The Hermantown boy's hockey team claimed the number one seed heading into the Minnesota state boy's high school hockey tournament.

It was announced on Monday they're now reportedly going to have to rely on primarily junior varsity players for their quarterfinal match on Tuesday.  Most varsity members are quarantining due to possible COVID-19 exposure stemming back to their section semifinal match against Virginia.

Hermantown athletic director Beth Clark sent out this notice on Monday afternoon:

"Hermantown public schools were notified today, March 29 of a close contact that took place during the March 23 semifinal boys hockey game. A number of our varsity players have been quarantined and we are continuing to work on determining who is and who is not eligible to play as a result. We have made the decision to move forward playing tomorrow's (March 30) game with the players we have eligible. We are obviously disappointed some of our student athletes are missing out on this opportunity. We will work collaboratively with and within the regulations set by the MSHSL and MDH as the state tournament moves forward."

According to the Star Tribune, potentially one or two varsity players who were out during the section tournament might be allowed to play in the quarterfinals.

This could mean the return of the Hawks' leading scorer Zam Plante who was out for over three weeks due to an injury. 

Puck drop in the quarterfinals is set for 6pm Tuesday against Dodge County at the Xcel Energy Center.

Depending on their test results, varsity players may be able return for the semifinal round if they advance. That match would be on April 2nd.

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/sports/hermantown-boys-hockey-hawks-minnesota-state-high-school-hockey-tourname...