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Bulldogs men's hockey coach Scott Sandelin on the mighty Gophers – "They have another strong team, a team that could still be playing in St. Louis in April (in the NCAA Frozen Four). Their back end is really good, a lot of talent back there, they've got a lot of experience, and, obviously, their forward lines – one through four pick your poison, right? Especially their top line, with (Jimmy) Snuggerud back and (Oliver) Moore, and (Brody) Ziemer is a really good freshman. I think Aaron Huglen is a heckuva player. They're loaded throughout their lineup with talented forwards, and they pick up a first-rounder in Matthew Wood (UConn transfer). Their back end is good at getting the plays going, and the forwards are good at creating, pushing and making plays. They're a very gifted team that plays pretty well defensively too. It will be a great challenge. We'll respect them, but we won't be afraid of them. We got some pretty good players too, and it's a good series to find out more about ourselves."
Duluth Denfeld football coach Erik Lofald on his team's 31-19, regular season-ending home loss against Hermantown last night – "I thought the team bounced back after last week’s loss to Rock Ridge and gave Hermantown a game. I thought the game was full of momentum shifts but ultimately we couldn’t overcome the mistakes and turnovers against a very good team. The best-case scenario when we lost last night played out and we get a home playoff game and the No. 3 seed. We will prepare for the quick turnaround knowing that the section is wide open and we have a good chance to run."
Legendary sports writer John Gilbert on the Hunters-Hawks game – "Hermantown finished its regular season by beating Denfeld 31-19 in a rugged game that featured explosive big plays on both sides. The Hawks had just enough edges in size and depth to get the upper hand, led by sophomore running back Martin Steen, who carried an impressive 25 times for an even more impressive 251 yards and three touchdowns. They included a breakthrough 96-yard touchdown run — one snap after the Hawks had stopped Denfeld star Taye Manns on a fourth and one at the Hermantown four yard line. Manns broke free for a 44-yard touchdown passing play, and sophomore teammate Keelijah Thomas bolstered the Hunters offense after Deon Berger went down with an injury. Thomas scored on a 54-yard touchdown run. Hermantown finishes 7-1 and will get a bye in the section playoffs, while Denfeld is 5-2 and will be at home next Tuesday in a quarterfinal. The Hunters undoubtedly would love another crack at Hermantown in the playoffs."
Local radio sports broadcaster Brian Prudhomme on the Hunters-Hawks game – "A lot of the community will be anticipating a rematch on October 26. Cloquet will be out to ruin that idea entirely, Denfeld hopes to flip the script from last season, and Hermantown hopes to keep rolling along. As a local radio guy who will be broadcasting the games and has a fun relationship with each head coach, I’m just excited for a fun postseason.”
Fred Friedman on Sunday's Vikings-Lions game – "I see the Vikings are a 1.5 to 2 point favorite at halftime but the computer models favor the Lions. So the professional gamblers favor Minnesota and the techies favor Detroit. Neither of these way too powerful groups block or tackle or run or catch and presumably do not officiate. If Aaron Jones plays, I pick the Vikings. Otherwise, I lean toward Detroit but zealously root for the Vikings and hope Joe Pohlad and his 3.8 billion dollars does not own a season ticket."
