Hermantown plays a very good Class A schedule every year (probably the best in the state), which isn't quite the quality of the very good Class AA schedule Eden Prairie plays. There is little from the opponents Hermantown has played to suggest this will be close, although both teams did beat Grand Rapids by 5 earlier this season.
Should be a great game. I'm curious what the turnout in this game that probably won't matter much for either team will be.
Eagles by 3 with an empty net goal. Would be a great win for the Hawks if they can somehow play great defensive hockey and steal one 2-1 or 3-2. If it were in Hermantown, I would pick the upset and go with the Hawks. I believe the Hawks should be considered the team to beat in Class A. Go Hawks!
No way Hermantown has the horses to run with EP. Down 1st line forward and second line forward. They would have had a tough time with their third and fourth best forwards, but without them.... looks like running time.
I agree that Htown does not have the horses or depth to run with EP. They would compete better at home with the chance to match up some lines, but even then this game should be a showcase of why there are two classes. Like most single A teams, Htown lives and dies by the performance of the top line players.
Arguably Htown’s best team ever needed a rainstorm on slow outdoor ice to stay close to EP last year. EP returned most of their team from last year and Htown did not. I want the Hawks to do well and compete, but I think it will be a long ride bus ride home tonight. EP by a lot.
