Official Minnesota high school boys hockey practices begin Monday, and if the 2026-27 season delivers anything close to what I'm expecting, northeastern Minnesota hockey fans are in for one extraordinary winter.
Hermantown is loaded. Hibbing-Chisholm has the studs to win another Section 7A championship. Grand Rapids has a state tournament appearance to defend. And Duluth East, one of the most storied programs in Minnesota high school hockey, might be preparing to remind everybody why the Greyhounds belong in the conversation.
I'll make my first bold prediction before a single official puck has been dropped: Hermantown has the best projected offensive lineup in northern Minnesota, but the Hawks are anything but a lock to return to St. Paul.
In Section 7AA, I'm taking Grand Rapids as the preseason favorite. But don't be surprised if Duluth East turns the section tournament upside down. The Greyhounds are my breakout pick of the winter.
And there's considerably more to this season than those four traditional powers.
Rock Ridge, Duluth Marshall, Forest Lake and a rapidly developing Proctor program are capable of making life uncomfortable for the favorites. International Falls has returning talent worth following, and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton has every reason to approach the season with a considerable chip on its shoulder.
Forget the easy preseason predictions.
This could be a winter when the standings matter less than who is playing the best hockey when the section tournaments begin.
SECTION 7A: Hermantown has the firepower, but Hibbing has something to say
Let's start with Hermantown. Coach Patrick Andrews has a collection of offensive talent that most Minnesota high school coaches would love to inherit.
Senior Beau Christy scored 27 goals last season. Fellow senior Micklain Martalock added 23. Kole Lendzyk contributed 15 goals and 15 assists.
And then there's Jordan "Jordy" Sewell.
The explosive junior transferred from Cloquet-Esko-Carlton after producing 28 goals and 48 points last winter. He also scored 11 goals in his first 12 Upper Midwest High School Elite League games this fall. That's not some unproven youngster hoping to crack the varsity lineup. That's a legitimate impact scorer joining an already dangerous offense.
And the Hawks received another substantial boost this week.
Junior Paxson Madill has returned from the Western Hockey League's Red Deer Rebels. He recorded nine points in 13 games against major junior competition before returning to Hermantown for the high school season.
Think about that collection of talent: Christy. Martalock. Sewell. Madill. Lendzyk. Five offensive players capable of creating problems for virtually any Class A opponent in Minnesota.
If Andrews can successfully distribute that talent over multiple lines, Hermantown could become nearly impossible to defend over three periods.
But hockey championships aren't awarded to teams with the most attractive forward combinations.
The Hawks must replace standout goaltender Bryce Francisco, establish their defensive identity and prove they can survive games when their offense isn't overwhelming the opposition.
Senior defenseman Gabe Swenson will be important, and the potential return of talented sophomore Nikolai Zhukov from the United States Hockey League would significantly strengthen the blue line. Zhukov, however, remains on Dubuque's junior roster, and his high school availability has not been established.
I like Hermantown's talent. I like its depth. And I particularly like its ability to put pressure on opponents with more than one offensive combination.
But here's something the Hawks should remember: They weren't even in last season's Section 7A championship game. Cloquet eliminated Hermantown in the semifinals, and Hibbing-Chisholm eventually advanced to the state tournament.
Which brings us to the Bluejackets.
Hibbing-Chisholm reached last season's Class A state championship game before falling 5-4 in overtime to Warroad. That's championship-level experience, not preseason speculation.
Junior forward Cole Swanson is an absolute difference-maker. His 29 goals and 34 assists last winter made him one of the most productive young forwards in the state.
And defenseman Whitaker Rewertz is back. After spending time with the Penticton Vees of the Western Hockey League, Rewertz has returned to Hibbing-Chisholm for his junior season. He recorded 23 goals and 27 assists last season.
A defenseman with 50 points is not ordinary high school talent. He changes games with his skating, offensive instincts and ability to turn a defensive-zone breakout into a dangerous scoring opportunity.
Together, Swanson and Rewertz give the Bluejackets one of the most imposing forward-defenseman combinations in Minnesota Class A hockey.
Hibbing must replace considerable graduated production, including the contributions of Tate Swanson and Isaiah Hildenbrand, and establish dependable goaltending.
But dismissing the Bluejackets because of graduation would be a serious mistake.
My Section 7A prediction: Hermantown defeats Hibbing-Chisholm in the championship game. It won't be easy. And if the Hawks fail to establish reliable goaltending, I could be writing about another Hibbing trip to St. Paul.
SECTION 7AA: Grand Rapids remains the favorite, but watch Duluth East
Grand Rapids earned another state tournament appearance last winter and finished fifth in Class AA. That's enough to establish the Thunderhawks as my Section 7AA preseason favorite.
Coach Grant Clafton knows how to prepare his team for February hockey, and forward Ander Rajala gives Grand Rapids an experienced offensive centerpiece after a 22-goal, 43-point season. But the Thunderhawks have important holes to fill.
Seth Carlson, Jameson Duell and Nathan Garski were major contributors last season. Their production must be replaced.
The question isn't whether Grand Rapids has talented players. It does. The question is whether enough of them can assume larger responsibilities quickly enough to keep the Thunderhawks ahead of their section rivals.
Which brings me to Duluth East. I think the Greyhounds could be one of the most improved Class AA teams in Minnesota. Yes, I know they finished 9-16-2 last season. I also know that win-loss records don't always reveal what a developing hockey team might become.
East returns an intriguing young nucleus, including McKennen Kramer, Zane Medlin, Greyson Medak and Liam Brooks.
Kramer and Medlin each recorded 32 points last season. Medak added 28 from defense, while Brooks contributed 27, including an eye-catching 15 goals.
Brooks was selected in the second round of the 2026 USHL Phase I draft. Medlin and Medak also attracted USHL draft attention. That's legitimate high-end young talent. It also means opposing coaches should stop evaluating the Greyhounds strictly through last season's record.
East has skilled forwards, offensive-minded defensemen and a group gaining valuable maturity. What it needs is consistency, tougher defensive play and the ability to finish close games. The talent is there to make significant improvement. And if the Greyhounds begin turning competitive losses into victories, look out.
My Section 7AA prediction: Grand Rapids defeats Duluth East in the section final — but East is my strongest candidate to upset the preseason favorite. I wouldn't be shocked if the Greyhounds take the championship instead.
HOWIE'S EXCLUSIVE SECTION 7A/7AA TOP 10 TEAM RANKINGS
Preseason rankings, Nov. 13, 2026. Both classes combined, based on projected overall strength, returning talent and postseason potential — not simply last season's records.
1. Hermantown (7A) — The most dangerous projected offense in the region. A legitimate Class A state championship contender if the goaltending and defense hold up.
2. Hibbing-Chisholm (7A) — Cole Swanson and Whitaker Rewertz are capable of carrying the Bluejackets a long way. Don't underestimate a defending section champion that came within one goal of a state title.
3. Grand Rapids (7AA) — The defending section champion gets the benefit of the doubt. Rajala must lead a new offensive supporting cast, but the Thunderhawks know how to win big games.
4. Duluth East (7AA) — My breakout team. I expect the Greyhounds to make a substantial jump and seriously challenge Grand Rapids for the section championship.
5. Rock Ridge (7AA) — Don't overlook Matt Niskanen's Wolverines. They reached last season's section final, and Jackson Bartovich and Cal Scott are capable of leading another dangerous group. Replacing Cazimiro Carlson and other departed veterans is a significant challenge.
6. Duluth Marshall (7AA) — A 19-5-2 team last season that still exited in the section quarterfinals. That should provide motivation. The Hilltoppers need to show their regular-season success translates against top section opponents.
7. Proctor (7A) — My sleeper. Sophomore Jax Hardy is an emerging offensive talent, and Drew Yost, Rafe Giswold and goaltender Ashton Lee give the Rails an intriguing young foundation. This program could become particularly dangerous in February.
8. Forest Lake (7AA) — A 15-win team last season with enough competitive experience to make the section race uncomfortable for the favorites. The Rangers shouldn't be overlooked because they play outside northeastern Minnesota.
9. International Falls (7A) — Brodie Baldwin and Carter Thompson provide quality returning offensive talent. Replacing graduated stars and stabilizing the goaltending will determine the Broncos' ceiling.
10. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (7A) — Last season's section finalist takes a substantial hit with Sewell's departure and several graduations. But the Lumberjacks have a proud hockey tradition, and I wouldn't be surprised if they outperform this ranking.
On the radar: Greenway, Cambridge-Isanti and Northern Edge.
HOWIE'S EXCLUSIVE TOP 10 BOYS HOCKEY PROSPECTS
My preseason ranking of the leading players to watch in Sections 7A and 7AA. This list weighs projected high school impact, demonstrated skill and future development potential. It is not an NHL draft projection.
1. Cole Swanson, junior forward, Hibbing-Chisholm
My preseason Player of the Year favorite. Swanson's 63-point sophomore season established him as an exceptional offensive talent. His combination of finishing ability and playmaking makes him the player I most want to watch in a critical game.
2. Whitaker Rewertz, junior defenseman, Hibbing-Chisholm
Arguably the region's most valuable all-around prospect. His 50-point season from the blue line was remarkable, and his junior hockey experience should further sharpen his game. Swanson gets my No. 1 ranking, but the margin is razor-thin.
3. Paxson Madill, junior forward, Hermantown
The return from Red Deer changes Hermantown's outlook. Madill has already tested himself against major junior competition and shown his playmaking ability. I expect a major impact from him this winter.
4. Jordan "Jordy" Sewell, junior forward, Hermantown
One of the region's most dangerous pure goal scorers. His offensive production at Cloquet and in the Elite League gives him an impressive résumé. I expect another significant step forward in his development.
5. Beau Christy, senior forward, Hermantown
Twenty-seven goals last season, and now he has additional offensive talent around him. Christy could challenge for 30 goals or more if the Hawks' offense performs as expected.
6. Liam Brooks, junior defenseman, Duluth East
Fifteen goals from a defenseman deserve attention. Brooks has impressive offensive instincts and enough developing talent to become one of the section's premier blue-liners. His USHL draft selection reinforces his credentials.
7. Ander Rajala, senior forward, Grand Rapids
The Thunderhawks' most important returning offensive player. Rajala must produce and lead after major graduation losses. He gets my respect for what he has already accomplished against strong Class AA competition.
8. Greyson Medak, junior defenseman, Duluth East
A 28-point season from the blue line speaks for itself. Medak is another reason I believe the Greyhounds are positioned for a breakthrough. His development could have a major influence on the Section 7AA title race.
9. Jax Hardy, sophomore forward, Proctor
My pick as one of the region's most exciting young breakout prospects. Hardy recorded 38 points as a freshman. That's impressive production for a ninth-grader, and I expect him to become an increasingly difficult matchup.
10. Micklain Martalock, senior forward, Hermantown
Twenty-three goals last season make Martalock one of the most proven offensive threats in the region. He gives Hermantown another legitimate finisher and could be particularly dangerous when opponents concentrate on the Hawks' other stars.
Just outside my Top 10: Zane Medlin and McKennen Kramer of Duluth East; Kole Lendzyk and Gabe Swenson of Hermantown; Brodie Baldwin and Carter Thompson of International Falls; and Jackson Bartovich and Cal Scott of Rock Ridge.
Special watch: Hermantown defenseman Nikolai Zhukov, a first-round USHL draft choice who has been playing with Dubuque. His talent would put him firmly in this conversation, but I am withholding a high school ranking until his 2026-27 availability is confirmed.
FIVE QUESTIONS THAT WILL DEFINE THE WINTER
Can anybody stop Hermantown's offense?
There isn't an obvious answer. But an outstanding offensive lineup is only as good as its ability to handle elite goaltending and disciplined defensive opponents.
Can Hibbing-Chisholm return to the state championship game?
Absolutely. The Bluejackets have exceptional top-end talent, championship experience and every reason to believe another deep postseason run is possible.
Is Duluth East finally ready for a breakthrough?
I believe so. The Greyhounds have several of the ingredients necessary to become a serious Class AA contender. I expect a much better season, although their defensive improvement must match their offensive potential.
Is Grand Rapids still the team to beat in Section 7AA?
For now, yes. The defending champions have earned that position. But graduation has narrowed their advantage, and their challengers will have opportunities.
Who is most capable of wrecking the favorites' plans?
In Class A, give me Proctor. In Class AA, watch Rock Ridge and Duluth Marshall. None of those programs should be taken lightly.
MY FINAL CALL
Hermantown and Hibbing-Chisholm are on a collision course in Section 7A.
Grand Rapids and Duluth East are my early choices to determine the Section 7AA championship.
But there's something about northern Minnesota high school hockey that makes preseason predictions wonderfully dangerous. Talent matters. Tradition matters. Coaching matters.
And sometimes, in February, a sophomore goaltender nobody was talking about in November becomes the most important person in the building. That's the magic of this sport.
For now, I'm picking Hermantown to reclaim Section 7A and Grand Rapids to repeat in Section 7AA. I'm also predicting Duluth East makes the biggest leap among the region's traditional hockey powers, while Proctor becomes the kind of opponent nobody wants to draw in the opening rounds of the section tournament.
Those are my picks.
Official practices begin Monday. The arguments can begin immediately. And isn't that exactly what makes high school hockey in northern Minnesota so special?