Thunderhawks Make Section Statement with Win Over Hilltoppers

Grand Rapids hockey team rallies from early deficit to defeat Duluth Marshall in key section matchup.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:31pm

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After starting the season 3-8-1, the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks have now won four of their last five games, including a 6-4 triumph over Duluth Marshall on Tuesday. The Thunderhawks overcame an early 1-0 deficit with a four-goal second period, two of which came on the power play, to take a 5-2 lead into the final period. Despite a late push by the Hilltoppers, Grand Rapids held on for the key section victory.

Why it matters

The win over the Section 7AA-leading Hilltoppers could be highly influential in seeding for the upcoming 7AA tournament. After a rocky start to the season, the Thunderhawks have found their stride and are hoping to build off their early-season struggles when it matters most in the postseason.

The details

Grand Rapids fell behind 1-0 early in the first period before Nate Garski tied the game for the Thunderhawks. Will Miskovich then put Grand Rapids ahead 2-1, though the goal was controversial as Duluth Marshall players argued that a Thunderhawks player was in the crease. Braydon Hannula scored twice for the Hilltoppers, but Grand Rapids responded with three straight goals by Ander Rajala, Jameson Duell, and Alexander Salisbury to take a 5-2 lead into the third period. Duluth Marshall outshot Grand Rapids 25-11 in the final period, scoring twice, but the Thunderhawks held on for the 6-4 victory.

  • The Thunderhawks began the new year with a 3-8-1 record, including a six-game December losing streak.
  • The game against Duluth Marshall took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
  • The 7AA tournament is now less than a month away.

The players

Grand Rapids Thunderhawks

The high school hockey team from Grand Rapids, Minnesota that has rallied from a slow start to the season.

Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers

The high school hockey team from Duluth, Minnesota that is currently leading Section 7AA.

Grant Clafton

The head coach of the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks.

Drew Skorczewski

The goaltender for the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks who made 42 saves in the win over Duluth Marshall.

Wyatt Brown

The goaltender for the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers who made 25 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We played the first two periods really well. I thought we played really hard. We took advantage of some special teams for sure. Our power play was good again tonight.”

— Grant Clafton, Head Coach, Grand Rapids Thunderhawks

“I thought Duluth Marshall absolutely pounded us in the third period and hats off to our goaltending. I thought if our goalie wasn't playing in the third period the way he did, we would have been in big trouble.”

— Grant Clafton, Head Coach, Grand Rapids Thunderhawks

What’s next

The Hilltoppers will host Cambridge-Isanti on Thursday, January 29th, while the Thunderhawks will travel to Virginia to take on Rock Ridge on Friday, January 30th.

The takeaway

After a rocky start to the season, the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks have found their stride at the right time, defeating the Section 7AA-leading Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers in a key late-season matchup. This win could prove pivotal in the seeding for the upcoming section tournament, where the Thunderhawks hope to build on their early-season struggles and make a deep postseason run.