Photo: Matt Christians)

Duluth East's Gunnar Howg makes one of his 39 saves against Grand Rapids. Photo by Matt Christians

First Report

Gunner Howg made 39 saves to help third-seeded Duluth East hang on to upend second-seeded Grand Rapids 3-2 in the second Class 2A, Section 7 semifinal game Saturday at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

Shay Donovan, Ash Altmann and Nick Altmann each scored a goal for the Greyhounds, who advance the section championship where they play top-seeded Elk River on Feb. 26.  

Duluth East entered the third period leading 3-1 and withstood the Thunderhawks’ furious comeback thanks to Howg.

Jonah Bischoff scored midway through the final period to trim the Greyhounds’ lead to one goal, but Howg turned away every Grand Rapids’ shot the rest of the way to preserve the victory. Howg finished the period with 23 saves.

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