Girls Varsity Hockey
Hibbing/Chisholm came into Sonju Arena on January 20 and wasted little time setting the tone. The Bluejackets leaned heavily on Brielle Oberstar early, as she found the back of the net twice in the first period to give the visitors control. Oberstar later completed the hat trick with a third-period goal, continuing a strong offensive night for Hibbing/Chisholm.
North Shore answered in the second period, showing push and persistence. Berkley Hoff broke through with an even-strength goal, getting the Storm on the board. Lily Ernest and Callie Ernest each picked up assists on the play, helping spark momentum and keeping the game within reach.
Despite generating chances throughout the night, the Storm were unable to close the gap, falling 5-1. Hibbing/Chisholm improved to 8-11-2 with the win. The game carried a physical edge from start to finish, with six penalties assessed to each team. Emmy Bentler anchored the Storm in net, facing 23 shots, while North Shore put 22 shots on goal at the other end.
The Storm entered its January 26 matchup against Rock Ridge with a 13-9 record. The Wolverines came in at 7-12-1 ahead of the contest at Rukavina Arena. The Storm then turned around quickly, facing Cloquet Esko Carlton the following day. Results from both games will be included in the next edition of North Shore Sports Shorts.
Boys Varsity Hockey
The North Shore boys rebounded well after a tough overtime loss to Ely on January 15, responding with a shutout win over Moose Lake Area. The teams met at Rukavina Arena on January 19, where the Storm settled in and took control during the second period.
Senior Joshua Maxwell opened the scoring, finishing a play set up by Isaiah Bertin and fellow senior Josh Johnson. Later in the period, Bertin, a senior from Stella Maris, added a unassisted goal to extend the lead and lock in the momentum North Shore needed to secure the win.
Cold weather disrupted the schedule later in the week, forcing postponements against International Falls and Lake of the Woods. The Storm returned to action on January 29 with a road matchup against Greenway at Hodgins-Berardo Arena in Coleraine. They open February by defending their recent win over Moose Lake, this time on the road.
Boys Varsity Basketball
Two Harbors hosted Stella Maris Academy on January 19 and controlled the matchup from start to finish, earning a 72-50 win at home. The Agates then shifted into a stretch of road games, traveling to Cromwell-Wright on January 27. They continue away from home with trips to Esko on January 30 and Aitkin on February 3.
Cook County extended its winning streak to six after a dominant week on the court. The Vikings opened with an 89-22 win over Mesabi East on January 19 and followed it with a 60-37 victory against Chisholm the next day. Their January 23 matchup against Stella Maris was postponed due to weather. Cook County hosted Fond du Lac Ojibwe on January 27 and will travel to Barnum on January 30.
Girls Varsity Basketball
Two Harbors fell to Floodwood 66-31 on January 19. A scheduled game against Carlton/Wrenshall was canceled, sending the Agates next to Cromwell-Wright for a January 27 road matchup. Two Harbors returned home to host Esko on January 29, with results to be reported in the Northshore Journal’s next issue.
Silver Bay faced North Woods on January 19 and came up short in a 66-48 loss. The Mariners traveled to Cherry on January 26 before returning home on January 30 to take on Littlefork-Big Falls. Varsity tipoff is set for 5 p.m. at Silver Bay.
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