JGA weekly Top 10

[blueblood]

Well, December is just about over and we have some interesting races within the JGA league this year. The top three teams have clearly differentiated themselves from the competition with the next 9 all bunched up and no one standing out.

Here's my updated rankings and comments:

1) Tonka (6-0-0 / 12-1-0) - haven't been beaten by a MN team (yet), but sit at #2 in the Metro standings due to loss of a FPP. First game of the new year is versus Wayzata on 1-3-11 at 6:45pm at Victoria West. bb will be there to see the top two go at it for a second time this year. This one is a biggee....

2) Wayzata (6-0-0 /10-1-2) - On top of the Metro League with a clean sheet of 6 wins and 6 FPP's. Based on past history, I expect this team to not lose any FPP's, so a tie is as good as a win for Wayzata versus Tonka.

3) Edina - (5-0-1 / 7-1-1) - Two time defending champs are in great postion to take the league title and three-peat. This year's team seems to be more careful about the FPP's, since that cost them the league title last year, even though they didn't lose a game.

4) EP - (2-1-0 / 7-2-1) - Played the least amount of league games; but have been more consistent than Burnsville to get the #4 ranking.

5) Burnsville - (3-2-2 / 5-2-2) - Jekyl and Hyde right now. Had Tonka on the ropes, but let them come back on their home ice to steal the win. I expect a good showing at the Wayzata tourney from this club.

Next 5:

6) Stillwater (3-3-1 / ) - earned a 1-1 tie vs. Edina. Can they keep that effort level up?

7 ) White Bear Lake (3-2-1 / 6-5-2) - Bears typically play better as season moves along. They are always a threat with Mallard at the helm....

Centennial (3-3-0 / 3-3-0?)

9) Jefferson (2-3-1 / 3-4-3?)

10) Tie between Lakeville and SLP - both teams have been up and down and need to start playing consistently (right Bragen????)

bb will be making an appearance at the Duluth Aerials JGA tourney in February on Saturday and Sunday as his beloved Gophers are in town to take on the 'dawgs at the new Amsoil Arena. Hope to meet as many of you guys as I can.

[LaceEmUp17]

BB,

Thanks for another enjoyable read. I'd say you seem to be pretty spot on this week. Tonka is def. #1. I'd maybe move SLP up and White Bear down a little bit, but have only played them each once.

Hope to meet you in Duluth (or Wayzata)

Happy and Safe New Year to all!

Lace

[StayAtHomeD]

Totally agree with your rankings BB given what I have seen from the teams so far. I think Stillwater belongs at the #6 position FOR NOW but I think they will fight to keep their play level up as you stated.

So for now, Stillwater is the best of the rest I think. Their goalie was unbelievable when we saw them, the big kid with the black helmet, can't remember his number.

They had a solid twosome on defense, they controlled the zone and excellent passing dmen, two of the best I've seen, especially on the powerplay.

Their forwards were a mix of pretty good and average I thought but they are a scrappy team.

[Master Recruiter]

Totally agree with your rankings BB given what I have seen from the teams so far. I think Stillwater belongs at the #6 position FOR NOW but I think they will fight to keep their play level up as you stated.

So for now, Stillwater is the best of the rest I think. Their goalie was unbelievable when we saw them, the big kid with the black helmet, can't remember his number.

They had a solid twosome on defense, they controlled the zone and excellent passing dmen, two of the best I've seen, especially on the powerplay.

Their forwards were a mix of pretty good and average I thought but they are a scrappy team.

interesting analysis, I will have to check them out soon

[blueblood]

Lace:

Thanks for the props. SLP had their chances this past week to step up and show that they can contend as they had games with Edina and Tonka on their home ice. Unfortunately, they did not come through.

Looking forward to Duluth in February...

[jvail19]

i agree with the top 3. we will see who belongs where between bville and EP today. but i think putting stillwater at 6 is a mistake. jefferson and white bear should be up there before stillwater. just my thoughts based on how the games have gone with us against those teams

[just a fan of hockey]

Hard to put WBL and Jefferson ahead of Stillwater when Stillwater beat them both

[jvail19]

anyone can beat anybody. centennial beat edina... the skill level is what makes my choice. stillwater truly only has a very good goaltender. other than that they dont have much

[just a fan of hockey]

You are right...anyone in the top 10 could beat anyone if they are on their game, like Stillwater blanking Centenial last night 3-0. Stillwater seems to have stepped it up since you saw them.

[Bragenrights]

Blue can't wait for this coming weeks top 10 I absolutely love the read every week, it is fun to see an unbias perspective on teams!

[blueblood]

probably will post on Sunday. Lot's of high school games this week that i'm involved in...

Look for Lakeville to move inot top 10, stillwater to move up and edina to possibly drop back....