Greenway's first-year head coach Grant Clafton deflects credit for the Raiders turnaround, saying he only added to what others started before he arrived after six years as an assistant at Hibbing. Photo by Tim Kolehmainen

Some of the varsity team’s success is a result of its defense, one Sam and Mike take turns anchoring.

The brothers are two of northern Minnesota’s top goaltenders.

Mike finished the regular season with the state's 12th-best goals-against average (1.91) and 19th-best save percentage (.920) among qualifying goalies while Sam posted a 1.80 goals-against average and .918 save percentage.

First-year head coach Grant Clafton, who took over after six years as an assistant at rival Hibbing, deflects credit for the Raiders' resurgence, saying he only augmented what the Greenway program was building.

His players, however, believe Clafton was a big factor. 

“He strives for perfection,” Sam said. “His drills are high-tempo and fast so that it will be slower and easier in the game.”