Hermantown’s streak of six consecutive runner-up finishes came to end on Saturday, and the Hawks did it in shutout style, blanking high-powered Breck 5-0.

“Going into this game, we knew Breck as a powerhouse,” said senior goaltender Luke Olson, who made 23 saves to earn the shutout. “I think our guys down the stretch were blocking every shot possible."

The No. 1 seed Hawks (27-2-1) may not have blocked every shot, but did block 21 of them, an impressive statistic against a Breck team that outscored its first two State Tournament opponents 12-0.

The Hawks started fast, scoring three goals in the first period credited to senior forwards Cole Koepke and James Lindberg and junior forward Jesse Jacques.

Junior forward Logan Judnick scored in the second period and fellow junior forward Ryan Sandlein scored in the third to cement the win for the Hawks.

Breck coach Les Larsen said that the Hawks simply made more plays than the No. 2 seed Mustangs (26-4-1).

“Hockey is a game of little battles, and they won most of them,” Larsen said.

For longtime Hermantown coach Bruce Plante, this title ranks among his fondest memories in his involvement with the sport.

“It’s probably one of the greatest moments in my hockey life, to tell you the truth,” Plante said. “These kids took the bull by the horns and grabbed it. (They) did a wonderful job." 

Plante said after the game that he had not made a final decision on whether or not to return the Hawk bench next season. If this was Plante's last game as Hermantown's leader, it's hard to imagine a better way to go out.

Thief River Falls 4, St. Paul Academy/Summit School 1

The Prowlers claimed third place in a penalty-marred affair, scoring twice in the first and second periods en route to the 4-1 win over St. Paul Academy/Summit School.

The teams combined for nine penalties in total, but just one power play goal was scored, credited to Thief River Falls senior forward Lucas Magnusson in the first period

Senior forward Ethan Johnson continued his strong showing in the tournament, scoring a goal and adding two assists to finish his three games with four goals and seven points.

Junior defenseman Brendan Bushy and senior forward Kristopher Joppru also scored for the Prowlers (24-7-0).

Junior forward Will Kelly scored the lone goal for the No. 4 seed Spartans (24-7-0).

Summary: mshsl.org

St. Cloud Cathedral 4, Mankato West 2

Summary: mshsl.org

Brendan Bushy, D, Thief River Falls
Ethan Johnson, F, Thief River Falls
Chase Ellingson, F, Breck
Justin Paulson, D, Breck
Linden Olness, G, Breck
William Blake, F, Breck
Cole Koepke, F, Hermantown
Eric Gotz, D, Hermantown
Jesse Jacques, F, Hermantown
Luke Olson, G, Hermantown
Ryan Sandelin, F, Hermantown
Wyatt Aamodt, D, Hermantown

Photos by Nick Wosika