St Thomas @ Breck (12-8-09)

HShockeywatcher · Post by **HShockeywatcher** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 1:51 pm

Breck is 23-0-1 in their last 24 games, including a state championship. St Thomas didn't make it to state last year.

Last 4 meetings:
2008: STA 7-2
2007: Breck 6-5
2006: STA 6-0
2005: Breck 6-4

Goldy23 · Post by **Goldy23** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 3:02 pm

Gotta go with the Mustangs only because it's at home and the home team has won each of the past 4 games. Two of the three elite teams in Class A and probably 2 of the top 10 teams in the State. Possibly a preview to a much more important game in March.

HShockeywatcher · Post by **HShockeywatcher** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 6:09 pm

How much of last year's teams are each team returning? Someone with some insight please share.

Thanks

dueling21 · Post by **dueling21** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 8:44 pm

Both teams are returning plenty of top talent.

Breck basically lost only two players, but both were among their best in forward Joe Rehkamp and defenseman Reid Herd. But the Mustangs have as much talent back as anybody in the state...20 letter winners in total.

From the Breakdown:

It starts in nets for Breck, which boasts of three-year starter John Russell (21-3-1, 1.62), who had fans chanting his name during the final minutes of the state championship game last year. Despite being outshot 36-24 by Warroad, Russell kept the Warriors at bay and allowed Breck to win. His coach calls Russell arguably the best goaltender in the state and he earned All-State honorable mention after the season.
Russell is supported by a very good defense, which returns five regulars who can play both offense and defense. Seniors Mike Mooney (9-18-27), Ben Gislason (3-17-20), David Crowe (4-10-14) and Joe Zeidler (1-8-9) and sophomore Austin Rudnick (5-10-15) make a formidable blue line crew.
Up front, All-Tri-Metro seniors Tyson Fulton (28-36-64) and Mike Morin (27-20-47) anchor the offense along with fellow seniors Riley Borer (22-15-37), Chase Nystedt (9-21-30), Cameron Born (10-7-17), Brendan Yates (7-5-12), Charlie Borer and Jake McCormick; juniors Shayne Ciernia and David Zosel and sophomores Nate Traina (8-10-18) and Wes Iverson (9-7-16). They’re deep and balanced.

STA also has a very, very strong nucleus back...and no doubt they're angry after missing out on the state tournament last winter. They lost backup goalie Matt McNeely to the USNTDP, but have almost everybody else back. Again, from the Breakdown:

It starts up front, where the Cadets have three All-Classic Suburban snipers in seniors Christian Isackson (18-39-57) and Justin Crandall (23-27-50) and junior A.J. Reid (27-21-48). Isackson was also an honorable mention All-State choice. Add in senior Noah Gavin (11-15-26), juniors Zach Schroeder (12-19-31) and Matt Kroska (10-11-21) and sophomore Pete Krieger (4-9-13) and the Cadets have numerous lines that can put a tally on the board.
Defensively, junior Taylor Fleming (2-26-28) was an All-Classic Suburban choice, as well. He will join forces with senior Joe Graveline (4-12-16) and sophomore Eric Schurhamer (3-14-17) to form a roadblock for opposing teams.
Even when they do get through for a shot, opponents will have to contend with senior goalie Kurt Altrichter (13-4-1, .906), yet another All-Classic Suburban choice for the Cadets. Junior Matt McNeely was to split time with Altrichter, but chose to play for the USNTDP instead.

IMHO these are the two best teams in Class A and it should be a great battle.

By the way, I also want to plug the Breakdown again, as well. A great resource for boys high school hockey fans...296 pages long and loaded with information. Check it out at: http://www.mnhockeyhub.com/page/show/14 ... -breakdown

High Flyer · Post by **High Flyer** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:20 am

Goldy23 wrote:Gotta go with the Mustangs only because it's at home and the home team has won each of the past 4 games. Two of the three elite teams in Class A and probably 2 of the top 10 teams in the State. Possibly a preview to a much more important game in March.

Breakdown Preseason Rankings
Top 5 regardless of class
1. Eden Prairie
2. Minnetonka
3. Bloomington Jefferson
4. Breck
5. St. Thomas Academy

I think both Breck and STA are top "3" teams in the state.

Hockeywatcher123 · Post by **Hockeywatcher123** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 8:47 pm

High Flyer wrote:
Goldy23 wrote:Gotta go with the Mustangs only because it's at home and the home team has won each of the past 4 games. Two of the three elite teams in Class A and probably 2 of the top 10 teams in the State. Possibly a preview to a much more important game in March.
Breakdown Preseason Rankings
Top 5 regardless of class
1. Eden Prairie
2. Minnetonka
3. Bloomington Jefferson
4. Breck
5. St. Thomas Academy

I think both Breck and STA are top "3" teams in the state.

i would put ep and tonka over them. making one of the 4 but none the less 2 great teams. this game should be fun

HShockeywatcher · Post by **HShockeywatcher** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:03 am

With Breck's schedule, they NEED this win to stay a top team in state. With STA's schedule, if good enough, they can easily bounce back with a loss.

Seeing both schools win Schwan Cup and play in Gold next year would be a holiday treat.

Goldy23 · Post by **Goldy23** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:19 am

HShockeywatcher wrote:With Breck's schedule, they NEED this win to stay a top team in state. With STA's schedule, if good enough, they can easily bounce back with a loss.

Seeing both schools win Schwan Cup and play in Gold next year would be a holiday treat.

No question. I don't get how Breck gets passed over for the Gold divison in the Cup when they win State by a 16-4 margin and have all but two players returning. Yet STA stays in without even making it to state last year and Duluth East moves up even though Breck beat them 5-2 in last years cup match up?!

flatontheice · Post by **flatontheice** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:02 pm

Goldy23 wrote:
HShockeywatcher wrote:With Breck's schedule, they NEED this win to stay a top team in state. With STA's schedule, if good enough, they can easily bounce back with a loss.

Seeing both schools win Schwan Cup and play in Gold next year would be a holiday treat.
No question. I don't get how Breck gets passed over for the Gold divison in the Cup when they win State by a 16-4 margin and have all but two players returning. Yet STA stays in without even making it to state last year and Duluth East moves up even though Breck beat them 5-2 in last years cup match up?!

Because Breck has been very average up until last year..nothing but a flash in the pan.

Post by **east hockey** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:15 pm

flatontheice wrote:
Goldy23 wrote:
HShockeywatcher wrote:With Breck's schedule, they NEED this win to stay a top team in state. With STA's schedule, if good enough, they can easily bounce back with a loss.

Seeing both schools win Schwan Cup and play in Gold next year would be a holiday treat.
No question. I don't get how Breck gets passed over for the Gold divison in the Cup when they win State by a 16-4 margin and have all but two players returning. Yet STA stays in without even making it to state last year and Duluth East moves up even though Breck beat them 5-2 in last years cup match up?!
Because Breck has been very average up until last year..nothing but a flash in the pan.

Big flash. Small pan.

Lee

starmvp · Post by **starmvp** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:18 pm

This will be a fun one but I am going to say....
St. Thomas- 5
Breck- 3

backcheck101 · Post by **backcheck101** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:31 pm

Breck 4
St. Thomas 3

Breck has more depth, more talent.

Goldy23 · Post by **Goldy23** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:52 pm

flatontheice wrote:
Goldy23 wrote:
HShockeywatcher wrote:With Breck's schedule, they NEED this win to stay a top team in state. With STA's schedule, if good enough, they can easily bounce back with a loss.

Seeing both schools win Schwan Cup and play in Gold next year would be a holiday treat.
No question. I don't get how Breck gets passed over for the Gold divison in the Cup when they win State by a 16-4 margin and have all but two players returning. Yet STA stays in without even making it to state last year and Duluth East moves up even though Breck beat them 5-2 in last years cup match up?!
Because Breck has been very average up until last year..nothing but a flash in the pan.

Flat,

I wondered how long you could stay on the sideline before your fingers got the best of what's left of your better judgement to bash the Mustangs yet again.

Good to have you back! Not sure if winning 3 out of the last 10 State tournaments equates to a "flash in the pan"?! With virtually every published ranking pointing to the Mustangs as the preseason #1 in class A, and a Top 8 team in any class, it would have been nice to see this Flash in the Pan @ the X this December.

flatontheice · Post by **flatontheice** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 4:50 pm

Goldy23 wrote:
flatontheice wrote:
Goldy23 wrote: No question. I don't get how Breck gets passed over for the Gold divison in the Cup when they win State by a 16-4 margin and have all but two players returning. Yet STA stays in without even making it to state last year and Duluth East moves up even though Breck beat them 5-2 in last years cup match up?!
Because Breck has been very average up until last year..nothing but a flash in the pan.
Flat,

I wondered how long you could stay on the sideline before your fingers got the best of what's left of your better judgement to bash the Mustangs yet again. Good to have you back! Not sure if winning 3 out of the last 10 State tournaments equates to a "flash in the pan"?! With virtually every published ranking pointing to the Mustangs as the preseason #1 in class A, and a Top 8 team in any class, it would have been nice to see this Flash in the Pan @ the X this December.

Breck Mustangs Records
16-10-0
14-10-3
18-10-1
24-3-1

Flash in the pan last five years any way you look at it. What would you like to wager on the Mustangs not repeating?

TastyOldGreg · Post by **TastyOldGreg** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 9:33 pm

STA is the most dominate team in MN today... they have the skill and coaching to take them all the way to the top in no time... this game will be a blowout. I'm callin' a 7-2 victory by the Cadets!!!!

Goldy23 · Post by **Goldy23** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 12:21 am

flatontheice wrote:
Goldy23 wrote:
flatontheice wrote: Because Breck has been very average up until last year..nothing but a flash in the pan.
Flat,

I wondered how long you could stay on the sideline before your fingers got the best of what's left of your better judgement to bash the Mustangs yet again. Good to have you back! Not sure if winning 3 out of the last 10 State tournaments equates to a "flash in the pan"?! With virtually every published ranking pointing to the Mustangs as the preseason #1 in class A, and a Top 8 team in any class, it would have been nice to see this Flash in the Pan @ the X this December.
Breck Mustangs Records
16-10-0
14-10-3
18-10-1
24-3-1

Flash in the pan last five years any way you look at it. What would you like to wager on the Mustangs not repeating?

Flat-Why such a Breck basher? Need I remind you of your similar (AND WRONG) bet this time last year? From your post last year on 11/12 regarding my prediction that Breck would be a twenty game winner;

"I wish I knew you. I would love a small wager on 20 wins being the over under for Breck this year. I'll take the under."

Sorry, but you missed that one by 7 games. I won't bet you that they will repeat - as no team has ever repeated in class A to my knowledge, but if you want to PM me I'd be happy to lay down a bet that they win 23 or more games this year. Face it Flat, you were wrong regarding this team last year and you will more than likely be wrong again this year if you keep betting against them.

While anything certainly can happen when it gets to sections and State, I will go out on a limb and predict right now that the winner of the tourney will come down to the Mustangs or Cadets with a slight chance going to the Warriors.

greyhoundsnation27 · Post by **greyhoundsnation27** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 12:43 am

After seeing (reading about) the beating that Breck put on Mahtomedi, I can't pick against them. Breck 4-2.

HShockeywatcher · Post by **HShockeywatcher** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:30 am

In the past, all Schwan Cup Championship games have been at the X...Breck will be playing at the X in December.

flatontheice · Post by **flatontheice** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 3:59 pm

Goldy23 wrote:
flatontheice wrote:
Goldy23 wrote: Flat,

I wondered how long you could stay on the sideline before your fingers got the best of what's left of your better judgement to bash the Mustangs yet again. Good to have you back! Not sure if winning 3 out of the last 10 State tournaments equates to a "flash in the pan"?! With virtually every published ranking pointing to the Mustangs as the preseason #1 in class A, and a Top 8 team in any class, it would have been nice to see this Flash in the Pan @ the X this December.
Breck Mustangs Records
16-10-0
14-10-3
18-10-1
24-3-1

Flash in the pan last five years any way you look at it. What would you like to wager on the Mustangs not repeating?
Flat-Why such a Breck basher? Need I remind you of your similar (AND WRONG) bet this time last year? From your post last year on 11/12 regarding my prediction that Breck would be a twenty game winner;

"I wish I knew you. I would love a small wager on 20 wins being the over under for Breck this year. I'll take the under."

Sorry, but you missed that one by 7 games. I won't bet you that they will repeat - as no team has ever repeated in class A to my knowledge, but if you want to PM me I'd be happy to lay down a bet that they win 23 or more games this year. Face it Flat, you were wrong regarding this team last year and you will more than likely be wrong again this year if you keep betting against them.

While anything certainly can happen when it gets to sections and State, I will go out on a limb and predict right now that the winner of the tourney will come down to the Mustangs or Cadets with a slight chance going to the Warriors.

Goldy:

I like quite a few players on the Breck team. I just dont like guys who hype their teams so much when their kid is a total non-contributor. In other words I like Breck, I just don't like you. And yes, I was wrong last year but with Breck having only one real line this year I don't think I will be wrong again. BTW...the warriors aren't even the best team in their section this year.

pipes3030 · Post by **pipes3030** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:57 pm

TastyOldGreg wrote:STA is the most dominate team in MN today... they have the skill and coaching to take them all the way to the top in no time... this game will be a blowout. I'm callin' a 7-2 victory by the Cadets!!!!

No way 7 goals get past russell. This is going to be a very close game. I'll take Breck 3-2

High Flyer · Post by **High Flyer** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:41 pm

pipes3030 wrote:
TastyOldGreg wrote:STA is the most dominate team in MN today... they have the skill and coaching to take them all the way to the top in no time... this game will be a blowout. I'm callin' a 7-2 victory by the Cadets!!!! :D
No way 7 goals get past russell. This is going to be a very close game. I'll take Breck 3-2

How many goals did Russell give up in last years game vs STA???

pipes3030 · Post by **pipes3030** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 12:44 am

High Flyer wrote:
pipes3030 wrote:
TastyOldGreg wrote:STA is the most dominate team in MN today... they have the skill and coaching to take them all the way to the top in no time... this game will be a blowout. I'm callin' a 7-2 victory by the Cadets!!!!
No way 7 goals get past russell. This is going to be a very close game. I'll take Breck 3-2
How many goals did Russell give up in last years game vs STA???

Lightning never strikes twice...right???

The kid was lights out the rest of the season, and I'm sure he'll want to prove that that last year's game was just one bad game.

High Flyer · Post by **High Flyer** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 3:45 pm

pipes3030 wrote:
High Flyer wrote:
pipes3030 wrote: No way 7 goals get past russell. This is going to be a very close game. I'll take Breck 3-2
How many goals did Russell give up in last years game vs STA???
Lightning never strikes twice...right???

The kid was lights out the rest of the season, and I'm sure he'll want to prove that that last year's game was just one bad game.

Actually, I think you are throwing Russell under the bus unfairly, by saying he had a bad game last year. How many odd man goals or breakaways did he give up?? Not sure if you can point the finger of blame at the goalie for those

pipes3030 · Post by **pipes3030** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 5:40 pm

High Flyer wrote:
pipes3030 wrote:
High Flyer wrote: How many goals did Russell give up in last years game vs STA???
Lightning never strikes twice...right???

The kid was lights out the rest of the season, and I'm sure he'll want to prove that that last year's game was just one bad game.
Actually, I think you are throwing Russell under the bus unfairly, by saying he had a bad game last year. How many odd man goals or breakaways did he give up?? Not sure if you can point the finger of blame at the goalie for those

Fair Enough, I honestly didn't see that game. Considering he had a 1.58 GAA, it seems like it was a rough one, and he'll be playing like he has something to prove on tuesday.

HShockeywatcher · Post by **HShockeywatcher** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 9:03 am

Breck's issue is their schedule. St Thomas has by far the toughest class A schedule and has shown that even with 4 losses they can still be seeded #1 while others with half as many losses are lower. Last year respected members on this board were saying that Breck was good but could not skate with the best, then beat them all in state. Breck is like Boise, Hawaii, and Utah in CFB of the last few years.

Good luck to both teams. Whatever happens, hopefully we see a rematch on March 13.

HighSchoolHockeyForums.com

St Thomas @ Breck (12-8-09)

Who brings their head-to-head record to 3-2?

St Thomas @ Breck (12-8-09)

plenty!