Three of Northern Minnesota’s most storied high school hockey programs begin the 2017-18 season with fresh leadership. The defending state champions, Grand Rapids and Hermantown, look to continue their momentum from last March’s success with rookie head coaches Chris Marinucci and Pat Andrews. Both the Thunderhawks and Hawks are perennial favorites to get to the Xcel Energy Center, and this year should be no different despite new faces behind the bench. 

The other member of that trio is hardly a newcomer, bringing a wealth of experience to a tradition-rich Cloquet-Esko-Carlton program that has the potential to make a serious state tournament run. Kevin Smalley, longtime head coach at Duluth Denfeld, takes the reins of a Lumberjack team that will present a challenge for any opponent in Section 7AA.

“I’m pretty anxious to get things going,” Smalley said. “I’ve always been impressed with Cloquet’s work ethic and tradition, and I’m excited to be a part of it.” 

Smalley, a Denfeld graduate and former UMD player, takes over for Dave Esse, whose 18-year stint as the man in charge included two state tournament appearances. The ‘Jacks, 16-9-2 a year ago, return a solid nucleus sure to be aided by a highly successful Bantam team.

“On paper, we look to be pretty good,” Smalley said. “We have some talented scorers back and a nice mix of younger guys. The potential is certainly there, but it’s going to take consistent work and our kids definitely know that.”

Those scorers include six of the top seven point-getters from a season ago, making the ‘Jacks one of the state’s more balanced teams entering the season. Juniors Landon Langenbrunner and Gavin Rasmussen, fresh off stellar performances in the Upper Midwest High School Elite League, bring offensive punch, along with senior Branden Matteen. 

“We lost some skilled seniors, including leading scorer Dylan Johnson, to graduation,” Smalley said. “But we still have players who know how to put the puck in the net.”

A stout core of defensemen also return, led by senior Ryan Nelson and junior Dane Stoyanoff. Their skill and depth will be vital early on, as a goaltender situation with little varsity experience sorts itself out. 

“We’re pretty confident in our defense,” said Smalley. “A guy like Nelson has been around the block a few times and, along with a few others, is savvy on both ends.”

A challenging schedule will ready C-E-C for postseason play. Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Eden Prairie and Hermantown will offer stiff competition outside the section, while a host of 7AA contenders will provide numerous tests throughout the season.

“Our section is extremely skilled and deep,” Smalley said. “Grand Rapids, Duluth East, Elk River, Andover, Duluth Marshall. Everybody is tough.”

The consensus, however, is that Duluth East is the team to beat, and Smalley agrees that his team’s biggest rival is looking for redemption after overtime losses to Grand Rapids in the last two section finals.

“They (East) are the favorite at this point. They’ve got almost everyone back and have a lot to prove. But our guys are no stranger to them, and after the way last season ended (a 1-0 section semifinal loss to the Greyhounds), we’ll be chomping at the bit to get after them.” 

Smalley hopes late February will find the Lumberjacks in the thick of things once again, contending for a state tournament berth in one of the great atmospheres in Minnesota hockey. As history has proven, nothing is for certain once 7AA reaches “Semifinal Saturday.”

“Our goal is to gradually improve and be at our best and healthiest when playoff time comes.

“There is not a more electric building than Amsoil Arena for a section tournament. Our guys had a taste of it last year, and are itching to get back and take that next step.”     
 

Photo: Tim Kolehmainen