Top-seeded Proctor/Hermantown, ranked fifth in Minnesota Class 1A, will face either No. 4 Rock Ridge or No. 5 Hibbing/Chisholm in a Section 7A girls high school hockey semifinal at noon Saturday in Proctor.
The Mirage (16-6-2) enter the postseason following a regular season that featured consistent scoring balance, strong special-teams play and a deep goaltending rotation. Proctor/Hermantown finished fifth in the final Minnesota Class 1A rankings, trailing Breck, Dodge County, Warroad and Blake.
Offensively, the Mirage were led by senior forward Mya Gunderson, who finished the regular season with 18 goals and 30 points, and Avery Milbridge, who added 16 goals and 31 points. Natalie Heitzman provided a scoring punch from the blue line, totaling 13 goals and 20 points, while Ella Kaups (12 goals, 26 points) and Grace Nichols (nine goals, 29 points) rounded out a balanced top six.
Proctor/Hermantown also generated offense from its secondary lines. Aubrey Miner recorded 22 points, while Peighton Paulson and Sarah Stauber each finished with 16 or more points, giving the Mirage multiple scoring options heading into section play. Sophomore defenseman Taylee Manion is a rising star.
In goal, Proctor/Hermantown relied on a two-goalie rotation throughout the season. Lillian Clemons posted a 1.23 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage in 20 appearances, while Suri Langley logged the most ice time, finishing with a 2.14 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage over 24 games. Avery Kuras appeared in five games and did not allow a goal in limited action.
The Mirage’s regular season included shutout victories over Moose Lake Area, Rock Ridge, Hibbing/Chisholm and Cloquet/Esko/Carlton, along with wins against Orono, Blaine, Dodge County, Thief River Falls and North Shore. Proctor/Hermantown also skated to overtime ties against Grand Rapids/Greenway and Benilde-St. Margaret’s and dropped a 3-2 overtime decision at Duluth.
The second Section 7A semifinal is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday, with No. 2 North Shore hosting either No. 3 Cloquet-Esko-Carlton or No. 6 Moose Lake Area.
Winners will advance to the Section 7A championship game, with the section champion earning a berth in the Minnesota Class 1A state tournament.