Hermantown vs. White Bear Lake
7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23

No. 10-2A White Bear Lake (13-3-0) has had to prove a few things to folks this winter as the Bears have climbed the Class 2A rankings. No. 1-1A Hermantown (15-2-0) has had no such obstacle in Class 1A. Everyone knows just how good the five-time state runners-up are.

Need a reminder? Since losing to Hopkins in overtime on Dec. 6, the Hawks have ripped off 12 straight wins, allowing no more than two goals in any of those dozen games. That stretch includes resounding victories over top-20 ranked teams such as Duluth Marshall (twice, at 6-2 and 5-2), St. Cloud Cathedral (5-2), East Grand Forks (3-0) and big wins over Class 2A powers Grand Rapids (10-2) and Bemidji (5-0). That’s an impressive run for coach Bruce Plante and the Hawks. Senior Nate Pionk (19-17-36) leads the Hawks in goals and had a five-spot in the win over Grand Rapids. Senior Ryan Kero (16-25-41) paces the team in points and had seven (two goals, five assists) against Grand Rapids.

White Bear Lake first gained notice after opening the season with nine straight victories. The Bears are 4-3-0 since then, but all three losses were by a single goal (to East Ridge, Edina and Cretin-Derham Hall). Tom Giller (16-22-38) anchored the hot start and A.J. Welch (13-12-25) has joined his teammate in the goals column as of late, with four in his last two games.