Best bantam 'A' teams in 08-09 season

[baseball12]

Who are going to be some of the best bantam 'A' teams this year?

[Bash Brother]

Whichever town you are from will be the best

[Tenoverpar]

This is easy...based off of history

1. Edina
2. Wayzata
3. Rochester
4. Some team from the North (Moorhead perhaps?)
5. Some team from the South (another New Ulm year??)
6. Hill Murray, MN (could be Woodbury/Stillwater/White Bear Lake or any town East of St Paul INSERT HERE)

[frederick61]

Here is an interesting way to look at the Bantams this fall. The following breaks down the last two years of peewee A teams and how they performed by District. It will be interesting to see if the Bantam teams this year track with the peewees from the last two years

District 1-This district was dominated by Mpls Park two years ago, but Park struggled with Highland and Irondale last year. Park should have the best team.

District 2-The top teams always seem to be White Bear Lake, Roseville and North St. Paul. Last year, they were pushed in a fairly even league, with North St. Paul coming out on top. At one point last year, this district looked tough, but ran out of gas in the regionals. Moundsview and Forest Lake should challenge these three especially since the Polars are so close to Hill Murray.

District 3-Hopkins has the best player two years ago and were one of the best peewee A teams, but Wayzata hit their stride in the regionals and won state beating Apple Valley. Last year Hopkins struggled all year, but made it to the East Regionals before losing. Wayzata won the East Regional over D8 and D2 teams and lost to Edina in the state semifinals. Wayzata had one of the best peewee players in the state last year. Maple Grove has talent, and have been a steady #2 to either of these teams. They could develop as bantams.

District 4-This maybe the real first year where D4 and D8 merger will finally take meaning and establish the North, West and East Leagues. But the proposed rules for 08-09 reflex sort of the loose arrangement they had last year. Since 08-09 is the third year of the state’s four year planning cycle, a permanently merged D4/D8 may not happen until 2010-2011. With that being said, the top peewee A teams over the past two years have been Faribault, New Prague and Mankato with Luverne and Albert Lea pushing them. But clearly, Faribault and New Prague should have the better teams.

District 5-This is a District that has been dominated by two peewee A teams the last two years, Buffalo and Mound Westonka. Unfortunately both teams struggled outside of their district in tourneys. I like the attitude of the Buffalo defense this year.

District 6-Last year, there were a number of good peewee A teams with the top teams beings Edina and Eden Prairie. Trailing them were Chaska, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Tonka, Jefferson and Prior Lake. Edina and Eden Prairie both went to state with Edina winning. Eden Prairie lost in the semi’s to Grand Rapids. Two years ago, Apple Valley and Tonka had the best teams with Edina, Eastview and Chaska pushing them. Valley made it to the State Championship game. Four teams look to have the potential to be the top teams, Edina, Eden Prairie, Chaska and Valley.

District 8-Last year four peewee A teams, Woodbury, Eagan, Lakeville South, and Lakeville North were in the mix until Eagan and Woodbury took the districts. All these teams were from the D8 North league and played each other mostly. The Rochester teams were down last year and played an awkward schedule against a combination of D8/D4 schedule. Both Rochester teams were eliminated early in the D8 playoffs, however two years ago Rochester did make the state semifinals. This year, Woodbury went on to the state tourney and took consolation losing to Grand Rapids in the quarterfinals 3-2 (ot). Eagan lost in the regionals. Lakeville South made it to the state two years ago. But the Lakeville South bantam program has been struggling. Eagan and Woodbury should be on top at the end of the season. Woodbury had one of the best peewee A lines in the state last year and Eagan had some size and talent along with a number of wicked shots from the point.

District 10-Last year the top teams were Coon Rapids and St. Cloud. But not far behind were Elk River and Blaine. No team advanced to state. St. Cloud looks to be the toughest here. Coon Rapids maybe to young.

District 11-Last two peewee years, there have been three dominant teams, Cloquet, Duluth East and Hermantown in that order. With added pressure from high school on the bantam programs in D11, these teams should be on top of their district with Duluth East because of their depth being the toughest.

District 12-This should be Grand Rapids. Virginia and Hibbing have not been that strong and International Falls is always a mystery. Grand Rapids has been the dominant peewee A team in D12 for the past two year and has numbers at the B level.

District 15-Moorhead should be on top because of the numbers in their program, but the peewee A team was dominated by Little Falls and pushed by Fergus Falls last year. Brainerd made some noise two years ago, but if Little Falls can keep their peewees in tact with enough depth at bantam, they will be tough. Their peewee defense already has the size and skill to play bantam A.

District 16-This year East Grand Forks was the surprise knocking Roseau out of the tourney. Roseau dominated the peewee A’s in this district until the loss. The Forks beat Cloquet to make it to the consolation finals after losing to Edina in fairly even played game (first half of the game), but then lost to Woodbury in the consolation finals. Roseau was eliminated by the Forks in West Regional final and probably have the best peewee defense man in D16. If memory serves me, Bemidji made a run two years ago, but the best two teams should be the Forks and Roseau depending on how hard the high school hits the bantam program.

[wannagototherink]

Here is an interesting way to look at the Bantams this fall. The following breaks down the last two years of peewee A teams and how they performed by District. It will be interesting to see if the Bantam teams this year track with the peewees from the last two years

District 1-This district was dominated by Mpls Park two years ago, but Park struggled with Highland and Irondale last year. Park should have the best team.

District 2-The top teams always seem to be White Bear Lake, Roseville and North St. Paul. Last year, they were pushed in a fairly even league, with North St. Paul coming out on top. At one point last year, this district looked tough, but ran out of gas in the regionals. Moundsview and Forest Lake should challenge these three especially since the Polars are so close to Hill Murray.

District 3-Hopkins has the best player two years ago and were one of the best peewee A teams, but Wayzata hit their stride in the regionals and won state beating Apple Valley. Last year Hopkins struggled all year, but made it to the East Regionals before losing. Wayzata won the East Regional over D8 and D2 teams and lost to Edina in the state semifinals. Wayzata had one of the best peewee players in the state last year. Maple Grove has talent, and have been a steady #2 to either of these teams. They could develop as bantams.

District 4-This maybe the real first year where D4 and D8 merger will finally take meaning and establish the North, West and East Leagues. But the proposed rules for 08-09 reflex sort of the loose arrangement they had last year. Since 08-09 is the third year of the state’s four year planning cycle, a permanently merged D4/D8 may not happen until 2010-2011. With that being said, the top peewee A teams over the past two years have been Faribault, New Prague and Mankato with Luverne and Albert Lea pushing them. But clearly, Faribault and New Prague should have the better teams.

District 5-This is a District that has been dominated by two peewee A teams the last two years, Buffalo and Mound Westonka. Unfortunately both teams struggled outside of their district in tourneys. I like the attitude of the Buffalo defense this year.

District 6-Last year, there were a number of good peewee A teams with the top teams beings Edina and Eden Prairie. Trailing them were Chaska, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Tonka, Jefferson and Prior Lake. Edina and Eden Prairie both went to state with Edina winning. Eden Prairie lost in the semi’s to Grand Rapids. Two years ago, Apple Valley and Tonka had the best teams with Edina, Eastview and Chaska pushing them. Valley made it to the State Championship game. Four teams look to have the potential to be the top teams, Edina, Eden Prairie, Chaska and Valley.

District 8-Last year four peewee A teams, Woodbury, Eagan, Lakeville South, and Lakeville North were in the mix until Eagan and Woodbury took the districts. All these teams were from the D8 North league and played each other mostly. The Rochester teams were down last year and played an awkward schedule against a combination of D8/D4 schedule. Both Rochester teams were eliminated early in the D8 playoffs, however two years ago Rochester did make the state semifinals. This year, Woodbury went on to the state tourney and took consolation losing to Grand Rapids in the quarterfinals 3-2 (ot). Eagan lost in the regionals. Lakeville South made it to the state two years ago. But the Lakeville South bantam program has been struggling. Eagan and Woodbury should be on top at the end of the season. Woodbury had one of the best peewee A lines in the state last year and Eagan had some size and talent along with a number of wicked shots from the point.

District 10-Last year the top teams were Coon Rapids and St. Cloud. But not far behind were Elk River and Blaine. No team advanced to state. St. Cloud looks to be the toughest here. Coon Rapids maybe to young.

District 11-Last two peewee years, there have been three dominant teams, Cloquet, Duluth East and Hermantown in that order. With added pressure from high school on the bantam programs in D11, these teams should be on top of their district with Duluth East because of their depth being the toughest.

District 12-This should be Grand Rapids. Virginia and Hibbing have not been that strong and International Falls is always a mystery. Grand Rapids has been the dominant peewee A team in D12 for the past two year and has numbers at the B level.

District 15-Moorhead should be on top because of the numbers in their program, but the peewee A team was dominated by Little Falls and pushed by Fergus Falls last year. Brainerd made some noise two years ago, but if Little Falls can keep their peewees in tact with enough depth at bantam, they will be tough. Their peewee defense already has the size and skill to play bantam A.

District 16-This year East Grand Forks was the surprise knocking Roseau out of the tourney. Roseau dominated the peewee A’s in this district until the loss. The Forks beat Cloquet to make it to the consolation finals after losing to Edina in fairly even played game (first half of the game), but then lost to Woodbury in the consolation finals. Roseau was eliminated by the Forks in West Regional final and probably have the best peewee defense man in D16. If memory serves me, Bemidji made a run two years ago, but the best two teams should be the Forks and Roseau depending on how hard the high school hits the bantam program.

That is an impressive breakdown and can only imagine the amound of research that took. Here is my preseason top 10.

1. Wayzata - The program is in great shape, Mario Lucia will be dominating and an outstanding coaching staff gives them the nod at #1.

2. Edina - Look at the success of the squirts and peewees the last ten years and see how it as translated to the bantam level? I'll tell you, with multilply state tournament appearences and hoisting the state championship trophy in 2005. No reason to believe this year will be any different.

3. Duluth East - This rank will be depending on if they are able to retain their players. Northern programs lose players to the high school year in and year out and Duluth East has always been on the forefront of that. If they keep'em all, their skilled depth up front could be fun to watch.

4. Centennial - A program that runs with as much cohesion as the Centennial is bound to be a top team. These guys always are ready at the end of the year. 6 straight state finals is proof of that. I think they'll miss losing Larsen the most, but don't be surprised to see them playing for another state championship.

5. White Bear Lake - This teams defensive, battle tested style that they hone throughout the year seems to be the recipe for getting to state tournaments. If they can remain discipline throughout the year, I would expect to see them back at the state tournament.

6. Moorhead - Now this northern team doesn't have to worry about losing any players to high school, but whether or not they are still hear at the end will depend on if they get out and play some competition this year. This past season exposed the Spuds level of competition when they got to the big dance. With three losses in their last six games when playing top competition. The Spuds do however have their starting goalie returning and that alone as anyone knows can be enough to go a long way.

7. Grand Rapids - The Thunderhawks have boosted their schedule over the past couple of seasons and their youth program seems to be flurishing. Rapids is my dark horse team

8. Eden Praire - With resignation of the past regime, this could rise or drop dramatically, it will be interesting to see.

These are my top 8 because they are the teams that are there in the end year in and year out. The will continue to be on my list until somebody can prove they aren't worthy.

[northwoods oldtimer]

Do not count out Bemidji in a top 10 to 15 category. That program has some horses and will return a core group who did quite well at Pee Wee A level 2 years ago. Their success makes one wish they had remained in AA for the high school level.

[D16Dad]

Do not count out Bemidji in a top 10 to 15 category. That program has some horses and will return a core group who did quite well at Pee Wee A level 2 years ago. Their success makes one wish they had remained in AA for the high school level.

Expect Bemidji HS to return to AA for the '09-'10 season. The group behind the move to not opt up to AA (Bemidji HS is A by MSHSL definition) has either graduated or resigned depending on who's version of the story you believe; same AD however.

[rippin1]

Edina is always solid. Same goes for Wayzata and Maple Grove they have the numbers to work with but I would not count out Hopkins. Yes they lost one of there best players to HS but the remaining team along with the very solid goaltending coming up are intack. They have a couple kids who can get the puck in the net, solid defense and a goalie that can keep it out. Most of their players will be 2nd year bantams and played together 2 years ago so they know what they can do. As it has been said 1 player does not make a team.

[basketballguy]

Eagan and Apple Valley have Excellent 2nd year Bantams, major question will be how many will leave to play HS?

[keepyourheadup]

In regards to district 8 don't count out either Lakeville team, south may have struggled last year but this was due to the large number of second year players who chose to play elsewhere. If they can retain all their elidgible players they will score goals. North has a large number of returning players from last year and had success with the same group two years ago in peewees. While neither team will be a powerhouse they'll be much more competitive than last year.

[punchinbag]

Do not count out Bemidji in a top 10 to 15 category. That program has some horses and will return a core group who did quite well at Pee Wee A level 2 years ago. Their success makes one wish they had remained in AA for the high school level.

Expect Bemidji HS to return to AA for the '09-'10 season. The group behind the move to not opt up to AA (Bemidji HS is A by MSHSL definition) has either graduated or resigned depending on who's version of the story you believe; same AD however.

D16Dad, Don't be so certain that it is clear cut to move back to AA? Unfortunately, passion and tradition play absolutely no role in this decision whatsoever. I would like to actually see the pros and cons listed for Bemidji and leave tradition out of it, because the only tradition we have is 30+ years old.

Personally, I would like to see us move back to AA. But, not because I think we are a great hockey town but that it is better for the overall growth and sustainability of the program.

Highly charged debate will follow leading up to next year (when your son is a senior). Should be interesting. Tired of taking a ribbing from Elliott too

[beaver16]

I just mentioned in another area but Roseau will be the best Bantam team since Josh Erickson is moving back.

Bemidji had tradition in the 70's and 80's, nothing since. There is too much false hope that they will be competing for a section championship especially when there has not been a team since Fitzy's and Peach's team that won regions and the state vfw as bantams. Too many parents with unrealistic expectations of their kids. There are good hockey players but too many kids that just play hockey. That is evident when they don't have any kids advance in the 16's and 17's and a couple in 15's(one moving) mentioned above. Bemidji is not a hockey town, it is a melting pot.

[MoreCowBell]

There is at least 20 teams maybe more in the metro area that will be better than Bemidji.

[elliott70]

I just mentioned in another area but Roseau will be the best Bantam team since Josh Erickson is moving back.

Bemidji had tradition in the 70's and 80's, nothing since. There is too much false hope that they will be competing for a section championship especially when there has not been a team since Fitzy's and Peach's team that won regions and the state vfw as bantams. Too many parents with unrealistic expectations of their kids. There are good hockey players but too many kids that just play hockey. That is evident when they don't have any kids advance in the 16's and 17's and a couple in 15's(one moving) mentioned above. Bemidji is not a hockey town, it is a melting pot.

Actually, 4 kids.
Graves, Tatro, Devescovi, Erickson

[punchinbag]

I just mentioned in another area but Roseau will be the best Bantam team since Josh Erickson is moving back.

Bemidji had tradition in the 70's and 80's, nothing since. There is too much false hope that they will be competing for a section championship especially when there has not been a team since Fitzy's and Peach's team that won regions and the state vfw as bantams. Too many parents with unrealistic expectations of their kids. There are good hockey players but too many kids that just play hockey. That is evident when they don't have any kids advance in the 16's and 17's and a couple in 15's(one moving) mentioned above. Bemidji is not a hockey town, it is a melting pot.

Beaver16, You seem to know alot about Bemidji Hockey. I think things are on the upswing in Bemidji. There may be some false hope out there and unrealistic expectations from some of the parents, but there is alot of depth in the age groups coming up. The Erickson kid will be missed from what I hear, but one kid does not a team make. A truly successful program does not focus on one individual but on the development of the whole group. Bemidji has made some strides away from this in recent times, but still has a ways to go. Once they totally move away from this concept and fully towards skill development for all, they will finally get out of the hole they have been in for some time. Once they get back to the attitude that the name on the front of the jersey is mo0re important than the name on the back, they will see success. I think the new HS coach has this in mind.

From what I have heard though, there were several excellent candidates for the HS job and it really came down to 2 of them when all was said and done.(thru grapevine) I have heard they both had a passion for Bemidji Hockey and fully believe in this concept. I certainly hope the new coach takes the opportunity to look at the other individual for a possible assistant position. I think they would both be great for Bemidji hockey, if working together.

So, Beaver16, don't give up on Bemidji Hockey just yet. Who knows, they might surprise you.

Also, Do you like the Beavers?

[elliott70]

There is at least 20 teams maybe more in the metro area that will be better than Bemidji.

I think I could name 20 teams that may fit that role.
If Erickson is leaving, Bemidji will be hurt, but there are several good players coming back. But not much help from the peewee group.

Now last year, 20 teams would have been a stretch.

[watchdog]

their wasnt 20 teams better in the cities last season. thats not a stretch thats a pipe dream. As for bemidji developing all players thats great for you guys!! when i grew up bemidji was a power house in hockey and ive often wonderd where it all went wrong for you guys. i think you have to evolve in your thinking to keep your program strong. (more money) money buys everything the community has to be willing to put up the bucks. the parents have to be seriously committed not just to volunteer for things but to get their kids the oppertunity to play. roseau has taken steps every year to building a better program but we still have alot of issues with developing individuals. alot of that has to do with coaching plain and simple. we have ice right now for six weeks for the kids to just skate and have fun no camps just fun.

[Tenoverpar]

watchdog..had a chance to play (my son) with the Broten kid (94 from Roseu) a few weeks back. If he's any indication of the type of player that is being developed at the younger age groups up your neck of the woods, then whatever you're doing is great.

This kid had the best hit I've seen all year, lambasting a kid from Detroit that was at least 6 inches taller and way heavier...love that kid and his style of hockey...

[GR3343]

watchdog..had a chance to play (my son) with the Broten kid (94 from Roseu) a few weeks back. If he's any indication of the type of player that is being developed at the younger age groups up your neck of the woods, then whatever you're doing is great.

This kid had the best hit I've seen all year, lambasting a kid from Detroit that was at least 6 inches taller and way heavier...love that kid and his style of hockey...

His brothers are pretty good as well. Blaine has always been a tough competitor and I suspect he always will be. Both older bro Chase and younger bro Nate will be gamers as well. Chase was the only 1st year bantam on a tough Roseau A squad. What they may lack in size right now, they make up for with skill, toughness and hockey smarts.

[beaver16]

It wasn't too long ago when roseau went AA because they could not beat Warroad for a decade. Ten years ago Warroad and Roseau were battling as the #8 & #9 seed in the VFW to get into the playoffs. It is funny how short some memories are. Maybe things are just cycling. Just a thought

[hckykid14]

What teams do you think are going to be in the first article for LPH Top 20 "Bantam A?" If you had to predict them...

[STickem]

My top 20 would include (not in any order)
Edina
Tonka
Maple Grove
Eagan
Centennial
GR
EP
Moorhead
Wayzata
Apple Valley (as long as they dont lose everyone to HS)
Roseau
Bemidji
Duluth East
White Bear Lake
Lakeville North
Lakeville South
Woodbury
Hopkins
Mpls. Park
Rooseville

[mngopherfan]

Does anyone know where there is a good list of BA Tourny's for the 08-09 season?

Thanks

[Chuck Norris Fan]

Centennial Preview - sometime in october
tommy Williams (duluth) in november
Ep thanksgiving tourney
Moorhead - used to be good, but a lot of teams have dropped
Shattuck tourney in december - good triple A vs MN Bantam A
Edina - Holiday tourney
WBL - Moose gohean - superbowl weekend

[TTpuckster]

My top 20 would include (not in any order)
Edina
Tonka
Maple Grove
Eagan
Centennial
GR
EP
Moorhead
Wayzata
Apple Valley (as long as they dont lose everyone to HS)
Roseau
Bemidji
Duluth East
White Bear Lake
Lakeville North
Lakeville South
Woodbury
Hopkins
Mpls. Park
Rooseville

How about East Grand Forks?