In the recent Class 1A semifinals of the Minnesota State High School League’s Boys Hockey State Tournament, the match between Hermantown and Mahtomedi proved to be a memorable and intense contest. Last year, Mahtomedi emerged as the No. 3 seed and went on to claim the Class A state championship by defeating No. 2 Hermantown in the semifinals. The rematch drew a crowd of 13,391 spectators, eager to witness the next chapter in their rivalry.
The game was a classic showdown, marked by intense action and a thrilling finish. In a dramatic turn of events, junior wing River Freeman secured a last-minute victory for top-seeded Hermantown by scoring a crucial goal in overtime. This triumph brought an end to Mahtomedi’s championship reign and propelled the Hawks (20-8-2) into the title game for the 12th time in program history.
Throughout the high-stakes game, Freeman delivered two goals, while sophomore forward AJ Francisco impressed with a hat trick. The roller coaster match saw Hermantown take an early four-goal lead, only to face a relentless comeback by the defending Class A champions.
This victory marked the second time Hermantown had defeated Mahtomedi this season, the first being a 5-1 win in December. Amidst the intense back-and-forth, Mahtomedi showcased their tenacity by mounting a remarkable comeback from a four-goal deficit in the first period, resulting in a 6-6 tie at the end of regulation time. Ultimately, Hermantown emerged victorious in overtime, setting the stage for an epic championship clash against No. 3-seeded St. Cloud Cathedral.
The game saw Mahtomedi’s junior defenseman Sam Harris displaying remarkable skill, scoring three crucial goals, including the game-tying goal in the dying moments of regulation time. On the Hermantown side, Francisco’s hat trick bid and Freeman’s impactful plays paved the way for their hard-fought win.
The fiercely contested second period saw both teams trading goals, with Mahtomedi showcasing a surge in momentum. Hermantown, however, managed to maintain their lead, with Francisco delivering a pivotal goal on a power play to quell Mahtomedi’s resurgence. The game was a testament to the competitive spirit and unwavering determination of both teams, with each moment filled with anticipation and electrifying energy from the players and fans alike.
The semifinal clash between Hermantown and Mahtomedi will undoubtedly go down in the annals of high school hockey history as a truly unforgettable spectacle. As Hermantown advances to the championship game, their hard-earned victory stands as a testament to their skill, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of sporting glory.