CEC Defeats Hermantown in Section 7A Semifinal

Lumberjacks' goalie Jacob Iallonardo makes 47 saves to earn rematch against Hibbing/Chisholm

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks defeated the Hermantown Hawks 4-1 in the Section 7A semifinal hockey game at Amsoil Arena. CEC senior goalie Jacob Iallonardo made 47 saves, while Hermantown's Bryce Francisco struggled to cover the puck, allowing the Lumberjacks to capitalize on rebounds and deflections. CEC will now face defending Section 7A champion Hibbing/Chisholm in the final on Wednesday.

Why it matters

This victory sets up a highly anticipated rematch between CEC and Hibbing/Chisholm, who met in the 2025 section final. The Lumberjacks will be seeking revenge after losing in overtime to the Bluejackets last year and a chance to advance to the Class A state tournament.

The details

CEC senior Conor Sullivan opened the scoring in the second period, but the Lumberjacks quickly added two more goals from Neil Elsmore and Luca Gentilini to take a 3-0 lead. Hermantown junior Beau Christy scored the Hawks' lone goal early in the third period, but an empty-net goal by Jordy Sewell sealed the victory for CEC.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026 at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.
  • CEC and Hibbing/Chisholm will face off in the Section 7A final on Wednesday, February 26, 2026 at Amsoil Arena.

The players

Jacob Iallonardo

The senior goaltender for the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks, who made 47 saves in the victory over Hermantown.

Bryce Francisco

The goaltender for the Hermantown Hawks, who struggled to cover the puck and allow the Lumberjacks to score on rebounds and deflections.

Conor Sullivan

The senior forward for the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks, who scored the opening goal of the game.

Neil Elsmore

The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks player who scored less than 2 minutes into the second period to give his team a 2-0 lead.

Luca Gentilini

The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Lumberjacks player who was credited with a goal that deflected off a Hermantown player's skate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.