#2 White Bear Lake Vs. #3 Stillwater

[wblhockeyfan8]

But close wins are even better: trust me, I'm used to them

[StoppatchFairplayHelmets0]

Props to Jared Schletty in nets for WBL. He won them the game. Stillwater outshot the Bears 31-19. Stillwater goalie Defiel was solid, too.

He will have to play that way to get past Hill-Murray... The offense/defense woes continue...

What's this. Am I reading this right...GFD is on a WBL Goalie bandwagon. WOW... Cool. Historic actually.

[BodyShots]

Two evenly matched teams went at it again. Bears looked like they struggled a little to get the puck out of their zone while Stillwater seemed to move it out rather easily.

Not sure why the goal was waved off, but that seems to be the norm when WBL plays at the state fair grounds. The Stillwater kid checked the WBL player into the goalie and the outside ref put up his arm to call the penalty. Then WBL scores and the other ref waved it off. Tough not to interfere with a goalie when you are checked into him.

Nice to see Hausy come back from his injury and get the game winner on his first shift back.

Chuhl (sp?) was lucky not to get a 5 minute major and game misconduct. The hit from behind looked pretty bad from where I was sitting. Wahlin went straight into the boards head first.

Good luck Bears on Friday. You are going to need it against a very fast HM team.

[hm88]

Good game bears. Glad to see were playing you in yet another section final. At least I'll be able to tip my hat to you guys should you win on friday. Dont think I could stomach a loss from those darn Ponies, cant stand those guys!

[Northsider]

Much prefer playing White Bear over Stillwater. Didn't see the game but by the sound of it, Jared kept the bears in it so they better step up everything else if they even want a chance in two days.

Mounds View was "JUST A PREVIEW"

[Goldfishdude]

Props to Jared Schletty in nets for WBL. He won them the game. Stillwater outshot the Bears 31-19. Stillwater goalie Defiel was solid, too.

He will have to play that way to get past Hill-Murray... The offense/defense woes continue...

What's this. Am I reading this right...GFD is on a WBL Goalie bandwagon. WOW... Cool. Historic actually.

Well, I am not always a complete porcupine!!!

I have one toe in the water..... this is still the same "team" that had given up 5 goals in a game 4 of the past 8 games prior to tonite.

[WBLHockeyfan04]

First off, I would like to say that the officiating tonight was just brutal. How many checking from behind, and hooking calls can you honestly let go uncalled!? (It was bad for both teams) Resulting in the game getting more and more chippy as it went on.

I thought overall, Stillwater was slightly the better team tonight. Even though neither team really played all that well in my opinion. They were a little better with the puck, and had a few more scoring chances. They were much better in the 1st period than WBL, but the Wolter's goal was a back breaker for them. WBL got better as the game went on, but never really seemed to get much going until late in the 3rd. Watching WBL come out of their own zone makes me want to hit my head on a wall. I just don't see how they can beat Hill on Friday, but Hill didn't reall turn it on until the 2nd period. So I guess we'll see what happens.

[Goldfishdude]

I hope people are starting to believe me more that THIS is the true rivalry... not WBL vs Hill-Murray.

For WBL to beat H-M is like Mounds View beating WBL... It's a shock and an upset, and more times than not, the better team wins handily. I am not saying WBL can't beat H-M, but they can't continue to play the way they have all year and expect to win.

The hatred between Stillwater and WBL the past couple years are a direct result of District 2 hockey really coming to the forefront.

[mngophs04]

I hope people are starting to believe me more that THIS is the true rivalry... not WBL vs Hill-Murray.

For WBL to beat H-M is like Mounds View beating WBL... It's a shock and an upset, and more times than not, the better team wins handily. I am not saying WBL can't beat H-M, but they can't continue to play the way they have all year and expect to win.

The hatred between Stillwater and WBL the past couple years are a direct result of District 2 hockey really coming to the forefront.

For the two teams and their fans, I would agree that there is a huge rivalry. I would not say that it's fiercer than the rivalry between Hill and White Bear, though.

For example, even though the Cloquet-Duluth rivalry has become pretty one sided recently, as a fan of neither team I would love to go watch that game, just because of the rivalry. I think that's the same for White Bear and Hill... even though it's become one sided, the animosity goes way back and gets people more excited than Stillwater and WBL.

[Ufeelshame]

Game was chippy. I really thought the Ponies would take this one. I agree they moved the puck better than WBL. This rivarly is becoming one of the better ones in the Metro. I wish one of these teams would make some noise in State some year. That would help the SEC and the rivalry. As much as it pains me I will have to say Go Bears!

[Goldfishdude]

I hope people are starting to believe me more that THIS is the true rivalry... not WBL vs Hill-Murray.

For WBL to beat H-M is like Mounds View beating WBL... It's a shock and an upset, and more times than not, the better team wins handily. I am not saying WBL can't beat H-M, but they can't continue to play the way they have all year and expect to win.

The hatred between Stillwater and WBL the past couple years are a direct result of District 2 hockey really coming to the forefront.

For the two teams and their fans, I would agree that there is a huge rivalry. I would not say that it's fiercer than the rivalry between Hill and White Bear, though.

Goph's... here's the distinction...

Does H-M really feel WBL is it's biggest rivalry?? I don't know.. because of the Sections importance, YES???.... but, does H-M hate WBL more than STA, or Tartan or Mahtomedi??? I am not sure.... I bet you have some H-M fans who think WBL is the #1 rivalry, and others may think it's STA.. The rivalry really means that both teams have to pretty much hate each team the same...

What I mean by that is that although the Vikings say the Packers are our biggest rivals, there are many Packer fans who think the Chicago Bears are a bigger rival than the Vikes...

Yes, WBL hates H-M more than anybody..... MV hates WBL more than anybody... But WBL doesn't hate MV more than H-M..

I personally look at H-M as a rivalry, from the standpoint of the importance of the games, however, when every game, virtually every year, a WBL victory is to be labled an "upset"???

Batman has many arch-enemies : Penguin, Joker, Riddler, etc.. but, do we know who the biggest enemy was?? (side note: Batman also had an enemy named Two-Face....... sounds alot like me, eh?)

If WBL doesn't beat Stillwater twice in regular season, Stillwater gets the higher seed, and maybe WBL is playing H-M in semi's.... not the finals.. Plus, having to face Stillwater again in sections adds to the fire.

I am just saying that MY OPINION is that the #1 rivalry is shifting more towards Stillwater than H-M... I respect H-M, and I would love to beat them, but I certainly don't hate them...... That's why it's an "opinion", and is neither right or wrong.

[Edwardo]

This was one of the most poorly games, I have witnessed by both teams this season.
Start with Stillwater.
Negatives - I am sorry but Coach Hously is a whiner, WB player gets hurt with a check from behind and Stillwater gets a gift with a 2 and ten. The next minute Hously is screaming at the ref. for a penalty on us that at best could have been coincidental. Shut up already.
Stillwater was way more chippy than WBL and allot of penalties weren't called on them, they were probably afraid of the coach.
Positives - They way out HIT WBL, putting them back on there heals. They moved the puck better than WBL. They won most of the battles.
WBL -
Negatives -
Couldn't hit a pass or catch a pass, break outs were poorly executed and neutral zone puck movement was non existent, virtually no physical play, very little back checking or clearing out the front of there net.
Positives -
# 31 - By far the most instrumental player on the ice tonight, kept his team in the game, wasn't for him they would have lost.
# 27 - Had a very nice game both O & D zones.
# 13 - Key plays great vision, some beautiful passing.
#7 & 22 - Best D WB has in my eyes. But they better be looking at some big hard hitters for next year capable of moving guys out front.
# 11 - Haven't seen him much this year and all I can say is what a hustler. These were the only 6 players that played with consistency all night.
I realize a win is a win, but with play like that they will loose to Hill 10-0

[youngblood08]

I hope people are starting to believe me more that THIS is the true rivalry... not WBL vs Hill-Murray.

For WBL to beat H-M is like Mounds View beating WBL... It's a shock and an upset, and more times than not, the better team wins handily. I am not saying WBL can't beat H-M, but they can't continue to play the way they have all year and expect to win.

The hatred between Stillwater and WBL the past couple years are a direct result of District 2 hockey really coming to the forefront.

For the two teams and their fans, I would agree that there is a huge rivalry. I would not say that it's fiercer than the rivalry between Hill and White Bear, though.

For example, even though the Cloquet-Duluth rivalry has become pretty one sided recently, as a fan of neither team I would love to go watch that game, just because of the rivalry. I think that's the same for White Bear and Hill... even though it's become one sided, the animosity goes way back and gets people more excited than Stillwater and WBL.

Onesided?? know what your talking about. 3 close games this year the previous 2 years Stillwater won both games at Aldrich splitting the season.

[wblhockeyfan8]

I hope people are starting to believe me more that THIS is the true rivalry... not WBL vs Hill-Murray.

For WBL to beat H-M is like Mounds View beating WBL... It's a shock and an upset, and more times than not, the better team wins handily. I am not saying WBL can't beat H-M, but they can't continue to play the way they have all year and expect to win.

The hatred between Stillwater and WBL the past couple years are a direct result of District 2 hockey really coming to the forefront.

For the two teams and their fans, I would agree that there is a huge rivalry. I would not say that it's fiercer than the rivalry between Hill and White Bear, though.

For example, even though the Cloquet-Duluth rivalry has become pretty one sided recently, as a fan of neither team I would love to go watch that game, just because of the rivalry. I think that's the same for White Bear and Hill... even though it's become one sided, the animosity goes way back and gets people more excited than Stillwater and WBL.

Onesided?? know what your talking about. 3 close games this year the previous 2 years Stillwater won both games at Aldrich splitting the season.

He definitely never said anything about WBL SW being one sided...

[mngophs04]

I hope people are starting to believe me more that THIS is the true rivalry... not WBL vs Hill-Murray.

For WBL to beat H-M is like Mounds View beating WBL... It's a shock and an upset, and more times than not, the better team wins handily. I am not saying WBL can't beat H-M, but they can't continue to play the way they have all year and expect to win.

The hatred between Stillwater and WBL the past couple years are a direct result of District 2 hockey really coming to the forefront.

For the two teams and their fans, I would agree that there is a huge rivalry. I would not say that it's fiercer than the rivalry between Hill and White Bear, though.

Goph's... here's the distinction...

Does H-M really feel WBL is it's biggest rivalry?? I don't know.. because of the Sections importance, YES???.... but, does H-M hate WBL more than STA, or Tartan or Mahtomedi??? I am not sure.... I bet you have some H-M fans who think WBL is the #1 rivalry, and others may think it's STA.. The rivalry really means that both teams have to pretty much hate each team the same...

What I mean by that is that although the Vikings say the Packers are our biggest rivals, there are many Packer fans who think the Chicago Bears are a bigger rival than the Vikes...

Yes, WBL hates H-M more than anybody..... MV hates WBL more than anybody... But WBL doesn't hate MV more than H-M..

I personally look at H-M as a rivalry, from the standpoint of the importance of the games, however, when every game, virtually every year, a WBL victory is to be labled an "upset"???

Batman has many arch-enemies : Penguin, Joker, Riddler, etc.. but, do we know who the biggest enemy was?? (side note: Batman also had an enemy named Two-Face....... sounds alot like me, eh?)

If WBL doesn't beat Stillwater twice in regular season, Stillwater gets the higher seed, and maybe WBL is playing H-M in semi's.... not the finals.. Plus, having to face Stillwater again in sections adds to the fire.

I am just saying that MY OPINION is that the #1 rivalry is shifting more towards Stillwater than H-M... I respect H-M, and I would love to beat them, but I certainly don't hate them...... That's why it's an "opinion", and is neither right or wrong.

I don't necessarily disagree with everything you're saying.. especially the MV hates WBL, etc example. I'm just saying that by and large, White Bear and Hill is the more prominent rivalry and that I've run into a lot of people with allegiance to neither team that would love to go watch simply for that reason. Maybe that will shift to Stillwater and White Bear in future years.

And wblhockeyfan is right, I was talking about Hill, not Stillwater.

[WBLHockeyfan04]

This was one of the most poorly games, I have witnessed by both teams this season.
Start with Stillwater.
Negatives - I am sorry but Coach Hously is a whiner, WB player gets hurt with a check from behind and Stillwater gets a gift with a 2 and ten. The next minute Hously is screaming at the ref. for a penalty on us that at best could have been coincidental. Shut up already.
Stillwater was way more chippy than WBL and allot of penalties weren't called on them, they were probably afraid of the coach.
Positives - They way out HIT WBL, putting them back on there heals. They moved the puck better than WBL. They won most of the battles.
WBL -
Negatives -
Couldn't hit a pass or catch a pass, break outs were poorly executed and neutral zone puck movement was non existent, virtually no physical play, very little back checking or clearing out the front of there net.
Positives -
# 31 - By far the most instrumental player on the ice tonight, kept his team in the game, wasn't for him they would have lost.
# 27 - Had a very nice game both O & D zones.
# 13 - Key plays great vision, some beautiful passing.
#7 & 22 - Best D WB has in my eyes. But they better be looking at some big hard hitters for next year capable of moving guys out front.
# 11 - Haven't seen him much this year and all I can say is what a hustler. These were the only 6 players that played with consistency all night.
I realize a win is a win, but with play like that they will loose to Hill 10-0

Wahlin #20 I thought had a solid game as well, but they'll need their top line to play better against Hill. Birkibine didn't do much, even though he netted the empty netter.

[BodyShots]

This was one of the most poorly games, I have witnessed by both teams this season.
Start with Stillwater.
Negatives - I am sorry but Coach Hously is a whiner, WB player gets hurt with a check from behind and Stillwater gets a gift with a 2 and ten. The next minute Hously is screaming at the ref. for a penalty on us that at best could have been coincidental. Shut up already.
Stillwater was way more chippy than WBL and allot of penalties weren't called on them, they were probably afraid of the coach.
Positives - They way out HIT WBL, putting them back on there heals. They moved the puck better than WBL. They won most of the battles.
WBL -
Negatives -
Couldn't hit a pass or catch a pass, break outs were poorly executed and neutral zone puck movement was non existent, virtually no physical play, very little back checking or clearing out the front of there net.
Positives -
# 31 - By far the most instrumental player on the ice tonight, kept his team in the game, wasn't for him they would have lost.
# 27 - Had a very nice game both O & D zones.
# 13 - Key plays great vision, some beautiful passing.
#7 & 22 - Best D WB has in my eyes. But they better be looking at some big hard hitters for next year capable of moving guys out front.
# 11 - Haven't seen him much this year and all I can say is what a hustler. These were the only 6 players that played with consistency all night.
I realize a win is a win, but with play like that they will loose to Hill 10-0

Edwardo, you have some good comments here, and I will comment on two of them.

As for the breakout. It reminded me of squirt hockey. The coach tells the wings to go to the boards and wait for a pass. The defense should pass it to the wing, who then moves it up to the center and away they go. This is high school hockey, can I see a little movement out of the wings?

All of the de for WBL have their weaknesses. The one with the most potential is #7. He's got speed, vision, and smarts. He'll get better with age and strength. #22 is a defensive liability. He is way to small to be playing defense at this level. If I'm a forward, I drive to the outside and lean in on him as I drive the net. He is too small and puts up no resistance. # 2 is big and strong, but very slow. #17 skates well and tries to play physical, but takes himself out of some plays looking for the big hit, and loves to retaliate. If he takes penalties against HM, they will make WBL pay.

[youngblood08]

Got it after rereading it.

As for the Rivalry talk. Wolters is from MV, kids form MV wanted to beat them and rub it in his face. WBL/Hill will always be heated for the same reason plus WBL always being one of the top programs in the East Metro wanting thier piece of the pie. Stillwater/Hill would have been another Great game with all of the players from the Stillwater area involved. Lets just say what ever program has boosted Hill's roster the most will have the biggest Rivalry with Hill. I see a bigger clash with Woodbury in the next few years but will they ever see each other to add anything to it.

Lets just say the reffing sucked last night and leave it at that. Can any of you explain the Checking from behind rule? Also explain why the goal was called off if the interferance was on the Stillwater player and not on the WBL player after he tripped the Ponies goalie?


Wolters had a very nice goal and his effort to stick with the puck while falling was huge.

[Goldfishdude]

This was one of the most poorly games, I have witnessed by both teams this season.
Start with Stillwater.
Negatives - I am sorry but Coach Hously is a whiner, WB player gets hurt with a check from behind and Stillwater gets a gift with a 2 and ten. The next minute Hously is screaming at the ref. for a penalty on us that at best could have been coincidental. Shut up already.
Stillwater was way more chippy than WBL and allot of penalties weren't called on them, they were probably afraid of the coach.
Positives - They way out HIT WBL, putting them back on there heals. They moved the puck better than WBL. They won most of the battles.
WBL -
Negatives -
Couldn't hit a pass or catch a pass, break outs were poorly executed and neutral zone puck movement was non existent, virtually no physical play, very little back checking or clearing out the front of there net.
Positives -
# 31 - By far the most instrumental player on the ice tonight, kept his team in the game, wasn't for him they would have lost.
# 27 - Had a very nice game both O & D zones.
# 13 - Key plays great vision, some beautiful passing.
#7 & 22 - Best D WB has in my eyes. But they better be looking at some big hard hitters for next year capable of moving guys out front.
# 11 - Haven't seen him much this year and all I can say is what a hustler. These were the only 6 players that played with consistency all night.
I realize a win is a win, but with play like that they will loose to Hill 10-0

Eddie.... because I was not AT the game, I cannot explain the intensity or the visuals that the people in attendance saw, but I can give you a perspective from the internet broadcast.

Let me explain that, although I am not even close to being a fan of the WBL coaching staff, I DO care about the players. I get torn seeing the team win, because that keeps that putz Sager's enormous ego inflated, but I am happy for the kids.

However, here's my interpretation listening to the broadcast team, which the play-by-play guy is a WBL resident, he was perfectly unbiased in his calling of the game. I really do look at things and listen to things neutral, and try to formulate an opinion on what I read, see, hear. Let me add that the play-by-play guy knew I was listening, and he knows who I am, so there was no tainting on his part.

First off, the penalty for the 2 and 10. The best of my recollection is that a clean hit earlier on the game affected Wahlin's knee or ankle, and when the 2 and 10 was called, the broadcasters neither chastised the call as being a blatant attempt to injure nor did they harp it was the right call. They "understood" the call, because Wahlin went down hard, but, the fact that he was hurt earlier in the game MAY had some effect on that play - it wasn't the play itself. To call it a "gift" would be a bit unfair, AS per the broadcast per my interpretation... Got Some also listened, and he may have heard differently, because he has orange-colored glasses.

If memory serves me, Wahlin never missed a shift. And let me add this.... Thanks to the retaliation penalty, WBL missed out on a PP chance.... And, that type of play has affected this team for two years. Sager keeps allowing it to happen without repercussions. He keeps throwing the same guys out there and the same mistakes happen.

Next, the announcers admitted play was "questionable (chippy)" and that the refs were trying to keep things under control, but yet, not trying to give advantages to any team, so that the play decided the game, and not the refs... My visual from the audio was that unless something was blatant, the refs were looking to try and keep things coincidental.

I can't comment on all non-penalties or penalties, but what sticks in my mind from the broadcast are two things:

1) The disallowed goal by WBL, when a penalty on Stillwater was called. For one, the announcers thought the penalty was goalie interference, as the WBL player clearly took out Defiel with a trip, to why the goal was disallowed. They seemed a bit surprised that the penalty was on Stillwater. If the penalty was on Stillwater, then the play should have been a continuance, and the goal allowed. But, the interpretation was that there should have been a goalie interference included.

2) I recall a play in which Wilson Housley relaxed in front of the next after a whislte, and was blown over, and if I remember, there was a non-call.. I just remember he got blasted, and it raised the announcer's voice.

With that said, Phil Housley is not alone in screaming at refs.... Please pay attention to Sager next time... not just the opposing coach.. In between Sager's whistling for line changes, the only three words you hear are "BODY" and "Interference, Ref!"... get a monkey and a tin cup!!

In all, you spoke of what I have harped on all year. WBL plays horrible fundamental hockey. Period... End of story.

And Goph04... There's no question that when discussing some of the biggest state rivalries, WBL vs H-M is regarded among one of the state's all-time greatest. I forgot to add this.. The WBL broadcaster for the game said the EXACT same thing I have said...... "When you lose 12 in a row, there really isn't much of a rivalry any more."

I am just trying to state that Goldfishdude has seen the past 12, sees what our youth future looks like compared to H-M's, that I have made my offer of extending the olive branch wrapped in a white flag.

As long as WBL has Wahlin and Birkinbine, and I am proud of Wolter in changing his work ethic and attitude, that WBL has a chance. I still believe that, if not this year, if Wahlin and Birki stick around, next year they will win atleast ONE game versus Hill..

[wbmd]

This was one of the most poorly games, I have witnessed by both teams this season.
Start with Stillwater.
Negatives - I am sorry but Coach Hously is a whiner, WB player gets hurt with a check from behind and Stillwater gets a gift with a 2 and ten. The next minute Hously is screaming at the ref. for a penalty on us that at best could have been coincidental. Shut up already.
Stillwater was way more chippy than WBL and allot of penalties weren't called on them, they were probably afraid of the coach.
Positives - They way out HIT WBL, putting them back on there heals. They moved the puck better than WBL. They won most of the battles.
WBL -
Negatives -
Couldn't hit a pass or catch a pass, break outs were poorly executed and neutral zone puck movement was non existent, virtually no physical play, very little back checking or clearing out the front of there net.
Positives -
# 31 - By far the most instrumental player on the ice tonight, kept his team in the game, wasn't for him they would have lost.
# 27 - Had a very nice game both O & D zones.
# 13 - Key plays great vision, some beautiful passing.
#7 & 22 - Best D WB has in my eyes. But they better be looking at some big hard hitters for next year capable of moving guys out front.
# 11 - Haven't seen him much this year and all I can say is what a hustler. These were the only 6 players that played with consistency all night.
I realize a win is a win, but with play like that they will loose to Hill 10-0

Eddie.... because I was not AT the game, I cannot explain the intensity or the visuals that the people in attendance saw, but I can give you a perspective from the internet broadcast.

Let me explain that, although I am not even close to being a fan of the WBL coaching staff, I DO care about the players. I get torn seeing the team win, because that keeps that putz Sager's enormous ego inflated, but I am happy for the kids.

However, here's my interpretation listening to the broadcast team, which the play-by-play guy is a WBL resident, he was perfectly unbiased in his calling of the game. I really do look at things and listen to things neutral, and try to formulate an opinion on what I read, see, hear. Let me add that the play-by-play guy knew I was listening, and he knows who I am, so there was no tainting on his part.

First off, the penalty for the 2 and 10. The best of my recollection is that a clean hit earlier on the game affected Wahlin's knee or ankle, and when the 2 and 10 was called, the broadcasters neither chastised the call as being a blatant attempt to injure nor did they harp it was the right call. They "understood" the call, because Wahlin went down hard, but, the fact that he was hurt earlier in the game MAY had some effect on that play - it wasn't the play itself. To call it a "gift" would be a bit unfair, AS per the broadcast per my interpretation... Got Some also listened, and he may have heard differently, because he has orange-colored glasses.

If memory serves me, Wahlin never missed a shift. And let me add this.... Thanks to the retaliation penalty, WBL missed out on a PP chance.... And, that type of play has affected this team for two years. Sager keeps allowing it to happen without repercussions. He keeps throwing the same guys out there and the same mistakes happen.

Next, the announcers admitted play was "questionable (chippy)" and that the refs were trying to keep things under control, but yet, not trying to give advantages to any team, so that the play decided the game, and not the refs... My visual from the audio was that unless something was blatant, the refs were looking to try and keep things coincidental.

I can't comment on all non-penalties or penalties, but what sticks in my mind from the broadcast are two things:

1) The disallowed goal by WBL, when a penalty on Stillwater was called. For one, the announcers thought the penalty was goalie interference, as the WBL player clearly took out Defiel with a trip, to why the goal was disallowed. They seemed a bit surprised that the penalty was on Stillwater. If the penalty was on Stillwater, then the play should have been a continuance, and the goal allowed. But, the interpretation was that there should have been a goalie interference included.

2) I recall a play in which Wilson Housley relaxed in front of the next after a whislte, and was blown over, and if I remember, there was a non-call.. I just remember he got blasted, and it raised the announcer's voice.

With that said, Phil Housley is not alone in screaming at refs.... Please pay attention to Sager next time... not just the opposing coach.. In between Sager's whistling for line changes, the only three words you hear are "BODY" and "Interference, Ref!"... get a monkey and a tin cup!!

In all, you spoke of what I have harped on all year. WBL plays horrible fundamental hockey. Period... End of story.

And Goph04... There's no question that when discussing some of the biggest state rivalries, WBL vs H-M is regarded among one of the state's all-time greatest. I forgot to add this.. The WBL broadcaster for the game said the EXACT same thing I have said...... "When you lose 12 in a row, there really isn't much of a rivalry any more."

I am just trying to state that Goldfishdude has seen the past 12, sees what our youth future looks like compared to H-M's, that I have made my offer of extending the olive branch wrapped in a white flag.

As long as WBL has Wahlin and Birkinbine, and I am proud of Wolter in changing his work ethic and attitude, that WBL has a chance. I still believe that, if not this year, if Wahlin and Birki stick around, next year they will win atleast ONE game versus Hill..

Just not the one game that will matter the most (sections).

[northstars10]

This was one of the most poorly games, I have witnessed by both teams this season.
Start with Stillwater.
Negatives - I am sorry but Coach Hously is a whiner, WB player gets hurt with a check from behind and Stillwater gets a gift with a 2 and ten. The next minute Hously is screaming at the ref. for a penalty on us that at best could have been coincidental. Shut up already.
Stillwater was way more chippy than WBL and allot of penalties weren't called on them, they were probably afraid of the coach.
Positives - They way out HIT WBL, putting them back on there heals. They moved the puck better than WBL. They won most of the battles.
WBL -
Negatives -
Couldn't hit a pass or catch a pass, break outs were poorly executed and neutral zone puck movement was non existent, virtually no physical play, very little back checking or clearing out the front of there net.
Positives -
# 31 - By far the most instrumental player on the ice tonight, kept his team in the game, wasn't for him they would have lost.
# 27 - Had a very nice game both O & D zones.
# 13 - Key plays great vision, some beautiful passing.
#7 & 22 - Best D WB has in my eyes. But they better be looking at some big hard hitters for next year capable of moving guys out front.
# 11 - Haven't seen him much this year and all I can say is what a hustler. These were the only 6 players that played with consistency all night.
I realize a win is a win, but with play like that they will loose to Hill 10-0

#17 for WBL. Enough said, the kid is a goon. He was the instigator of every scrum after the whistle and kicked the smallest kid on the ice after the whistle in the back of the leg. Real classy...[/u]

[Goldfishdude]

As long as WBL has Wahlin and Birkinbine, and I am proud of Wolter in changing his work ethic and attitude, that WBL has a chance. I still believe that, if not this year, if Wahlin and Birki stick around, next year they will win atleast ONE game versus Hill..

Just not the one game that will matter the most (sections).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fof7rXAP ... 7&index=59

[BodyShots]

Eddie.... because I was not AT the game, I cannot explain the intensity or the visuals that the people in attendance saw, but I can give you a perspective from the internet broadcast.

Let me explain that, although I am not even close to being a fan of the WBL coaching staff, I DO care about the players. I get torn seeing the team win, because that keeps that putz Sager's enormous ego inflated, but I am happy for the kids.

However, here's my interpretation listening to the broadcast team, which the play-by-play guy is a WBL resident, he was perfectly unbiased in his calling of the game. I really do look at things and listen to things neutral, and try to formulate an opinion on what I read, see, hear. Let me add that the play-by-play guy knew I was listening, and he knows who I am, so there was no tainting on his part.

First off, the penalty for the 2 and 10. The best of my recollection is that a clean hit earlier on the game affected Wahlin's knee or ankle, and when the 2 and 10 was called, the broadcasters neither chastised the call as being a blatant attempt to injure nor did they harp it was the right call. They "understood" the call, because Wahlin went down hard, but, the fact that he was hurt earlier in the game MAY had some effect on that play - it wasn't the play itself. To call it a "gift" would be a bit unfair, AS per the broadcast per my interpretation... Got Some also listened, and he may have heard differently, because he has orange-colored glasses.

If memory serves me, Wahlin never missed a shift. And let me add this.... Thanks to the retaliation penalty, WBL missed out on a PP chance.... And, that type of play has affected this team for two years. Sager keeps allowing it to happen without repercussions. He keeps throwing the same guys out there and the same mistakes happen.

Next, the announcers admitted play was "questionable (chippy)" and that the refs were trying to keep things under control, but yet, not trying to give advantages to any team, so that the play decided the game, and not the refs... My visual from the audio was that unless something was blatant, the refs were looking to try and keep things coincidental.

I can't comment on all non-penalties or penalties, but what sticks in my mind from the broadcast are two things:

1) The disallowed goal by WBL, when a penalty on Stillwater was called. For one, the announcers thought the penalty was goalie interference, as the WBL player clearly took out Defiel with a trip, to why the goal was disallowed. They seemed a bit surprised that the penalty was on Stillwater. If the penalty was on Stillwater, then the play should have been a continuance, and the goal allowed. But, the interpretation was that there should have been a goalie interference included.

2) I recall a play in which Wilson Housley relaxed in front of the next after a whislte, and was blown over, and if I remember, there was a non-call.. I just remember he got blasted, and it raised the announcer's voice.

With that said, Phil Housley is not alone in screaming at refs.... Please pay attention to Sager next time... not just the opposing coach.. In between Sager's whistling for line changes, the only three words you hear are "BODY" and "Interference, Ref!"... get a monkey and a tin cup!!

In all, you spoke of what I have harped on all year. WBL plays horrible fundamental hockey. Period... End of story.

And Goph04... There's no question that when discussing some of the biggest state rivalries, WBL vs H-M is regarded among one of the state's all-time greatest. I forgot to add this.. The WBL broadcaster for the game said the EXACT same thing I have said...... "When you lose 12 in a row, there really isn't much of a rivalry any more."

I am just trying to state that Goldfishdude has seen the past 12, sees what our youth future looks like compared to H-M's, that I have made my offer of extending the olive branch wrapped in a white flag.

As long as WBL has Wahlin and Birkinbine, and I am proud of Wolter in changing his work ethic and attitude, that WBL has a chance. I still believe that, if not this year, if Wahlin and Birki stick around, next year they will win atleast ONE game versus Hill..

First off, PUTZ played last year!

Secondly, I don't kow why Sager keeps calling for me at the games. Do you think he is looking for some advice?

[youngblood08]

taking a page from Goldy.

They talk about you a lot here also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf18GRCoq20

[Spooge]

This was one of the most poorly games, I have witnessed by both teams this season.
Start with Stillwater.
Negatives - I am sorry but Coach Hously is a whiner, WB player gets hurt with a check from behind and Stillwater gets a gift with a 2 and ten. The next minute Hously is screaming at the ref. for a penalty on us that at best could have been coincidental. Shut up already.
Stillwater was way more chippy than WBL and allot of penalties weren't called on them, they were probably afraid of the coach.
Positives - They way out HIT WBL, putting them back on there heals. They moved the puck better than WBL. They won most of the battles.
WBL -
Negatives -
Couldn't hit a pass or catch a pass, break outs were poorly executed and neutral zone puck movement was non existent, virtually no physical play, very little back checking or clearing out the front of there net.
Positives -
# 31 - By far the most instrumental player on the ice tonight, kept his team in the game, wasn't for him they would have lost.
# 27 - Had a very nice game both O & D zones.
# 13 - Key plays great vision, some beautiful passing.
#7 & 22 - Best D WB has in my eyes. But they better be looking at some big hard hitters for next year capable of moving guys out front.
# 11 - Haven't seen him much this year and all I can say is what a hustler. These were the only 6 players that played with consistency all night.
I realize a win is a win, but with play like that they will loose to Hill 10-0

#17 for WBL. Enough said, the kid is a goon. He was the instigator of every scrum after the whistle and kicked the smallest kid on the ice after the whistle in the back of the leg. Real classy...[/u]

Could not agree more! He is the most undisciplined player I've seen all year. Not only did he negate a huge WBL PP opportunity on the 2 & 10 call, but the kick (if seen by the ref), would've resulted in a 5 min major & his suspension from the game.