Gentry Academy’s search for top-level programs to put on its schedule included successful forays beyond the state’s borders, as three highly regarded non-Minnesota programs (two in Wisconsin and one in North Dakota) have signed on to play the Stars, last season’s undefeated state Class 1A champions.
The out-of-state experience for No. 13-2A Gentry Academy (1-0-0) begins Friday with a game against Notre Dame Academy (2-1-1), the No. 3-ranked team in Wisconsin’s top class (Division 1), according to Wisconsin Prep Hockey.
The all-Wisconsin weekend continues on Saturday with a showdown against No. 1 Hudson (4-0-0), the state’s defending Division 1 champion that won two other championships in recent years (2017 and 2018). The Raiders have three players tied for the team lead in goals with four, including points leader Matthew Mauer with 11.
Gentry Academy opened its season with a resounding 9-2 triumph over No. 8-1A Duluth Denfeld last Friday, a victory that signaled the Stars might just be a legit state tournament contender again this season despite losing several key forwards and defensemen and opting up to play in the Class 2A playoffs.
Junior Reese Shaw (2 goals, 2 assists) was among the standouts for the Stars in their win over Denfeld.