The Classic Final: White Bear vs. Hill Murray

Weekend_Warrior · Post by **Weekend_Warrior** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 12:43 am

OH MAN. WHAT AN AWESOME HOCKEY GAME!!!

I had a great time on the Bears side tonight. Even though I'm not from White Bear, I found the fans to be extremely friendly and I had a very enjoyable night talking hockey and doing high fives all night with these people. First class all the way.

The team played great all night. But they did tend to lay back too much after getting the big three-goal lead heading into the final minutes of the 2nd period, and then going into the third period.

Although it almost cost them the game. This gameplan and some impressive goaltending got them past what was arguably the best team in the state, in my opinion.

At any rate, congrats to the White Bear Lake players, coaches, students and fans on an outstanding hockey game. I was very impressed with this team and its fans, and I hope they do some real damage in the State Tournament, possibly even win it all!

I probably won't be at any of the State Tournament games. But GOOD LUCK! I wish you all the best.

- Luke

kpryan88 · Post by **kpryan88** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 12:51 am

PuckU126 wrote:
kpryan88 wrote:That would mean they were actually paying attention... Good luck in the conso bracket for the 18th appearance in a row Bears!
Did you not hear or see this game and the results?

You're already going to write off WB? They just proved to the state they can contend with the state's elite.

**Stop escalating things in here people. Show some class, and respect one another.

I listened to the game online, congrats to the Bears for winning tonight, but how many monkeys can they get off their back in one season? I'm not writing them off, just hoping at least 1 streak stays alive this season outside of section 8AA

PuckU126 · Post by **PuckU126** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 12:54 am

Dino wrote:17-0 is not classy --far far from it--- and don't give me its that time of the year (pedal to metal BS) Too many other "classy" teams have won it all and stopped scoring after 9 in their quarter final game...----give me a break...........Im sick of HM is classy BS---
BTW--I have Zero ties to either team...

The game could have been 25-0. They backed off completely towards the end of the second and only scored once in the third.

Como didn't try nor did they care about the game. And what was HM suppose to do? Play keep away, just dump the puck into the zone, and not shoot? They might as well spit in their faces as well. HM handled the situation like what most teams would do.

And HM doesn't show class? Let me fill you in on a little nugget. Before the season many of the players provide community service for the little chippers. They also raise donations as well; I advise you read this before you keep saying this team doesn't have class: http://www.mnhockeyhub.com/news_article ... r_id=32770

PuckU126 · Post by **PuckU126** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 12:57 am

kpryan88 wrote:
PuckU126 wrote:
kpryan88 wrote:That would mean they were actually paying attention... Good luck in the conso bracket for the 18th appearance in a row Bears!
Did you not hear or see this game and the results?

You're already going to write off WB? They just proved to the state they can contend with the state's elite.

**Stop escalating things in here people. Show some class, and respect one another.

I listened to the game online, congrats to the Bears for winning tonight, but how many monkeys can they get off their back in one season? I'm not writing them off, just hoping at least 1 streak stays alive this season outside of section 8AA

Contradicting posts here...

kpryan88 · Post by **kpryan88** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 1:01 am

PuckU126 wrote:
kpryan88 wrote:
PuckU126 wrote: Did you not hear or see this game and the results?

You're already going to write off WB? They just proved to the state they can contend with the state's elite.

**Stop escalating things in here people. Show some class, and respect one another.

I listened to the game online, congrats to the Bears for winning tonight, but how many monkeys can they get off their back in one season? I'm not writing them off, just hoping at least 1 streak stays alive this season outside of section 8AA
Contradicting posts here...

Or maybe I'm just making sure the big monkey on their back gets noticed.

BodyShots · Post by **BodyShots** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 1:04 am

Wow, what a game. I can honestly say I never felt comfortable, even with the 4-1 lead with 10 minutes to play. I just knew HM would make a push and get back into the game.

I was very impressed with the heart shown by the WBL kids. I have never seen a high school team put their body in the way to block so many shots. I am sure there will be a lot of welts to ice tonight, but none of that will matter now! Schletty was great, and the defense of Carney, RJ, Thomas, and Jack was incredible.

Got to hand it to #11 and #27 for HM. Both got injured late in the game and came right back with a vengence. I thought Schaunessy looked shakey throughout the game, but even the winner was not his fault. Just a very tight angle that Mac was able to wedge in there.

As for PPG, StPaul, and Sparlimb.... thats 1 in a row! And it was even on a night when Lex wore the green and white striped sweater. Must be his first loss in that thing! I'm sure the Pioneers will be good next year, and for years to come. The Bears youth program is on the decline, so it sure was nice to get this one. Now lets keep up the intensity, and break the curse at state.

GOOD LUCK WBL

PuckU126 · Post by **PuckU126** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 1:06 am

kpryan88 wrote:
PuckU126 wrote:
kpryan88 wrote: I listened to the game online, congrats to the Bears for winning tonight, but how many monkeys can they get off their back in one season? I'm not writing them off, just hoping at least 1 streak stays alive this season outside of section 8AA
Contradicting posts here...

Or maybe I'm just making sure the big monkey on their back gets noticed.

Sure, that's one way.

Just_Another_Fan · Post by **Just_Another_Fan** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 1:21 am

Pioneerprideguy wrote:The rivalry lives! Congrats to the Bears & coach Sager & his staff. They were all over the Pioneers to begin the game & perservered at the end. The staff had a game plan and it worked. Schletty was the difference. He got a ton of help from teammates blocking shots but he also made some wonderful saves on his own.

As disappointed as I was with the outcome, I had to smile seeing the joy on the faces of the WBL faithful. HM has owned them for several years and yet, they kept throwing everything they had at the Pioneers, only to be beat time after time. HM may own the quantity of wins recently, but WBL earned a quality win tonight.

For the Pionners, it was a heck of a season. As always, ya made us alum real proud. Tonight was no different. Many teams would have folded down 4-1 in the 3rd. But you fought your way back & almost pulled it out. A little humble pie for Lex & the program isn't such a bad thing. It may not taste real good right now but it sure makes ya appreciate the good stuff more when it happens.

Congrats to both teams for adding another chapter to one of the best high school hockey rivalries in the State.

Always classy PPG

Congrats to the bears tonight! I honestly never thought I would see the day! Give them hell at state!

Also congrats to the HM boys as well. I can safely say this is the first year that I was semi rooting for you. You boys, parents, and fans consistently show class. The streak had to end sometime and next year I can't see what a little hunger and a chance at redemption can do for you.

h-m fan · Post by **h-m fan** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 1:23 am

Another classic game at the colliseum between these two teams!

Couple things on the game:

1) Congrats to white bear hockey all the way up. this will get everyone involved in the program excited again. But congrats especially to the boys that did it on the ice. what a memory they will have for the rest of their lives.

2) I was sitting in neutral territory but had a lot of white bear supporters around me and they seemed to be really discouraged when they saw white bear fall into the trap. with the exception of the first goal, white bear did not get scored on when they had 5 guys back in the neutral zone. In the 3rd period there they started to get a little too aggressive at times when they had no real shot at establishing any pressure in the offensive zone. thats when hill capitalized. I don't know the exact reasons why people want to boot sager but this was a team that was out skilled but seemed to buy into the system and it worked. They played with a lot of heart and clearly were the team that was more ready when the game started. I'm not saying sager is the greatest coach in the world but from what i hear he doesn't treat his players any better or worse than how lex treats his players. And, with the exception of last year, has had teams play hill murray very tough when they really didn't stand a chance. In 2008, Hill rolled through one of the most competive state tournaments with Edina and a Roseau team that hadn't lost in what 40 games? Yet hill needed a lucky deflection off a white bear defender to just to beat wbl in the section final. I just think that if white bear had won a game here or there against hill the past few years he'd be given a lot more recognition. recognition that i believe he deserves.

3) I hope that the kids at white bear keep buying into sager's scheme so they can get that 1st round monkey off their back and get that state title back to the st. paul suburban area and away from the minneapolis side of the metropolitan.

Good for White Bear, they waited a long time for tonight and they got what they deserved! As for hill. They'll be back. it was a good run these past few years but everyone needs a humbling experience to get rid of the complacency that was evident tonight both on the ice and in the stands.

WBLHockeyfan04 · Post by **WBLHockeyfan04** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 1:35 am

h-m fan wrote:Another classic game at the colliseum between these two teams!

Couple things on the game:

1) Congrats to white bear hockey all the way up. this will get everyone involved in the program excited again. But congrats especially to the boys that did it on the ice. what a memory they will have for the rest of their lives.

2) I was sitting in neutral territory but had a lot of white bear supporters around me and they seemed to be really discouraged when they saw white bear fall into the trap. with the exception of the first goal, white bear did not get scored on when they had 5 guys back in the neutral zone. In the 3rd period there they started to get a little too aggressive at times when they had no real shot at establishing any pressure in the offensive zone. thats when hill capitalized. I don't know the exact reasons why people want to boot sager but this was a team that was out skilled but seemed to buy into the system and it worked. They played with a lot of heart and clearly were the team that was more ready when the game started. I'm not saying sager is the greatest coach in the world but from what i hear he doesn't treat his players any better or worse than how lex treats his players. And, with the exception of last year, has had teams play hill murray very tough when they really didn't stand a chance. In 2008, Hill rolled through one of the most competive state tournaments with Edina and a Roseau team that hadn't lost in what 40 games? Yet hill needed a lucky deflection off a white bear defender to just to beat wbl in the section final. I just think that if white bear had won a game here or there against hill the past few years he'd be given a lot more recognition. recognition that i believe he deserves.

3) I hope that the kids at white bear keep buying into sager's scheme so they can get that 1st round monkey off their back and get that state title back to the st. paul suburban area and away from the minneapolis side of the metropolitan.

Good for White Bear, they waited a long time for tonight and they got what they deserved! As for hill. They'll be back. it was a good run these past few years but everyone needs a humbling experience to get rid of the complacency that was evident tonight both on the ice and in the stands.

Great post. I admit that I haven't been the biggest Sager supporter. Alot of that has to do with his record against HM, and other top end schools. But tonight his players were ready, the scheme was perfect, the team played smart confident hockey, and battled through adversity late to eventually come out on top.

To be honest, I have no idea what I would have said to a team that just blew a 4-1 lead going into OT with one man short due to a tough penalty... He and his staff kept it all together, and was able to come out on top in double OT when I'm sure many doubted it would happen. Myself included.

PuckU126 · Post by **PuckU126** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 1:42 am

WBLHockeyfan04 wrote:
h-m fan wrote:Another classic game at the colliseum between these two teams!

Couple things on the game:

1) Congrats to white bear hockey all the way up. this will get everyone involved in the program excited again. But congrats especially to the boys that did it on the ice. what a memory they will have for the rest of their lives.

2) I was sitting in neutral territory but had a lot of white bear supporters around me and they seemed to be really discouraged when they saw white bear fall into the trap. with the exception of the first goal, white bear did not get scored on when they had 5 guys back in the neutral zone. In the 3rd period there they started to get a little too aggressive at times when they had no real shot at establishing any pressure in the offensive zone. thats when hill capitalized. I don't know the exact reasons why people want to boot sager but this was a team that was out skilled but seemed to buy into the system and it worked. They played with a lot of heart and clearly were the team that was more ready when the game started. I'm not saying sager is the greatest coach in the world but from what i hear he doesn't treat his players any better or worse than how lex treats his players. And, with the exception of last year, has had teams play hill murray very tough when they really didn't stand a chance. In 2008, Hill rolled through one of the most competive state tournaments with Edina and a Roseau team that hadn't lost in what 40 games? Yet hill needed a lucky deflection off a white bear defender to just to beat wbl in the section final. I just think that if white bear had won a game here or there against hill the past few years he'd be given a lot more recognition. recognition that i believe he deserves.

3) I hope that the kids at white bear keep buying into sager's scheme so they can get that 1st round monkey off their back and get that state title back to the st. paul suburban area and away from the minneapolis side of the metropolitan.

Good for White Bear, they waited a long time for tonight and they got what they deserved! As for hill. They'll be back. it was a good run these past few years but everyone needs a humbling experience to get rid of the complacency that was evident tonight both on the ice and in the stands.
Great post. I admit that I haven't been the biggest Sager supporter. Alot of that has to do with his record against HM, and other top end schools. But tonight his players were ready, the scheme was perfect, the team played smart confident hockey, and battled through adversity late to eventually come out on top.

To be honest, I have no idea what I would have said to a team that just blew a 4-1 lead going into OT with one man short due to a tough penalty... He and his staff kept it all together, and was able to come out on top in double OT when I'm sure many doubted it would happen. Myself included.

(Both posts)

Keep the good times rolling, WB. Feed off of this win going into the X.

wblhockeyfan8 · Post by **wblhockeyfan8** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:04 am

hockeyfan893 wrote:Congrats to White Bear. They left it all on the ice. It was a hard earned victory. The team played with a lot of guts and pride.

However many of the WBL supporters don't deserve to have that proud of team on the ice. The "tampon" chant being one of the most classless things I've heard / seen at a sporting event.

Best of luck to WBL in State.

Easy killer! We're allowed one questionable chant!

Other than that I don't think people have much to complain about, and I thought we did a good job supporting out team. It could have been MUCH worse, trust me!

As for the game:

There is a lot of people to thank, especially the group of Blaine fans who stayed to support us, what a classy group of kids. Great parents and fans from random cities showing us love and sharing memories with us. I thought the Colosseum was a really classy place tonight, and anyone who isn't from the great state of hockey would have been in awe. It was an amazing game, and without a doubt the greatest moment of my high school experience. I'm proud to be a Bear, proud to be the B, proud to be from Minnesota!

It was also nice to see some of the Hill players, and coach Lechner after the game. I was glad I got to say great game to those guys, because it really was.

I don't even know what to do now...

wblhockeyfan8 · Post by **wblhockeyfan8** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:05 am

I forgot to thank the team, they placed a decently important role I guess...

GREAT GAME BOYS, WE LOVE YOU ALL.

buzzershot · Post by **buzzershot** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:46 am

CONGRATS TO THE WHITE BEAR LAKE BEARS!!!!! AWSOME GAME BOYS!!! DEFINITELY A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!!! GOOD LUCK AT STATE! Best thing....NOT A SINGLE PRIVATE SCHOOL IN THE 2A STATE TOURNAMENT! No crying seniors this year right Wahlin!

Goldfishdude · Post by **Goldfishdude** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 3:17 am

Just so the WBL faithful who have called me a sissy for jumping off the bandwagon,

... please go to the "sticky" portion of the forum page titled "Playoff Games: Friday Night", and you will see where I called Mac Jansen to score the winner in 2OT...

As I have stated, I have ALWAYS supported the players on the team.

Weekend_Warrior · Post by **Weekend_Warrior** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 3:21 am

I'd also like to add that it was really great to see the school bands from both squads at the game tonight. Especially with the impressive crowd turn-out.

Goldfishdude · Post by **Goldfishdude** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 3:25 am

Goldfishdude wrote:
buzzershot wrote:No Goldfishdude you are not the only one who knows Lex is the best. And believe me I'm with ya brother on your Sager dislike but we all are just praying Sager for once gets his head in the sunshine for a change and actually X's and O's a game plan to bet Hill.
Unfortunately, Buzzie... It won't be by the mercy of Sager's coaching for WBL to get by H-M.. It will be the "will to win" by Wahlin, Birki and Jansen. For the sake of the Bears, I hope he does come up with a way to attack and aggressively forecheck with the forwards and keep the defense from pinching too much too deep. They can't afford the odd-man rushes.

My sincerest congrats to the Big 3 and Jared Schletty for standing tall in nets when the going got tough!! And the rest of the boys, and your dads. I am happy for you.

PPG, pioneers, sachs, and other H-M fans... It's a sorrowful day for us. And all we can do is still stay classy. I honestly had no interest in going to the game, because I thought I would be watching 3 games on TV, and then I would penpal Coach Guentzel down in Nebraska. It was a great season with a tremendous amount of hope for the future. H-M will be back SOON!

I had both horses in this race, so regardless of the outcome, you can just replace the name Charlie Sheen with Goldfishdude - and for those that know me... how fitting this is..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTEuLeh5JOI

youngblood08 · Post by **youngblood08** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 4:33 am

17-0 vs 0-17???? Ironic?

2Things,

How big of a blow would it have been to WBL if Hill pulled it out in OT?

Can WBL get back down to earth to erase another HISTORICAL BLEMIS on the record books?

Tigers33 · Post by **Tigers33** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:39 am

where are the people that wanted Sager gone? I might be wrong here cause I am not from WBL. Wasnt there a forum earlier that there was an investigation going into Sager, and people wanted him gone? Am I remembering this correctly...

Also, I think there was a similar situation in Grand Rapids. Wasnt there a forum about people wanting the GR coach gone too? I remember there being an article in the paper.

Where are these people now after the seasons these two teams had??

PoniesDad45 · Post by **PoniesDad45** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:44 am

Congrats to White Bear. WOW! I didn't think HM was going to be beatable.

Post by **east hockey** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:49 am

Tigers33 wrote:where are the people that wanted Sager gone? I might be wrong here cause I am not from WBL. Wasnt there a forum earlier that there was an investigation going into Sager, and people wanted him gone? Am I remembering this correctly...

Also, I think there was a similar situation in Grand Rapids. Wasnt there a forum about people wanting the GR coach gone too? I remember there being an article in the paper.

Where are these people now after the seasons these two teams had??

I was going to start a topic named something like "Something else which winning does", and talk about some examples. Sager and Laroque come to mind but my main example was Lee Smith at Eden Prairie. Until they won state a few years ago, the cry for his ouster was constant.

As you said, winning quiets a lot of this. Not all, though.

Lee

Goldfishdude · Post by **Goldfishdude** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:50 am

Tigers33 wrote:where are the people that wanted Sager gone? I might be wrong here cause I am not from WBL. Wasnt there a forum earlier that there was an investigation going into Sager, and people wanted him gone? Am I remembering this correctly...

Also, I think there was a similar situation in Grand Rapids. Wasnt there a forum about people wanting the GR coach gone too? I remember there being an article in the paper.

Where are these people now after the seasons these two teams had??

Tigers.... if you go to page 4 of this thread, you will see Goldfishdude stood up and addressed Goldfishdude's feelings.. Because I also said on this thread, a WBL victory can be chalked up to a "will to win" by the players....

Post by **east hockey** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:51 am

Goldfishdude wrote:
Tigers33 wrote:where are the people that wanted Sager gone? I might be wrong here cause I am not from WBL. Wasnt there a forum earlier that there was an investigation going into Sager, and people wanted him gone? Am I remembering this correctly...

Also, I think there was a similar situation in Grand Rapids. Wasnt there a forum about people wanting the GR coach gone too? I remember there being an article in the paper.

Where are these people now after the seasons these two teams had??
Tigers.... if you go to page 4 of this thread, you will see Goldfishdude stood up and addressed Goldfishdude's feelings.. Because I also said on this thread, a WBL victory can be chalked up to a "will to win" by the players....

Did I just see you refer to yourself in the third person? East Hockey approves of this.

Lee

Post by **karl(east)** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:53 am

east hockey wrote:
Goldfishdude wrote:
Tigers33 wrote:where are the people that wanted Sager gone? I might be wrong here cause I am not from WBL. Wasnt there a forum earlier that there was an investigation going into Sager, and people wanted him gone? Am I remembering this correctly...

Also, I think there was a similar situation in Grand Rapids. Wasnt there a forum about people wanting the GR coach gone too? I remember there being an article in the paper.

Where are these people now after the seasons these two teams had??
Tigers.... if you go to page 4 of this thread, you will see Goldfishdude stood up and addressed Goldfishdude's feelings.. Because I also said on this thread, a WBL victory can be chalked up to a "will to win" by the players....
Did I just see you refer to yourself in the third person? East Hockey approves of this.

Lee

As does Karl.

Add Curt Giles to the list of coaches who people thought should have been fired before he won it all last year...

Goldfishdude · Post by **Goldfishdude** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:55 am

east hockey wrote:
Goldfishdude wrote:
Tigers33 wrote:where are the people that wanted Sager gone? I might be wrong here cause I am not from WBL. Wasnt there a forum earlier that there was an investigation going into Sager, and people wanted him gone? Am I remembering this correctly...

Also, I think there was a similar situation in Grand Rapids. Wasnt there a forum about people wanting the GR coach gone too? I remember there being an article in the paper.

Where are these people now after the seasons these two teams had??
Tigers.... if you go to page 4 of this thread, you will see Goldfishdude stood up and addressed Goldfishdude's feelings.. Because I also said on this thread, a WBL victory can be chalked up to a "will to win" by the players....
Did I just see you refer to yourself in the third person? East Hockey approves of this.

Lee

Goldfishdude was actually wondering if Godfishdude was referring to himself in the 4th person as Goldfishdude was typing.

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The Classic Final: White Bear vs. Hill Murray

Who's Going to state?