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Based on the 2025-26 results, Cloquet-Esko appears positioned for another competitive season in boys hockey in 2026-27 despite graduating several key seniors.
The Lumberjacks finished 15-13 overall, defeated quality opponents such as Hermantown, Grand Rapids, East Grand Forks and Duluth Marshall, and lost several one-goal games against strong Class A programs. While the record was modest, it was a young roster that featured numerous sophomores and juniors in major roles. That youth should pay dividends next winter.
The biggest losses come up front with the graduation of leading scorers Conor Sullivan, Lucas Gentilini and Neil Elsmore, along with veterans Jacob Hurst and William Karjala. On defense, Madek Kayser and Cole Painovich graduate, while all-state caliber goaltender Jacob Iallonardo leaves a massive hole in net. Still, there is plenty returning.
Top Returning Players To Watch
1. Jordan Sewell, F, Junior. 27 goals, 22 assists, 49 points. Sewell is the obvious headliner and one of the top returning players in all of Section 7A. As only a sophomore, he led the Lumberjacks in goals, assists and points.His 49 points were 11 more than the next-highest scorer and accounted for nearly one-third of Cloquet's offensive production. With another offseason of development, Sewell could realistically challenge the 60-point mark next winter and emerge as a legitimate all-state candidate.
2. Brahm Snesrud, D, Junior. 5 goals, 10 assists, 15 points. Snesrud may become the team's most important all-around player. The sophomore defenseman already produced offensively while handling significant minutes on the blue line. With Painovich and Kayser graduating, Snesrud likely becomes the cornerstone of the defensive corps.
3. Davis Snerud, D, Senior. 1 goal, 8 assists, 9 points. Snerud enters next season as one of the veteran leaders. He provides experience, puck movement and stability. Expect him to play major minutes in all situations and help mentor a younger defensive group.
4. Mason Robbins, F, Senior. 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points. Robbins doesn't jump off the stat sheet, but he'll likely see a dramatic increase in offensive responsibility. Many of his minutes last year came behind Sullivan, Gentilini and Elsmore. Those opportunities now become available.
5. Jacob Parks, F, Senior. 2 goals, 3 assists. Parks enters his senior year as an experienced forward who should see increased ice time and offensive opportunities. Veteran forwards often make their biggest jump between their junior and senior seasons.
Breakout Candidates
Max Milovidov, F, Sophomore. He appeared in 18 games and didn't record a point, but coaches clearly believed he was ready to play varsity hockey at a young age. Young players who stick on varsity as freshmen often take major leaps in Year 2.
Easton Sunnarborg, F, Junior. Another talented underclassman who gained varsity experience. He could become a secondary scorer behind Sewell.
Colton Erickson, F, Junior. Saw varsity action as a sophomore and should compete for a larger role.
Drew Piontek, D, Junior. Recorded two assists and has a chance to emerge as a regular contributor on the blue line.
Jordan Sewell's Linemates? The biggest question for Cloquet will be finding players who can finish alongside Sewell. Several younger forwards will have opportunities to move into top-six roles.
Biggest Question Marks
Replacing Jacob Iallonardo. This is the biggest concern entering the season. He posted a remarkable 1.96 goals-against average, .926 save percentage, 684 saves and 15 victories. Those are elite high school numbers. The likely competition appears headed toward Alexander Smith (senior) and Daniel Dewey (sophomore).
Neither has meaningful varsity experience, making goaltending the biggest unknown on the roster.
Replacing Graduated Scoring
Graduating players accounted for Sullivan (38 points), Gentilini (31 points), Elsmore (12 points) and Karjala (8 points). That's 89 points leaving the lineup. Sewell can replace some of that production, but several players must make substantial offensive jumps.
Early Outlook
The 2026-27 Lumberjacks look like a team that should remain competitive in the middle-to-upper tier of Section 7A. If Sewell continues his rise and the young defense led by Snesrud develops quickly, Cloquet could contend for 18-20 wins. The ceiling will largely depend on whether a new goaltender emerges and whether secondary scoring develops behind Sewell.
Way-Too-Early Top 10 Returning Players for Cloquet-Esko-Carlton
- Jordan Sewell, F
- Brahm Snesrud, D
- Davis Snerud, D
- Mason Robbins, F
- Jacob Parks, F
- Drew Piontek, D
- Easton Sunnarborg, F
- Colton Erickson, F
- Max Milovidov, F
- Jordan Sewell's eventual top-line wing (to be determined)
The headline entering next season is simple: Sewell has a chance to become one of the premier players in northeastern Minnesota, and the Lumberjacks have enough returning talent around him to remain a factor in Section 7A.
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