Section 7A powerhouses Hermantown, Duluth Marshall, and Duluth Denfeld all made statements tonight; notching shutout wins in their opening games of the playoff season.

Hermantown vs. Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl

The Hawks got on the board very early, with senior Nate Pionk finding the net 22 seconds into the game, setting the tone for the night. Kyle Amundson and Cole Koepke each scored twice in the first period, with Ryan Kero and Parker Hawk also adding to what would be a 7-0 game at the end of the first period.

The Hawks continued to assault the Blue Devils net through the remaining periods, notching over 50 total shots and an additional 3 goals to give Hermantown the 10-0 win. Hermantown will go on to play Hibbing/Chisholm, who won 5-4 over Greenway tonight. The 7A semifinal between these two teams will be on Saturday at 6 pm at Amsoil Arena.

Duluth Marshall vs. North Shore

Junior Peter Lenz led Duluth Marshall in scoring with a hat trick as the Hilltoppers steamrolled North Shore 10-0. John McKenna and Jordan Fralich would each add two goals; and Nathan Sepp, Levi Stauber, and Nate Johnson each found the net once to give the Toppers their 10-goal night.

Duluth Marshall will go on to face Duluth Denfeld at 8 pm on Saturday night at Amsoil Arena in the other Section 7A semifinal.

Duluth Denfeld vs. Eveleth-Gilbert

Rounding out the top three seeds in the 7A bracket, Duluth Denfeld earned a 3-0 shutout win on the shoulders of junior netminder River Alander. Alander made 12 saves in his second straight shutout. Nick Thompson netted two of Denfeld's three goals, with Zach Thompson rounding out the scoring to give the Hunters the 3-0 win.

The Hunters will look for continued strong play from their goalie and defense as they head to Amsoil on Saturday to take on Duluth Marshall at 8 pm.

More From KOOL 101.7