Bantam A State

[labattblue17]

Post brackets, predictions, and eventually results.

[wbl92]

White Bear Lake will win. Why didn't you include them? They have been on fire lately.

[elliott70]

I'll go with Eden Prairie but I am cheering for Roseau.

[labattblue17]

White Bear Lake will win. Why didn't you include them? They have been on fire lately.

I added them but I forgot to like submit it my mistake and I'm not sure how to edit it, I don't do polls all that often

[pondyplayer93]

i can think of a couple teams that arent here that are better than some that are

they need to fix the system up a little

[labattblue17]

That is true, but last year they changed to this system and it made the whole system a lot better. They got rid of the Owatonna or Sartell teams that didn't belong in this class of teams. There is always going to be teams that should be in that didn't make it, thats hockey and thats why they call it playoffs.

[pondyplayer93]

That is true, but last year they changed to this system and it made the whole system a lot better. They got rid of the Owatonna or Sartell teams that didn't belong in this class of teams. There is always going to be teams that should be in that didn't make it, thats hockey and thats why they call it playoffs.

yeah i understand that but i can think of a couple teams that both beat moorhead by over 4 and one of them beat wayzata and one beat white bear by 3 and centennial

[wannagototherink]

That is true, but last year they changed to this system and it made the whole system a lot better. They got rid of the Owatonna or Sartell teams that didn't belong in this class of teams. There is always going to be teams that should be in that didn't make it, thats hockey and thats why they call it playoffs.

yeah i understand that but i can think of a couple teams that both beat moorhead by over 4 and one of them beat wayzata and one beat white bear by 3 and centennial

Sounds like some who didn't get it done....The truth is, there is no one here or at any of the state tournaments that doesn't belong. What ever team you are eluding to (I'm assuming it's Bemidji) they don't belong there. Every team had the same chance to get to this tournament, the ones that got there, deserved to because they played the best hockey at the right time of year. I don't care who beat who in January, December November or October, that fact remains, if you don't win at the end of February thru the end of March than you have no argument. Everyone had a chance to come out of their district and those teams had an equal chance to come out of their Region. If you don't get it done you don't belong. Even if one of the teams had to upset a team to get to the state tourney, than they belong. I'm so sick of people talking like this, it is an excuse and at the end of the day some guys get it done and some guys don't. The teams that did, belong.

Lastly, if you look at the tournament field:

Roseau vs. Eden Praire

Duluth East vs. Wayzata

Moorhead vs. Edina

Centennial vs. White Bear Lake

Take a close look at those 8 teams, than take a look back at the last dozen years of state tournaments......if you actually do, you find that many of the past tournaments had these very teams in it. Year in and year out these teams are in the state tournament...now excuse makers will say it's because they are "mega" associations. My opinion, and maybe it is because I have gotten to know a lot of the guys who coach these teams over the past three or four years, but my opinion is these guys do it right. I have talked at length with several of them and they'll tell you flat out, they don't care about winning games at any point other than at playoff time. Take WBL for example. Last year, were left for dead at christmas time, and what do you know, come playoff time where did they end up? The state tournament. This year, they were getting pounded in November and December, but what do you know, it's region time and what do you know, the Bears are a team no one wants to play. So don't sit here with sour grapes and deminish what any of these teams have done, they have (now this is a novel idea on this board) they have EARNED their spot at the state tournament, so take your "there are teams that should be there instead" crap and stick it.

[Chuck Norris Fan]

That is true, but last year they changed to this system and it made the whole system a lot better. They got rid of the Owatonna or Sartell teams that didn't belong in this class of teams. There is always going to be teams that should be in that didn't make it, thats hockey and thats why they call it playoffs.

yeah i understand that but i can think of a couple teams that both beat moorhead by over 4 and one of them beat wayzata and one beat white bear by 3 and centennial

Sounds like some who didn't get it done....The truth is, there is no one here or at any of the state tournaments that doesn't belong. What ever team you are eluding to (I'm assuming it's Bemidji) they don't belong there. Every team had the same chance to get to this tournament, the ones that got there, deserved to because they played the best hockey at the right time of year. I don't care who beat who in January, December November or October, that fact remains, if you don't win at the end of February thru the end of March than you have no argument. Everyone had a chance to come out of their district and those teams had an equal chance to come out of their Region. If you don't get it done you don't belong. Even if one of the teams had to upset a team to get to the state tourney, than they belong. I'm so sick of people talking like this, it is an excuse and at the end of the day some guys get it done and some guys don't. The teams that did, belong.

Lastly, if you look at the tournament field:

Roseau vs. Eden Praire

Duluth East vs. Wayzata

Moorhead vs. Edina

Centennial vs. White Bear Lake

Take a close look at those 8 teams, than take a look back at the last dozen years of state tournaments......if you actually do, you find that many of the past tournaments had these very teams in it. Year in and year out these teams are in the state tournament...now excuse makers will say it's because they are "mega" associations. My opinion, and maybe it is because I have gotten to know a lot of the guys who coach these teams over the past three or four years, but my opinion is these guys do it right. I have talked at length with several of them and they'll tell you flat out, they don't care about winning games at any point other than at playoff time. Take WBL for example. Last year, were left for dead at christmas time, and what do you know, come playoff time where did they end up? The state tournament. This year, they were getting pounded in November and December, but what do you know, it's region time and what do you know, the Bears are a team no one wants to play. So don't sit here with sour grapes and deminish what any of these teams have done, they have (now this is a novel idea on this board) they have EARNED their spot at the state tournament, so take your "there are teams that should be there instead" crap and stick it.

Nuff Said!

[Chuck Norris Fan]

Lets take a look at how this thing will shape up

Quarters

Roseau vs. Eden Praire (1 vs 8 here....EP wins)

Duluth East vs. Wayzata (Wayzata clear favorite, but injuries could help East... in the end Wayzata wins)

Moorhead vs. Edina (Edina has had a bumpy road here, but played well and avenged two losses to burnsville last week. have to go with hornets here)

Centennial vs. White Bear Lake (This one will be the tight as well, they have traded blows all year who will have the final knockout? I say Centennial ...big goalies win big games)

Semis

EP vs. Wayzata (if Wayzata is still beat up this will be easy for EP)

Edina vs. Centennial (Wow what a battle, these two went head to head in 05 and 06 splitting championships. I give the edge to Centennial, only because i am not a fan of the gong show known as Edina)

The Ship

Ep vs. Centennial ( rematch of last year, and if you would have asked at the beginning of the year if this would have happened I would have said no chance, Centennial not good enough. However......... things have fallen into place for them, unfortunalty the results don't change, EP takes home the title, again)

[pondyplayer93]

That is true, but last year they changed to this system and it made the whole system a lot better. They got rid of the Owatonna or Sartell teams that didn't belong in this class of teams. There is always going to be teams that should be in that didn't make it, thats hockey and thats why they call it playoffs.

yeah i understand that but i can think of a couple teams that both beat moorhead by over 4 and one of them beat wayzata and one beat white bear by 3 and centennial

Sounds like some who didn't get it done....The truth is, there is no one here or at any of the state tournaments that doesn't belong. What ever team you are eluding to (I'm assuming it's Bemidji) they don't belong there. Every team had the same chance to get to this tournament, the ones that got there, deserved to because they played the best hockey at the right time of year. I don't care who beat who in January, December November or October, that fact remains, if you don't win at the end of February thru the end of March than you have no argument. Everyone had a chance to come out of their district and those teams had an equal chance to come out of their Region. If you don't get it done you don't belong. Even if one of the teams had to upset a team to get to the state tourney, than they belong. I'm so sick of people talking like this, it is an excuse and at the end of the day some guys get it done and some guys don't. The teams that did, belong.

no actually i was referring to jefferson and minnetonka
because d6 has so many good teams year in and out and only 3 make it to regions

thats two really good teams who didnt even make it out of districts

[wannagototherink]

yeah i understand that but i can think of a couple teams that both beat moorhead by over 4 and one of them beat wayzata and one beat white bear by 3 and centennial

Sounds like some who didn't get it done....The truth is, there is no one here or at any of the state tournaments that doesn't belong. What ever team you are eluding to (I'm assuming it's Bemidji) they don't belong there. Every team had the same chance to get to this tournament, the ones that got there, deserved to because they played the best hockey at the right time of year. I don't care who beat who in January, December November or October, that fact remains, if you don't win at the end of February thru the end of March than you have no argument. Everyone had a chance to come out of their district and those teams had an equal chance to come out of their Region. If you don't get it done you don't belong. Even if one of the teams had to upset a team to get to the state tourney, than they belong. I'm so sick of people talking like this, it is an excuse and at the end of the day some guys get it done and some guys don't. The teams that did, belong.

no actually i was referring to jefferson and minnetonka
because d6 has so many good teams year in and out and only 3 make it to regions

thats two really good teams who didnt even make it out of districts

Well thats why it is called the STATE TOURNAMENT, not the District 6 Tournament. Maybe the Frozen Four should just be teams from the WCHA or Hockey East, after all they are the best conferences year in and year out in college hockey. Screw the CCHA why should they be able to compete for the national title, the best teams are in the other conferences. Actually, just go buy your kids trophy's in the shape of Minnesota, glue a plaque on it that reads State Champion and than you can sleep well at night.

People are really starting to make me sick!

[Chuck Norris Fan]

yeah i understand that but i can think of a couple teams that both beat moorhead by over 4 and one of them beat wayzata and one beat white bear by 3 and centennial

Sounds like some who didn't get it done....The truth is, there is no one here or at any of the state tournaments that doesn't belong. What ever team you are eluding to (I'm assuming it's Bemidji) they don't belong there. Every team had the same chance to get to this tournament, the ones that got there, deserved to because they played the best hockey at the right time of year. I don't care who beat who in January, December November or October, that fact remains, if you don't win at the end of February thru the end of March than you have no argument. Everyone had a chance to come out of their district and those teams had an equal chance to come out of their Region. If you don't get it done you don't belong. Even if one of the teams had to upset a team to get to the state tourney, than they belong. I'm so sick of people talking like this, it is an excuse and at the end of the day some guys get it done and some guys don't. The teams that did, belong.

no actually i was referring to jefferson and minnetonka
because d6 has so many good teams year in and out and only 3 make it to regions

thats two really good teams who didnt even make it out of districts

Even if they made it out of districts because they were given 5 seeds there would still be only two out of regions

[elliott70]

That is true, but last year they changed to this system and it made the whole system a lot better. They got rid of the Owatonna or Sartell teams that didn't belong in this class of teams. There is always going to be teams that should be in that didn't make it, thats hockey and thats why they call it playoffs.

yeah i understand that but i can think of a couple teams that both beat moorhead by over 4 and one of them beat wayzata and one beat white bear by 3 and centennial

Sounds like some who didn't get it done....The truth is, there is no one here or at any of the state tournaments that doesn't belong. What ever team you are eluding to (I'm assuming it's Bemidji) they don't belong there. Every team had the same chance to get to this tournament, the ones that got there, deserved to because they played the best hockey at the right time of year. I don't care who beat who in January, December November or October, that fact remains, if you don't win at the end of February thru the end of March than you have no argument. Everyone had a chance to come out of their district and those teams had an equal chance to come out of their Region. If you don't get it done you don't belong. Even if one of the teams had to upset a team to get to the state tourney, than they belong. I'm so sick of people talking like this, it is an excuse and at the end of the day some guys get it done and some guys don't. The teams that did, belong.

Lastly, if you look at the tournament field:

Roseau vs. Eden Praire

Duluth East vs. Wayzata

Moorhead vs. Edina

Centennial vs. White Bear Lake

Take a close look at those 8 teams, than take a look back at the last dozen years of state tournaments......if you actually do, you find that many of the past tournaments had these very teams in it. Year in and year out these teams are in the state tournament...now excuse makers will say it's because they are "mega" associations. My opinion, and maybe it is because I have gotten to know a lot of the guys who coach these teams over the past three or four years, but my opinion is these guys do it right. I have talked at length with several of them and they'll tell you flat out, they don't care about winning games at any point other than at playoff time. Take WBL for example. Last year, were left for dead at christmas time, and what do you know, come playoff time where did they end up? The state tournament. This year, they were getting pounded in November and December, but what do you know, it's region time and what do you know, the Bears are a team no one wants to play. So don't sit here with sour grapes and deminish what any of these teams have done, they have (now this is a novel idea on this board) they have EARNED their spot at the state tournament, so take your "there are teams that should be there instead" crap and stick it.

Could not agree more.

Bemidji has a good team, but you need to win on Sunday.
And playing your district competition for the 5th time, it is hard to beat them on that 5th time. Bu they had a good year and they and Roseau are very equal, but a D16 team is there, so I am happy.

Go Rams!

[punchinbag]

Every single team that is there, deserves to be. They got it done while the others are just done. Hats off to all the teams that made it! CNF, you have done a great job all year! Keep it up!

While my team is done, they had a good year. To beat Roseau for a 5th time in one year, was simply too much to overcome. Not many from the North can say that at the end of the day.

Respect the teams that made it, congratulate all of them on their victories, and move on. The war is much more important than the battle. Nobody has won the war yet. EP is the current favorite to win but there are roughly 130+ other kids that want it just as much. It should be a great battle in two weeks.

While the majority of the people on this forum are passionate fans, parents and coaches, we are not the ones who lace them up every day and give it their all. We can only admire the dedication of the players and appreciate their love for the game they play. While we dream of playing again, the players are the ones who give us something to talk about during these cold winter months. Take time to thank all of them!

[heavyhitter]

heres a little something i found out. theres cousins playing each other between the white bear vs. centennial game. that should be fun to watch.

[pondyplayer93]

Sounds like some who didn't get it done....The truth is, there is no one here or at any of the state tournaments that doesn't belong. What ever team you are eluding to (I'm assuming it's Bemidji) they don't belong there. Every team had the same chance to get to this tournament, the ones that got there, deserved to because they played the best hockey at the right time of year. I don't care who beat who in January, December November or October, that fact remains, if you don't win at the end of February thru the end of March than you have no argument. Everyone had a chance to come out of their district and those teams had an equal chance to come out of their Region. If you don't get it done you don't belong. Even if one of the teams had to upset a team to get to the state tourney, than they belong. I'm so sick of people talking like this, it is an excuse and at the end of the day some guys get it done and some guys don't. The teams that did, belong.

no actually i was referring to jefferson and minnetonka
because d6 has so many good teams year in and out and only 3 make it to regions

thats two really good teams who didnt even make it out of districts

Well thats why it is called the STATE TOURNAMENT, not the District 6 Tournament. Maybe the Frozen Four should just be teams from the WCHA or Hockey East, after all they are the best conferences year in and year out in college hockey. Screw the CCHA why should they be able to compete for the national title, the best teams are in the other conferences. Actually, just go buy your kids trophy's in the shape of Minnesota, glue a plaque on it that reads State Champion and than you can sleep well at night.

People are really starting to make me sick!

right state is meant to be the best 8 teams is it not?

and no actually ccha has some good teams including the defending national champs
but thats besides the point

[pondyplayer93]

Sounds like some who didn't get it done....The truth is, there is no one here or at any of the state tournaments that doesn't belong. What ever team you are eluding to (I'm assuming it's Bemidji) they don't belong there. Every team had the same chance to get to this tournament, the ones that got there, deserved to because they played the best hockey at the right time of year. I don't care who beat who in January, December November or October, that fact remains, if you don't win at the end of February thru the end of March than you have no argument. Everyone had a chance to come out of their district and those teams had an equal chance to come out of their Region. If you don't get it done you don't belong. Even if one of the teams had to upset a team to get to the state tourney, than they belong. I'm so sick of people talking like this, it is an excuse and at the end of the day some guys get it done and some guys don't. The teams that did, belong.

no actually i was referring to jefferson and minnetonka
because d6 has so many good teams year in and out and only 3 make it to regions

thats two really good teams who didnt even make it out of districts

Even if they made it out of districts because they were given 5 seeds there would still be only two out of regions

thats the other problem is the regions should split up the teams from the same district

[MNhkyplyr06]

personally i think that WBL will get killed in state, the only thing they have is size and speed, little skill, EP and Wyzata are the best teams

[wannagototherink]

I think the best part of this years bantam tournament is, while teams like EP and Wayzata deserve to be the favorites, I think with the programs, coaches, teams and players involved, that I wouldn't really be surprised if any of these 8 teams won.

Roseau = I think Chuck Norris said it on another thread, but probably the 8th seed if you were to rank them. A program with a lot of Pride and Tradition and I expect them to come out flying. Plus, if Butsy Erickson is the coach you have plenty of experience there to come up with the right game plan.

Eden Praire = Been number one all year and with out a doubt the favorite to win the whole thing. Two things keep them out of the first repeat in like 35 years or so. First is goaltending, while goaltending is by no means weak, it is not as strong as Meyers was last year. Second, depth, last years version of the eagles had three great lines with size, speed and strength. This year they have two lines with speed and skill. Will anyone be able to keep the the states best player (#7 Rau) off the board? I would find it hard to believe that all of a sudden they would now. While in my opinion the Eagles and coach Lacombe take home their second state title in as many years, the good news is, they will have to earn this one.

Duluth East = Wasn't sure they would be back at the state tournament this year after seeing them in White Bear Lake in early February, but the Hounds have found a way back. I think they give Wayzata a run for their money in the quarters, but they may be too young to win it this year. Another team that lacks depth, but they do have IMO one of the top 3 players in the state in #24 Nolan Meyer. While I don't expect the Hounds to go forward in the bracket, this team and their coaches seem to find away to get it done year in and year out, can anyone remember the last time Duluth East wasn't in this tournament? Don't over look the Hounds.

Wayzata = Team defense and good goaltending has been the backbone of the Trojans all year. Talk about a team any coach would love and it would have to be Wayzata, they block shots, work hard and are the most physical team in the tournament with the possible exception of WBL. Injuries are the big question mark with Wayzata and if they can over come that it could be a good weekend for the Trojans. It really depends what team shows up, the one that played Rochester last weekend or the one that played Osseo. But much like last year, I think #1 beats #2 in the quarterfinals.


Moorhead = I have to be honost I don't know much about this team, but I know coach Bushy is no stranger to his team playing in mid and late March. Moorhead has been known to hide up north all season and come through the end of the year and shock some teams. If they weren't playing Edina at Braemar in this first game I'd have a hard time picking against them, but I think they are going to have to play perfect to by the Hornets.

Edina = Apple Valley may wonder why Edina is here but they are the only ones after that goofy district 6 rule of the higher seed advancing. Nonetheless, the Hornets have been one of the stronger teams all year and a team that really could be beat or beat anyone in this tournament. I predict an all District 6 finals with the EP and Edina rivalry coming out in the biggest game. Tough to beat this team on their home rink so don't be surpirsed if the Hornets are raising a trophy on Sunday afternoon.

White Bear Lake = The quarterfinal matchup between them and the Cougars is somewhat poetic. Both teams were left for dead this year, I think I even saw them ranked like 17th at one point back in December. Yet coach Hambly seems to always get his team ready come playoff time. If I'm a coach game planning for the Bears I'm a little nervous right now. They have a pretty good recipe for success with their size and strength. While scoring and goaltending is the big question mark for the Bears, durability and physical play will give them as good a shot as anyone.

Centennial = If you ask me, if they gave out a coach of the year award at the bantam level, Coach Rass would be the winner hands down. This team has more tricks up their sleeves than David Copperfield. Always prepared and always an effective game plan, which is why they have made it to three consecutive title games. Never count out the Cougars, while they don't have the top end guys like J. Lovick or R. Flynn. They do have a Flynn boy (#10) that can control a game from the Blueline like no other player in the state can. Plus, they have not only one of the best, but hands down the goalie with the most experience of any team at this tournament. Larsen has been in nets for the last two title games winning one and losing last year to the Eagles. With goaltending experience like that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cougars make another run.


So that is how I see this tournament shaping up. I predict Eden Praire over Edina in the finals in a great game. I hope everyone has a great experience. Finally, I have to say, even with all the complaints from teams that feel they should be here, or that this is a collection of the best teams. I have to disagree 100%, these teams are here because they belong, and I have no doubt that any team here could beat any team sitting at home right now. I think this is the best field for a state tournament that I can ever remember. I look forward to watching some great hockey on the Weekend of March 14-16th. There couldn't be a better field playing at a better venue if you were to draw it up before the year started. See you at the rink.

[east hockey]

White Bear Lake will win. Why didn't you include them? They have been on fire lately.

I added them but I forgot to like submit it my mistake and I'm not sure how to edit it, I don't do polls all that often

I added WBL as an option.

Lee

[Fire and Ice]

State Tourney Records

Roseau 33-14-1
Eden Prairie 55-4-2

Duluth East 35-12-1
Wayzata 37-10-1

Edina 42-14-5
Moorhead 41-2-1

White Bear Lake 30-26-8
Centennial 27-26-3

[Doglover]

Great summary wannagototherink. Best analysis I've read and I agree - it's definitely a strong field and anyone could win.

[Duluth East Hockey Fan]

Lee can you lock the "bantam a state" thread? be nice to keep all the discussion to one thread. Thanks Lee

[1st year phenom]

Yeah, all of these are great posts guys but someone said earlier that #7(Rau) on Ep was the best player in the state.

I seriously Doubt that. All you have to do is touch him and he'll shy away. Thats exactly what happened in the Moose goheen tourney in January when Wbl nearly upset #1 ranked EP

<.'_Just Another Day At The Rink_'.>