Unbelievable Rally! East Grand Forks Overcomes 3-Goal Deficit to Secure Championship Spot

St. Paul, MN – In one of the most thrilling matchups of the Class A state hockey tournament, East Grand Forks pulled off a stunning comeback against Hibbing/Chisholm, securing a 7-5 victory and punching their ticket to the championship game.

At one point, the Green Wave trailed by three goals, but a relentless offensive surge, led by senior defender Cole Bies, turned the game around in spectacular fashion.

A Strong Start for Hibbing/Chisholm

Hibbing/Chisholm came into the semifinal as the top seed, riding the momentum of a dominant 7-0 quarterfinal win over Luverne. They wasted no time establishing control, racing to a 3-1 lead in the first period with goals from Tate Swanson, Ben Galli, and Cole Swanson.

The Bluejackets extended their advantage to 5-2 in the second period, seemingly on their way to a comfortable victory. Whitaker Rewertz and Isaiah Hildenbrand added to the scoreboard, and everything was clicking for Hibbing/Chisholm.

But just when it looked like the game was slipping away, East Grand Forks found their spark.

The Turnaround Begins

Late in the second period, the Green Wave clawed back into the contest, netting two crucial goals to cut the deficit to 5-4 before intermission. The momentum had shifted, and the team came out in the third period determined to complete the comeback.

That’s when Cole Bies took over.

Within the first minute of the final period, the senior defender delivered back-to-back goals, flipping the script and putting East Grand Forks ahead. With the lead in hand, the Green Wave tightened up defensively and sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the closing seconds.

Key Players and Reactions

Bies was the hero of the night, not only tying the game but also scoring the game-winner. His leadership and clutch performance propelled East Grand Forks to victory.

On the other side, Hibbing/Chisholm’s Swanson brothers, Tate and Cole, were instrumental in their team’s early dominance, combining for multiple goals and assists. Despite the loss, their effort showcased why the Bluejackets were the No. 1 seed heading into the tournament.

Hibbing/Chisholm coach Aaron Jamnick praised his team’s effort, despite the heartbreaking defeat. “We came out strong, but they made a push. Credit to them, they found a way to win.”

What’s Next?

With this win, East Grand Forks advances to the Class A state championship, where they will face defending champions St. Cloud Cathedral. The Green Wave will be looking for their first state title since 2015.

Hibbing/Chisholm isn’t done yet either they will battle Orono for third place and a chance to end their season on a high note.

A Game to Remember

This semifinal was a perfect example of why high school hockey is so electrifying. The game had everything momentum swings, stunning goals, and a comeback that left fans on the edge of their seats.

East Grand Forks proved that no lead is safe and that in hockey, anything can happen. Now, they turn their focus to the biggest game of the season the championship.