Bemidji High Shuts Out Cloquet, Hill Records Second Shutout

Bemidji High School held Cloquet scoreless in a 3,0 victory Friday night at the Bemidji Community Arena, built on strong goaltending and opportunistic scoring. Senior goaltender Christian Hill stopped 22 shots to earn his second shutout of the season as the Lumberjacks improved their early season record.

Scoring opened in the first period when Dawson Schoonover converted after a sequence behind the net, giving Bemidji an early lead. The margin grew in the third period when Quinn Niemi scored his first varsity goal to make it 2,0, and Cameron Knott added an empty net goal late to seal the 3,0 result. The team combined timely offensive chances with disciplined defense to limit Cloquet chances and preserve the clean sheet.

Coach Ben Kinne praised Hill’s steady presence and the team defensive effort, noting the role of special teams and key saves that kept the opponent off the scoreboard. The performance underlines a balanced approach that pairs defensive reliability with secondary scoring, a combination that can sustain results over the long high school season.

For local residents, the outcome matters beyond the win column. Home games at the Bemidji Community Arena serve as gathering points for families and alumni, and a strong start by the Lumberjacks supports school spirit and youth participation in hockey across Beltrami County. Emerging contributors such as Niemi indicate roster depth and a path for underclass players to step into varsity roles, which affects youth development pipelines and community engagement with the program.

As the season continues, Bemidji’s blend of goaltending, defensive structure, and opportunistic scoring will be the metrics to watch. The team’s ability to sustain special teams effectiveness and maintain composure in tight games will shape its prospects and influence attendance and support throughout the county.