CLOQUET — In a gripping match on December 19, 2023, Hermantown junior Gabe Swenson secured a crucial victory against Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (CEC) with a decisive goal that led to a final score of 4-2. The game, held at Northwoods Federal Credit Union Arena, showcased Swenson’s ability to adapt under pressure, as he opted for a direct shot rather than his usual playmaking approach.
With the score tied at 2-2 and just under six minutes remaining, Swenson took the initiative. “I was going up the left side and saw I didn’t have much support,” he explained. “I figured I would try to get to the middle and rip a shot — see what happens — and it went in.” His goal not only put Hermantown ahead but also set the stage for a final empty-net goal by teammate Kole Lendzyk.
The match was far from easy for Hermantown. CEC dominated the opening period, outshooting the Hawks 13-5. Hermantown’s goalkeeper Bryce Francisco stood tall with an impressive total of 28 saves, preventing CEC from taking an early lead. “We weren’t our best at times tonight, but Bryce was up to the task,” said Pat Andrews, Hermantown’s coach. “He made some really tough saves look routine.”
Game Dynamics and Key Performances
The second period saw a shift in momentum. Hermantown’s Paxson Madill scored the first goal at 9:45, putting the Hawks ahead 1-0. However, CEC responded with a power-play goal by Luca Genilini in the closing minutes of the period, keeping the game competitive as they entered the final frame trailing by just one goal.
“We knew they were going to make a push,” remarked CEC coach Shea Walters. “We started a little flat in the second period, but then again — we had a great response.” The resilience demonstrated by both teams highlighted the competitive nature of high school hockey.
CEC’s defense, bolstered by their own standout goalie, senior Jacob Iallonardo, proved to be formidable. “There is no bigger competitor than him,” Walters noted, emphasizing Iallonardo’s explosive saves that thwarted numerous scoring opportunities for Hermantown. CEC has prided itself on a solid penalty kill this season, successfully maintaining a perfect record against Hermantown during penalties.
Looking Ahead for Hermantown
With this victory, Hermantown remains undefeated at 8-0-2 and holds the top ranking in Class A hockey. The team will head into a brief Christmas break before returning to the ice to face Delano, currently ranked No. 3 in Class A, and a matchup against White Bear Lake, a top 20 team in Class AA.
“It’s crazy to think that we haven’t lost yet,” Francisco said. “We’re having a great year, but we’re not really too focused on staying undefeated. Our coaches are stressing taking it one game at a time and not getting too caught up in worrying about rankings.”
Hermantown is set to host Delano on Friday at 15:00, promising another exciting chapter in their hockey season.
