St. Thomas Should Opt to "AA" (Star Tribune)

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:25 pm

Interesting article from the Star Trib on STA...something that I believe has been discussed once or twice here...

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps/16317866.html

STC18 · Post by **STC18** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:36 pm

STA should opt up to AA, they are just "trophy-chasing" as used in the article by playing in single A. Good article.

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:39 pm

One thing I've noticed since their Class "A" championship was the banner they hold in their rink which simply says: 2006 State Champions. If they are going to play Class "A", then it should be stamped on there...

Hockeyguy_27 · Post by **Hockeyguy_27** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:50 pm

Hillfan wrote:One thing I've noticed since their Class "A" championship was the banner they hold in their rink which simply says: 2006 State Champions. If they are going to play Class "A", then it should be stamped on there...

This could be their reasoning for not opting up. To replace that banner would simple be too expensive

pondyplayer93 · Post by **pondyplayer93** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:58 pm

its interesting too how the players want to move up to aa also.

droppin'gloves · Post by **droppin'gloves** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:59 pm

Wow....this is a really interesting topic. I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned on here before. I actually just puked in my mouth a little. Why don't they just make a sticky thread at the top of the page for why STA should move up. That way we could confine the same old arguements to one thread, instead of them appearing in every single topic. I am not even a huge STA fan, and I am sick of hearing it. Now it sounds like whining. Even if it is a valid point, every idiot with a computer has added in their two cents now. I think we can all agree that it is due to happen very soon if the success continues. We wouldn't be having this conversation if STA was 5-23. Give no credibility to the Star Trib article. All it takes is for that journalist to stumble upon this website and find fodder for a quick 3 paragraph article. Getting really really old.

topshelf10 · Post by **topshelf10** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:03 am

STA should opt up if this streak continues for the next 3-5 years, but they are relatively new on the hockey scene. Also, this years seniors are the group that put them on the map. Who knows how good they will be in the coming years without the class of 2008.

dangles07 · Post by **dangles07** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:19 am

poor journalism by mr. millea

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:26 am

While I agree with the article, I will say that the timing isn't quite right...

In other words, a tad shady. Opinions are opinions I guess and that's his job...

blindref · Post by **blindref** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:34 am

I just think it's odd that Co-op teams like Monticello-Annadale-Maple Lake and River Lakes (Rocori, Paynesville, New London, Albany and St.Johns Prep) have to include the full enrollment of each individual city high school if they roster one player on their team and are forced to skated at the AA level.
These teams have the luxury to draw Roseau, Moorhead or Elk River with Girls hockey to see in the first round every year.
Yet, STA who probably has kids from 5-10 cities plays Class A.
I feel that private schools should have to play under the same rules as these co-op schools.
If Blake has 16 kids from the Hopkins school district, let them play Class A.

Junior Samples · Post by **Junior Samples** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:05 am

st. thomas is a wanna-bee not willing to pay the price to be a bee.

K Dope · Post by **K Dope** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:09 am

droppin'gloves wrote:Wow....this is a really interesting topic. I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned on here before. I actually just puked in my mouth a little. Why don't they just make a sticky thread at the top of the page for why STA should move up. That way we could confine the same old arguements to one thread, instead of them appearing in every single topic. I am not even a huge STA fan, and I am sick of hearing it. Now it sounds like whining. Even if it is a valid point, every idiot with a computer has added in their two cents now. I think we can all agree that it is due to happen very soon if the success continues. We wouldn't be having this conversation if STA was 5-23. Give no credibility to the Star Trib article. All it takes is for that journalist to stumble upon this website and find fodder for a quick 3 paragraph article. Getting really really old.

I am an idiot with a computer and here is my two cents...STA should be in 2A. Vanelli is chicken. 2006 JV State Champs.

MrRoseau · Post by **MrRoseau** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:28 am

I think Warroad should man-up and play AA, too.

slapnasty · Post by **slapnasty** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:53 am

I think Warroad should man-up and play AA, too.

I agree im a southern minnesota boy but dont get me wrong i think roseau should have the watertower that says hockeytown usa. Warroad and Roseau have great tradition programs but Roseau steps it up and plays AA. Not pressuring Warroad, just saying...

HShockeywatcher · Post by **HShockeywatcher** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:00 am

I have yet to read the whole topic, only a little ways in. I think it's hilarious that a "hillfan" would rip on St Thomas for putting up a "2006 state champs" banner (which they were, regardless of specifying a class they were state champs) when aldrich has a banner hanging saying "AA state champs" from a year when there was only one class...

HShockeywatcher · Post by **HShockeywatcher** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:16 am

A few reactions to the article:

What is wrong with what Jack Zaur said? We have two classes because of what coaches wanted. If they wanted to mandate where schools were placed, then they could as well, but enough obviously don't care.

What's with the emphasis on the state tourney? Look at Roseau. Sure, they play in AA and are playing with the "big boys." But look at the rest of their season. Whole season, including state, St Thomas probably has a tougher schedule than Roseau. St Thomas won the Silver Cup this year, next year (pending not losing good young players) they could compete for the Gold Cup. Fine, they play A. Who cares? They've shown they are a good team with what they do with their season, why does what they do with their post season matter?

As an alum, I would prefer to have the luxury of seeing them walk through an easy section and play a total of 6 post season games than be put in a tough section, and lose in the semi's of sections with a similarly talented team. Maybe just me. Exposure is huge at this level.

As a side note: my reason for supporting AA is mainly because of what Walters was quoted to saying today. If top players could go to a good program in A or a good program in AA, I feel they'd pick AA. Walters would fortunately leave for NTDP, not AA, but it's a reality. Aside from that, I don't see why it matters. If they can play in, and be competitive in, the Gold Cup, play top teams like Tonka during the season, then play top A teams in the post season, why does it matter?

K Dope · Post by **K Dope** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:27 am

HShockeywatcher wrote:A few reactions to the article:

What is wrong with what Jack Zaur said? We have two classes because of what coaches wanted. If they wanted to mandate where schools were placed, then they could as well, but enough obviously don't care.

What's with the emphasis on the state tourney? Look at Roseau. Sure, they play in AA and are playing with the "big boys." But look at the rest of their season. Whole season, including state, St Thomas probably has a tougher schedule than Roseau. St Thomas won the Silver Cup this year, next year (pending not losing good young players) they could compete for the Gold Cup. Fine, they play A. Who cares? They've shown they are a good team with what they do with their season, why does what they do with their post season matter?

As an alum, I would prefer to have the luxury of seeing them walk through an easy section and play a total of 6 post season games than be put in a tough section, and lose in the semi's of sections with a similarly talented team. Maybe just me. Exposure is huge at this level.

As a side note: my reason for supporting AA is mainly because of what Walters was quoted to saying today. If top players could go to a good program in A or a good program in AA, I feel they'd pick AA. Walters would fortunately leave for NTDP, not AA, but it's a reality. Aside from that, I don't see why it matters. If they can play in, and be competitive in, the Gold Cup, play top teams like Tonka during the season, then play top A teams in the post season, why does it matter?

It matters because they cherry pick top talent away from other schools...weakening those schools. They should be in 2A. On top of that they then take a spot away from a smaller school who could have made it to the State Tourney and received some of the "exposure."

I repeat - STA should stop playing JV post-season hockey.

Trashman · Post by **Trashman** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:34 am

There is a big difference between putting AA on a banner for a year when there was only one tourny, and putting State champs on a banner from a year in which a team won a "lower class" tourny. Quit your nitpicking Hockeywatcher

huskyhawky · Post by **huskyhawky** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:35 am

This is where I see HS hockey tourney going to an individual sport rather than winning as a team. Sure STA etc... can walk through sections and get some exposure but this tournament did not get its status as the best in the country soley based on an individual basis. It is more about the team aspect and the community that follow along with it. If you want soley exposure you know where you can get it (not very hard these days) I believe the tournament and the fans who follow it deserve better than to get AA quality teams face off in the single A tourney year after year. If you polled the kids on the single A teams who have won the championship with AA thoughts I am sure they would agree. Why is it that ST.Thomas plays a double A schedule if they do not feel that they belong, as I feel that should not help them in things such as the seeding process if they still choose to go down to the single A status. I agree that the wins are impressive but who are you trying to impress? I do not get it! Stand up and fight for it all or get the respect you deserve which is what you get.

Goldy23 · Post by **Goldy23** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:46 am

The article sums it up quite well. Its a simple fact that by the size of the boys class they should be forced to play AA. They are working a loophole to play down and dominate.

Which in my mind make the Cadets seem like Cowardly Chickens.

The reason this thread is like a virus is its ridiculous that it is allowed to continue. Next thing you know they will find another loophole that allows their JV to Play in the Girls Class A tourney under the reasoning that well, they shouldn't be penalized for not having any girls at the school!

I like the fact that teams can opt up if they choose, but to scam their way down is a disgrace. What about all that honor B.S. the Cadets are always spouting?

Turkeycut15 · Post by **Turkeycut15** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:50 am

I think that private schools should automattically have to be in AA regardless of the size of the school. most private schools are well known to pick the top players from public schools.

thestickler07 · Post by **thestickler07** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 5:27 am

Shut up. STA fans generally agree and want them to opt up. There is no argument here.

This is the 3rd topic in the last day on this. Either sticky one thread, or just lock them. They don't accomplish anything.

The argument is STA should opt up. The consensus is, yes they should. Powers beyond our control decide they shouldn't. Stop complaining about it?

P.S. HM has the right to hang a AA banner. I didn't know STA's banner didn't say "Class A". If it doesn't say Class A then that's kinda lame, but whatever, crying about doesn't change anything and it just bugs people.

This horse has been dead along time. Stop beating it, be quiet, and enjoy the tournament.

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St. Thomas Should Opt to "AA" (Star Tribune)

St. Thomas Should Opt to "AA" (Star Tribune)

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