Beyond the Playbook: Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey hitting stride under new head coach
Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey has once again become a powerhouse in the Northland. In the midst of that resurgence though, a new bench boss has taken over.
Hibbing/Chisholm hockey is on the right side of the record books.
“Everyone knows Hibbing hockey was good back in the day,” said Tate Swanson, a junior forward. “We won a couple state championships and we want to prove that we’re still good to this day.”
They’ve been able to prove it the past few years, but this year, with a new bench boss.
Aaron Jamnick graduated from Hibbing High School in 2009 and later went on to play Division I hockey at Providence College. Those roads led him back to the Bluejackets program though, where he’d been an assistant since 2016. For Jamnick and his players though, not all that much has changed.
“Honestly, it’s not that big of a switch because he had a lot to say previously and now just get to learn even more from him and just adapt to his new philosophies,” said Swanson.
“We have great staff and we’ve had a very difficult schedule,” said Jamnick. “So we’re trying to play 200-foot hockey and it’s been some ups and downs, but it’s been a great experience so far.”
Averaging over three goals per game, the Bluejackets have been rolling along under Jamnick’s guidance, including a five and three game win streak throughout the season.
Led by the Swanson brothers and a tough, gritty defense, not many teams have been able to get by the Jackets this year.
Adding to the excitement around the program is the fact that the Bluejackets have been chosen for Minnesota Hockey Day, for the first time since they suited up in Grand Rapids in 2013.
“We’re excited,” said Cole Swanson, a freshman forward and Tate’s brother. “When’s the next time you’re going to play in Hockey Day Minnesota? It’s an honor to play in it and just excited. Ready to show our talent off.”
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Jamnick. “The boys are pumped playing outside, you know, on hockey day. They’ve all watched it all the way up. But preparation wise, we’re just going to work hard and have fun.”
Hibbing/Chisholm is set to take on Eden Prairie on Saturday at 8:30 a.m., and then the push to the playoffs begins. Hockey Day Minnesota will be held at Valleyfair in Shakopee, and go from January 22nd-25th. For the full schedule, click here.