Hibbing/Chisholm Advances to Class A Semifinals, Defeats Dodge County 4-1
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets secured their spot in the Class A semifinals for the second consecutive season with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Dodge County Wildcats in the quarterfinal round on Wednesday at Grand Casino Arena.
Second Period Surge Propels Bluejackets
After a scoreless first period, Hibbing/Chisholm erupted for three goals in the second period. Tate Swanson opened the scoring with a breakaway goal, beating Dodge County’s Wes Wegner through the five-hole. Isaiah Hildenbrand followed up with a goal, walking around Wegner and a Wildcats defender. Joey Gabardi then capitalized on a rebound to extend the Bluejackets’ lead to 3-0.
Rewertz Seals the Win, Lamphere Stands Strong
Whitaker Rewertz added an insurance goal in the third period with a well-placed snipe. Dodge County managed to secure on the board with a goal from Nolan Steele, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Bluejackets’ lead. Hibbing/Chisholm goaltender Gavin Lamphere was instrumental in the win, stopping 17 of 18 shots.
Key Performances
- Tate Swanson: Scored one goal and added one assist.
- Whitaker Rewertz: Contributed with one goal and one assist.
- Isaiah Hildenbrand & Joey Gabardi: Each scored a goal in the second-period surge.
- Gavin Lamphere: Made 17 saves in goal for Hibbing/Chisholm.
Next Up for Hibbing/Chisholm
The No. 1 seeded Bluejackets (25-2-2) will face either No. 4 Mahtomedi or No. 5 St. Cloud Cathedral in the semifinals on Friday at 11:00 a.m. At Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.