Upper Midwest High School Girls ELite League

[hockeya1a]

I would like to see the stats of all of the girls listed on the website not just the leaders, It would be nice to see boxscore like stats of all of the players then you could see if the games were close on scoring oppertunities or if they were lopsided, I think that all of the girls deserve to have stats posted not just the leaders. Just my 2 cents worth.

[joehockey]

Free Admittance to Games on Saturday

------------------------------------------------------
GIRL'S ELITE LEAGUE OFFERS
FREE ADMISSION FOR OCTOBER 25th GAMES

Eleven Minnesota High School Division I signees featured during Inaugural Season of the Girl's High School Elite League.
Blaine, MN

The Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League today announced it will offer free admission for the games on Saturday, October 25th. The first game begins at 6 p.m. at Schwan's Super Rink #6 Arena. The Outstate team will square off against West Metro. At 8pm, the East Metro team will play against Shattuck St. Mary's School.

This is the first year of the Girl's Elite League for High School Players. Modeled after the boys' version, this fall developmental league allows the top female hockey players in the upper Midwest to compete with players of similar ability. Players include the best Minnesota High School Girls Hockey Players, including 11 who have already made Division 1 College Hockey commitments. St. Cloud: Lisa Martinson, Callie Dahl, Kylie Lane and Alex Nelson; University of Minnesota: Becky Kortum; Dartmouth: Sally Komarek; Mercyhurst: Jessica Christofferson; Bemidji: Sadie Lundquist; Harvard: Kelsey Romatoski; Mankato State University: Lauren Zrust and Erika Magnusson.

Three UMHSEL teams + Shattuck make up the four team league. This year's UMHSEL rosters are all Minnesota State High School players. Future seasons may expand to include more guest teams.

This marks the last weekend of a successful inaugural season, before the UMHSEL pairs down to one all-star team to compete in the Bauer NIT tournament at Shattuck Oct 31-Nov 2. Games are open to the public, free to students and $5 for adults.

Show your support for Minnesota High School Girl's Hockey, attend the game on October 25th and get in FREE with a copy of this e-mail.

For more information and league updates, visit us online at www.girlselitehockey.com.

[joehockey]

The following note was sent to players in the League and has some information relative to 2009


Attention Everyone:

Thanks for participating in the first season of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League.......You should all feel proud of this accomplishment. We are grateful to all of you for your efforts.

We have learned a lot over the course of the first season and are making plans to make season two even better. For next season our league will remain at three UMHSEL teams – in order to keep the level of play as high as possible. Our initial plans are to expand the number of weekends to five instead of four. We plan to start play at a Tournament in St. Cloud with our UMHSEL teams, SSM and 3-4 other guests. Our league will host the Bauer NIT Tourney in the Twin Cities next year (this year it’s hosted at Shattuck) and will include at least 8 of the top teams from USA & Canada.

Good luck this weekend! We’re looking forward to a strong finish! Players remember to turn in all of your gear on Sunday after your last game!

The All-Star Team selected to represent UMHSEL in next weekend’s Bauer NIT Tourney will be posted at the rink by 1:00 PM this Sunday Oct 26. Those players selected will only turn in their jersey on Sunday, and will be re-issued a jersey for next weekend................

Also scoring/stats through 9 games was updated:
http://www.girlselitehockey.com/stats.htm

Stat Leaders by Position After Week

Name..Pos..GP..Goals..Assists..Points..PPG
Cara Johnson......F...9..3..8..11..1.22
Meghan Lorence..F...7..8..3..11..1.57
Sally Komarek...F...6..6..5..11..1.83
Callie Dahl.........F...9..3..5..8..0.89
Hannah Brandt.. F...8..5..2..7..0.88
Kayla Capistrant..F..9..6..1..7..0.78
Maggie Pendleton..D..9..1..5..6..0.67
Lauren Zrust........F..7..4..2..6..0.86
Corrine Buie........F..9..2..4..6..0.67
Haylee Schmid.....F..9..3..3..6..0.67


Point Leaders by Position

FORWARDS
Name..Pos..GP...Goals..Assists..Points..PPG
Cara Johnson F 9 3 8 11 1.22
Meghan Lorence F 7 8 3 11 1.57
Sally Komarek F 6 6 5 11 1.83
Callie Dahl F 9 3 5 8 0.89
Hannah Brandt F 8 5 2 7 0.88
Kayla Capistrant F 9 6 1 7 0.78

DEFENSE
Name..Pos..GP...Goals..Assists..Points..PPG
Maggie Pendleton D 9 1 5 6 0.67
Christina Lacombe D 9 0 5 5 0.56
Kelsey Romatoski D 7 0 4 4 0.57
Allie Duellman D 5 1 3 4 0.80
Janessa Haller D 9 2 1 3 0.33
Lisa Martinson D 9 2 1 3 0.33

GOALIE LEADERS
Name....Pos.........MP... SOG...Goals...GAA.. SVP
Kallie Billadeau G 209.08 158 14 4.02 0.91
Tianna Press G 241.04 132 13 3.24 0.90
Jessica Havel G 271.18 164 17 3.76 0.90
Jessica Newstrom G 237.56 144 16 4.04 0.89
Julie Friend G 270.52 144 19 4.21 0.87
Laura Bellamy G 269.32 150 22 4.90 0.85

[hockeya1a]

The following note was sent to players in the League and has some information relative to 2009


Attention Everyone:

Thanks for participating in the first season of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League.......You should all feel proud of this accomplishment. We are grateful to all of you for your efforts.

We have learned a lot over the course of the first season and are making plans to make season two even better. For next season our league will remain at three UMHSEL teams – in order to keep the level of play as high as possible.

I am a bit disapointed by this statement! I think there were good players on these teams, but I also believe that there are more that should have been on it and this statement is dissing those other kids that are capable and could have been on it.

[ExecutionTrumpsStrategy]

The following note was sent to players in the League and has some information relative to 2009


Attention Everyone:

Thanks for participating in the first season of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League.......You should all feel proud of this accomplishment. We are grateful to all of you for your efforts.

We have learned a lot over the course of the first season and are making plans to make season two even better. For next season our league will remain at three UMHSEL teams – in order to keep the level of play as high as possible.

I am a bit disapointed by this statement! I think there were good players on these teams, but I also believe that there are more that should have been on it and this statement is dissing those other kids that are capable and could have been on it.

So true. This organization masquerades as having the elite Minnesota hockey players, while most realize there are some excellent players involved, many other elite players didn't even get a chance to tryout! Until more players get a shot, this will never be much more than a league for parents.

[joehockey]

My guess is the competition comment relates more to how the HS teams competed against SSM - only one tie - if next years team play SSM more even and win some League will likely expand.

I don't know how the slection criteria will change for next year - HS play, Phase Try Outs, NDP and then tryout. Maybe next year there will be more tryout slots?

For those who saw games play was very good and a number of subs had a chance to play over the first 3 weeks. The League did include every announced D1 committed player and likely more will be announced who were in the League.

My sense would be let the League know through the website that you would like to be considered for play next year.

[Oilers08]

So true. This organization masquerades as having the elite Minnesota hockey players, while most realize there are some excellent players involved, many other elite players didn't even get a chance to tryout! Until more players get a shot, this will never be much more than a league for parents.

I don't understand your position. Virtually every girl player in Minnesota commited to a D-1 school this year so far, except one, is playing in this league. If this isn't elite I dont know what is. Who are these missing elite girls? And where are they hiding?

Having three teams again next year should give any "missing" girls their chance to try out. I don't think throwing a negative blanket over the whole league in their first year was very good "execution" or "strategy".

[Melvin44]

I have to agree with oilers08. This league is loaded with talent and I'd have to say it's some of the best girls hockey I've seen. I'd copare it with NAHA which had many great teams and girls from all over the country and Canada.

I'd also like the names of the elite girls who didn't even get a chance to tryout!

[hockeya1a]

I have to agree with oilers08. This league is loaded with talent and I'd have to say it's some of the best girls hockey I've seen. I'd copare it with NAHA which had many great teams and girls from all over the country and Canada.

I'd also like the names of the elite girls who didn't even get a chance to tryout!

these are just some of the 07-08 scoring leaders that are mixed in with the elite numbers those that are in dark are not on the elite roster, but I also do not know who was actually invited.
but my point is that there are more girls out there that are just as good but not given a chance there for opening it up to another team or two could give more options. not to mention that there are good scoring leader Seniors, that were overlooked that will not get another chance because they allowed younger kids in.

Name School Born Pos 07 Points
Haylea Schmid St. Francis 90 F 42
Catherine Wagner Austin Sr 38
Taylor Kuehl Mound W Tonka So 38
Becky Kortum Hopkins 91 F 37
Meghan Lorence Irondale 92 F 35
Krystal Baumann Farmington So 35
Nicole Anderson Shakopee Sr 35
Kelsey Romatoski Academy of Holy Angels 91 D 34
Alyssa Black Mankato West 91 F 33
Sally Komarek Blake 91 F 32
Lauren Zrust Blaine 91 F 30
Alex Nelson Andover 91 F 29
Gina McDonald Irondale 92 F 29
Carly Kuhbander St. louis park Sr 28
Laura Carlson Hutch Sr 28
Rachel Bona Coon Rapids 92 F 27
Hannah Brandt Hill Murray 93 F 27
Rose Alleva Red Wing 92 D 27
Ali Nelson Maple Grove Sr 26
Amanda Colin Burnsville 92 F 23
Allison Malecek Buffalo Sr 23
Rachael Ramsey Minnetonka So 23
Milica Mcmillan Breck FR 22
Margret Chute Blake Sr 22
Callie Dahl Stillwater 91 F 21
Lisa Berreman Eagan Sr 20
Megan Gilbert Andover 91 F 17
Jess Harren Hil Murray 91 F 15
Bethany Brausen Roseville 92 F 14
Corrine Buie Edina 92 F 13
Kayla Capistrant Roseville 92 F 13
Janessa Haller Anoka 91 D 12
Lauren Barnes Burnsville 92 F 12
Jocie Slattery Centennial 92 F 12

Dont get me wrong I think that this is an awsome oppertunity for these girls, and the talent level that seperates most of these girls is minimal at best, that is why I think it should be So-Sr only and add another group or two. You never know who might show up to play

another question is why don't they also play the TB in this?

[Melvin44]

Ramsey, Chute and Berreman I think would have had automatic invites if they wanted. McMillan is a freshman and would have had to have been invited she's also on the CODP fall team and might have chose not to participate.

So we're talking about what 7 girls?
Are we sure these girls weren't invited and declined?

[chickendance]

Whew. Because if it was 8 or 10 names then we would agree that they could have done better?

[hockeya1a]

Whew. Because if it was 8 or 10 names then we would agree that they could have done better?

I did not go down the list to far to pull out these few names. and even if it was only 7, that would be too many. which 7 would you liked bumped to make room? adding another team or two would be better.

[ExecutionTrumpsStrategy]

So true. This organization masquerades as having the elite Minnesota hockey players, while most realize there are some excellent players involved, many other elite players didn't even get a chance to tryout! Until more players get a shot, this will never be much more than a league for parents.

I don't understand your position. Virtually every girl player in Minnesota commited to a D-1 school this year so far, except one, is playing in this league. If this isn't elite I dont know what is. Who are these missing elite girls? And where are they hiding?

Having three teams again next year should give any "missing" girls their chance to try out. I don't think throwing a negative blanket over the whole league in their first year was very good "execution" or "strategy".

Good try. I don't think I was suggesting that the D-1 committed players weren't invited....they are there. It's from there that it becomes alittle more political. The concerns raised have never questioned the ability of the top 10 players.....they stand out and are recognized by all.....it's about the next 50 or so who apparently got invited because of who they know. Thank you hockeya1a and chickendance for standing tall and identifying some nice players who apparently didn't get invited to tryout (I know one of them didn't ). Beyond those, there are players who are being recruited by D-1 schools but because they play defense they don't show up as scoring leaders.

Until the process is opened up there will continue to be many who look at the Elite league as failing to live up to it's name.

[hockeya1a]

So true. This organization masquerades as having the elite Minnesota hockey players, while most realize there are some excellent players involved, many other elite players didn't even get a chance to tryout! Until more players get a shot, this will never be much more than a league for parents.

I don't understand your position. Virtually every girl player in Minnesota commited to a D-1 school this year so far, except one, is playing in this league. If this isn't elite I dont know what is. Who are these missing elite girls? And where are they hiding?

Having three teams again next year should give any "missing" girls their chance to try out. I don't think throwing a negative blanket over the whole league in their first year was very good "execution" or "strategy".

Good try. I don't think I was suggesting that the D-1 committed players weren't invited....they are there. It's from there that it becomes alittle more political. The concerns raised have never questioned the ability of the top 10 players.....they stand out and are recognized by all.....it's about the next 50 or so who apparently got invited because of who they know. Thank you hockeya1a and chickendance for standing tall and identifying some nice players who apparently didn't get invited to tryout (I know one of them didn't ). Beyond those, there are players who are being recruited by D-1 schools but because they play defense they don't show up as scoring leaders.

Until the process is opened up there will continue to be many who look at the Elite league as failing to live up to it's name.

Dont get me wrong, I think that the elite Idea is an awsome thing for the girls,

Who gets on this this year does not affect me or my family, maybe in the years to come it will. I have nothing to gain by posting an opinion here other than hoping it will become available for more girls in the future.

[MNHockeyFan]

First game tonight it was Metro West 4, Outstate 1 (empty net). Very well played game that really could have gone either way - both teams had their chances.

[joehockey]

West Metro 4 Outstate 1
East Metro 4 SSM 16 4 (SSM went up 2-1 after 1, East then went up 3-2 after 2, SSM tied it and went up 4-3 and then East scored to force tie - East had 33 shots on goal SSM had 20. SSM had 12 penalties - East had 6)

[unbelievable]

West Metro 4 Outstate 1
East Metro 4 SSM 16 4 (SSM went up 2-1 after 1, East then went up 3-2 after 2, SSM tied it and went up 4-3 and then East scored to force tie - East had 33 shots on goal SSM had 20. SSM had 12 penalties - East had 6)

About the penalties, I've noticed something over the past 4 weeks, something to consider for next year regarding officials (or tomorrow if possible ): adding another referee for a total of 2 linesmen and 2 referees. The cost per game would be minimal (less than $50). The pace of the elite league games can be quick and the length of the game (3 - 20 minute stop time) can be a lot for one referee to handle.

In a previous elite league match up, a referee signaled a goal from center ice - never a good policy - in the third period. In this particular case, the puck never crossed the goal line - it hit the crossbar and bounced back into the crease where the goalie froze the puck. This resulted in a tie that would not have been if the referee could have kept up with the play. Earlier in the game the goalie had the puck frozen but it took the referee so long to get in position - thus no whistle - the puck was eventually dug out and shoved into the net. Again, if the referee was in position to accurately judge the situation - no goal.

This evening the referee was behind the play and did not blow the whistle when the goaltender froze the puck, so the attacking forward went after the puck. Only after the whistle blew did the referee assess a slashing penalty to the forward. Also, the referee supposedly missed a high stick call, so the linesman called it. The officiating crew also did not seem to understand which icing rule was in effect - race icing to the top of the circles. If the team that iced the the puck beats the other team to the top of the circles, icing is waved off. Safer than goal line icing used in the NHL but keeps the flow of the game going. Thanks to Eric Johnson for explaining to the East Metro bench that the icing call was a mistake.

This post is not berating the officials. That is not the intent. The flow of these games is often intense. I could not keep up with fresh legs rotating in over 3 - 20 minute periods. I believe adding another referee would only add to the quality of these games. This league is great for women's hockey. I offer these thoughts and ideas to possibly make it even better.

[hockeya1a]

West Metro 4 Outstate 1
East Metro 4 SSM 16 4 (SSM went up 2-1 after 1, East then went up 3-2 after 2, SSM tied it and went up 4-3 and then East scored to force tie - East had 33 shots on goal SSM had 20. SSM had 12 penalties - East had 6)

About the penalties, I've noticed something over the past 4 weeks, something to consider for next year regarding officials (or tomorrow if possible ): adding another referee for a total of 2 linesmen and 2 referees. The cost per game would be minimal (less than $50). The pace of the elite league games can be quick and the length of the game (3 - 20 minute stop time) can be a lot for one referee to handle.

In a previous elite league match up, a referee signaled a goal from center ice - never a good policy - in the third period. In this particular case, the puck never crossed the goal line - it hit the crossbar and bounced back into the crease where the goalie froze the puck. This resulted in a tie that would not have been if the referee could have kept up with the play. Earlier in the game the goalie had the puck frozen but it took the referee so long to get in position - thus no whistle - the puck was eventually dug out and shoved into the net. Again, if the referee was in position to accurately judge the situation - no goal.

This evening the referee was behind the play and did not blow the whistle when the goaltender froze the puck, so the attacking forward went after the puck. Only after the whistle blew did the referee assess a slashing penalty to the forward. Also, the referee supposedly missed a high stick call, so the linesman called it. The officiating crew also did not seem to understand which icing rule was in effect - race icing to the top of the circles. If the team that iced the the puck beats the other team to the top of the circles, icing is waved off. Safer than goal line icing used in the NHL but keeps the flow of the game going. Thanks to Eric Johnson for explaining to the East Metro bench that the icing call was a mistake.

This post is not berating the officials. That is not the intent. The flow of these games is often intense. I could not keep up with fresh legs rotating in over 3 - 20 minute periods. I believe adding another referee would only add to the quality of these games. This league is great for women's hockey. I offer these thoughts and ideas to possibly make it even better.

Again More great Ideas!
The only way to improve sometimes is to observe and learn quickly from it.

[Thunderbird77]

Execution Trumps Strategy Wrote:

It's from there that it becomes alittle more political. The concerns raised have never questioned the ability of the top 10 players.....they stand out and are recognized by all.....it's about the next 50 or so who apparently got invited because of who they know.

The only person you need to know is your high school coach. If your daughter's high school coach did not nominate them to be part of the NDP try-out process, shame on them. The NDP process was opened up to many more players than ever before. In many areas, the people running it had more try-out slots than they had players and went back to coaches to try to find more participants. The NDP Process and the Elite League both have strong ties to the MGHCA. It only makes sense for them to leverage the same process for player selection.

If your player participated in the NDP process but didn't get very far, then you should probably reconsider whether or not your player is deserving. I looked at the stats for the top 3 players that were in bold on the list. Most of the points came against weak teams, in many cases blow-outs where, on some teams, team point leaders would be taken off the ice as to not run up the score.....but that's another post.

Anyway, against top teams, the points scored changes quite a bit.

Austin lost 1 - 12 to Breck. Note that there were players from Breck who scored in that game that are not on the elite rosster.

Farmington lost 0 -5 to Grand Rapids Greenway

Shakopee lost 0 - 6 to Blake, 1 - 5 to Breck, 0 - 3 to Farmington, and two losses to Academy of Holy Angels (2-9), (2-4)

The compeition in the Elite League is much hgher than any of the above mentioned games. Note that those top three scorers, who amassed a total of 108 goals across their season, scored only 2 goals. They were both against AHA, who had a broader range of talent across their team last year.

[hockeya1a]

Execution Trumps Strategy Wrote:

It's from there that it becomes alittle more political. The concerns raised have never questioned the ability of the top 10 players.....they stand out and are recognized by all.....it's about the next 50 or so who apparently got invited because of who they know.

The only person you need to know is your high school coach. If your daughter's high school coach did not nominate them to be part of the NDP try-out process, shame on them. The NDP process was opened up to many more players than ever before. In many areas, the people running it had more try-out slots than they had players and went back to coaches to try to find more participants. The NDP Process and the Elite League both have strong ties to the MGHCA. It only makes sense for them to leverage the same process for player selection.

If your player participated in the NDP process but didn't get very far, then you should probably reconsider whether or not your player is deserving. I looked at the stats for the top 3 players that were in bold on the list. Most of the points came against weak teams, in many cases blow-outs where, on some teams, team point leaders would be taken off the ice as to not run up the score.....but that's another post.

Anyway, against top teams, the points scored changes quite a bit.

Austin lost 1 - 12 to Breck. Note that there were players from Breck who scored in that game that are not on the elite rosster.

Farmington lost 0 -5 to Grand Rapids Greenway

Shakopee lost 0 - 6 to Blake, 1 - 5 to Breck, 0 - 3 to Farmington, and two losses to Academy of Holy Angels (2-9), (2-4)

The compeition in the Elite League is much hgher than any of the above mentioned games. Note that those top three scorers, who amassed a total of 108 goals across their season, scored only 2 goals. They were both against AHA, who had a broader range of talent across their team last year.

but some of those teams do not have the depth to carry them as a whole
and those individual players are ususally caring the team with little or no support, you take any one of your elite players and put them on one of those other teams and see how they fair against the others.

[ExecutionTrumpsStrategy]

Execution Trumps Strategy Wrote:

It's from there that it becomes alittle more political. The concerns raised have never questioned the ability of the top 10 players.....they stand out and are recognized by all.....it's about the next 50 or so who apparently got invited because of who they know.

If your daughter's high school coach did not nominate them to be part of the NDP try-out process, shame on them. If your player participated in the NDP process but didn't get very far, then you should probably reconsider whether or not your player is deserving.

He did nominate her......she tried out. Being a late birthday...I think she was the only underclassman in her group....I don't think that helped. Quite candidly, she made it past the first cut and beyond the two that made it from her section, the difference between the rest was very nominal....IMO!

Another girl I am familiar with is a senior this year and a '90 birthday....she's a top scorer/player but not one of the girls who you describe as playing against weak teams. She played against most of the top teams....she didn't get a shot at NDP nor the Elite league. She deserved a tryout!

[OntheEdge]

Execution Trumps Strategy Wrote:

It's from there that it becomes alittle more political. The concerns raised have never questioned the ability of the top 10 players.....they stand out and are recognized by all.....it's about the next 50 or so who apparently got invited because of who they know.

The only person you need to know is your high school coach. If your daughter's high school coach did not nominate them to be part of the NDP try-out process, shame on them. The NDP process was opened up to many more players than ever before. In many areas, the people running it had more try-out slots than they had players and went back to coaches to try to find more participants. The NDP Process and the Elite League both have strong ties to the MGHCA. It only makes sense for them to leverage the same process for player selection.

If your player participated in the NDP process but didn't get very far, then you should probably reconsider whether or not your player is deserving. I looked at the stats for the top 3 players that were in bold on the list. Most of the points came against weak teams, in many cases blow-outs where, on some teams, team point leaders would be taken off the ice as to not run up the score.....but that's another post.

I know a number of girls that made it pretty far (Phase III and NY for 15s) in Adv 16 and Adv 15 that are Soph or above that did not even get invited for a tryout for the Elite league. For whatever reason there was a a problem this year. Lets just say that the league was negligent in identifying some of the top talent (at least for tryouts) in this first year and hopefully they will do a better job next year.

[MNHockeyFan]

Earlier today the Metro West beat SSM's U16 team 4-2. West dominated most of the play in the 1st period, taking a 2-0 lead, but SSM reversed the momentum and pretty much controlled the 2nd. In the 3rd SSM took too many penalties and this helped the West to maintain its lead and pull out the win.

SSM has a 2-1 lead over the Outstate team in the 2nd period.

[MNHockeyFan]

Earlier today the Metro West beat SSM's U16 team 4-2. West dominated most of the play in the 1st period, taking a 2-0 lead, but SSM reversed the momentum and pretty much controlled the 2nd. In the 3rd SSM took too many penalties and this helped the West to maintain its lead and pull out the win.

SSM has a 2-1 lead over the Outstate team in the 2nd period.

The Outstate stormed back to beat SSM U16 by a 5-2 margin. So the high school girls went 2-0-1 in their games against the SSM U16 team in the final weekend of play.

In the second game this evening the West got by the East Metro 5-2 with an empty netter in the closing seconds. The East put on great pressure throughout the game, but both West goalies played extremely well and were a big factor in helping their team win the finale and take 2nd in the league standings.

[unbelievable]

Earlier today the Metro West beat SSM's U16 team 4-2. West dominated most of the play in the 1st period, taking a 2-0 lead, but SSM reversed the momentum and pretty much controlled the 2nd. In the 3rd SSM took too many penalties and this helped the West to maintain its lead and pull out the win.

SSM has a 2-1 lead over the Outstate team in the 2nd period.

The Outstate stormed back to beat SSM U16 by a 5-2 margin. So the high school girls went 2-0-1 in their games against the SSM U16 team in the final weekend of play.

In the second game this evening the West got by the East Metro 5-2 with an empty netter in the closing seconds. The East put on great pressure throughout the game, but both West goalies played extremely well and were a big factor in helping their team win the finale and take 2nd in the league standings.

Has the UMHSEL All Stars roster been posted yet?