A goal by Duluth Marshall senior forward John McKenna late in the first period electrified the Amsoil Arena crowd watching the Hilltoppers’ Class 1A, Section 7 semifinal game against Duluth Denfeld on Saturday. 

It also gave Duluth Marshall a jolt of certitude.

"We were able to get the confidence that we needed by getting that first goal," Duluth Marshall coach Brendan Flaherty said. "...And away we went in the second."

Despite a scoreless second period, the second-seeded Hilltoppers built momentum from the opening faceoff and used to score three goals in the third en route to a 4-0 victory over the third-seeded Hunters. 

Duluth Marshall outshot Duluth Denfeld 20-9 in the final 17 minutes, an overwhelming offensive title wave that resulting in junior defenseman Jon Hanson and senior forwards Nathan Sepp and Derek Farrell each finishing with a goal.

"I thought our third period was one of the best of the year," Flaherty said. "I'm very proud of our kids. We played with poise when we needed to, did the little things right and got great goaltending."

Hilltoppers goalie Alex Murray stopped 24 shots in the game to record his second shutout in the playoffs and seventh of the season. 

Duluth Marshall’s ability to play a complete hockey game helped the Hilltoppers top their crosstown rivals and take home the title of the Duluth’s Class 1A champs.

And Duluth Marshall needs to turn in another complete performance when it plays for a section title Feb. 25 against Hermantown, a team the Hilltoppers lost to twice during the regular season. The Hawks recorded a 6-2 victory in the Marshall Hilltopper Holiday Tournament semifinals on Dec. 30 and a 5-2 victory on Jan. 16.

Reaching the section championship was the Hilltoppers' objective, but winning the title might not be easy against a Hermantown team that hasn't lost in its last 22 games. 

"Mission accomplished," Flaherty said about advancing to the final game. "We have a monumental task on Wednesday, but it’s a good sign that we're playing great hockey right now."

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