Table of Contents
HERMANTOWN — Hermantown already had the makings of one of Minnesota's most dangerous offensive teams entering the 2026-27 boys high school hockey season. Now the Hawks are adding another proven goal scorer, one who helped end their season last winter and spent this fall demonstrating that he can score against some of the Midwest's best young players.
Jordan Sewell, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton's explosive leading scorer last season, is joining Hermantown for his junior year, providing another significant offensive weapon for a program returning an exceptional collection of experienced forwards and defensemen.
Sewell has been among the Upper Midwest High School Elite League's most productive goal scorers this fall, collecting 11 goals and two assists for 13 points in 12 games. His production includes two shorthanded goals, one power-play goal and a game-winner, numbers that underscore his ability to finish scoring opportunities in virtually every situation.
The performance follows a breakout sophomore season at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, where Sewell scored 28 goals and added 20 assists for 48 points in 28 games. His six game-winning goals further established him as one of northeastern Minnesota's premier young offensive talents and a player capable of influencing important games.
He demonstrated that ability against Hermantown last February, assisting on the opening goal as the Lumberjacks defeated the Hawks 4-1 in the Section 7A semifinals at Amsoil Arena. The victory ended Hermantown's season and sent Cloquet-Esko-Carlton into the section championship game.
Now Sewell changes sides in one of northeastern Minnesota's most compelling hockey rivalries, moving into a Hermantown lineup with enough returning offensive talent to make the Hawks a serious threat to reclaim the Section 7A championship and return to the state tournament.
For coach Patrick Andrews, the challenge might be less about finding players capable of scoring goals than determining how best to distribute an extraordinary collection of offensive talent.
Senior forwards Beau Christy and Micklain Martalock return after combining for 50 goals and 84 points last season. Christy produced 27 goals and 17 assists for 44 points, while Martalock added 23 goals and 17 assists for 40 points. Both are established offensive leaders who have demonstrated the ability to create scoring opportunities against strong competition.
Junior forward Paxson Madill, another highly regarded offensive talent, also returns after a 31-point season. Madill's skill, creativity and playmaking ability give Hermantown another dangerous forward capable of complementing established scorers or helping anchor a separate offensive unit.
Experienced forward Kole Lendzyk adds another dimension after collecting 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points last winter. Lendzyk has also competed in the Elite League this fall, gaining additional experience against advanced competition while preparing for a potentially expanded role with the Hawks.
The offensive possibilities are considerable. Sewell could play alongside Christy and Martalock, creating a line featuring three players who combined for 78 goals last season. Andrews could also pair Sewell with Madill, whose offensive creativity could create additional scoring opportunities for one of the region's most effective finishers.
Another possibility would be spreading the team's established scorers across three lines, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses and reducing Hermantown's dependence on any single combination. With Christy, Martalock, Madill, Lendzyk and Sewell available, the Hawks have the foundation for the kind of offensive depth that traditionally separates legitimate state championship contenders from ordinary postseason qualifiers.
Sewell's arrival is especially intriguing because of his scoring profile. His 11 Elite League goals in 12 games represent a significant achievement against elite competition, particularly for a junior preparing for his third high school season. While his two assists suggest he has primarily distinguished himself as a finisher this fall, his 20 assists last winter also reflect an ability to contribute as a playmaker.
Hermantown's returning talent is hardly limited to its forwards.
Sophomore defenseman Nikolai Zhukov returns as one of the program's most promising young players, providing additional skill and offensive ability from the blue line. His presence alongside experienced senior defenseman Gabe Swenson gives Hermantown an important foundation on defense and another means of generating offense through transition play.
Swenson collected three goals and 20 assists for 23 points last season, demonstrating his value as a puck-moving defenseman and offensive contributor. Returning defenseman TJ Wojtysiak adds further varsity experience, while Noah Thurston and other returning players provide additional depth throughout a roster accustomed to competing against demanding regular-season competition.
The return of both Madill and Zhukov is particularly significant. Both are highly skilled players with considerable potential, and their presence strengthens the Hawks at two critical positions. Madill gives Andrews another established offensive contributor, while Zhukov helps stabilize a defensive unit that must replace key departed players.
Hermantown finished 17-6-4 last season, a respectable record by most standards but a disappointing conclusion for a program accustomed to competing deep into March. The semifinal loss to Cloquet-Esko-Carlton prevented the Hawks from reaching the section championship game, leaving a talented returning nucleus with unfinished business.
The section will again present considerable challenges. Defending champion Hibbing-Chisholm has established itself as a formidable opponent, and the competition among northeastern Minnesota's leading Class A programs remains intense. Hermantown must also develop dependable goaltending following the graduation of standout Bryce Francisco and establish the defensive consistency necessary to win against elite opponents.
Those questions are important, but Hermantown's offensive potential is difficult to overlook. Christy, Martalock, Madill and Lendzyk combined for 49 assists last season, providing a collection of proven playmakers around whom Andrews can construct his attack. Adding Sewell, whose 28 goals at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton represented exceptional production for a sophomore, makes the Hawks considerably more dangerous.
For Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, the departure is substantial. The Lumberjacks must replace their leading scorer and one of their most productive players from a team that reached the Section 7A championship game. Losing a player responsible for 28 goals and nearly 50 points creates an obvious offensive challenge, particularly when that player moves to a traditional rival.
For Hermantown, the move represents another opportunity to strengthen an already talented roster without depending exclusively on developing younger players to replace departed seniors.
The Hawks still must establish line combinations, develop chemistry and prove that their returning offensive talent can translate into victories against the state's best teams. Individual statistics and preseason expectations do not guarantee postseason success, particularly in a section where the championship often comes down to a single exceptionally competitive game.
But consider the personnel Andrews will have available: Christy and Martalock, two established senior goal scorers; Madill, a gifted offensive forward; Lendzyk, a proven 30-point contributor; Zhukov and Swenson, skilled defensemen capable of supporting the attack; and Sewell, whose fall scoring performance suggests he is entering his junior season with considerable momentum.
That is an exceptional collection of returning and incoming talent for a Minnesota high school program, even one with Hermantown's tradition and expectations.
And Sewell, who helped eliminate the Hawks from last season's section tournament, now has an opportunity to help lead them back to the state tournament.
His arrival gives Hermantown something few opponents can comfortably defend: another explosive scorer on a roster already loaded with them.
