DULUTH CURLING CLUB NEWS – Olympic gold medalist Tyler George of Duluth is set to kick off a new chapter with the launch of Learn2Curl, a platform aimed at inspiring individuals through his experiences in curling. The initiative will be inaugurated with an exclusive VIP networking event March 10 at the Duluth Curling Club.
As a keynote speaker and ambassador for curling, George will share insights from his remarkable journey in curling, emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. The VIP event provides an opportunity for industry leaders, influencers and curling enthusiasts to connect with George and each other in a unique setting. "Curling is not just about the sport; it's about the values and lessons it teaches," said George. "I'm excited to embark on this journey of empowerment and inspiration."
Take a Bow– Lakeside Curling 5 & Under Bonspiel main event champion: Team Mellin led by Jackson Purdy, Taylor Sundbom, Joe Daily and Matt Mellin (skip).
QUOTE ME, HOWIE – The Class 1A, No. 2-ranked Hermantown boys hockey team took some good steps this past week, legendary Hawks coach Patrick Andrews told the Quote Me, Howie on Monday morning. “We knocked off a very competitive and scrappy Cloquet team on Thursday night, 6-1,” Andrews started off. “We scored early, 15 seconds in off a nice play by Gundy, Esty and River, and then weathered a ferocious surge by Cloquet who tied the game at one and took a 2-1 shot advantage into the 2nd period. I was very proud of our response in the second period as we took the game over with our speed and forecheck.
“We capitalized on two nice goals, a beautiful snipe by Henry Peterson off an ozone face-off and a nice line rush goal by River, Esty and Ford. Ford ended the night with two goals. Dane was solid in the net as always, I was happy with our start, our second period, and our finish."
An even stronger Moorhead team awaited in their barn for a shot at the Hawks.
“Saturday, we traveled out to Moorhead and played a really good road game,” said Andrews, the Quote Me, Howie’s 2023-24 Section 7A Preseason Coach of the Year. “Unfortunately, the score did not come out to our advantage (a 1-0 loss) but we did many nice things. First and foremost was our compete level. It was a fast, physical game with opportunities going both ways. The only goal they managed was an absolutely beautiful shot so credit them for making it count. We pulled Dane at the end of the game and had several good looks with the extra attacker but were unable to come up with the equalizer. Our defense was especially stout, limiting a very potent offense to very few opportunities. The looks they did get were swallowed up by Dane who once again was our backbone and gave us a chance to win.”
The defending Section 7A champion Hawks have three regular season games remaining.
“This week we have two good tests: a road game at Benilde-St. Margaret’s on Friday and our last home game against Chaska on Saturday, where we will celebrate the 2024 senior class,” said Andrews. “Next Tuesday we finish up with Grand Rapids, in Rapids, which will determine the Lake Superior Conference Championship.”
HOCKEY NOTEBOOK – Zam Plante had five points, including two goals, for the Fargo Force in two-game series sweep at Sioux Falls in USHL play over the weekend. The former Hermantown centerman and prized Bulldogs recruit is fourth in USHL scoring with 45 points (17 goals) in 33 games.
