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Revitalized Greenway looks for return to glory

11/16/2017, 9:30am CST
By Dave LeGarde

Greenway High School has produced its share of memorable teams and individual stars in its illustrious hockey history.

Greenway High School in Coleraine, Minn., has produced its share of memorable teams and individual stars in its illustrious hockey history. Multiple state tournament appearances and three championships are forever etched in the sport’s rich history. The names Antonovich, Gernander, Peluso, Hauser and Guyer will always be revered for their achievements, not only at the prep level, but beyond.

It’s been since 2001 that the Raiders, now known as Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin, have qualified for the state tournament. Lower participation numbers and the emergence of other Northern Minnesota teams contributed to some lean times on the rink, and victories became hard to come by.

“Yes, the program did have some difficult times,” head coach Grant Clafton said. “But through it all we still had a core of dedicated people consistently trying to make us better.”

That perseverance has paid off the past two seasons, with G/N-K winning 40 games and getting a taste of high-pressure playoff experience. Last February, the improvement led to a Section 7A final against Hermantown on the big stage of Duluth’s Amsoil Arena. While a 5-1 loss to the eventual state champions was disappointing, the experience has the team striving for the next step.

“Obviously our goal is to get back to the section final and win it,” Clafton said. “But we have to put the work in to give ourselves a chance.”

That work starts early and will continue throughout the season. The Raiders are taking on a difficult schedule, including a scrimmage with perennial AA power Hill-Murray that will provide a measuring stick in the very first week. Regular season matchups with the likes of Grand Rapids, Holy Family Catholic, Hermantown and Duluth Marshall should have them ready at tournament time.

While Hermantown looks to be the section favorite and G/N-K’s biggest obstacle, Clafton knows the tradition-filled programs such as Virginia-Mountain Iron-Buhl, Eveleth-Gilbert and Hibbing-Chisholm will also provide stern opposition.

“We think we can play with any team in the state, but we have to remember that any of those other teams can play at our level, too,” he said. “We’ll have to be at the top of our game to be successful.”

The Raiders return a solid core from their 18-8-1 team from a year ago. Seniors Aksel Jenson and Wesley Johnson, along with juniors Donte Lawson and Nikolai Rajala, will provide experienced leadership and some offensive punch.

“We have some guys back who have proven themselves,’’ said Clafton. “We’ll look to them to help our younger guys early on.”  

The goaltending battle looks to be a three-way competition, which Clafton feels will play itself out as the season progresses.  

The resurgence of the Raiders has stirred the passion of their loyal fan base. Home games at venerable Hodgins-Berardo Arena have again become a hot ticket, and with an enticing home schedule, the “Snake Pit” will be rocking throughout the winter. Clafton and his team are looking forward to facing big-name opponents in a classic Iron Range hockey setting.

“We get Grand Rapids, Holy Family and Hermantown all at home. Those games should provide an unbelievable atmosphere.”

The rink is one of the more tradition-rich venues in the state, and it’s a place teams throughout Minnesota want to experience.

“We get a lot of calls from schools wanting to play a game or scrimmage here,” Clafton said. 

In his third year at the helm, Clafton is very pleased with the progression of the program, but is quick to share praise with the assistance of a hockey community always willing to help.

“I’m just a very small part of our recent success,” he said. “People like Pat Guyer and Jim Lawson (previous head coach) have done so much to keep this thing going. I’m just happy to be a part of it all.” 

The Raiders look to have a strong future as well. Though the number of players will take a slight dip over the next two years, according to Clafton there are solid numbers among the younger groups.

“We’re in pretty good shape at the Bantam and PeeWee levels right now, and we have 70 Mites and Mini-Mites. If we do things right we should be very competitive for the next 10-12 years.”
 

Photo: Tim Kolehmainen

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Tag(s): State Of Hockey  News  David LeGarde