News

By David LeGarde
Let’s Play Hockey

 

Northern Minnesota has a long tradition of legendary high school hockey coaches. The names Cliff Thompson, Larry Ross, Bob Gernander, George Perpich, Gus Hendrickson and Mike Randolph are synonymous with state tournament success. Their achievements are a large part of the game’s lore, as are their reputations. With the exception of the still-active Randolph, all left legacies seemingly impossible for their replacements to live up to.

Hermantown’s Bruce Plante is the latest of such coaches, retiring this past spring after leading the Hawks to their third state championship. Throw in 547 victories and 13 section crowns, and it’s clear his successor has some enormous shoes to fill. Following such an act is certainly not for everyone. 

Pat Andrews appears to be the right man for the job. A 1998 Hermantown graduate, he’s spent the better part of his life dedicated to its hockey community as a player and coach. His hiring provides not only a familiar face, but a wealth of experience that should make for a smooth transition as this new era begins. After serving over a decade as the Bantam coach and last year as an assistant to Plante, he has a solid understanding of the entire program from top to bottom. 

“I started playing in Hermantown when I was four when the only rink was outdoors, so I’ve seen the program built from the ground up,” Andrews said. 

Andrews played for Plante, and though he was part of a state runner-up team his senior year, it was the head coach’s positive influence in other aspects of life that he values most. 

“My dad died when I was a sophomore, and Coach Plante took me under his wing,” Andrews said. “I’ve learned so much from him, and not just about hockey.”   

After graduating from St. John’s University, where he played for 1980 Olympic gold medalist John Harrington, Andrews returned to Hermantown to teach social studies and coach. Being involved firsthand, he has seen the program grow into a state powerhouse. He attributes this success to numerous factors, but believes the passion of its hockey community is the driving force. 

“We have so many hockey-knowledgeable people here who are willing to put in the time and effort,” he said. “There is no shortage of people experienced in the game who are ready to step-up and contribute.” 

This passion and knowledge is also passed down from an abundance of Hermantown graduates, many whom have gone on to excel at the collegiate and professional levels. They often return to skate and practice with all levels of the program, and their influence is an invaluable resource. 

“We have always told our players that once they are finished playing here, they’re always welcome to come back anytime,” Andrews said. “For example, this past summer Neal Pionk (now with the New York Rangers organization) came in and helped with our summer camp. The effect of having guys like that still invested is a major asset for us.” 

Continued involvement from talented skaters such as Pionk, Drew LeBlanc (2013 Hobey Baker Award winner) and others has spurred huge interest at the younger levels where participation numbers are extremely high for a school district of Hermantown’s size. 

“We have roughly 25 students per grade playing hockey, and have 37 Ice Mites signed up for this season,” Andrews said. “On a given night we’ll have 40 guys playing on our outdoor rinks.” 

The location of those rinks, right outside the doors of Hermantown Arena, makes for an ideal setup. “All of Hermantown Hockey is in one place,” Andrews said. “It’s a great situation.”  

While Andrews is grateful that talented alumni are willing to return and teach their skills, he is equally pleased with the effect they have as people on the younger generation of Hermantown players. 

“Year after year, we have always had great leadership within our team,” he said. “There is always someone willing to carry the torch.” 

He mentions several former players who have taken on this role, and how their influence has created a trickle-down effect. 

“I look at guys like Kyle Schmidt, Adam Krause, Jared Kolquist, who’ve not only been great leaders for us, but have gone on to be captains of their college teams. I think that says a lot about what we do here.”

Despite a new person at the helm, there will be little change to Hermantown’s style of hockey under Andrews. Having played for and worked alongside Plante, the characteristics of hard-nosed aggression, skill and speed will continue to be strived for. He also credits former UMD head coach Mike Sertich, who in recent years assisted with the Bantam program, as another influence on his coaching style. 

“Like Plante, (Sertich) is a blue-collar type of coach who is also a great tactician. I can’t think of two better people to learn the game from.” 
Andrews will also benefit from the return of several assistant coaches well-experienced within the Hermantown system, making the transition even more fluid. 

Although there were key losses to graduation after last season, including defenseman Dylan Samberg (now at UMD) and goaltender Cade McEwan, the Hawks will again be the favorite in Section 7A and a state contender. Tyler Watkins, Trent Madill and Jake Herter are three of the top returnees for a squad certainly not lacking in depth. Goaltenders Austin Hess and Cole Monahan will vie for the starting nod, a battle Andrews feels will make both players better. 

“Strong competition for spots within our team has always benefited us,” he said. “I don’t expect this season to be any different.”

It appears Greenway will offer the stiffest competition for Hermantown at the section level, with Hibbing-Chisholm, Duluth Denfeld and Virginia-Mt. Iron-Buhl also in contention. Andrews also stressed that the Hawks take great pride in the Lake Superior Conference, where they are nine-time defending champions. 

“Games with rivals like Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Duluth Marshall, Denfeld and Superior are extremely intense and fun. We really look forward to them.”

The Hawks will play a challenging schedule, and will find out immediately what their strengths and weaknesses are. Matchups with AA powers Eden Prairie and Wayzata are part of a difficult December stretch, while two games against defending big-school champion Grand Rapids highlight the second half of the season. 

Andrews believes that if his team puts out the effort, results will take care of themselves. 

“Expectations are known here. We should be the hardest working team in any given game. That’s the tradition that’s been established here. I would hope that doesn’t change.”

 

Photo: WDIO-TV