Lumberjacks standouts take stock on season
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Howie Hanson / Pine Knot Sports
Christian Galatz has had a great season for the Lumberjacks. "We're definitely making the state tournament. We have a good shot to get past Andover, Grand Rapids and East."
Cloquet hockey players Christian Galatz and Owen Carlson took some questions before Monday night's road game at Duluth East. Both can be considered stars on a team that is looking to make a strong push toward a state tournment berth this year.
Christian Galatz
Q Has the Jacks' challenging regular-season schedule prepared the team for the stretch run?
A Yeah, it's definitely a tough schedule. We've come ready to play and had a good mindset every day.
Q The Jacks' identity?
A Offensive team, definitely. We still need some work on our team defense. There's always little things to work on.
Q Which Jacks have stepped up their play the most this season?
A Aaron Moore, our captain, definitely. And Cole Ketola, who's getting pucks to the net and putting up points.
Q How big a bite did Mason (Langenbrunner) transferring to Eden Prairie take out of the defensive corp?
A Yeah, losing him was difficult, but our defensemen have stepped up and played the role they need to play. We're doing good in the back end.
Q Which defensemen, in particular, have stepped up?
A Our big guy, Cade Anderson. And Cason Olson.
Q Who's stepped up in goal?
A Owen Carlson and Jacob Walsh.
Q Are you happy with your play this season?
A It's definitely been a fun year, a step up from last year. I think we're doing good, and we'll keep moving forward and see how it goes from here.
Q Your thoughts on the upcoming Section 7AA tournament?
A We're definitely making the state tournament. We have a good shot to get past Andover, Grand Rapids and East.
Owen Carlson
QYour view of the 2019-20 season?
A We've had an up-and-down season. Consistency has been a bit of an issue sometimes, but I think we're starting to figure it out. Overall, it's been a good year and a lot of fun.
Q Fun to play one of the toughest schedules in Minnesota, eh?
A It certainly helps out a lot. Obviously, it's an old cliche, but you've got to beat the best to be the best. Playing good teams always helps out, especially at the end of the year when we're trying to get to the state tournament and win it.
Q Which Jacks have stepped up to lead the team?
Matthew Moses / Pine Knot Sports
CEC goalie Owen Carlson took his lumps against East this week. "Playing good teams always helps out, especially at the end of the year when we're trying to get to the state tournament and win it."
A Obviously, Christian Galatz. The kid can put the puck in the net. Our first line has been buzzing all season. Aaron Moore has been a great point producer. He's a great captain, and we love the kid to death. All three lines have been pretty solid this year. I think our defense deserves more credit than they get. Jacob Walsh has played well in goal. Overall, it's been a lot of fun.
Q And how's your game?
A I'm taking it one shot, one game at a time.
Q Your personal focus heading into the playoffs?
A Ultimately, everyone wants to play. It's the game of hockey, and I love it to death. It's up to me or Walsh to backstop our team to wins. 7AA is one of the hardest sections in the state. Ideally, we will finish on top. It should be a heck of a ride in the playoffs.
Writer Howie Hanson cut his journalism teeth as a sportswriter for the former Pine Knot from 1971-74. Contact him at Howie
