Two rural Northern Minnesota boys hockey teams will return to the state tournament, joined by two historic programs that took a gap year in 2025.
Hibbing/Chisholm and Northern Lakes — the co-op between Pequot Lakes, Crosby-Ironton, Aitkin and Pine River-Backus — will represent the Northland in Class A after each capturing 3-2 overtime wins in their section finals.
The Bluejackets, who also co-op with Victory Christian Academy, beat Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Wednesday, Feb. 25, and the Lightning beat Sartell on Thursday.
Both teams will look to improve on their performances last year; Hibbing/Chisholm was fourth and Northern Lakes was sixth.
Grand Rapids will make its 18th appearance in program history. The Thunderhawks last played in the state tourney in 2024, when they finished fourth.
Warroad is also returning to state after taking a year off from the tourney. The Warriors finished third in 2024 and were shut out of the tourney last year by eventual state champions East Grand Forks.
Brackets for the state tournament will be posted Saturday. The first match will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Grand Casino Arena.
All Class A tickets will be reserved for the first time this year and must be purchased online. The spectator guide details how tickets will be released.
The quarterfinal, semifinal and championship games will be streamed by Prep 45. The consolation games can be watched with a subscription to NSPN.
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Otter Tail Power is proposing an 18% rate increase for customers as the utility invests in infrastructure, grid resiliency and the transition to renewable energy sources. -
Events this week include the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids and programs at Lake Bemidji State Park. -
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan gaze at rare tanagers, try to remember frog calls, and learn about turtle nests.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
