NORTHERN LAKES (18-3) vs. NO. 2 GENTRY ACADEMY (16-0), 11 A.M.
Scouting the Lightning: Northern Lakes, a cooperative program that combines Pequot Lakes, Aitkin, Crosby-Ironton and Pine River-Backus high schools, had never previously advanced past a section quarterfinal in its 15 years of existence. Senior Caiden Kjelstrom leads the Lightning in goals (21) and points (44). Hunter Nybakken, a 6-3, 190-pound senior with 19 goals and 39 points, doubles as a block of granite on the ice. “He’s just a big moose,” Lightning coach Craig Larson said.
Scouting the Stars: Gentry Academy, a charter school with a high school enrollment of about 100, sits in the shadow of the two-rink TCO Sports Garden in Vadnais Heights. The varsity program, in its third year, benefited from an infusion of talent from a nationally dominant 16U AAA squad that disbanded after last winter. Senior Nick Sajevic, who possesses one of the state’s hardest and most accurate shots, leads the Stars with 21 goals. Alex Timmons is a finalist for the Frank Brimsek Award that goes to the state’s top senior goaltender. Gentry Academy has outscored its opponents 145-16.
Worth knowing: Gentry Academy has opted up to play at the Class 2A level next season, with the request pending Minnesota State High School League approval.
LOREN NELSON