Apollo Falls To #1 Hermantown in State Semifinals [VIDEO]

ST. PAUL -- The St. Cloud Apollo Eagles put up a stellar defensive effort, but ultimately lost 2-0 to the #1 seed Hermantown Hawks in the Class A state semifinals.

The Hawks were in control of the puck for much of the game, outshooting the Eagles 25-13 for the game.

Apollo goalie Nick Altaus was sharp -- making 23 saves in the game, but the game could have gotten out of hand if not for several key blocks made by the Eagles defense near the net.

In the end, Hermantown was the better team on the ice, playing with the speed and aggression that led them to a 25-2-1 regular season record.

Eagles coach Pete Matanich says he was proud of how his team competed in the game.

"[I] thought our guys came out and played exceptionally well," Matanich says. "Just proud of our guys for their effort."

Apollo will get a chance at 3rd place in the tournament as they play #2 seed Mahtomedi Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.