Second-Period Surge Powers Hibbing/Chisholm Past Dodge County

By Robert Brent

Second-Period Surge Powers Hibbing/Chisholm Past Dodge County

The Bluejackets scored three times in a dominant second period to defeat Dodge County 4-1 at Grand Casino Arena, advancing to the Class A semifinals and moving one step closer to a state championship berth.

Minnesota hockey fans rejoice! The best four days of the year are here with the State Tourney officially kicking off Wednesday afternoon at Grand Casino Arena. The Class A tournament began with the top-seeded Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets facing the #8 seed Dodge County.

Hibbing/Chisholm and Dodge County started competitively, but the Bluejackets ultimately pulled away for a quarterfinal victory, sending them through to the semifinals.

The game got off to an exciting start, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities early. Hibbing/Chisholm’s Gavin Lamphere fended off a point-blank shot from Gabe Cosehent before Dodge County goaltender Wes Wegner came up with an A+ save of his own on the next shift.

Despite several scoring chances and power play opportunities for both teams, Wegner and Lamphere held strong throughout the first frame for a scoreless first period.

The Bluejackets finally broke the ice in the second period, scoring the first goal of the state tournament. Tate Swanson scored the goal on a beautiful forehand-to-backhand move that opened the Dodge County goaltender’s five-hole. Swanson slid the puck into the net for the Hibbing/Chisholm lead. Hunter Gustavsson recorded the primary assist on a slick feed from the wing.

The goal put the Bluejackets in a prime position to win, given that the team is 19-1-1 when scoring first this season.
Hibbing/Chisholm added to their lead towards the end of the second period off a drive to the net by Isaiah Hildenbrand coming off a faceoff in the Dodge County zone. The goal was Hildenbrand’s 14th point in his last four games.
With just 30 seconds remaining in the second frame, the Bluejackets scored again when Joe Gabardi hit the puck into the open net after a net-front scramble. The goal extended the Hibbing/Chisholm lead to 3-0 at the end of the second period.

The Bluejackets were dominant in the second period, scoring three goals and registering a 19-3 shots on goal advantage. Despite the deficit, both goaltenders remained a story throughout the second period. Wegner made several high-quality saves to keep Dodge County within striking distance. Lamphere wasn’t needed often, but was solid when called upon, particularly on a breakaway chance that he snuffed out.

Hibbing/Chisholm put the game out of reach late in the third period with a wicked shot from Whitaker Rewertz. The defender wired a shot into the corner from the top of the circle for the Bluejackets’ fourth goal of the game.

Despite the time winding down, Dodge County didn’t give up. The Wildcats got on the board with 3:16 remaining, with a between-the-legs goal from the net-front by freshman Nolan Steele, a moment sure to be memorable for the forward for years to come.

Steele’s goal stood as the final tally of the game with Hibbing/Chisholm earning the 4-1 victory to move on to the Class A Tournament semifinals. The Bluejackets will take on the winner of St. Cloud Cathedral and Mahtomedi on Friday, with a trip to the State Championship on the line.

Box Score:

Scoring Summary: