Hibbing/Chisholm Reaches First Title Game in 32 Years

The Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets are going to the Minnesota State Class A hockey championship after beating Mahtomedi 4-2 in Friday's semifinal game. It's the first time the program has reached the title game in 32 years, and only the fourth time in their history.

The game started perfectly for the underdogs. Jackson Strukel scored just 17 seconds into the first period, sending the Bluejackets' bench into celebration and setting the tone for the night.

The team never looked back. Benny Galli added a power play goal in the second period, followed by Cole Swanson's even-strength score that pushed the lead to 3-0.

Mahtomedi, the Zephyrs, fought back late in the game with two goals. But the Bluejackets held strong, and Whitaker Rewertz sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minutes.

The win means everything to this northern Minnesota community. Hibbing, once a standalone powerhouse, now partners with nearby Chisholm to field a varsity team that represents both towns with pride.

Their last championship appearance was in 1994 when Hibbing stood alone. Now, a new generation of players from both communities gets to chase the same dream together.

Why This Inspires

High school sports have a unique power to unite small towns, and this story captures that magic perfectly. The Bluejackets aren't just playing for themselves but for grandparents who remember 1994, parents who played in that era, and kids who dream of wearing the same jersey someday.

The partnership between Hibbing and Chisholm shows how communities can come together to give their young athletes opportunities they might not have alone. These towns share more than a team now—they share hope, pride, and a shot at history.

The Bluejackets will face either Delano or Warroad in Saturday's Class A championship game. Regardless of the outcome, they've already given their communities something special: proof that small towns still have big dreams, and sometimes those dreams come true.