Game Preview: Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers vs. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton Lumberjacks
Thursday, January 9, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Cloquet Area Recreation Center, Cloquet, MN
The Hilltoppers (8-3-2) are looking to bounce back from a 4-1 loss to Rock Ridge. Led by star forward Bennett Scissons, who has 14 goals and 27 points, Duluth Marshall has a balanced offensive attack. Kyler Black (22 points) and Samuel Berry (16 points) provide key support.
Goaltender Landon Wheeler has been stellar this season, boasting a 2.23 GAA and a .919 save percentage. The Hilltoppers’ have been decent in all aspects with a 22.9% power play conversion and a penalty kill at 77.4%. To win this game, Duluth Marshall will need to tighten up defensively and capitalize on their scoring chances.
The Lumberjacks (12-1-0) are riding high after a 3-2 overtime win against Mahtomedi. Nikolas Gentilini leads the team with 31 points, while Grady Knutson has been a scoring machine with 14 goals. Bobby Thornton and Karson Young add depth, each contributing 22 points.
Defensively, the Lumberjacks are anchored by goaltender Jacob Iallonardo, who has a remarkable 1.14 GAA and a .953 save percentage. Their power play is among the best in the league, converting at 34.7%, while their penalty kill is highly effective at 88.1%.
Cloquet/Esko/Carlton’s depth, defensive strength give them the edge in this matchup. While Duluth Marshall has the talent to compete, the Lumberjacks’ ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities and their home-ice advantage make them difficult to beat.
Final Score Prediction: Cloquet/Esko/Carlton 4, Duluth Marshall 2
Expect a competitive game where Cloquet/Esko/Carlton pulls away in the third period with their balanced scoring and rock-solid goaltending. Duluth Marshall will put up a fight but may struggle to overcome the Lumberjacks’ defensive pressure.
