After a sputtering start to the season (five losses in its first seven games), No. 11-1A St. Cloud Cathedral (11-8-0) began the week in fine form. The Crusaders’ two losses in their previous nine games had come against Class 1A powers Hermantown and Orono.
Junior goaltender Nick Hansen’s strong play has been a big part of St. Cloud Cathedral’s turnaround, as he began the week having allowed more than two goals just twice in his previous 11 outings. Super sophomores John Hirschfeld (22 points) and Joey Gillespie (21 points) lead the Crusaders in scoring.
Providence Academy’s traveling road show — the No. 12-1A Lions (11-8-0) have made stops in such far flung northern locales as Warroad and Crosby — returns home for two games this week, including Saturday’s matchup with the Crusaders. Junior forward Louie Wehman is tied for sixth in the state in goals with 31 and tied for ninth in points with 59. He pairs with senior Johnny Hendrickson (48 points) to give Providence Academy one of the state’s best forward duos.