Will EP be a repeat at STATE

[flatontheice]

Granted Tonka has the best looking D corps in the state (on paper) but it never ceases to amaze me how people continue to make Tonka world beaters when they've never managed to win a damn thing. By the way, ever heard of Kyle Rau?

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

HF, I agree with you on three points....

1. Hockey is all about team not star players.
2. Leddy cannot be "replaced".
3. Tonka's D line up is impressive.

These same EP kids have been beating these same Tonka kids (and everyone else in the state) for years with superior team play. Why do you feel that Tonka now has the advantage?

A better coach for one thing.

[shakey]

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

HF, I agree with you on three points....

1. Hockey is all about team not star players.
2. Leddy cannot be "replaced".
3. Tonka's D line up is impressive.

These same EP kids have been beating these same Tonka kids (and everyone else in the state) for years with superior team play. Why do you feel that Tonka now has the advantage?

A better coach for one thing.

What position will Brian Urick be playing this year?

[High Flyer]

Granted Tonka has the best looking D corps in the state (on paper) but it never ceases to amaze me how people continue to make Tonka world beaters when they've never managed to win a damn thing. By the way, ever heard of Kyle Rau?

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

HF, I agree with you on three points....

1. Hockey is all about team not star players.
2. Leddy cannot be "replaced".
3. Tonka's D line up is impressive.

These same EP kids have been beating these same Tonka kids (and everyone else in the state) for years with superior team play. Why do you feel that Tonka now has the advantage?

1) Players mature/peak at differents times during thier hockey developmental path. I've seen some of the EP flatten out over the last couple of years and I'm seeing some of the Mtka kids now comming into thier own. Both teams are different now and you can't say the high school years will be the same as the squirt, peewee and bantam years.

2) The tonka boys didn't have Krueger in net during thier youth years.

3) Coaching also comes into play, for both teams, maybe better, maybe worse. Different systems, line combinations, practices, bench managment, etc.. than thier youth years.

[shakey]

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

HF, I agree with you on three points....

1. Hockey is all about team not star players.
2. Leddy cannot be "replaced".
3. Tonka's D line up is impressive.

These same EP kids have been beating these same Tonka kids (and everyone else in the state) for years with superior team play. Why do you feel that Tonka now has the advantage?

1) Players mature/peak at differents times during thier hockey developmental path. I've seen some of the EP flatten out over the last couple of years and I'm seeing some of the Mtka kids now comming into thier own. Both teams are different now and you can't say the high school years will be the same as the squirt, peewee and bantam years.

2) The tonka boys didn't have Krueger in net during thier youth years.

3) Coaching also comes into play, for both teams. Systems, line combinations, practices, bench managment, etc.. can be different from thier youth years to high school.

All fair points. However your assertion that some EP kids have "flattened out" over the past couple of years is a little confusing. I assume that you are referring to EP kids that were playing varsity hockey for the first time as sophomores last year. Tonka's leaders are now seniors that took a year (or two) to catch up to the game. I can't think of any reason to believe that the EP kids won't be able to make the same advances.

[breakout]

Leddy was an "impact player" and a "game breaker". EP does not have anyone who will fill Leddy's shoes

Granted Tonka has the best looking D corps in the state (on paper) but it never ceases to amaze me how people continue to make Tonka world beaters when they've never managed to win a damn thing. By the way, ever heard of Kyle Rau?

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

I see Gardner rostered on an Elite 1 team, do not see Kyle Rau. He was a U18 USA player, correct?. Why would he not be playing in the Elite League? I don't see him as being big enough yet to handle a before & after.

Any Kyle Rau sightings? Did I miss something?

[FREDFLINTSTONE]

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

HF, I agree with you on three points....

1. Hockey is all about team not star players.
2. Leddy cannot be "replaced".
3. Tonka's D line up is impressive.

These same EP kids have been beating these same Tonka kids (and everyone else in the state) for years with superior team play. Why do you feel that Tonka now has the advantage?

1) Players mature/peak at differents times during thier hockey developmental path. I've seen some of the EP flatten out over the last couple of years and I'm seeing some of the Mtka kids now comming into thier own. Both teams are different now and you can't say the high school years will be the same as the squirt, peewee and bantam years.

2) The tonka boys didn't have Krueger in net during thier youth years.

3) Coaching also comes into play, for both teams, maybe better, maybe worse. Different systems, line combinations, practices, bench managment, etc.. than thier youth years.

response:

1) These EP kids have been hearing this all along. After the squirt years they were told that peewees is alot different than squirts yet look at the results. At the bantam level they were told this is not peewees and look at the result. At he high school level they were told that this is not bantams and look at the result. I believe these EP kids will do just fine. Minnetonka will be very good and section 6 will be a battle.

2) This Krueger kid gets alot of recognition, but if you have 3 D1 kids in front of him, is it the "D" or the goalie?

3) I don't see a problem with either coach, but I think you need to give a little credit to the EP coach for taking 10 raw sophomores and getting the job done.

[shakey]

Granted Tonka has the best looking D corps in the state (on paper) but it never ceases to amaze me how people continue to make Tonka world beaters when they've never managed to win a damn thing. By the way, ever heard of Kyle Rau?

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

I see Gardner rostered on an Elite 1 team, do not see Kyle Rau. He was a U18 USA player, correct?. Why would he not be playing in the Elite League? I don't see him as being big enough yet to handle a before & after.

Any Kyle Rau sightings? Did I miss something?

What's Gardiner got to do with Rau?

[breakout]

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

I see Gardner rostered on an Elite 1 team, do not see Kyle Rau. He was a U18 USA player, correct?. Why would he not be playing in the Elite League? I don't see him as being big enough yet to handle a before & after.

Any Kyle Rau sightings? Did I miss something?

What's Gardiner got to do with Rau?

high flyer notes that EP has Rau and Tonka has Gardiner. I was working off that comparison. I am guessing Rau is talented enough to play on one of the Elite League teams. Making the U.S. Under 18 Team should make him an automatic.

[King of the Pond]

Although Centennial wont be as good as they have been remember that they still have 5 Elite I players and this group of kids got 2nd to EP in Bantam State

[BodyShots]

Although Centennial wont be as good as they have been remember that they still have 5 Elite I players and this group of kids got 2nd to EP in Bantam State

And last years team won state as Bantam's, yet didn't even make it out of sections.

It's a new ballgame when High School hockey starts and privates create their own youth association starting in 9th grade!

[King of the Pond]

Although Centennial wont be as good as they have been remember that they still have 5 Elite I players and this group of kids got 2nd to EP in Bantam State

And last years team won state as Bantam's, yet didn't even make it out of sections.

It's a new ballgame when High School hockey starts and privates create their own youth association starting in 9th grade!

I never suggested they were a top 2 team im just saying dont count them out cuz they are still a state contender

[HockeyMN1]

You could be right about the goaltending. Just heard he laid an egg at Selects and not sure there is a strong #2 but maybe there is. It's such a key position and he did have Mr. Leddy in front of him last year (whom he did not have at Selects).

EP will have the exact same two goalies as last year except Ford will start as the starter intead of Halloran.

[HockeyMN1]

I see Gardner rostered on an Elite 1 team, do not see Kyle Rau. He was a U18 USA player, correct?. Why would he not be playing in the Elite League? I don't see him as being big enough yet to handle a before & after.

Any Kyle Rau sightings? Did I miss something?

What's Gardiner got to do with Rau?

high flyer notes that EP has Rau and Tonka has Gardiner. I was working off that comparison. I am guessing Rau is talented enough to play on one of the Elite League teams. Making the U.S. Under 18 Team should make him an automatic.

Dan Molennar is a very good d-man and should at least fill some of the void that Leddy left with another year's experience and a state championship under his belt.

[slapstkhound]

HF, I agree with you on three points....

1. Hockey is all about team not star players.
2. Leddy cannot be "replaced".
3. Tonka's D line up is impressive.

These same EP kids have been beating these same Tonka kids (and everyone else in the state) for years with superior team play. Why do you feel that Tonka now has the advantage?

1) Players mature/peak at differents times during thier hockey developmental path. I've seen some of the EP flatten out over the last couple of years and I'm seeing some of the Mtka kids now comming into thier own. Both teams are different now and you can't say the high school years will be the same as the squirt, peewee and bantam years.

2) The tonka boys didn't have Krueger in net during thier youth years.

3) Coaching also comes into play, for both teams. Systems, line combinations, practices, bench managment, etc.. can be different from thier youth years to high school.

All fair points. However your assertion that some EP kids have "flattened out" over the past couple of years is a little confusing. I assume that you are referring to EP kids that were playing varsity hockey for the first time as sophomores last year. Tonka's leaders are now seniors that took a year (or two) to catch up to the game. I can't think of any reason to believe that the EP kids won't be able to make the same advances.

Let's have all of the other teams not play at all this season and just let Tonka and EP play each other a couple of times to decide who will win....
While these teams will no doubt be good, there will be others who will contend and perhaps win. I'm just saying.....

[mnhkylvr]

What's Gardiner got to do with Rau?

high flyer notes that EP has Rau and Tonka has Gardiner. I was working off that comparison. I am guessing Rau is talented enough to play on one of the Elite League teams. Making the U.S. Under 18 Team should make him an automatic.

Dan Molennar is a very good d-man and should at least fill some of the void that Leddy left with another year's experience and a state championship under his belt.

Molenaar. Yes - he's great and only going to get better!

[HockeyMN1]

Is there a chance that EP will repeat for a back to back STATE CHAMPION in the 2009-2010 season? The stars are aliened for EP to repeat for a 2nd year repeat title. Can EP rebound from the loss of Leddy and a couple of seniors and juniors that played a dominate roll on last years team to repeat in 2010? EP should be the favorite, Jefferson is good, Tonka will be a factor, Hopkins is fading. Wayzata is coming, Blaine is solid. It shall be interesting.

Which of last year's juniors did EP lose?

None, everyone came back except the seniors.

[summer]

Granted Tonka has the best looking D corps in the state (on paper) but it never ceases to amaze me how people continue to make Tonka world beaters when they've never managed to win a damn thing. By the way, ever heard of Kyle Rau?

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

HF, I agree with you on three points....

1. Hockey is all about team not star players.
2. Leddy cannot be "replaced".
3. Tonka's D line up is impressive.

These same EP kids have been beating these same Tonka kids (and everyone else in the state) for years with superior team play. Why do you feel that Tonka now has the advantage?

The Mtka captain was on FSN last night saying they have never won anything, been to to any state tournament, and how glad they are to be apart of Hockey Day In Minnesota just to get some exposure.

It seems like good teams take awhile to break through, but once they do, they hang around for awhile. It took Edina SEVEN times before they won their first game at the tournament, even though they were seeded with the weakest sister at the party again and again. I would not bet against EP! They have the numbers, they have the success minded student athletes.

[FREDFLINTSTONE]

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

HF, I agree with you on three points....

1. Hockey is all about team not star players.
2. Leddy cannot be "replaced".
3. Tonka's D line up is impressive.

These same EP kids have been beating these same Tonka kids (and everyone else in the state) for years with superior team play. Why do you feel that Tonka now has the advantage?

The Mtka captain was on FSN last night saying they have never won anything, been to to any state tournament, and how glad they are to be apart of Hockey Day In Minnesota just to get some exposure.

It seems like good teams take awhile to break through, but once they do, they hang around for awhile. It took Edina SEVEN times before they won their first game at the tournament, even though they were seeded with the weakest sister at the party again and again. I would not bet against EP! They have the numbers, they have the success minded student athletes.

I believe you are talking about the interview with the captain from Hopkins.

[summer]

You are correct, my bad!

[HockeyMN1]

You could be right about the goaltending. Just heard he laid an egg at Selects and not sure there is a strong #2 but maybe there is. It's such a key position and he did have Mr. Leddy in front of him last year (whom he did not have at Selects).

They have the exact same two goalies as last year. Their #2 is strong, he actually started for half of last season until Ford took over.

[defense]

Is there a chance that EP will repeat for a back to back STATE CHAMPION in the 2009-2010 season? The stars are aliened for EP to repeat for a 2nd year repeat title. Can EP rebound from the loss of Leddy and a couple of seniors and juniors that played a dominate roll on last years team to repeat in 2010? EP should be the favorite, Jefferson is good, Tonka will be a factor, Hopkins is fading. Wayzata is coming, Blaine is solid. It shall be interesting.

Nope, absolutely not, not in a million years. ONe reason: Moorhead. THe Spuds will be way too much for the Eden Prarie team hands down. Way too much talent, superior coaching etc.....




If you didn't notice, I was just kidding....

Isn't Roseau about due...