8A Predictions........

SB24 · Post by **SB24** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:20 pm

Thanks Elliott, that was a refreshing post. Finally a dose of reality...Now Gallery, read it again before spewing.

SiouxRecruit · Post by **SiouxRecruit** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:27 pm

SB24 wrote:Thanks Elliott, that was a refreshing post. Finally a dose of reality...Now Gallery, read it again before spewing.

I enjoyed that....no spewing here...I havent disagreed with anything he just said

Schoolyardpuck · Post by **Schoolyardpuck** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:43 pm

I agree Elliot, that was a very good, fair, accurate breakdown of section 8A. Very well put.

" you are wise grasshopper"...

Stiff-Shaft · Post by **Stiff-Shaft** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:43 pm

I just spent a lot of tiem combing over all the stores across the state for the year. When you write them down and look at the closeness of them or at times the upsets, it just depends on what teams show up that night.

When you take Warroad, EGF, TRF, Crook, PR, Bemidji, Roseau, Moorhead, Any of those teams have a chance to win against each other based on previous matchups and cross matchups. PR does have a chance and it would be nice if SB24 just recognized it. Of course the betting man will play the odds and go with the teams that have been to the big dance already or have the long standing tradition. More times than not, you would win! But, there is some mystery about PR. People put them down all the time, but that team is supporting each other like crazy.

May the best team win....It may be Warroad, but it may also be PR... Hell, who knows if Bagley can turn it around yet...

SB24, just be a fan of the sport man...This season is making PR proud and could actually become contagious.

TTpuckster · Post by **TTpuckster** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:52 pm

Elliot,

I agree, (no surprise, being a elves fan), but I have lost a lot of confidence in the greenwave. The last couple of years, they have not lived up to their abilities, (at least in my eyes). I have had my concerns with Chupka as I have been stating since the game against TRF in the semis last year.

PR on the other hand, has met all challenges and been successful.
I know their schedule is soft, but when they have gone up against the likes of EGF and TRF, (TRF very recently), they have performed.

I give PR the kudos and the highest likelihood of meeting the Warriors in the Section 8 finale.

I will only get back on my home towns bandwagon if they can at least win one of the tough games they have this week.

Until then, I am expecting a PR - Warroad championship game.

SiouxRecruit · Post by **SiouxRecruit** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:00 pm

schwang17 · Post by **schwang17** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:04 pm

What I think needs to be stated is exactly what Oshie rightfully points out in his blogspot: "The emergence of Park Rapids the past few years." I've heard: "they're a 1 year wonder", "once in a while they'll have a good season," "they'll fold when it matters". It doesn't appear EGF, Warroad and the rest are going to get much better in the next few years, and I certainly don't think PR will drop off(the #'s aren't great as a whole but they are close-knit and very dedicated)..

As Elliott pointed out before this current group is being watched by the whole Association. Last count is that there are no more Lehrke's left after this. It will be interesting to see who will step up to replace them and if PR can maintain this level of play..I hope the younger kids
(Pee-Wees, Bantams) put in the time and realize what it takes to earn respect in a Section of traditionalists...

TTpuckster · Post by **TTpuckster** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:27 pm

schwang17 wrote:What I think needs to be stated is exactly what Oshie rightfully points out in his blogspot: "The emergence of Park Rapids the past few years." I've heard: "they're a 1 year wonder", "once in a while they'll have a good season," "they'll fold when it matters". It doesn't appear EGF, Warroad and the rest are going to get much better in the next few years, and I certainly don't think PR will drop off(the #'s aren't great as a whole but they are close-knit and very dedicated)..

As Elliott pointed out before this current group is being watched by the whole Association. Last count is that there are no more Lehrke's left after this. It will be interesting to see who will step up to replace them and if PR can maintain this level of play..I hope the younger kids
(Pee-Wees, Bantams) put in the time and realize what it takes to earn respect in a Section of traditionalists...

Schwangy,

There may be no more Lerhke's, but a good program doesn't necessarily need them.

Balance can also take you a long way.
EGF hasn't been very impressive in my eyes this year, but everybody seems to want to pick them as the possible main challenge to Warroad. I don't understand why, but that being said, EGF has no Lerhke either. If they are to go anywhere, it will be because of balance, and hopefully good coaching.

OGEE OGELTHORPE · Post by **OGEE OGELTHORPE** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:34 pm

Undercover Hockey Lover wrote:WOW ...been eatin' vension again Suzy?

Hey spelling champ, how do you cook "vension" and how does it taste?

Does it taste anything like crow

schwang17 · Post by **schwang17** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:37 pm

EGF is battle tested..I believe that's why everybody picks them as the dark horse...I wouldn't want to see them come playoff time either quite honestly..

Irishmans Shanty · Post by **Irishmans Shanty** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:56 pm

TTpuckster wrote:
There may be no more Lerhke's, but a good program doesn't necessarily need them.

I disagree. You need a stud. The value of a guy who can take over a game is very, very measurable.

I will take a Lerhke type talent and infuse 20 G and 20 A into a lineup that has only scored 35 so far this season. They are currently 2-15-1 for the season. By my count, the addition of one 35-40 point player makes them 10-6.

Red Lake Falls-2 at Crookston-10
Crookston-2 at Grand Forks Central (N.D.)-7
Crookston-3 at St. Paul Johnson-4 (OT)
Crookston-1 at Blake-5
Fargo North (N.D.)-3 at Crookston-1
Lake of the Woods-5 at Crookston-5 (OT)
Crookston-3 vs Virgina-Mt. Iron-Buhl-6
Crookston-0 vs Hermantown-9
Crookston-2 vs St. Louis Park-3 (OT)
Bemidji-3 at Crookston-1
Detroit Lakes-0 at Crookston-2
Crookston-0 at East Grand Forks-7
Thief River Falls-5 at Crookston-2
Crookston-1 at Warroad-5
Crookston-1 at Detroit Lakes-3
Crookston-0 at Fargo South (N.D.)-2
Warroad-2 at Crookston-0
Roseau-4 at Crookston-2

In Class A hockey, it can be a fine line between being 15-5 and 5-15.

elliott70 · Post by **elliott70** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:02 pm

We have not finished this year, but next year Bemidji will be tough and probably the favorite going in.
Thief River & East Side will be the challengers.
Two years from now, if Bemidji does not elect to move to AA, they will be the favorites going in.
Down the line the picks will have to be EGF and TRF with Crookston in the mix.

PR and Warroad have some work to do on their youth program teams to bring them up anywhere close to their teams this year.

elliott70 · Post by **elliott70** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:06 pm

Irishmans Shanty wrote:
TTpuckster wrote:
There may be no more Lerhke's, but a good program doesn't necessarily need them.
I disagree. You need a stud. The value of a guy who can take over a game is very, very measurable.

I will take a Lerhke type talent and infuse 20 G and 20 A into a lineup that has only scored 35 so far this season. They are currently 2-15-1 for the season. By my count, the addition of one 35-40 point player makes them 10-6.

Red Lake Falls-2 at Crookston-10
Crookston-2 at Grand Forks Central (N.D.)-7
Crookston-3 at St. Paul Johnson-4 (OT)
Crookston-1 at Blake-5
Fargo North (N.D.)-3 at Crookston-1
Lake of the Woods-5 at Crookston-5 (OT)
Crookston-3 vs Virgina-Mt. Iron-Buhl-6
Crookston-0 vs Hermantown-9
Crookston-2 vs St. Louis Park-3 (OT)
Bemidji-3 at Crookston-1
Detroit Lakes-0 at Crookston-2
Crookston-0 at East Grand Forks-7
Thief River Falls-5 at Crookston-2
Crookston-1 at Warroad-5
Crookston-1 at Detroit Lakes-3
Crookston-0 at Fargo South (N.D.)-2
Warroad-2 at Crookston-0
Roseau-4 at Crookston-2

In Class A hockey, it can be a fine line between being 15-5 and 5-15.

You don't necessarily need a stud, but it sure makes it easier for the coach.
1 stud forward
1 almost stud forward
and 4 real good forwards
and 3 more that work hard
1 stud Dman
and 3 that don't get burned.
1 G w/ 92 or 93 s-pct.

And some sophs that can play.

I am the greatest coach in the world.

Joey (nine toes) Marcoux · Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:28 pm

This thread is sounding way to intelligent.

All bs aside, I do hope that Park Rapids continues serving up crow.

SB24 · Post by **SB24** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:32 pm

A fan of the sport? I've been one of the biggest. What was my response when the Jacks moved to 8A? I said its always great to have more competition in the section, granted they won't compete every year, but not all teams do. Now in the case of PR, if they can get it figured out and become competitive in 8A than thats great as well. Don't tell me to be a fan of the sport, what i'm not a fan of is the PR fans- once your team accomplishes something then come on here and spew all you want.

SiouxRecruit · Post by **SiouxRecruit** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:15 pm

SB24 wrote:A fan of the sport? I've been one of the biggest. What was my response when the Jacks moved to 8A? I said its always great to have more competition in the section, granted they won't compete every year, but not all teams do. Now in the case of PR, if they can get it figured out and become competitive in 8A than thats great as well. Don't tell me to be a fan of the sport, what i'm not a fan of is the PR fans- once your team accomplishes something then come on here and spew all you want.

I usually spew what I want anwho......im not effected

SB24 · Post by **SB24** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:26 pm

you should try drinking less, it might help with the spewing issue

Stiff-Shaft · Post by **Stiff-Shaft** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:50 pm

OOOHHHH. SB24... Does that stand for Silly Boy at 24 years of age?

All you do is knock PR.. I agree some PR people are not too smart, but don't paint us all that way... Being a fan of the sport is to support all teams including the ones hoping to achieve the dream. If Bagley could get the job done, I would say good for them! If Walker could, I would say the same as well! If Warroad wins, Great job....

My question to you, is what is your beef with PR? Give me 5 good examples to dislike a small community that is rallying around their hockey team.... I bet you can't do it!

hockeyadvocate · Post by **hockeyadvocate** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:14 pm

Elliott, You might think that Bemidji will be the favorite next year but the group that is returning for Warroad was second in Districts to Roseau as Bantams and went to regionals and was the last class a team playing in the state. They will be returning 4 d who are regulars this year 7 forwards on the top four lines a couple more who are just waiting for this years seniors to leave for their chance. There is atleast 1 bantam d and 2 forwards who will contribute next year and a couple more who will need a year of jv. The bantams started slow but have improved immensely competing with everyone they play lately. In high school you combine three years instead of 2 and if you have 4 or 5 excellent players at each grade you go to state, three you contend for state, 2 you are better than alot of teams. Warroad almost always has atleast 2. You heard it here first, two years from now at this time there will be alot more teams in section 8a looking up at Warroad than they are looking up at.

Sioux if you really want PR to be successfull you should get involved and goto the youth board and get them to play A level hockey. No program can be successful year in and year out playing B hockey at the youth level. There can be anamolies like this year but over time hockey success is about athletes in numbers getting lots of ice time with good coaching and playing the best competition you can find.

newsguy35 · Post by **newsguy35** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:34 pm

hockeyadvocate wrote:Elliott, You might think that Bemidji will be the favorite next year but the group that is returning for Warroad was second in Districts to Roseau as Bantams and went to regionals and was the last class a team playing in the state. They will be returning 4 d who are regulars this year 7 forwards on the top four lines a couple more who are just waiting for this years seniors to leave for their chance. There is atleast 1 bantam d and 2 forwards who will contribute next year and a couple more who will need a year of jv. The bantams started slow but have improved immensely competing with everyone they play lately. In high school you combine three years instead of 2 and if you have 4 or 5 excellent players at each grade you go to state, three you contend for state, 2 you are better than alot of teams. Warroad almost always has atleast 2. You heard it here first, two years from now at this time there will be alot more teams in section 8a looking up at Warroad than they are looking up at.

I hate to be a smart_ _ _ but all they would have to do is be close to .500 to be middle of the pack... Also, their studs are coming from where? I figure it will take atleast half a year to get up to speed fully with the competition they play in HS. I am not saying they wont be great but for them to continue dominance in the section they will need to really get the youth ranks going.

I agree Elliott, I think Bemidji and EGF will be the teams to look out for. TRF will be tough as well, keep in mind their tender is one of the best in the section as a soph, imagine that next year as well as the year after and you may be looking at a team to knock off...

Stiff-Shaft · Post by **Stiff-Shaft** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:40 pm

[quote="hockeyadvocate"]Sioux if you really want PR to be successfull you should get involved and goto the youth board and get them to play A level hockey. No program can be successful year in and year out playing B hockey at the youth level. There can be anamolies like this year but over time hockey success is about athletes in numbers getting lots of ice time with good coaching and playing the best competition you can find.[/quote]

I agree with you 100%. The problem is that PR won't allow it. Too many parents are afraid that there would not be a spot for their little monster to play! They would rather have it be Equal ice time all the way through varsity if they had their choice. They are afraid of being great in something. At A level, we would probably get our butts kicked for a handful of years, but I believe the learning and growth the kids would receive would be incredible. Why don't you come to a board meeting and try to talk them into it! I've heard most of the coaches are for it.

hockeyfan9er · Post by **hockeyfan9er** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:43 pm

i think that the low bears will be a tough team next year. they have a great freshman goalie and their young d-men will only get better. they will make some noise next year.

newsguy35 · Post by **newsguy35** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:45 pm

Stiff-Shaft wrote:I agree with you 100%. The problem is that PR won't allow it. Too many parents are afraid that there would not be a spot for their little monster to play! They would rather have it be Equal ice time all the way through varsity if they had their choice. They are afraid of being great in something. At A level, we would probably get our butts kicked for a handful of years, but I believe the learning and growth the kids would receive would be incredible. Why don't you come to a board meeting and try to talk them into it! I've heard most of the coaches are for it.

I dont know what coaches wouldnt be for it. You are right, the problem is the parents and the liberal approach to it. Also, what are their numbers in each level before move ups? Do they have enough players at each level to be decently successful (15-20 players is ideal for 1 team)? I guess I havent really looked that far into PR's youths as far as numbers and teams but I know that there are huge pros and cons to such a move. I hope they do move up to A's and I hope that it helps Stahnke and the rest of the PR faithful if they do move up.

Stiff-Shaft · Post by **Stiff-Shaft** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:50 pm

[quote="newsguy35"][quote="Stiff-Shaft"]I agree with you 100%. The problem is that PR won't allow it. Too many parents are afraid that there would not be a spot for their little monster to play! They would rather have it be Equal ice time all the way through varsity if they had their choice. They are afraid of being great in something. At A level, we would probably get our butts kicked for a handful of years, but I believe the learning and growth the kids would receive would be incredible. Why don't you come to a board meeting and try to talk them into it! I've heard most of the coaches are for it.[/quote]

I dont know what coaches wouldnt be for it. You are right, the problem is the parents and the liberal approach to it. Also, what are their numbers in each level before move ups? Do they have enough players at each level to be decently successful (15-20 players is ideal for 1 team)? I guess I havent really looked that far into PR's youths as far as numbers and teams but I know that there are huge pros and cons to such a move. I hope they do move up to A's and I hope that it helps Stahnke and the rest of the PR faithful if they do move up.[/quote]

Bantams might be thin for 2 years, but the rest would be fine. There are almost 40 in the mites. The rest are probably between 15-24. How the heck do you convince an association to make the move?

newsguy35 · Post by **newsguy35** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:00 pm

Stiff-Shaft wrote:
newsguy35 wrote:
Stiff-Shaft wrote:I agree with you 100%. The problem is that PR won't allow it. Too many parents are afraid that there would not be a spot for their little monster to play! They would rather have it be Equal ice time all the way through varsity if they had their choice. They are afraid of being great in something. At A level, we would probably get our butts kicked for a handful of years, but I believe the learning and growth the kids would receive would be incredible. Why don't you come to a board meeting and try to talk them into it! I've heard most of the coaches are for it.
I dont know what coaches wouldnt be for it. You are right, the problem is the parents and the liberal approach to it. Also, what are their numbers in each level before move ups? Do they have enough players at each level to be decently successful (15-20 players is ideal for 1 team)? I guess I havent really looked that far into PR's youths as far as numbers and teams but I know that there are huge pros and cons to such a move. I hope they do move up to A's and I hope that it helps Stahnke and the rest of the PR faithful if they do move up.
Bantams might be thin for 2 years, but the rest would be fine. There are almost 40 in the mites. The rest are probably between 15-24. How the heck do you convince an association to make the move?

You have to explain to them that at the varsity level they cannot continue to count on 1 player and a decent goalie to carry the team. That they have to consider being a "program" as opposed to a one year wonder that they have to take a risk. We will be dealing with the same situation although a much more difficult one in Balgey this offseason as well. PM and I will explain some more.

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8A Predictions........

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