Section 4AA 2009-2010 Outlook & Projections

[OntheEdge]

Hmmm.... Roseville or Stillwater.... Hill Murray?? White Bear?? Cretin???
Its pretty tough to choose among such a strong group. Put me in a corner and I'd have to say... the Ponies will repeat even though, IMO, the Raiders are the best team on paper.

Hmmm....let's see. Cretin was 5-21 last year. They scored 31 goals. They lost 10 of those goals to the T'Breds, 9 to graduation. Both their varsity goalies graduated. Exactly why are you placing them in a group with 4 teams that will spend most of their time in the state's top ten list?

I'm glad you're picking Stillwater.....

I never underestimate private schools ability to recruit, especially Cretin. I know they lost a very good player to the Thoroughbreds and probably don't have much but I just threw them in there as more of a dark dark horse. When I said the Raiders had the best team on paper I meant the Roseville Raiders.

P.S. I think HM will be tough again too. Melvin might be right about WBL but I haven't seen many of their players so I have to take his word on that one.

[Melvin44]

Hmmm.... Roseville or Stillwater.... Hill Murray?? White Bear?? Cretin???
Its pretty tough to choose among such a strong group. Put me in a corner and I'd have to say... the Ponies will repeat even though, IMO, the Raiders are the best team on paper.

Hmmm....let's see. Cretin was 5-21 last year. They scored 31 goals. They lost 10 of those goals to the T'Breds, 9 to graduation. Both their varsity goalies graduated. Exactly why are you placing them in a group with 4 teams that will spend most of their time in the state's top ten list?

I'm glad you're picking Stillwater.....

I never underestimate private schools ability to recruit, especially Cretin. I know they lost a very good player to the Thoroughbreds and probably don't have much but I just threw them in there as more of a dark dark horse. When I said the Raiders had the best team on paper I meant the Roseville Raiders.

P.S. I think HM will be tough again too. Melvin might be right about WBL but I haven't seen many of their players so I have to take his word on that one.

Set up a scrimmage and believe! Only lose 1 Sr and skate 3 strong lines. Only a few schools can say the same.

Roseville has stronger goaltending but other than that pretty even.

[hockeywild7]

Roseville returns 99 goals, Stillwater 102 and White Bear 73. I would give Stillwater the edge in goal and they will return 5 strong players on defense. Roseville and Stillwater will also play with 3 strong lines. I still give the edge to Roseville and Stillwater with White Bear and Hill-Murray right on their heals.

[Bensonmum]

Hmmm.... Roseville or Stillwater.... Hill Murray?? White Bear?? Cretin???
Its pretty tough to choose among such a strong group. Put me in a corner and I'd have to say... the Ponies will repeat even though, IMO, the Raiders are the best team on paper.

Hmmm....let's see. Cretin was 5-21 last year. They scored 31 goals. They lost 10 of those goals to the T'Breds, 9 to graduation. Both their varsity goalies graduated. Exactly why are you placing them in a group with 4 teams that will spend most of their time in the state's top ten list?

I'm glad you're picking Stillwater.....

I never underestimate private schools ability to recruit, especially Cretin. I know they lost a very good player to the Thoroughbreds and probably don't have much but I just threw them in there as more of a dark dark horse. When I said the Raiders had the best team on paper I meant the Roseville Raiders.

P.S. I think HM will be tough again too. Melvin might be right about WBL but I haven't seen many of their players so I have to take his word on that one.

I won't stand by while you disparage dear Cretin High, because .... oh wait, is it me disparaging CDH? Or you? OK, now I think I've got it....you're giving them a shot by hinting that they recruit, and I'm suggesting they're in for a long season. Now that we got that straightened out, uh, where was I???

[OntheEdge]

Hmmm....let's see. Cretin was 5-21 last year. They scored 31 goals. They lost 10 of those goals to the T'Breds, 9 to graduation. Both their varsity goalies graduated. Exactly why are you placing them in a group with 4 teams that will spend most of their time in the state's top ten list?

I'm glad you're picking Stillwater.....

I never underestimate private schools ability to recruit, especially Cretin. I know they lost a very good player to the Thoroughbreds and probably don't have much but I just threw them in there as more of a dark dark horse. When I said the Raiders had the best team on paper I meant the Roseville Raiders.

P.S. I think HM will be tough again too. Melvin might be right about WBL but I haven't seen many of their players so I have to take his word on that one.

I won't stand by while you disparage dear Cretin High, because .... oh wait, is it me disparaging CDH? Or you? OK, now I think I've got it....you're giving them a shot by hinting that they recruit, and I'm suggesting they're in for a long season. Now that we got that straightened out, uh, where was I???

No offense was intended by me. I'm just a realist and I think all privates recruit. I don't mean it in a bad way. Its just the nature of the beast. They have to recruit students to pay their bills. Having good sports programs keep the alum donors happy and attract more students. Good academics, good sports, nice facilities, etc. all help keep the private school vibrant and thriving. Most colleges do the same thing.

There are however exceptions such as the University of Chicago. Most people don't know but they used to be a D1 sports school. I was told when I lived there that they were in the Big Ten at one time but they decided that academics were more important than sports so they abandoned all sports above the club level and tore down their football stadium and built a library on the razed stadium site. How's that for a statement for priorities in life?!

[iceage]

[hockeyheaven]

The State’s deepest section may just be the most competitive one for the 2009-10 season. In my opinion it should be a four team contest. Stillwater and Hill may have the only two top flight net minders in the field, but may have depth issues. Roseville and WBL look to be the deepest top to bottom but goaltending may be an issue. Things to consider in the next 3 months are;

1. Can Hill find a second scoring line and will they have enough defense to support a star on the rise in Mckeever (hope she don’t go down).
2. Can WBL find more scoring? Stay out of the box? (improving one might improve the other) Defense should be their strength but will the goaltending be there?
3. Roseville should be the favorite (however we’ve said that before). Need to finally live up to the expectations. Like WBL, defense will be a strength, and like Hill, will they have a second scoring line? Not as high on their goalie situation as others seem to be.
4. Stillwater looks the strongest on paper. Best goalie, two scoring lines, but do they have enough defense to contend?

Let the games begin.

[joehockey]

Good summation - showing the key items I added extentsions.....

The State’s deepest section may just be the most competitive one for the 2009-10 season. In my opinion it should be a four team contest. Stillwater and Hill may have the only two top flight net minders in the field, but may have depth issues. Roseville and WBL look to be the deepest top to bottom but goaltending may be an issue. Things to consider in the next 3 months are;

1. Can Hill find a second scoring line and will they have enough defense to support a star on the rise in Mckeever (hope she don’t go down).......the second scoring line is key could be Lund (jr.) - McDowell (sr.) - Heller (so.)? 4 D return and they have big size 3 sr and 1 so the 5 and 6 aren't clear yet....McKeever, Hannah Brandt-Marissa-Brand-Melissa Doyle are the keys to success all need to stay healthy.....
2. Can WBL find more scoring? Stay out of the box? (improving one might improve the other) Defense should be their strength but will the goaltending be there?
3. Roseville should be the favorite (however we’ve said that before). Need to finally live up to the expectations. Like WBL, defense will be a strength, and like Hill, will they have a second scoring line? Not as high on their goalie situation as others seem to be......I think Boss and Allen are very good goaltenders and will more than meet the need in goal - I actually believe they will be tops and may out play all but McKeever. Roseville has a wealth of talent and I think depth is suprerior.
4. Stillwater looks the strongest on paper. Best goalie, two scoring lines, but do they have enough defense to contend?.....top scoring machine 3 lines deep. Defense was question mark last year but made huge steps forward resulting in Championship. Goaltending has been a strength in past seasons.

Let the games begin.

[Hansonbrother]

[

quote="hockeyheaven"]The State’s deepest section may just be the most competitive one for the 2009-10 season. In my opinion it should be a four team contest. Stillwater and Hill may have the only two top flight net minders in the field, but may have depth issues. Roseville and WBL look to be the deepest top to bottom but goaltending may be an issue. Things to consider in the next 3 months are;

3. Roseville should be the favorite (however we’ve said that before). Need to finally live up to the expectations. Like WBL, defense will be a strength, and like Hill, will they have a second scoring line? Not as high on their goalie situation as others seem to be.

Let me get this straight should I not understand what you're saying. Roseville finished the season 25-2-1 last year. They won the conference beating Stillwater two times. They lost in overtime in the Section Finals to Stillwater, who eventually blew through the state tournament. And you're saying they need to live up to the expectations? Their only losses came to the two teams that were in the State Championship game. I'll tell their coaches to get on the stick or start looking for a new job!!

[hockeyheaven]

Bites huh…the greater the team the higher the expectation. Instead of talking to the coaches try asking the players if they were satisfied with their finish. Players of that quality have greater aspirations.

[Hansonbrother]

Bites huh…the greater the team the higher the expectation. Instead of talking to the coaches try asking the players if they were satisfied with their finish. Players of that quality have greater aspirations.

Well, they only graduated 4 from last year, and I've heard they're hungry. We'll have to see!

[Bensonmum]

The State’s deepest section may just be the most competitive one for the 2009-10 season. In my opinion it should be a four team contest. Stillwater and Hill may have the only two top flight net minders in the field, but may have depth issues. Roseville and WBL look to be the deepest top to bottom but goaltending may be an issue. Things to consider in the next 3 months are;

1. Can Hill find a second scoring line and will they have enough defense to support a star on the rise in Mckeever (hope she don’t go down).
2. Can WBL find more scoring? Stay out of the box? (improving one might improve the other) Defense should be their strength but will the goaltending be there?
3. Roseville should be the favorite (however we’ve said that before). Need to finally live up to the expectations. Like WBL, defense will be a strength, and like Hill, will they have a second scoring line? Not as high on their goalie situation as others seem to be.
4. Stillwater looks the strongest on paper. Best goalie, two scoring lines, but do they have enough defense to contend?

Let the games begin.

I'll disagree with one point and tell you you're wrong about another.
I'll disagree that goaltending is an issue with Roseville. A positive issue yes, not negative. This came up last year at this time too, although not during the 24-2-1 season. Not sure where the idea comes from--how do you lose only two games (both to the State Championship game participants) with suspect goaltending? The numbers: You might dismiss GAA, where the D shares the credit. But the two goalies had a save % of 93.8% combined (.5 better than Stillwater's #1, 1.5 better than HM's, and 3 pts. better than the WBL tandem). To dismiss that you have to believe that Stillwater (3 games), WBL (3 games) Moundview (2 games) plus GRG, Hopkins, and Edina aren't able to create quality shots or scoring chances. And if you do disregard those numbers, then any Roseville fan will tell you they have complete confidence in their goalies because it was never a weakness last year but a strength.
And now where you're absolutely wrong--questioning whether they have a 'second scoring line'. Like many others, you mistakenly assume that their two leading scorers (57 and 50 pts respectively) skate on the same line. They don't. They share time on special teams, but that's it (and even then one of them drops back to play point). So which do you consider the first line, the one with all three players returning (47 goals) or the one with the Golden Gopher recruit?
If your favorite team is basing success vs. Roseville on questionable goaltending and a weak 2nd line, good luck to them.

[hockeyheaven]

Wow judging from the reaction from the Raider faithful I think I like my review even more so now. A little defensive… I like it. But you need to calm down, I did pick you squad to finish on top. Personally, I like your goalies, great kids, still young and improving. Just not at the level of the Stillwater or HM players. My point is base on production witnessed out side the comfy confides of the Raider system (which is more attributed to the gaudy stats). You know 6 deep defensemen instructed to play a conservative style (don’t you dare think of caring that puck). Your goalies rarely see close in shots… everything is from the outside. The difference this year is for the first time in quite awhile you may not be so deep. As far as the second scoring line… will just have to see.

[Bensonmum]

I'mnotbeingdefensiveyou'rebeingdefensive!

[joehockey]

Wow judging from the reaction from the Raider faithful I think I like my review even more so now. A little defensive… I like it. But you need to calm down, I did pick you squad to finish on top. Personally, I like your goalies, great kids, still young and improving. Just not at the level of the Stillwater or HM players. My point is base on production witnessed out side the comfy confides of the Raider system (which is more attributed to the gaudy stats). You know 6 deep defensemen instructed to play a conservative style (don’t you dare think of caring that puck). Your goalies rarely see close in shots… everything is from the outside. The difference this year is for the first time in quite awhile you may not be so deep. As far as the second scoring line… will just have to see.

I don't know all of the D at Roseville they have three that are outstanding at both end of the ice
Allie Duellman - SR has D1 size, skill, big shot and makes good decsions.
Chelsey Wiitwicke - kind of a hybrid D who has impact in all three zones - small but smart and has D1 options
Lee Stecklein - only a sophmore this girl may be the best of the three really stood out in the Elite League this fall - great size, speed and poise - she is one of the best D in the Metro.

[titleist]

Wow judging from the reaction from the Raider faithful I think I like my review even more so now. A little defensive… I like it. But you need to calm down, I did pick you squad to finish on top. Personally, I like your goalies, great kids, still young and improving. Just not at the level of the Stillwater or HM players. My point is base on production witnessed out side the comfy confides of the Raider system (which is more attributed to the gaudy stats). You know 6 deep defensemen instructed to play a conservative style (don’t you dare think of caring that puck). Your goalies rarely see close in shots… everything is from the outside. The difference this year is for the first time in quite awhile you may not be so deep. As far as the second scoring line… will just have to see.

I don't know all of the D at Roseville they have three that are outstanding at both end of the ice
Allie Duellman - SR has D1 size, skill, big shot and makes good decsions.
Chelsey Wiitwicke - kind of a hybrid D who has impact in all three zones - small but smart and has D1 options
Lee Stecklein - only a sophmore this girl may be the best of the three really stood out in the Elite League this fall - great size, speed and poise - she is one of the best D in the Metro.

You all have it wrong, Roseville has been doing it all along with Smoke and Mirrors I tell you, smoke and mirrors!!

[Hansonbrother]

My point is base on production witnessed out side the comfy confides of the Raider system (which is more attributed to the gaudy stats). You know 6 deep defensemen instructed to play a conservative style (don’t you dare think of caring that puck). Your goalies rarely see close in shots… everything is from the outside. The difference this year is for the first time in quite awhile you may not be so deep.

Based on your speculation of Roseville, I can see that you must not have ever seen them play. Every statement you've just made here couldn't be any farther from the truth of how they play or are coached, with the exception to giving up the outside shot. Oh, that's funny!! I'll tell Mac, he'll get a kick out of the perception of Roseville's "D" out there.

[hockeywild7]

Not sure what you mean by their defense instructions to be conservative. They seem to be very involved in the offense. They are always a very strong team defensively and last year it was as strong as ever.

[hockeyheaven]

Conservative in terms of don’t be overly aggressive, like…since…like you don’t have to…like ya know. (geez, ya got me sounding like my daughter). Of course they are involved. However, Roseville has always been one of the deepest and most talented teams going. Consequently, they then have the luxury of keeping their defense tight. This is a good thing…and this has been a big part of their success over the years.

[Melvin44]

My opinion Roseville has a solid team all around and have always been a great defensive team because they have a system where the forwards play both ways and that is a huge benefit to the defense. If a defender get's involved in the play or pinches a forward will cover. Smart hockey. When have you ever seen Roseville get beat bad. It doesn't happen.

Yes, I'm from WBL but am a fan of Roseville and their system. What I feel they do is read the play. Know what you're going to do with it before you get it. See where it's going and not focus only on the puck carrier.

I do feel our coach is trying to teach the same things and if he can. WBL will be very tough to beat.

Stillwater fans. I know I'll hear it if I don't mention you play very similar. I just feel you don't need compliments because you always seem to think highly of yourselves anyways.

[hockeywild7]

Time will tell. Never underestimate talent.

[Homer]

Did anyone seen any games this past weekend?

[Hansonbrother]

Did anyone seen any games this past weekend?

boy am I curious to find out what happened in the WBL vs. Rosemount game

Not surprised to hear the score from Stillwater

[hockeywild7]

Around 15-16 penalties in the Stillwater/Minnetonka game. Not sure of the numbers but stillwater took more than Minnetonka.

[hockeyheaven]

Did anyone seen any games this past weekend?

boy am I curious to find out what happened in the WBL vs. Rosemount game

Not surprised to hear the score from Stillwater

Give Rosemount credit, nice team and they came to play… their new transfer goaltender didn’t hurt either. This girl from Lakeville was very sharp. But… then again WBL has picked up where they left off last year... What do they say…“if you don’t make a change…nothing changes”. Preventable penalties definitely contributed to the loss. Hate to keep expounding on it but when they play 5 on 5 they are as good as any team…however.
Case in point, last weekend in Duluth they were arguably the best team of a pretty nice field. The only difference was that you never had to play short handed…and with this team that makes all the difference

Have to be a little surprised by the Stillwater/Tonka score...huh?