The Proctor Rails (8-6-0) face a major test as they visit the Hermantown Hawks (7-4-2) on Tuesday, January 7, at 7:00 PM at the Hermantown Ice Arena

Game Preview: Proctor Rails vs. Hermantown Hawks

The Proctor Rails (8-6-0) face a major test as they visit the Hermantown Hawks (7-4-2) on Tuesday, January 7, at 7:00 PM at the Hermantown Ice Arena.

Team Overviews

Proctor Rails (8-6-0)

The Rails, coached by Jeff Laspi, enter the game following a solid 5-3 win over International Falls. Their offense is spearheaded by Tanner Ross, who leads the team with 10 goals and 24 points. Austin Bryant (19 points) and Breckin Ross (15 points) provide additional strength, making Proctor a well-rounded offensive threat.

In net, William Pocrnich has been reliable with a 1.96 GAA and an .891 save percentage. For Proctor to contend with Hermantown’s high performing offense, Pocrnich will need to deliver another standout performance.

Key to Success: Proctor must capitalize on power play opportunities and limit Hermantown’s fast-break chances to stay competitive.

Hermantown Hawks (7-4-2)

The Hawks, led by head coach Patrick Andrews, are coming off an impressive 4-0 shutout win against Eden Prairie. Their top player, River Freeman, leads the team with 13 goals and 19 points. Complementing Freeman is Ford Skytta (16 points) and Henry Peterson (14 points), forming a solid top line.

Defensively, Hermantown is anchored by goaltender Bryce Francisco, who has a 1.31 GAA and an incredible .955 save percentage. Francisco’s ability to slow opposing offenses makes Hermantown a tough team to beat, particularly on home ice.

Key to Success: The Hawks need to control puck possession and rely on their speed to overwhelm Proctor’s defense.

Keys to the Game

Powerplay Battle: Proctor’s power play (19%) will need to outperform Hermantown’s penalty kill (86.1%) to stay in the game.
Goaltending Duel: Pocrnich versus Francisco will be a critical matchup. Whichever goalie can stand tall under pressure will likely secure the win.
Limit Mistakes: Proctor cannot afford turnovers against Hermantown’s skilled forwards, who thrive on transition play.

Players to Watch

Proctor Rails:
- Tanner Ross: The team’s leading scorer will need to find ways to break through Hermantown’s defense.
- William Pocrnich: Proctor’s goalie will be critical in keeping the game close.
Hermantown Hawks:
- River Freeman: Hermantown’s top goal-scorer is always a threat in the offensive zone.
- Bryce Francisco: A dominant performance in net could tilt the game decisively in Hermantown’s favor.

Prediction

Hermantown’s depth, experience, and home-ice advantage make them the favorites in this matchup. Proctor will need a near-flawless game to pull off the upset, but Hermantown’s scoring depth and Francisco’s goaltending are likely too much to overcome.

Prediction: Hermantown 5, Proctor 2.

UP TO 25% OFF