By Howie Hanson
Class 1A top-ranked Hermantown held off No. 2 Hibbing-Chisholm down the stretch for a 2-1 high school boys hockey victory Tuesday night at NorthStar Ford Arena in Hermantown.
Sophomore forward Paxton Madill scored the game-winner, tucking in a rebound in the goal crease late in the second period.
Hermantown opened the scoring in the first period when junior Macklain Martalock converted a rebound on the power play for his team-leading 18th goal of the season.
Defending Section 7A champion Hibbing-Chisholm tied the game early in the second period when sophomore Cole Swanson scored on a breakaway for his 17th goal.
The Hawks carried a 2-1 lead into the third period and protected it behind steady goaltending from Bryce Francisco, who finished with 37 saves.