Blomberg, RiverHawks Skate into Sections Tonight

 Fresh off their superstar’s 100th career goal, and riding a six-game winning streak, the North Wright County RiverHawks begin their quest for a Class AA State Tournament berth tonight in Monticello when they host Bemidji.

The Hawks are the No. 2 seed in Section 8AA. Roseau took the top spot. The Lumberjacks, who skate against the Hawks’ tonight, are No. 7.

“We’re carrying a lot of momentum with us into the playoffs,” said head coach Tim Hanson after the Hawks topped River Lakes (Rocori) 8-1 in Albertville Tuesday night.

In that game, Kasey Blomberg picked up her 100th goal in the second period, thanks to linemates Ashley McDonald and Samantha Pitts.

“I kind of challenged [the line] after Kasey got No. 99 early in the game. I said, ‘Wouldn’t be nice to have the assist on No. 100?’ Sure enough, both of them came through,” Hanson said.

Blomberg, who has said all season her goal is to skate in the “state tournament, for sure,” celebrated after No 100, and then coolly picked up No. 101 on Senior Night.

The Hawks are riding a streak that includes wins over powers like Moorhead (who is admittedly down this year, Hanson said) and Class AA No. 7 Eden Prairie. And the defense has given up no more than one goal in its last eight games.