A Rankings for 1/30/22

[ClassAGuy]

Class A Ranking Week #10 (1/30/2022)

1- Hermantown (7A) (17-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-2 East Grand Forks, W 8-0 Proctor, L 3-6 Maple Grove
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Cloquet, 2/5 @ Totino Grace
The Hawks jumped out a 5-0 lead over East Grand Forks midway through the 2nd period and never looked back after that as they cruised to a home victory. Max Plante had two goals in the winning effort while brother Zam Plante had three assists to lead the way. The Hawks kept rolling through section 7A teams as they routed the Rails at home easily and were led by Ty Hanson’s two goal night from the blue line. The Hawks were beaten by Maple Grove at home on Saturday which did raise a few eyebrows but nothing alarming. This week the Hawks should cruise against two meddling AA programs.

2- Warroad (8A) (16-3-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 Roseau, T 4-4 Moorhead
Upcoming Schedule: 2/4 @ Thief River Falls, 2/5 @ Grand Forks Central
The Warriors lost the rematch with their long rival neighbors Roseau 3-4 in a game that they never led. Jayson Shaugabay and Daimon Gardner each scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game but it was Roseau who would score late in the third to take the win and split the season series. Warroad was just mere seconds away from what would have been their signature win vs Moorhead on Saturday however the Spuds tied it let and that is where the score stayed. This week they have a big 2nd round 8A matchup with TRF before venturing into North Dakota the following day.

3- Mahtomedi (4A) (9-9-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-1 Tartan, L 3-4 Hastings, L 2-8 Benilde St Margrets
Upcoming Schedule: 2/2 vs Eden Prairie, 2/5 vs St Michael Albertville
The Zephyrs were able to display some offense again for the 2nd consecutive game as they rolled over Tartan 6-1. Carter Haycraft had a hat trick and Mahtomedi won a good conference road game. The Zephyrs let one slip away against Hastings as they were able to grab a 3-2 lead with a big 2nd period but Hastings came storming back though in the third to lose. Hastings is a nice AA team but one I would think Mahatomedi expected to beat and they had the lead entering third usually with Dardis that means shut down time but that wasn’t the case in this one. Benilde used a 5 goal second period outburst to blow out the Zephyrs and get Dardis yanked in a game they were never really in. Two more AA games this week it will be curious to see how they rebound from Saturday's rout.

4- Minneapolis (2A) (12-4-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 Breck
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 vs Hutchinson, 2/1 @ Osseo, 2/3 vs Waconia, 2/5 @ Dodge County
Minneapolis suffered one of the bigger upsets of the year vs a Section 2A game when they dropped a clunker to struggling Breck at home. Breck scored with 1:34 remaining to lift Breck to a 4-3a huge upset over Minneapolis in a game that is sure to clutter up the Section 2A Seeds. Minneapolis jumped out early and was leading until late in the third when Breck staged their big comeback. Minneapolis now has a busy week ahead as they start the week with a few make up games from earlier postponements and finish by traveling south. I kept them at four for now, I know the Breck loss if horrid, however they have wins over #6 Delano, #7 Alexandria, #11 Providence Academy, #15 Orono & #17 Mankato East which is better than anyone else’s resume below.

5- Detroit Lakes (8A) (13-4-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 Wadena Deer Creek, W 10-0 Lake of the Woods
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Breckenridge/Wahpeton, 2/3 @ Wadena Deer Creek, 2/5 vs Brainerd
The Lakers used a big three goal first period to jump out ahead of Wadena Deer Creek and never look back as they were able to stay unbeaten in the Mid-State Conference and got help from Cooper Moore’s four point night. They then blew out Lake of the Woods in a Section 8A game where Jordan Fields nice four point night helped rout the Bears on the road. I am stuck on the Lakers as they have such a soft schedule. They really only played 7 games against solid teams and they are (3-4-0) in those games they are (10-0-0) vs. the Mid-State Conference and the Bottom seeds of 8A. Their best resume wins are split with Fergus Falls and a tight one goal win over TRF. They have three more wins on the schedule it would appear this week. I can't move them over Minneapolis as like Providence Academy their overall record is nice but they lack quality wins and SOS like the others in the Top 10.

6- Delano (2A) (12-6-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-5 Holy Family, W 5-1 Southwest Christian
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Mound Westonka, 2/5 vs Armstrong/Copper
The Tigers' historic struggles against Holy Family continued as they were swept by the Fire on home ice. The Fire used a big three goal 2nd period to pull away and claim the Conference Title most likely with the sweep. The Tigers did rebound behind Cole Schmidt’s three point night to get a good 5-1 win over 2A SWC. This week they have two more games on the schedule that they should win. The Tigers are a tough team to read as they are the 3 seed in 2A but I think many would still consider them the favorite to get to State come playoff time.

7- Alexandria (6A) (10-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 8-3 Willmar, W 2-1 Sauk Rapids
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 vs Little Falls, 2/5 @ Duluth Denfeld
Alexandria slept walked through the first period at Willmar and found themselves down shockingly 0-3 after 1 period. Luckily it was against Willmar and they were able to rattled off eight straight goals behind Brycen Berg’s 4 point night to get the win. The Cards continued the uninspired play from Willmar as they barely scraped by struggling Sauk Rapids 2-1 as Brycen Berg again had 2 critical points to help save Alexandria from an embarrassing road loss. Not a great week but they move up due to others losing. Big games this week vs two teams coming off upsets from the week before will be good tests vs the Cards who seem to play to the level of their competition.

8- Fergus Falls (6A) (13-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 Sauk Rapids, W 6-0 Wadena Deer Creek
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Sartell, 2/3 @ Willmar, 2/5 vs Bemidji
The Otters were able to jump out to 3-0 lead over Sauk Rapids and never relinquished the lead as they beat the Storm 4-2. Isaac Johnson’s two point night was enough to help lead the Otters to the win. The Otters then got two goal from Michael DeBrito to cruise past Section 6A WDC for a solid section win. This week they get back into the CLC with what should be a good rematch against Sartell and then they play 6A Willmar before wrapping up with Bemidji. The Otters will look to continue their recent momentum and stretch of solid play.

9- Cambridge- Isanti (5A) (14-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-1 Princeton, W 4-3 OT Little Falls, T 3-3 Irondale
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 vs St Paul Highland Park, 2/3 vs Northern Edge, 2/5 vs Northern Lakes
Cambridge swept their Section 5A neighbors with ease to claim the bragging rights in the “Rusty Skates” rivalry. The Blue jackets broke up a 2-1 game with a big third period effort to get the road win. Cambridge stunned Section 5A favorite Little Falls on the road. Things looked bleak as they were down 2-3 with 1:50 to go the Bluejackets committed a penalty and were without the services of Freshman star netminder Sibell who left with an injury. Yet Cambridge found a way to win on the road behind Will O'Donovan shorthanded goal to tie and Finn Overby’s OT GWG and now Cambridge is in the driver seat for the #1 seed in 5A. They did finish the week tying lowly Irondale and honestly the health of Jaxon Sibell is the key to this team. They are (13-1-0) when he starts and (1-2-1) in games he does not if he is out Cambridge is in big trouble and will struggle this week with three games they should win normally.

10- Little Falls (5A) (18-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 Thief River Falls, L 3-4 OT Cambridge, W 9-5 Mound Westonka
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Alexandria, 2/3 vs River Lakes
The Flyers jumped out to 4-1 lead over the Prowlers only to see TRF claw their way back into the game after that. Thief River Falls was able to get on the power play down 1 with about a minute to go in the game but they were not able to find the equalizer and the Flyers escaped with a one goal win. The Flyers dropped a tough one vs Section for Cambridge as they were in control on the PP up 1 with 1:50 to go and the BlueJackets freshman star netminder out injured yet somehow at home they lost the lead and the game and the #1 seed possibly. The Flyers did rebound to win a wild game vs Mound Westonka on Saturday. I know dropping them to 10 seems harsh but the two teams ahead of them own the head to head win and well the Alexandira rematch could solidify this new spot. The bigger game though is vs 5A River Lakes who has a history of upsetting the Flyers big week for them.

11- Providence Academy (2A) (16-4-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-5 Blake, W 5-2 Breck
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Minnehaha Academy
The Lions were swept in conference play by Blake however, they did put up a better fight this time around Johnny Hendrickson’s goal in the second period actually gave Providence a brief 3-2 lead. After that though it was all Blake as they scored 3 unanswered goals to pull away for the win. Providence did rebound and pick up a good Section 2A win over Breck on Saturday behind Josh Mogeni’s three point night. However, this team doesn't have a real strong resume of actual big wins vs Quality Class A Teams. They seem to be destined to win 20 games in the regular season and be the 4 seed in a very tough 2A.

12- Duluth Denfeld (7A) (13-7-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-2 International Falls, L 2-6 Rock Ridge, L 3-5 Gentry Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Greenway, 2/4 vs Sartell, 2/5 vs Alexandria
The Hunters were dominant as they used a big four goal second period effort to pull away from fellow 7A International Falls 7-2. Simon Davidson’s two goal effort led the big offensive night for Denfeld as they secured another 7A win. The good vibes were short lived though as the Hunters were soundly defeated on home ice by improving section 7A Rock Ridge. The Wolverines scored two goals in each period and were able to come away with the big 7A wn. The Hunters had a much better effort vs Gentry the second time around but it ultimately wasn't enough and they finished the week on a two game losing streak This week Duluth Denfeld’s stock is fading fast and they really don't own any big wins they have a must win game vs. Greenway before a tough weekend series with CLC’s Sartell and Alexandria coming to town.

13- East Grand Forks (8A) (7-11-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-6 Hermantown, W 9-2 Kittson Central, W 8-0 Greenway
Upcoming Schedule:1/31 vs Bemidji, 2/3 vs Grand Forks Red River, 2/4 vs Roseau
The Greenwave got their week off to a rough start as they again gave up more than 5 goals and were blown out on the road by the State’s top team in Hermantown. The Greenwave finally got back into the win column as they thumped 8A Kittson Central behind Jaksen Panzer’s 7 point night. EGF followed that up by blowing out Greenway at home 8-0 to show they are still a very capable team. Redemption week for the Greenwave coming up as they play the teams who all beat them earlier this year good baramtert to see how much they have improved playing their tough schedule.

14- Northfield (1A) (11-5-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 OT Mankato East, W 9-4 Albert Lea, L 1-2 Rochester Mayo
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Rochester John Marshall, 2/5 Owatonna
Northfield was able to outlast Mankato East in a great Southern Class A hockey match up. Both teams made impressive pushes as the Cougars took a 2-1 lead in the third only to fall behind 2-3 before tying it up and sending it to overtime. It was Northfield’s Kamden Kaiser who played the hero as his second goal of the night was the OT winner for the Raiders. Northfield held off Section 1A contender Albert Leas in a wild game where they scored the go ahead goal with 1 second remaining in the second period to put them ahead 5-4. They did not look back from there and used a big third period effort to put the game away behind Spencer Klotz’s seven point night. The loss to Mayo is well what it is but Northfield looks to be on track to represent Section 1A at State. This week they have two more winnable games in the Big 9 Conference.

15- Orono (2A) (10-9-1)
Past Week Results: W 7-2 New Prague, W 5-1 Waconia
Upcoming Schedule: 2/2 @ St Louis Park
Orono got back to .500 as they torched a New Prague team that they struggled to tie early this winter. Connor Lang’s three pint night helped get the Spartans so much needed offensive life as they rolled on the road to a win. The Spartans they creeped over .500 with a sweep of Section 2A Waconia as Bradley Walker did his thing and led Orono to victory as he has done a lot this winter. Orono looks to be on track for the 2 seed in 2A. This week they face St Louis Park who beat them earlier this year. I am assuming this is a game they will want to win to show improvement.

16- Chisago Lakes (4A) (14-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 10-4 Pine City, W 4-1 St Paul Academy, W 5-3 Dodge County
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Hopkins, 2/5 @ Thief River Falls
The Wildcats kept their offensive engine running as they routed Pine City at home 10-4. Nicholas Helland & Ryan Schmidt each had six points in Chisago Lakes big home ice win. The Wildcats used a big three goal first period to jump out to a nice lead over SPA they were able to take care of business from there and pick up a much needed Section 4A win. They wrapped up a good week by traveling to Dodge County and getting a nice road win. This week the match up vs TRF will help tell us a lot more about this team.

17- Mankato East (3A) (12-6-0)
Past Week: L 3-4 OT Northfield, W 2-0 Red Wing
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 vs Rochester Century, 2/5 vs Rochester Mayo
The Cougars gave Northfeild everything they had in a really good Southern Hockey Class A Game. The Cougars took a lead in the third period and fought back to send the game to overtime in a game where they outshot the Raiders 31-24. The Cougars did rebound and picked up a 2-0 win over Red Wing in a game that was tied 0-0 for a good position before Andrew Bastian scored the GWG late in the third to help the Cougars avoid the upset. Two Rochester teams this week who both beat the Cougars earlier this year let's see if they can show growth and pick up some wins in the rematches.
.
18- St. Cloud Cathedral (5A) (11-9-0)
Past week: W 4-3 Monticello, W 5-2 Rochester Lourdes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Mora
The Crusaders picked up a critical Section 5A win over Monticello to allow them to still control their destiny for the #1 seed in 5A. The game featured a few momentum swings but in the end the Crusaders assured themselves of top three seed and maybe even better come section time. The Crusaders then were able to come back in the third period in game they were down one and score 4 unanswered goals to get past Rochester Lourdes as Nolan Widman’s 2 goal night led the way. Only one game this week vs Mora a key Section 5A road game as the Mustangs have been hot of late.

19- Thief River Falls (8A) (10-9-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 Kittson Central, L 3-4 Little Falls, W 4-3 Greenway, W 2-1 Hibbing
Upcoming Schedule: 3/4 vs Warroad, 3/5 vs Chisago Lakes
Thief River Falls got their busy week off to an interesting start as they were tied 2-2 after 2 periods of play with the bottom of 8A Kittson Central Luckily sophomore Braydin Lund continued his recent offensive surge and scored 2 third period goals to help the Prowlers win 5-2. They played the next night in Little Falls and fell behind 1-4 in the 2nd they did battle back however and had the better part of play in the third but they ended up one goal short. The Prowlers were able to jump out to a lead very Greenway but the Raiders closed the gap late and made the game interesting but Thief River Falls was able to hang on for the win. The Prowlers grinded out a good win over Hibbing to end a very nice week and get over .500 the first time this year. Two good tests this week as they host ranked Warroad and Chisago Lakes.

20- Simley (4A) (14-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 Two Rivers, W 4-1 South St Paul
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 vs St Paul Academy, 2/5 @ St Thomas Academy
Simley continued its dominance in Section 4A play as they beat Two Rivers 5-2 behind Casey Seidl’s two goal night to carry the Spartans to another Section 4A win. The Spartans continued to pick up wins over Section 4A teams as they were able to sneak past South St Paul 4-1. The game was 2-1 until the Spatans used two goals in the last minute to ice the game and pick up another big section win. This week they face another 4A team before hitting the road for a big test vs AA STA.

The Next Five Notable Class A Teams- .
New Ulm (3A) (15-5-0)- Winning the Big South Conference games they should win and looking to be locked into a Section Final 3A showdown with Mankato East. .

Rock Ridge (7A) (8-8-1)- Playing better of late took Minneapolis to the wire, tied Providence Academy and then blew out Duluth Denfeld this week. We knew there was talent at the start of the year and now the new co-opt appears to be settling in.

Albert Lea(1A) (13-5-0)- Rough week as the Faribault loss is not good but again not much else to choose from at this point.

Red Lake Falls (8A) (13-6-0)- Why not mention them having a very nice year and even getting votes in the LPH Poll.

Mora (5A) (14-4-2)- Another team worth mentioning the Mustangs are (13-1-1) in their last 15 games and have the State’s Leading point getter in Parker Mitchell.

[Corn Cobb]

Rankings - Week of 1/30/22

1- Hermantown
2- Warroad
3- Mahtomedi
4- Little Falls
5- Minneapolis
6- Delano
7- Alexandria
8- Detroit Lakes
9- Fergus Falls
10- Orono
11- Duluth Denfeld
12- East Grand Forks
13- Chisago Lakes
14- Providence Academy
15- Cambridge-Isanti
16- St. Cloud Cathedral
17- Thief River Falls
18- Simley
19- Northfield
20- Mankato East

[Brodziak Fan Club]

CAG, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these rankings each week. Same for Stang when he's not busy with the rest of his life.

[ClassAGuy]

CAG, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these rankings each week. Same for Stang when he's not busy with the rest of his life.

This week was very tough beyond Hermantown 1 Warroad 2 Mahotmedi 3 its anyones guess... I am doing my deep dive into the section standings now and WOW the coaches votes will be interesting in many.

I hope Stang is well I miss his opinion and time he spends on here. I hope he is just "Busy" and nothing else I knwo he was talking medical issues earlier this year I hope he is well.

End of the day I still think it will be 1A- Northfield, 2A- Delano, 3A- Mankato East, 4A- Mahtomedi, 5A- Little Falls, 6A- Fergus Falls, 7A- Hermantown, 8A- Warroad. That was my preseason prediction and I still feel strongly about it but upsets will happen. I cant wait to watch the 2A Sectional!

Monday Night Hockey tomorrow lots of good match ups playoffs are just 3 short weeks away...

[ClassAGuy]

Section by Section Seed Projection Breakdown Week #10

Section 1A (11 Teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Northfield (14) (11-5-1)
2- Albert Lea (13-5-0)
3- Rochester Lourdes (13-6-0)
4- New Prague (6-10-1)
5- Red Wing (7-11-0)
6- Faribault (6-12-0)
7- La Crescent (9-6-1)
8- Waseca (4-10-1)
9- Winona (4-13-1)
10- Austin (1-12-0)
11- Cotter (0-8-0)

Section 1A Overview- Northfield is the clear #1 seed as they are (5-0-0) in section play. Albert Lea has bad losses to the Wingers and Falcons now but still owns the head to head win over Rochester Lourdes to stay at the 2 seed over them. New Prague is a train wreck of late but they dominated the only 1A team they played all year in the Falcons to stay at 4. . Red Wing & Faribault have both upset over the Tigers but the Wingers own the head to head win to stay at the 5 seed. La Crescent drops to the seven seed as they dont get to play the two ahead of them. Waseca owns wins over the Falcons & Packers and tied Winona for toss up between those two. Austin & Cotter are the clear bottom

Section 2A (11 Teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Minneapolis (4)- (12-4-1)
2- Orono (15)- (10-9-1)
3- Delano (6)- (12-6-0)
4- Providence Academy (11)- (16-4-1)
5- Southwest Christian- (9-9-1)
6- Breck- (5-11-0)
7- Hutchinson- (10-10-0)
8- Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato- (11-7-1)
9- Mound Westonka- (7-11-1)
10- Bloomington Kennedy- (4-11-1)
11- Waconia- (4-13-0)

Section 2A Overview- Minneapolis is still the 1 seed they own the head to head wins over the next top three seeds. Orono is the #2 seed as they are (5-1-0) in 2A. Delano is stuck at 3 due their head to head in their only meetings with the two teams above them. Providence Academy has a nice record overall but they are only (3-2-0) in Section 2A play and they don't play the Tigers or Spartans ahead of them. Southwest Christian is on life support at 5 for now. Breck moves up to 6 with a big upset over the top section seed. Hutchinson could move to five if they win the head to head with the Mustangs this week. Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato swept Mound Westonka to stay above them and Bloomington Kennedy owns the head to head win over Waconia.

Section 3A (10 Teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Mankato East (17)- (12-6-0)
2- New Ulm- (15-5-0)
3- Luverne- (8-9-0)
4- Marshall- (11-9-0)
5- Windom- (10-10-1)
6- Worthington- (8-8-0)
7- Fairmont- (5-12-0)
8- Minnesota River- (3-14-1)
9- Mankato West- (6-12-0)
10- Redwood Valley-(2-14-0)

Section 3A Overview- Mankato East & New Ulm are the clear 1 and 2 and I could see the Eagles getting the benefit in the coaches vote because they play all the Big South Schools. Luverne only has one Section 3A loss to NU at this point to stay at 3. Marshall won the crucial 2nd match up over Windom to move to 4. Worthington is stuck at 6 own a win over Fairmont who swept Minnesota River. Mankato West is (0-3-0) in their only 3A action and lost to the Bulldogs head to head and Redwood Valley continues to be at the bottom.

Section 4A (8 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Mahtomedi (3)- (9-9-1)
2- Simley (20) (14-6-1)
3- Chisago Lakes (16)- (14-3-1)
4- St Paul Highland Park (6-8-1)
5- Two Rivers- (8-10-0)
6- St Paul Academy (5-12-0)
7- South St Paul- (3-14-0)
8- St Paul Johnson- (5-9-0)

Section 4A Overview- Mahtomedi is the lock at one seed in the section that's all that is for sure. Simley played the Zephyrs tight and is (9-1-0) in 4A play which should give them the 2 seed. Chisago Lakes is having a nice year but they dont play many Section 4A teams and in a coaches vote that will hurt them. St Paul Highland Park owns the Head to head win over Two Rivers. St Paul Academy beat St Paul Johnson head to head and South St Paul beat the Govs in the crucial 2nd match up to get the above seeds for now.

Section 5A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Cambridge Isanti (9)- (14-3-1)
2- Little Falls (10)- (18-2-0)
3- St. Cloud Cathedral (18)- (11-9-0)
4- Monticello- (7-13-0)
5- River Lakes- (9-9-0)
6- Princeton (8-12-0)
7- Mora (14-4-2)
8- Sauk Rapids (5-13-0)
9- Pine City (7-14-0)
10- Becker/Big Lake- (2-15-0)

Section 5A Overview- Cambridge-Isanti moves into the 1 seed for now with the head to head win over Little Falls. St Cloud Cathedral is still in control of getting the one seed they have games with the Flyers and Blue Jackets yet. Monticello owns the head to head win over River Lakes. Princeton owns the head to head win over Mora. Sauk Rapids owns the head to head win over the Moose but no one else. Pine City’s lone Section 5A win is over Becker Big Lake.

Section 6A (8 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Alexandria (7)- (10-6-1)
2- Fergus Falls (8)- (13-5-0)
3- Northern Lakes- (11-8-0)
4- Wadena Deer Creek- (12-9-0)
5- Prairie Centre- (6-13-0)
6- Willmar- (4-12-0)
7- Morris Benson- (10-9-1)
8- Breckenridge/Wahpeton- (0-15-0)

Section 6A Overview- This Section’s top 2 seeds will play out to whoever wins the second meeting of Alexandria and Fergus Falls will get the one seed. Northern Lakes beat WDC in the crucial 2nd meeting to lock into the three seed. Wadena Deer Creek looks solid at the 4 seed. Prairie Centre swept Willmar to move to 5 for now. Morris Benson has the most to gain with still two games left vs the North Stars and the crucial 2nd meeting with WDC to move out of 7 yet. Breckenridge/Wahpeton is the bottom still searching for their first win.

Section 7A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Hermantown (1)- (17-2-0)
2- Duluth Denfeld (13)- (13-7-0)
3- Hibbing- (9-10-0)
4- Rock Ridge- (8-8-1)
5- Proctor (12-6-1)
6- Greenway- (8-7-0)
7- International Falls- (4-11-0)
8- North Shore- (3-14-0)
9- Ely- (3-15-0)
10- Moose Lake- (1-15-0)

Section 7A Overview- Section 7A behind Hermantown is getting more interesting. Duluth Denfeld stays at two for now. Hibbing owns the head to head over Proctor, Rock Ridge & Greenway for three. RR gets rewarded for the upset over DD and still has rematches with many to move all the way up to the 2 seed yet. The Rails good record gives them the nod over the Raiders still not sure why they don’t play? International Falls beat North Shore and Ely owns the head to head win over Moose Lake.

Section 8A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Warroad (2)- (16-3-1)
2- East Grand Forks (13)- (7-11-0)
3- Detroit Lakes (5)- (13-4-0)
4- Thief River Falls (19)- (10-9-0)
5- Red Lake Falls- (13-6-0)
6- Crookston- (3-14-1)
7- Bagley/Fosston- (11-9-1)
8- Park Rapids- (8-10-1)
9- Lake of the Woods (5-10-1)
10- Kittson Central- (4-13-1)

Section 8A Overview- The top four seeds look locked in for now Warroad followed by East Grand Forks and then Detroit Lakes and Thief River Falls. Red Lake Falls is the best of the rest for the five seed. Crookston has a brutal record but their three wins are a sweep over Park Rapids and win vs. Bagley/Fosston. Lake of the Woods has lost and tied the Panthers to sit below them and Kittson Central has a big win over the Pirates but nothing else to stay stuck at 10 for now.

[Stang5280]

CAG, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these rankings each week. Same for Stang when he's not busy with the rest of his life.

This week was very tough beyond Hermantown 1 Warroad 2 Mahotmedi 3 its anyones guess... I am doing my deep dive into the section standings now and WOW the coaches votes will be interesting in many.

I hope Stang is well I miss his opinion and time he spends on here. I hope he is just "Busy" and nothing else I knwo he was talking medical issues earlier this year I hope he is well.

End of the day I still think it will be 1A- Northfield, 2A- Delano, 3A- Mankato East, 4A- Mahtomedi, 5A- Little Falls, 6A- Fergus Falls, 7A- Hermantown, 8A- Warroad. That was my preseason prediction and I still feel strongly about it but upsets will happen. I cant wait to watch the 2A Sectional!

Monday Night Hockey tomorrow lots of good match ups playoffs are just 3 short weeks away...

Thank you both. I just popped in to check out the rankings and see what I missed since I have been mostly checked out of hockey the past few weeks. Looks like I missed a good week with all of the upsets and wild scores.

I am friends with Elliott and he is familiar with my medical situation, but long story short is that I have a significant disability that requires a good amount of home health care. My health has largely been okay, but I have hit a brick wall with home health lately. Hopefully I can get those issues resolved soon and return to my normal routine. In the meantime, keep up the good work!

[elliott70]

Hi Stang.

[Stang5280]

Hi Stang.

Hope all is well with you, Elliott. I will try to pop in more frequently at least to engage with you and the crew.

[east hockey]

CAG, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these rankings each week. Same for Stang when he's not busy with the rest of his life.

This week was very tough beyond Hermantown 1 Warroad 2 Mahotmedi 3 its anyones guess... I am doing my deep dive into the section standings now and WOW the coaches votes will be interesting in many.

I hope Stang is well I miss his opinion and time he spends on here. I hope he is just "Busy" and nothing else I knwo he was talking medical issues earlier this year I hope he is well.

End of the day I still think it will be 1A- Northfield, 2A- Delano, 3A- Mankato East, 4A- Mahtomedi, 5A- Little Falls, 6A- Fergus Falls, 7A- Hermantown, 8A- Warroad. That was my preseason prediction and I still feel strongly about it but upsets will happen. I cant wait to watch the 2A Sectional!

Monday Night Hockey tomorrow lots of good match ups playoffs are just 3 short weeks away...

Thank you both. I just popped in to check out the rankings and see what I missed since I have been mostly checked out of hockey the past few weeks. Looks like I missed a good week with all of the upsets and wild scores.

I am friends with Elliott and he is familiar with my medical situation, but long story short is that I have a significant disability that requires a good amount of home health care. My health has largely been okay, but I have hit a brick wall with home health lately. Hopefully I can get those issues resolved soon and return to my normal routine. In the meantime, keep up the good work!

Best of health to you, Stang.

Lee

[TTpuckster]

Wish you the best Stang. Hope it all works out.

[ClassAGuy]

Monday Night (1/31/22) Class A Recap-

Games of the Night-
#4 Minneapolis 6 Hutchinson 0
Minneapolis’s John Bebler scored two goals as Minneapolis scored early and often in its 6-0 win over fellow section 2A Hutchinson. Alex Lamont and Griffin Riley combined for the shutout and Minneapolis was able to pick up a big Section win.

#7 Alexandria 5 #10 Little Falls 1
Brycen Berg's hat trick lifted Alexandria to a 5-1 win over Little Falls to get revenge for the loss earlier this year. Alexandria was able to jump out early and build a 3-0 lead and Teegan Pfeffer stopped 35 shots to secure the win.

#12 Duluth Denfeld 4 Greenway 0
The Hunters led by Cooper McClure’s two goals won a much needed Section 7A road game 4-0 over Greenway. Connor McClure added three points of his own and Austin Wick stopped 20 shots for the shutout.

Other Notable Class A Games
#5 Detroit Lakes 10 Breckenridge 0- The Lakers got their week started with a blow out 10-0 win over Mid-State Conference Breckenridge/Wahpeton to keep their perfect conference record intact.

Sartell 5 #8 Fergus Falls 3- The Otters were unable to complete the sweep of AA Sartell as they dug themselves into a three goal deficit. Michael DeBrito did have two goals but that was enough as Fergus Falls dropped the rematch.

#9 Cambridge-Isanti 4 St Paul Highland Park 0- Cambridge was able to beat St Paul Highland Park without the services of freshman netminder Sibell who missed his 2nd consecutive game due to injury. However, Junior netminder Jason Hosch picked up his first varsity shutout in the win.

#13 East Grand Forks 5 Bemidji 1- The Greenwave stayed hot as they won their 3rd straight game defeating AA Bemidji 5-1. Jaksen Panzer and Brock Schultz each scored 2 goals and EGF may be restoring confidence as the playoffs near.

UPSET OF THE NIGHT
Mora 1 #18 St Cloud Cathedral 0
Mora continued its red hot play of late as they are now (14-1-1) in their last 16 games after a dreadful (1-3-1) start to the year. This upset win was crucial as they don’t play Little Falls, Cambridge or Monticello in 5A this year. They used a third period power play goal by Carter Ashworth to shock the Crusaders at home. If Mora can beat River Lakes on Friday they are looking at top three seed in 5A. For the Crusaders this one is a head scratcher and ends a dreadful month of January where they finished (3-7-0) for the month.

[elliott70]

Monday Night (1/31/22) Class A Recap-

Games of the Night-
#4 Minneapolis 6 Hutchinson 0
Minneapolis’s John Bebler scored two goals as Minneapolis scored early and often in its 6-0 win over fellow section 2A Hutchinson. Alex Lamont and Griffin Riley combined for the shutout and Minneapolis was able to pick up a big Section win.

#7 Alexandria 5 #10 Little Falls 1
Brycen Berg's hat trick lifted Alexandria to a 5-1 win over Little Falls to get revenge for the loss earlier this year. Alexandria was able to jump out early and build a 3-0 lead and Teegan Pfeffer stopped 35 shots to secure the win.

#12 Duluth Denfeld 4 Greenway 0
The Hunters led by Cooper McClure’s two goals won a much needed Section 7A road game 4-0 over Greenway. Connor McClure added three points of his own and Austin Wick stopped 20 shots for the shutout.

Other Notable Class A Games
#5 Detroit Lakes 10 Breckenridge 0- The Lakers got their week started with a blow out 10-0 win over Mid-State Conference Breckenridge/Wahpeton to keep their perfect conference record intact.

Sartell 5 #8 Fergus Falls 3- The Otters were unable to complete the sweep of AA Sartell as they dug themselves into a three goal deficit. Michael DeBrito did have two goals but that was enough as Fergus Falls dropped the rematch.

#9 Cambridge-Isanti 4 St Paul Highland Park 0- Cambridge was able to beat St Paul Highland Park without the services of freshman netminder Sibell who missed his 2nd consecutive game due to injury. However, Junior netminder Jason Hosch picked up his first varsity shutout in the win.

#13 East Grand Forks 5 Bemidji 1- The Greenwave stayed hot as they won their 3rd straight game defeating AA Bemidji 5-1. Jaksen Panzer and Brock Schultz each scored 2 goals and EGF may be restoring confidence as the playoffs near.

UPSET OF THE NIGHT
Mora 1 #18 St Cloud Cathedral 0
Mora continued its red hot play of late as they are now (14-1-1) in their last 16 games after a dreadful (1-3-1) start to the year. This upset win was crucial as they don’t play Little Falls, Cambridge or Monticello in 5A this year. They used a third period power play goal by Carter Ashworth to shock the Crusaders at home. If Mora can beat River Lakes on Friday they are looking at top three seed in 5A. For the Crusaders this one is a head scratcher and ends a dreadful month of January where they finished (3-7-0) for the month.

If they lose to River Lakes, they will probably get a 5 seed.
They will likely get the 4 seed even with a win.

Two wins against a below average Wisconsin team in Ashland.
Two wins against winning programs in Northern and Cathedral.
Cathedral may be considered a fluke game.
Overall their wins came over teams with a combined record of 31-130-1 (not counting Ashland).
Not sure if the coaches voting will reward them with just one quality win (that being Cathedral) and one ok win.

They really need to beat River Lakes to have any kind of shot at 3 seed. Even that they will probably still get the 4 seed.

[ClassAGuy]

Monday Night (1/31/22) Class A Recap-

Games of the Night-
#4 Minneapolis 6 Hutchinson 0
Minneapolis’s John Bebler scored two goals as Minneapolis scored early and often in its 6-0 win over fellow section 2A Hutchinson. Alex Lamont and Griffin Riley combined for the shutout and Minneapolis was able to pick up a big Section win.

#7 Alexandria 5 #10 Little Falls 1
Brycen Berg's hat trick lifted Alexandria to a 5-1 win over Little Falls to get revenge for the loss earlier this year. Alexandria was able to jump out early and build a 3-0 lead and Teegan Pfeffer stopped 35 shots to secure the win.

#12 Duluth Denfeld 4 Greenway 0
The Hunters led by Cooper McClure’s two goals won a much needed Section 7A road game 4-0 over Greenway. Connor McClure added three points of his own and Austin Wick stopped 20 shots for the shutout.

Other Notable Class A Games
#5 Detroit Lakes 10 Breckenridge 0- The Lakers got their week started with a blow out 10-0 win over Mid-State Conference Breckenridge/Wahpeton to keep their perfect conference record intact.

Sartell 5 #8 Fergus Falls 3- The Otters were unable to complete the sweep of AA Sartell as they dug themselves into a three goal deficit. Michael DeBrito did have two goals but that was enough as Fergus Falls dropped the rematch.

#9 Cambridge-Isanti 4 St Paul Highland Park 0- Cambridge was able to beat St Paul Highland Park without the services of freshman netminder Sibell who missed his 2nd consecutive game due to injury. However, Junior netminder Jason Hosch picked up his first varsity shutout in the win.

#13 East Grand Forks 5 Bemidji 1- The Greenwave stayed hot as they won their 3rd straight game defeating AA Bemidji 5-1. Jaksen Panzer and Brock Schultz each scored 2 goals and EGF may be restoring confidence as the playoffs near.

UPSET OF THE NIGHT
Mora 1 #18 St Cloud Cathedral 0
Mora continued its red hot play of late as they are now (14-1-1) in their last 16 games after a dreadful (1-3-1) start to the year. This upset win was crucial as they don’t play Little Falls, Cambridge or Monticello in 5A this year. They used a third period power play goal by Carter Ashworth to shock the Crusaders at home. If Mora can beat River Lakes on Friday they are looking at top three seed in 5A. For the Crusaders this one is a head scratcher and ends a dreadful month of January where they finished (3-7-0) for the month.

If they lose to River Lakes, they will probably get a 5 seed.
They will likely get the 4 seed even with a win.

Two wins against a below average Wisconsin team in Ashland.
Two wins against winning programs in Northern and Cathedral.
Cathedral may be considered a fluke game.
Overall their wins came over teams with a combined record of 31-130-1 (not counting Ashland).
Not sure if the coaches voting will reward them with just one quality win (that being Cathedral) and one ok win.

They really need to beat River Lakes to have any kind of shot at 3 seed. Even that they will probably still get the 4 seed.

If they lose to River Lakes I think they drop to 6 or 7 ... They do have a head to head loss vs Princeton in 5A. They dont play LF, CI or Monti

If they beat River Lakes... Then hmm I dunno they dont play Monticello but they beat SCC and Sauk Rapids who both beat the Moose. They own the head to head win over SCC and River Lakes in this scenario might be good enough to sneak into 3 and move SCC 4 Monti 5 RIver Lakes 6... Big IF though as you said the schedule is super soft and they dont play 3 of the top 4 in the section.

If they beat River Lakes could create some fun in the coaches vote if not they are most likely a 6 seed and would play SCC in the First round

[ClassAGuy]

LPH Rankings (2/2/22)
1. Hermantown
2. Warroad
3. Mahtomedi
4. Delano/Rockford
5. Minneapolis
6. Fergus Falls
7. Alexandria
8. Little Falls
9. Detroit Lakes
10. Duluth Denfeld
11. Providence Academy
12. Simley
13. Chisago Lakes
14. Northfield
15. New Ulm
16. Cambridge-Isanti
17. Southwest Christian/Richfield
18. Mankato East/Loyola
19. Albert Lea
20. Rock Ridge

Other teams receiving votes: Monticello, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, Proctor, Thief River Falls, East Grand Forks, St. Cloud Cathedral, Rochester Lourdes.

[elliott70]

PAGESTAT 2-3-22 FOR SINGLE a
1 5 HERMANTOWN 7A 18 2 0 0.900 111 28 22.54
2 15 WARROAD 8A 16 3 1 0.825 118 29 21.22

3 24 MAHTOMEDI 4A 10 9 1 0.525 76 49 20.01
4 37 DELANO 2A 13 6 0 0.684 72 43 18.18

5 41 DULUTH DENFELD 7A 14 7 0 0.667 99 68 17.92
6 42 MINNEAPOLIS 2A 15 4 1 0.775 74 40 17.65

7 44 PROVIDENCE ACADEMY 2A 17 4 1 0.795 125 64 17.40
8 45 ALEXANDRIA 6A 11 6 1 0.639 75 52 17.33

9 47 LITTLE FALLS 5A 19 3 0 0.864 133 59 17.23
10 53 EAST GRAND FORKS 8A 8 12 0 0.400 76 80 17.02

11 55 ORONO 2A 10 10 1 0.500 66 57 16.84
12 56 NORTHFIELD 1A 12 5 1 0.694 87 44 16.80

13 57 FERGUS FALLS 6A 14 6 0 0.700 95 51 16.80
14 58 THIEF RIVER FALLS 8A 10 9 0 0.526 68 52 16.76

15 62 DETROIT LAKES 8A 15 4 0 0.789 106 32 16.40
16 65 CHISAGO LAKES 4A 15 3 1 0.816 110 43 16.21

17 66 ROCK RIDGE 7A 10 8 1 0.553 72 44 16.09
18 70 SIMLEY 4A 15 6 1 0.705 92 51 15.84

19 74 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN/RICHFIELD 2A 10 9 1 0.525 58 58 15.57
20 75 ST CLOUD CATHEDRAL 5A 11 10 0 0.524 67 63 15.45

76 CAMBRIDGE 5A 16 3 1 0.825 81 47 15.43
79 MANKATO EAST 3A 12 6 1 0.658 75 45 15.18

80 LITCHFIELD 2A 12 7 1 0.625 79 66 15.12
81 MOUND WESTONKA 2A 7 13 1 0.357 74 92 15.08

82 HIBBING 7A 9 11 0 0.450 62 59 15.04
87 MONTICELLO 5A 8 13 0 0.381 65 73 14.78

88 BRECK_ 2A 7 11 0 0.389 52 66 14.72
89 NEW PRAGUE 1A 6 11 1 0.361 50 73 14.65

90 RIVER LAKES 5A 9 11 0 0.450 80 52 14.60
91 PROCTOR 7A 13 7 1 0.643 62 55 14.55

93 GREENWAY 7A 8 9 0 0.471 64 62 14.32
94 MORA 5A 15 4 2 0.762 117 53 14.29

[ClassAGuy]

Thursday Night (2/3/22) Class A Recap-

Games of the Night-
#6 Delano 8 Mound Westonka 1
The Tigers blew out Section 2A and Conference rival Mound Westonka on the road behind Gunnar Paulson’s hattrick. In a game that historically is close the Tigers jumpers all over the White Hawks after the game was tied 1-1 only two minutes in and Delano showed they are putting things together as they always do down the stretch and will be a force come playoff time in Section 2A.

#10 Little Falls 6 River Lakes 2
The Flyers picked up a critical Section 5A win over River Lakes playing without their top 2nd line forward and using only 3 defensmen. The Flyers did fall behind early 1-0 but behind Carter Oothoudt’s hat trick Little Falls was able to pull away and pick up a good Section 5A win.

Grand Forks Red River 5 #13 East Grand Forks 2-
Just as it appeared the Greenwave were turning the corner, their defensive issues again showed as they were tied midway through the third period behind Panzer’s 2 point night with a good Red River club only to give up 3 unanswered goals and suffer yet another loss while giving up 5 goals.

Other Notable Class A Games
#1 Hermantown 8 Cloquet 0- The Hawks routed Cloquet on the road to start their week. They used Kade Kohanski’s hattrick and Garron Opsahl’s shut out to easily defeat the Lumberjacks on the road.

#4 Minneapolis 5 Waconia 1- Jack Hanson was again the hero as he helped Minneapolis break up a tight 1-1 game after two periods his hattrick was the key difference in helping them pick up another key Section 2A win.

#5 Detroit Lakes 10 Wadena Deer Creek 0- Detroit Lakes routed another Mid-State Conference team by ten goals as they destroyed Wadena Deer Creek on the road. Spencer Bergman’s Hattrick provided more than enough offense for the Lakers as they put the Wolverines into running time.

#8 Fergus Falls 6 Willmar 0 - The Otter took care of business vs. 6A and CLC Willmar as they scored two goals in all three periods and seldom used Brady Metcalf picked up his first varsity win and shutout in the process.

#9 Cambridge-Isanti 5 Northern Edge 3- The Blue Jackets got some good news as Freshman netminder Jaxon Siblell returned from injury and Cambridge used Wyatt Nutt’s two goal night to pick up a hard fought win over Northern Edge.

#11 Providence Academy 6 Minnehaha Academy 0- The Lions won their only game of the week over a struggling Minnehaha Academy team shutting them out 6-0.

#14 Northfield 8 Rochester John Marshall 2- The Raiders continued to beat up on the lower portion of the Big 9 Conference as they took care of Rochester John Marshall will ease on the road. They rode Cayden Monson’s big night as his hat trick was a part of an eight goal offensive attack that overwhelmed the Rockets.

#16 Chisago Lakes 5 Hopkins 3- The Wildcats were able to take care of business and beat AA Hopkins 5-3 on the road before starting their stretch of three games in a row vs ranked Class A teams.

#17 Mankato East 2 Rochester Century 2- Mankato East's Parker Anthony scored late in the third to force overtime as the Cougars rallied to a 2-2 overtime tie with Rochester Century in a less than impressive result.

#20 Simley 5 St Paul Academy 1- Simley continued its dominance in Section 4A play as they beat SPA 5-1 behind Jayar Luedke’s three point night.

[WarmUpTheBus]

I don't know anything about the Fairmont or Waseca teams but noticed that Fairmont beat Waseca 11-10 in overtime last night. Must have been wild.

[ClassAGuy]

I don't know anything about the Fairmont or Waseca teams but noticed that Fairmont beat Waseca 11-10 in overtime last night. Must have been wild.

Legacy Hockey had a little write up about a wild game between two struggling Southern Class A Schools below

FAIRMONT 11, WASECA 10
WASECA - Five players had hat tricks and it was Eli Anderson's fourth goal that boosted Fairmont to a wild 11-10 overtime victory over Waseca at the Waseca Community Center.

Waseca (4-12-1) led 5-1 early in the second period only to see Fairmont (6-12-0) score the next seven goals, three of them consecutively from Anderson - and all scored as unassisted - to take an 8-5 lead heading into the third.

Waseca rallied by scoring five of the first six goals in the third period, including three from freshman Brayden Hesch-Priem.

Fairmont's Nate Rakness scored with 2:05 left in regulation - his third goal - to force the overtime and Anderson's final goal came 44 seconds into the extra session.

Waseca's Kyle Ahlschlager and Griffin Krautkramer each scored three goals.

The combined 21 goals is believed to be the highest total for a game this season but falls well short of the state record 27 recorded in Moorhead’s 27-0 victory over Monticello in the 2004 Section 8AA quarterfinals.

Class A Guy SIDE NOTE- Waseca has top rated Pee Wee A team so in 3-4 years we could be hearing about the Bluejays more as a rising program in Section 1A which would be great to see.

[ClassAGuy]

Friday Night (2/4/22) Class A Recap-

Games of the Night-
#2 Warroad 4 #19 Thief River Falls 3 OT
The Warriors found themselves in a battle with the team they will most likely meet in the Section 8A Semis. Jayson Shaugabay scored the second of his two goals with just five seconds left in overtime to secure a very hard fought Section 8A road win Warroad outshot Thief River Falls 50-21.

#12 Duluth Denfeld 4 Sartell 3 OT
The Hunters got their weekend started slowly falling behind by 2 goals 1 minute into the game and 3-0 after the first period but the Hunters came roaring back and tied the game late in the third on a goal from Whittaker Heart and won it in OT with a goal from Connor McClure.

Roseau 8 #13 East Grand Forks 1-
Max Strand, Kellen Murphy and Gavin Gunderson each scored two goals as Roseau routed East Grand Forks 8-1 on the Greenwave’s home ice. After EGF looked to be getting life winning 3 games they fell back into their defensive let downs and gave up 13 goals in the last two losses.

Other Notable Class A Games
River Lakes 4 Mora 1- Big win for the Stars who appear to be solidly at the #5 seed in 5A.

LDC 4 SWC 1- Dragons won the second meeting with SWC and to clutter up the seeding 5-10 in 2A even more.

New Ulm 4 Windom 3- New Ulm jumped out 4-0 but then held on for dear life vs fellow 3A Windom who scored the next 3 goals and had a PP late in the third and outshot the Eagles 34-31.