Game Preview: Cloquet/Esko/Carlton vs. Grand Rapids – January 14, 2025
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM,
Yanmar Arena, Grand Rapids, MN
The Cloquet/Esko/Carlton Lumberjacks (13-2-0) have been one of the most dominant teams in their section this season, with their incredible 4.67 goals per game and the stingiest defense in the area, allowing just 1.53 goals per game. They are coming off a narrow 2-1 overtime loss to Sartell-St. Stephen, but that doesn’t diminish the strength of their overall play.
The Lumberjacks are led by Nikolas Gentilini (12 goals, 34 points) and Grady Knutson (16 goals, 28 points), who have been the primary sources of offense. In addition, Bobby Thornton (11 goals, 26 points) provides a consistent secondary threat, while Jacob Iallonardo (1.24 GAA, .947 SV%) has been a brick wall in net, giving them a strong edge in goal.
Cloquet/Esko/Carlton’s ability to play both ends of the ice at an elite level, with potent scoring and impenetrable defense, has made them a tough matchup for anyone. Their power play has been clicking at a strong 34%, and their penalty kill sits at 87.2%, making them formidable in all situations. The Lumberjacks will need to keep their foot on the gas to maintain their momentum, especially as they head into this tough contest on the road.
Key Players:
The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks (11-3-0) are coming off an impressive 4-1 victory over Hibbing/Chisholm on January 11. Like Cloquet/Esko/Carlton, Grand Rapids has been a strong team defensively, allowing only 1.86 goals per game. They are led by goalie Ryder Miskovich (0.99 GAA, .946 SV%), who has been one of the best goaltenders in the state this season and could be a difference-maker in this contest.
Offensively, Nathan Garski (11 goals, 20 points) has led the charge, with Luka Rohloff (5 goals, 22 points) and Jameson Duell (7 goals, 19 points) providing solid support. While the Thunderhawks don’t score as prolifically as Cloquet/Esko/Carlton, they are efficient and have the ability to break open a game when needed. Grand Rapids will need to take advantage of their offensive opportunities, especially with the Lumberjacks’ defense poised to test them.
The Thunderhawks will also rely on their solid 86.2% penalty kill to keep Cloquet/Esko/Carlton’s potent power play in check. If Grand Rapids can keep the game tight and manage to break through Iallonardo, they will have a chance to pull off the upset at home.
Key Players:
Both teams enter this game with elite-level defense, but the difference lies in the offensive production. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton has been one of the highest-scoring teams in the state, while Grand Rapids has relied more on their defensive prowess and goaltending to keep games close. The Lumberjacks’ power play will likely be a key factor in this game, as they have been lethal in man-advantage situations, while Grand Rapids will have to rely on their penalty kill to avoid giving up easy goals.
Cloquet/Esko/Carlton’s depth in scoring, led by Gentilini and Knutson, will be a tough challenge for Grand Rapids, especially given the Thunderhawks’ struggles to generate high-scoring games. However, Ryder Miskovich in goal gives Grand Rapids a fighting chance, and they will need him to play at the top of his game to keep the score close.
