Minnesota high school hockey scoring leader Judd Peterson of Duluth Marshall has eight goals and 11 points, in three games.
The uncommitted Division I prospect collected two goals -- including the game-winner -- and an assist Tuesday night as the Hilltoppers rallied to defeat Hibbing 5-2 at Mars Lakeview Arena in snowless Duluth.
Peterson, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound power center, is squarely in the radar of several professional and college teams, including his hometown Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs who reportedly have recently stepped up their recruiting interest in northeastern Minnesota's top unsigned senior.
Peterson is a tireless hard-working, two-way player with size -- with Marine-like mental toughness and enough skill and determination to be successful at the next two levels.
I've known Peterson for several years and watched him develop as a person and elite hockey prospect -- and he's the real deal. I compare him to former Cloquet standout Jamie Langenbrunner: tough, defense first-minded, insanely blue-collar.
A power sniper, Peterson is adept at dishing off to teammates in tight spaces with defenders draped on him. He's tough to knock off the puck, and continues to perplex defenders by mastering the often-preached but rarely applied give-and-go.
Like Langenbrunner, Peterson is most comfortable musclin' along the end boards. He almost relishes a physical challenge to absorb a hit, to help start a breakout in the offensive zone or forcing a turnover with a thunderous check at the offensive end.
Sacrificing his thick body to block a shot is almost a religion.
Peterson has a quick, hard shot that he's able to rifle in traffic. Using strong wrists, he plays almost like a man against boys in the offensive slot area, exploding heavy shots at overmatched goaltenders and reminding me of a young Brett Hull. Believe it.
I'm most impressed by Peterson's maturation since he transferred to Marshall from Duluth Denfeld three years ago, mostly for his dedication and hard work in the classroom and also as a volunteer in the community.
Today, Peterson is an outstanding young man and a disciplined, 3.0-plus student (on a 4.0 scale) at an academically-demanding college preparatory private school.
His character is top-notch, almost masterful for high school student-athletes everywhere to emulate.
In my almost 40 years as a full-time sports columnist, I rarely, if ever, have dished out endorsements on behalf of high school student-athletes.
But, Judd Peterson is special, on the rink and off.
Duluth news
. Good read: Vikings could use Tebow's conviction (a blog by Tim Bouvine)
. Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic has selected Dr. Tim Zager as its new president, effective December 1.
Dr. Zager is currently the Essentia Health Chief of the Medical Specialties Division, a position he has held since 2004.
"Dr. Zager's commitment to quality in his 30-year career makes him an ideal fit for this role," Dr. Thomas Patnoe, President and Chief Medical Officer for all of Essentia's sites in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, said in a prepared statement. "He is highly respected for his dedication to families and patients."
. Duluth Heritage Sports Center site: DuluthHeritage.com
. Ted Pavlovich has been named Vice President/ Wealth Management of Blue Water Capital Advisors, LLC.
. Mark Branovan and Wade Petrich are new board members at Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank.
