Minnesota Hockey Journal

October 2019

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12 M H J O N L I N E . C O M | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9 appearance behind efforts of Donte Lawson, Troumbly and Christian Miller. After improvements in Clafton's first few seasons as coach, things were looking up the most during the 2017-18 season. Greenway marched all the way to the Section 7 final, but fell to the nine-time defending champi- on Hermantown Hawks in double overtime. Heading into this past season with key core players returning, there were plen- ty of reasons to believe Greenway could exceed the success it had during the 2017- 18 season. But things didn't go as planned in the early part of the season. Greenway started the season with a pair of wins but then went on to lose six of its next seven contests. "We didn't get very good breaks," Clafton said. "But the kids didn't use that as an excuse. "We just had to wait for the hockey gods to give us a break." Those breaks soon came. Greenway rode into section play on a seven-game winning streak. The Raiders cruised through the first two rounds of section play to set up the rematch with Hermantown at Amsoil Arena in Duluth. Once again, it was another dramatic tilt in the Section 7 final. In the second over- time, Lawson tallied the game-winner to stun the Hawks and send Greenway to state for the first time since 2001. A TOURNEY FOR THE AGES The win sent shockwaves through the state and fired up Greenway alums and the Iron Range as a whole. Greenway fans across the country started planning their trips to St. Paul, including Frank Serratore. With his team, Air Force, off that week, Frank had the chance to travel to St. Paul to watch his alma mater take the ice in the state tournament. That week, Frank spoke at length about his Greenway pride during an animated press conference that went viral. He also wrote a letter to the team and cheered them on from the stands all weekend long. "I just wanted them to know we appreci- ated what they accomplished," Frank said. "It was a big deal. They're carrying the torch for a lot of people." As the No. 5 seed in the 1A tournament, the Raiders faced off against Delano. Despite their opponent having a much shorter drive to Xcel Energy Center, the arena was full of fans cheering on Greenway. "Before every game, you could see all the green in the stands," Clafton said. "When we scored goals, you could see the excitement." Following a win against Delano, the Raiders had a tall task going up against top-seeded Mahtomedi. But Greenway handled the big spotlight and bested the Zephyrs in overtime to advance to the state championship game. "The alumni came out in strength," Serratore said. "That was the best all- class reunion we've had and the best we'll ever have." The following day, Greenway played for a state championship but ultimately fell to St. Cloud Cathedral in a 5-2 defeat. To honor the work of Guyer and Jim Lawson, the team presented them with the sec- ond-place trophy at the year-end banquet. Despite not having the perfect ending, it was an unforgettable run. The Raiders fin- ished the tournament in second place but the top talker of the entire week. "The whole week was emotional," Guyer said. "I think I had tears after both wins. The only time I didn't have tears was after we lost because I was so proud." "I just wanted them to know we appreciated what they accomplished. It was a big deal. They're carrying the torch for a lot of people." – FRANK SERRATORE HOW GREENWAY STOLE THE SHOW At the team banquet, players gave their state trophy to program builders Pat Guyer (left) and Jim Lawson (right).

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