Summer high school hockey is generally a little less formal and a time to learn about your team. What we saw in Duluth Saturday was anything but less formal. Four teams, all with high hopes for this season lined up and let it rip at Mars Arena as part of the Lakeview Summer Classic.

Game one featured Bemidji and Mahtomedi, two teams coming off state tournament bids last March. Mahtomedi won 6-2 over the Lumberjacks, a game that was much closer than the score appeared. Each team had great chances, the Zephyrs capitalized and the short handed Jacks did not. Heading into the third, Mahtomedi scored two quick goals to start the period and Bemidji could not recover. 

Rocky Copitskey had 1G/1A for Bemdij...Jets Krueger had 2G and Jack Heinsch added 1G/1A for the Zephyrs. The key goal coming shorthanded on a pretty pass from Heinsch to Tommy Strelow for the eventual GWG.

Chase Hartje, Bemidji - dynamic skater who is all over the ice...made great plays with and without the puck including two goal saving defensive stops. The second round selection of the Des Moines Bucs (USHL) will make the Lumberjacks D corps really good this year.

Jack Heinsch, Mahtomedi - the kind of player who was always in the right place at the right time. Seemed always to find space on the ice in space.

Alex Adams, Grand Rapids - often times it is easy to name a PTW based solely on the scoresheet. Adams could have scored an own goal and he would make our list. Big  and physical Power Forward who great hands and a very high IQ. Fun player to watch...a prototypical Grand Rapids player (see passion and grit).

Nick Austin, Benilde - most scouts will come to see Connor Mayer this year for the Knights. They will get a bonus player when they get to see Austin. Fast skater with an impressive shot.

Ryan Bischel, Benilde - one of the top '99 Goalies in Minnesota, Bischel was all that and more Saturday. Made a few acrobatic saves in his half of the game in Duluth.