Saint Thomas Academy (2-0) @ Minnetonka (4-0) 12-6-12 7pm
Moderators: Mitch Hawker, east hockey, karl(east)
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Saint Thomas Academy (2-0) @ Minnetonka (4-0) 12-6-12 7pm
Before last year, these teams in blue had this match up on their schedule for a while, with them playing 8 times in 6 years. The Cadets haven't beaten the Skippers since the 08-09 season, suffering 4 losses to Minnetonka since then.
Both of these teams are off to a great start to their season; in the six games these two have played, both teams have scores 5 or more goals and only allowed more than one once. Should be a great game between two good teams who haven't lost yet.
Both of these teams are off to a great start to their season; in the six games these two have played, both teams have scores 5 or more goals and only allowed more than one once. Should be a great game between two good teams who haven't lost yet.
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STA looked like a state-title defending team for much of the game. They really play well together and were rarely caught out of position. Held Coatta and co. in check for big stretches of the game, although for a team with that much poise they act up way too much after the whistle. Much stronger opponent than a state-defending runner-up.
Tonka played even in the 1st and were severely outshot in the 2nd but must have had at least a dozen attempts not reach the net. They look like a team that has a lot of first year players still learning to play with one another, but a clear wealth of talent shown through in bits. They will need to learn to be more consistent if they want to have any chance to survive the gauntlet of 6AA.
Tonka played even in the 1st and were severely outshot in the 2nd but must have had at least a dozen attempts not reach the net. They look like a team that has a lot of first year players still learning to play with one another, but a clear wealth of talent shown through in bits. They will need to learn to be more consistent if they want to have any chance to survive the gauntlet of 6AA.
STA played well and probably had the advantage but they really didn't have a lot of good scoring changes and their only goal was a long shot that was tipped in with a lot of traffic out front.
It's still early in the season and both teams will improve but this is not one of Tonka's stronger skating teams and as previously mentioned they didn't seem to click well or know where each other was at. Playing at home was a definite advantage as it a tough place to play for visitors. Tonka has also has STA's number the past few seasons.
STA looked to have better skill players at depth but they need to create better opportunities and probably will as the season progresses.
The missed penalty near then end was unfortunate but it happens all too often late in the game.
It's still early in the season and both teams will improve but this is not one of Tonka's stronger skating teams and as previously mentioned they didn't seem to click well or know where each other was at. Playing at home was a definite advantage as it a tough place to play for visitors. Tonka has also has STA's number the past few seasons.
STA looked to have better skill players at depth but they need to create better opportunities and probably will as the season progresses.
The missed penalty near then end was unfortunate but it happens all too often late in the game.
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Outside of the 1st no power plays either. I'm sure STA would have loved to get another crack at Tonka 5 on 4, especially at the end if they could've been up 6 on 4 after the no call on the trip.
STA moved the puck really well, had some good opportunities but couldn't close.
Coatta played well and made STA pay on the 2v1 with a really nice top shelf goal.
Tonka looked like an AA team that could make noise. Would love to see a rematch in the Schwan's Cup but that's probably a long shot.
STA moved the puck really well, had some good opportunities but couldn't close.
Coatta played well and made STA pay on the 2v1 with a really nice top shelf goal.
Tonka looked like an AA team that could make noise. Would love to see a rematch in the Schwan's Cup but that's probably a long shot.
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Another exciting game at Pagel.
STA looked very solid throughout the whole game. Quite frankly, I'd be very, very, very surprised if they did not three-peat this year in the Class A tournament. That being said, as others mentioned, their scoring chances tonight were very limited. Despite being a very fast and skilled team, finishing was definitely an issue with this team.
Tonka, on the other hand, proved for the second time this week that they belong near the top of the rankings. The defense, Jimmy Schuldt in particular, played outstanding and goalie Paul Ciaccio stopped 22/23 shots. They definitely are not the fastest Tonka team in recent years, but they are definitely the most physical. The second and third line are grinders and aren't afraid to get in the corners and get hit. If they want to succeed in sections, however, their passing needs to improve immensely. They are still in the process of getting a feel for each other but now is the time to do that, especially when they can go 5-0 in the process of doing so.
They have Maple Grove, Roseau, Stillwater and Moorhead before the Schwans Cup starts. If they keep playing the way they are playing, all four of those games should be fairly easy for them.
STA looked very solid throughout the whole game. Quite frankly, I'd be very, very, very surprised if they did not three-peat this year in the Class A tournament. That being said, as others mentioned, their scoring chances tonight were very limited. Despite being a very fast and skilled team, finishing was definitely an issue with this team.
Tonka, on the other hand, proved for the second time this week that they belong near the top of the rankings. The defense, Jimmy Schuldt in particular, played outstanding and goalie Paul Ciaccio stopped 22/23 shots. They definitely are not the fastest Tonka team in recent years, but they are definitely the most physical. The second and third line are grinders and aren't afraid to get in the corners and get hit. If they want to succeed in sections, however, their passing needs to improve immensely. They are still in the process of getting a feel for each other but now is the time to do that, especially when they can go 5-0 in the process of doing so.
They have Maple Grove, Roseau, Stillwater and Moorhead before the Schwans Cup starts. If they keep playing the way they are playing, all four of those games should be fairly easy for them.
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