Grand Rapids at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14

Grand Rapids has the ability to be one of the state’s better teams, but inconsistency has derailed the squad more than once this season.

The No. 10-2A Thunderhawks have twice recorded back-to-back losses, including last week (5-2 at Bemidji and 4-0 at home to Moorhead).

Grand Rapids (16-6-1) seems to be in line for the third seed in the Class 2A, Section 7 tournament, but a loss to Cloquet-Esko-Carlton could jeopardize the Thunderhawks' position.

Grand Rapids senior forward Micah Miller (20-32-52) has eclipsed 50 points for the season and is one of three skaters on the team averaging two points or more per game, along with juniors Blake McLaughlin (16-30-46) and Gavin Hain (19-24-43). All three must continue their strong play to help the Thunderhawks avoid a third consecutive loss.

The Lumberjacks appear to be capable of finishing the regular season on a strong note, and a victory on Tuesday would be a signal of intent going into the postseason. 

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (13-8-2, 4-3-1) is coming off a quality win Saturday night over Roseau (6-5), helping the Lumberjacks rebound from consecutive losses to Duluth East and Moorhead.

Senior forward Dylan Johnson (20-17-37) and sophomore Landon Langenbrunner (15-17-32) are Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s top scorers, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the team’s goals this season.