AA QF: #5 Bemidji vs. #4 Grand Rapids
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AA QF: #5 Bemidji vs. #4 Grand Rapids
#5 BEMIDJI VS. #4 GRAND RAPIDS
-The two northern entrants collide in the last quarterfinal of the day. Not only is this a classic northern battle of teams with great histories, it’s an excellent clash of styles. These two teams met once before at State, in a 1974 semifinal won by Bemidji. They tied 1-1 in a December meeting.
Bemidji (23-2-2, #10, 1-seed in 8AA)
State appearances: 7 (2 in a row)
Key section wins: 4-3 (OT) vs. #19 Moorhead
-Depth, defense, and balance are the signatures of this Lumberjack team, which cleaned up on competition across the northern part of the state but remains largely untested against the Metro powers. Junior Brady Tatro (19) may be their best next-level talent, while Alex Pollock (11) was the leading scorer in the regular season; Rocky Copiskey (16) and Jack Johnson (39) round out the highest-scoring forwards. Nick Leitner (21) is the top defenseman, with Erik Fitzgerald (27) also putting up big numbers from the blue line, and Chase Hartje (24) solidifying the corps as a sophomore. Matt Fitzgerald (35) has been strong in net, and will need to be to withstand the Rapids assault. If they stick to their game, they could be right up there with Wayzata as a team build for Tourney success.
Grand Rapids (21-6-1, #9, 1-seed in 7AA)
State appearances: 15 (first since 2007)
Championships: 3 (1975, 1976, 1980)
Key section win: 6-5 vs. #15 Duluth East
-The Thunderhawks return to State after a nine-year absence, and their top six forwards can compete with any in the state. Mr. Hockey Finalist Mitchell Mattson (21) leads the way in scoring, followed by section final hero Alex Adams (9) and four-year varsity player Jonah Bischoff (12). This team’s greatest talent is in its sophomores, Blake McLaughlin (7) and Gavin Hain (8), both already committed to D-I schools. The Thunderhawks can be a bit wobbly in back, though John Stampohar (24) is a quality high school defenseman, and sophomore Gabe Holum (30) won the goalie job over the course of the season and largely played well. If they can impose their style and keep up their late season momentum, they have a chance to make a deep run.
-The two northern entrants collide in the last quarterfinal of the day. Not only is this a classic northern battle of teams with great histories, it’s an excellent clash of styles. These two teams met once before at State, in a 1974 semifinal won by Bemidji. They tied 1-1 in a December meeting.
Bemidji (23-2-2, #10, 1-seed in 8AA)
State appearances: 7 (2 in a row)
Key section wins: 4-3 (OT) vs. #19 Moorhead
-Depth, defense, and balance are the signatures of this Lumberjack team, which cleaned up on competition across the northern part of the state but remains largely untested against the Metro powers. Junior Brady Tatro (19) may be their best next-level talent, while Alex Pollock (11) was the leading scorer in the regular season; Rocky Copiskey (16) and Jack Johnson (39) round out the highest-scoring forwards. Nick Leitner (21) is the top defenseman, with Erik Fitzgerald (27) also putting up big numbers from the blue line, and Chase Hartje (24) solidifying the corps as a sophomore. Matt Fitzgerald (35) has been strong in net, and will need to be to withstand the Rapids assault. If they stick to their game, they could be right up there with Wayzata as a team build for Tourney success.
Grand Rapids (21-6-1, #9, 1-seed in 7AA)
State appearances: 15 (first since 2007)
Championships: 3 (1975, 1976, 1980)
Key section win: 6-5 vs. #15 Duluth East
-The Thunderhawks return to State after a nine-year absence, and their top six forwards can compete with any in the state. Mr. Hockey Finalist Mitchell Mattson (21) leads the way in scoring, followed by section final hero Alex Adams (9) and four-year varsity player Jonah Bischoff (12). This team’s greatest talent is in its sophomores, Blake McLaughlin (7) and Gavin Hain (8), both already committed to D-I schools. The Thunderhawks can be a bit wobbly in back, though John Stampohar (24) is a quality high school defenseman, and sophomore Gabe Holum (30) won the goalie job over the course of the season and largely played well. If they can impose their style and keep up their late season momentum, they have a chance to make a deep run.
Last edited by karl(east) on Sat Feb 27, 2016 3:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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If Grand Rapids plays the Beavers they probably won't stand a chance. If Grand Rapids plays the Lumberjacks, I still don't like their chances but it won't be a blowoutthespellchecker wrote:The TV timeouts allow this to be closer then it would be in a regular game. Beavers can then skate their top 2 lines more and not lose out to GR depth.
GR still wins by 3.
I want Bemidji to win, but I think Trent Klatt is the new Mike Randolph.warriors41 wrote:If Grand Rapids plays the Beavers they probably won't stand a chance. If Grand Rapids plays the Lumberjacks, I still don't like their chances but it won't be a blowoutthespellchecker wrote:The TV timeouts allow this to be closer then it would be in a regular game. Beavers can then skate their top 2 lines more and not lose out to GR depth.
GR still wins by 3.
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It should be a very good game to end the night.grindiangrad-80 wrote:Elliott's boys are very strong defensively and will force the Injuns to work their tails off for goals. I'm a homer so I will take Rapids 3-2 in a hard fought game.
I just wish they were meeting in the finals as they are the second and third best teams there behind Wayzata.
The place will be packed with northern fans who know hockey and will make noise. It should be the best game of the day other than Farmington upsetting Stillwater.
The boys have grown up playing each other and dreaming of this.
I am happy it is not Moorhead vs. Duluth East.
Good luck to the Indians (I mean Thunderhawks) and may everyone be safe.
See you at the Liffey or McGoverns.
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Bemidji's Fitzgerald has been a top tender all his career, a super athlete, big and quick. He was close with last year tenders and his brother is a Sr Dman. Last year he was down here with the other boys and close tot he tourney. He is just a sophomore but should be ready.alcloseshaver wrote:Leaning towards Bemidji, Rapids has been good down the stretch but the Jacks were here last year and that is to their benefit. Rapids will need to keep their focus and not let down after slaying the bEast. Elliott, who has the edge in goaltending.
Only saw Rapids once and pretty sure Holum was not playing so cannot really evaluate. He is young also and with less varsity experience but pretty close. Stats are pretty equal. I would say it is a toss up.
Both are coming off tough section finals so we know they both can play.
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.mulefarm wrote:GR goalie let in 5 on 30 shots in finals. That would make me nervous if I was from GR. When you have to score 5-6 to win, eventually it catches up with you.
I feel pretty good about him. He is playing on a team that is offensive minded and is called on to make some real tough saves.
He is 16-1 and a sophomore. I hear what you are saying but I doubt they are going to play a different style of game now.
Re: AA QF: #5 Bemidji vs. #4 Grand Rapids
My head says Bemidji, but my heart says section 7AA.karl(east) wrote:#5 BEMIDJI VS. #4 GRAND RAPIDS
-The two northern entrants collide in the last quarterfinal of the day. Not only is this a classic northern battle of teams with great histories, it’s an excellent clash of styles. These two teams met once before at State, in a 1974 semifinal won by Bemidji. They tied 1-1 in a December meeting.
Bemidji (23-2-2, #10, 1-seed in 8AA)
State appearances: 7 (2 in a row)
Key section wins: 4-3 (OT) vs. #19 Moorhead
-Depth, defense, and balance are the signatures of this Lumberjack team, which cleaned up on competition across the northern part of the state but remains largely untested against the Metro powers. Junior Brady Tatro (19) may be their best next-level talent, while Alex Pollock (11) was the leading scorer in the regular season; Rocky Copiskey (16) and Jack Johnson (39) round out the highest-scoring forwards. Nick Leitner (21) is the top defenseman, with Erik Fitzgerald (27) also putting up big numbers from the blue line, and Chase Hartje (24) solidifying the corps as a sophomore. Matt Fitzgerald (35) has been strong in net, and will need to be to withstand the Rapids assault. If they stick to their game, they could be right up there with Wayzata as a team build for Tourney success.
Grand Rapids (21-6-1, #9, 1-seed in 7AA)
State appearances: 15 (first since 2007)
Championships: 3 (1975, 1976, 1980)
Key section win: 6-5 vs. #15 Duluth East
-The Thunderhawks return to State after a nine-year absence, and their top six forwards can compete with any in the state. Mr. Hockey Finalist Mitchell Mattson (21) leads the way in scoring, followed by section final hero Alex Adams (9) and four-year varsity player Jonah Bischoff (12). This team’s greatest talent is in its sophomores, Blake McLaughlin (7) and Gavin Hain (8), both already committed to D-I schools. The Thunderhawks can be a bit wobbly in back, though John Stampohar (24) is a quality high school defenseman, and sophomore Gabe Holum (30) won the goalie job over the course of the season and largely played well. If they can impose their style and keep up their late season momentum, they have a chance to make a deep run.
They see a lot of shots in youth hockey.WestMetro wrote:Spellchecker, I agree with your point about the timeouts favoring Bemidji in this game
Elliott, the Jacks keep producing Elite 92 save percent goalies year after year.
What's the secret?
They get a lot of ice time.
A lot of good athletes playing the position.
They play multiple sports.
Coaches spend time in practice with the and drills designed to teach and test.
Bemidji is deeper than people give them credit. Three quality lines and a fourth that gets ice time.WestMetro wrote:Spellchecker, I agree with your point about the timeouts favoring Bemidji in this game
Elliott, the Jacks keep producing Elite 92 save percent goalies year after year.
What's the secret?
Based on what I have seen of upper level metro teams Bemidji is as or deeper.
Pump the breaks, its only been one year. He seems great, but lets wait and see a bit.Jeffy95 wrote:I want Bemidji to win, but I think Trent Klatt is the new Mike Randolph.warriors41 wrote:If Grand Rapids plays the Beavers they probably won't stand a chance. If Grand Rapids plays the Lumberjacks, I still don't like their chances but it won't be a blowoutthespellchecker wrote:The TV timeouts allow this to be closer then it would be in a regular game. Beavers can then skate their top 2 lines more and not lose out to GR depth.
GR still wins by 3.
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green4 wrote:Pump the breaks, its only been one year. He seems great, but lets wait and see a bit.Jeffy95 wrote:I want Bemidji to win, but I think Trent Klatt is the new Mike Randolph.warriors41 wrote: If Grand Rapids plays the Beavers they probably won't stand a chance. If Grand Rapids plays the Lumberjacks, I still don't like their chances but it won't be a blowout
He also walked in to a pretty good situation with the team GR has. I agree pump the brakes
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THawks is just a short easier to type version.luckyEPDad wrote:Why is XXXhawks always the lame goto name? Is it a form of protest?elliott70 wrote:Good luck to the Indians (I mean Thunderhawks) and may everyone be safe.
Indians is a form of protest/recognition for those players of yesteryear/ force of old habit.
Nothing to write home about.
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elliott70 wrote:THawks is just a short easier to type version.luckyEPDad wrote:Why is XXXhawks always the lame goto name? Is it a form of protest?elliott70 wrote:Good luck to the Indians (I mean Thunderhawks) and may everyone be safe.
Indians is a form of protest/recognition for those players of yesteryear/ force of old habit.
Nothing to write home about.
Thers still a large group that still calls themselves Indians,Im sure alot of them will come out of the woodwork for the tourney.
Elliott remember back in the day when the cheerleaders had those huge Indian head dresses when rapids was at state, where did the go??
Looking at some regular season statistics to find an edge...
Both goalies numbers are similar with Holum at 2.07 GA / .901% Saves and Fitzgerald at 2.05 GA / .898% Saves.
Rapids PP at 28.6% and PK at field low 72.2%
10 players with double digits points
Bemidji PP at 24.0% and PK at 83.6%
12 players with double digit points
The T-Hawks need to stay out of box to win.
I would like either of these teams to be the champion but I think the Lumberjacks would have a better chance to win 3 straight with better overall defense.
Both goalies numbers are similar with Holum at 2.07 GA / .901% Saves and Fitzgerald at 2.05 GA / .898% Saves.
Rapids PP at 28.6% and PK at field low 72.2%
10 players with double digits points
Bemidji PP at 24.0% and PK at 83.6%
12 players with double digit points
The T-Hawks need to stay out of box to win.
I would like either of these teams to be the champion but I think the Lumberjacks would have a better chance to win 3 straight with better overall defense.
Those were nice outfits.PASTRAPIDSFAN wrote:elliott70 wrote:THawks is just a short easier to type version.luckyEPDad wrote: Why is XXXhawks always the lame goto name? Is it a form of protest?
Indians is a form of protest/recognition for those players of yesteryear/ force of old habit.
Nothing to write home about.
Thers still a large group that still calls themselves Indians,Im sure alot of them will come out of the woodwork for the tourney.
Elliott remember back in the day when the cheerleaders had those huge Indian head dresses when rapids was at state, where did the go??