Hermantown boys hockey was just short of another Class A championship last year, falling to St. Cloud Cathedral in the state title game.

While they lost a crop of core seniors, the Hawks are looking forward to the challenges this year will bring.

“We got great leadership on the top and a lot of untested guys coming up but some excitement too with youth and new guys challenging for new sports,” said Pat Andrews, Hermantown’s head coach.

“We have a lot of young guys, so to be a leader out here and come to the rink every day, get these guys going. I’m ready for every game, every week so we’ll come to this year fine and we’ll be better than ever,” said River Freeman, a senior forward.

The Hawks have backed the “better than ever” statement by a mixed group of talent, and using last year’s second place state finish as fuel to get back to the top.

“In the bottom of your heart, you know you lost, you were that close to winning, and that obviously fuels you every day,” added Henry Peterson, a senior defenseman.

The Hawks season opener is next Friday, November 29th when they host Cretin-Derham Hall, who took third at state last winter.