STA

[defense]

I believe, and by no means do I know that I am right, that the MSHSL decided to go to two classes to help grow hockey. To let more schools have more excitement. This it definitely has done. Not only have smaller public schools gained in hockey, but as has been stated small private schools who had little success in hockey before, now have a whole lot of success. Essentially, and forgive me if this is twisted because this is where this is going, St. Thomas Academy is a two class success story. Ditto Breck, Blake, Benilde. All had hockey before, just not at a high level.
While I believe St. Thomas Academy is a two class success, I also believe that they, and the other private schools, not just in the metro, have exploited it. In the end though, they are playing inside of the rules.
I think it is funny how no one is talking about Warroad anymore.

[MrBoDangles]

I believe, and by no means do I know that I am right, that the MSHSL decided to go to two classes to help grow hockey. To let more schools have more excitement. This it definitely has done. Not only have smaller public schools gained in hockey, but as has been stated small private schools who had little success in hockey before, now have a whole lot of success. Essentially, and forgive me if this is twisted because this is where this is going, St. Thomas Academy is a two class success story. Ditto Breck, Blake, Benilde. All had hockey before, just not at a high level.
While I believe St. Thomas Academy is a two class success, I also believe that they, and the other private schools, not just in the metro, have exploited it. In the end though, they are playing inside of the rules.
I think it is funny how no one is talking about Warroad anymore.

Very good, filled with common sense, post!
Like the private schools before them....... It is time for STA to make the move. Inside the rules, but milking Minnesota HS Hockey.

[High Flyer]

I believe, and by no means do I know that I am right, that the MSHSL decided to go to two classes to help grow hockey. To let more schools have more excitement. This it definitely has done. Not only have smaller public schools gained in hockey, but as has been stated small private schools who had little success in hockey before, now have a whole lot of success. Essentially, and forgive me if this is twisted because this is where this is going, St. Thomas Academy is a two class success story. Ditto Breck, Blake, Benilde. All had hockey before, just not at a high level.
While I believe St. Thomas Academy is a two class success, I also believe that they, and the other private schools, not just in the metro, have exploited it. In the end though, they are playing inside of the rules.
I think it is funny how no one is talking about Warroad anymore.

Very good, filled with common sense, post!
Like the private schools before them....... It is time for STA to make the move. Inside the rules, but milking Minnesota HS Hockey.

Mr. Bo.

You will be pleased to know that I bumped into the head master today and it sounds like that do to the public out cry and criticism of STA playing class A, they are now reconsidering moving up to class AA

It also sounds like if they don't, they may be losing a big alumni supporter of the program, in terms of $$$$$$ and a couple of thier top players leaving STA next year....

[BodyShots]

I believe, and by no means do I know that I am right, that the MSHSL decided to go to two classes to help grow hockey. To let more schools have more excitement. This it definitely has done. Not only have smaller public schools gained in hockey, but as has been stated small private schools who had little success in hockey before, now have a whole lot of success. Essentially, and forgive me if this is twisted because this is where this is going, St. Thomas Academy is a two class success story. Ditto Breck, Blake, Benilde. All had hockey before, just not at a high level.
While I believe St. Thomas Academy is a two class success, I also believe that they, and the other private schools, not just in the metro, have exploited it. In the end though, they are playing inside of the rules.
I think it is funny how no one is talking about Warroad anymore.

Very good, filled with common sense, post!
Like the private schools before them....... It is time for STA to make the move. Inside the rules, but milking Minnesota HS Hockey.

Mr. Bo.

You will be pleased to know that I bumped into the head master today and it sounds like that do to the public out cry and criticism of STA playing class A, they are now reconsidering moving up to class AA

It also sounds like if they don't, they may be losing a big alumni supporter of the program, in terms of $$$$$$ and a couple of thier top players leaving STA next year....

Is it April 1st today!!!!

[observer]

couple of thier top players leaving STA next year....

Setting the April Fools mention aside, leaving for where to sit out and play JV for a year until they have eligibility to play varsity at a new AA school?

[MrBoDangles]

Breck will follow STA's lead

[defense]

THing is, STA is likely NOT moving to class AA this year or next. Far as I know, the deal is done. I am not beyond where the mshsl could make an exception, but....don't count on it. And personally, I don't care. LEt it go dangles...your team who either got beat by STA in sections the last so many years, or hasn't been to the twin cities tournement just wasn't good enough..... I hope my two sons learn to actually earn something. So, in the same sentance: they will NOT be attending class at some preppy school AND I HOPE THAT STA, BRECK, DULUTH MARSHAL...and all the others still compete in class A.

[High Flyer]

couple of thier top players leaving STA next year....

leaving for where to sit out and play JV for a year until they have eligibility to play varsity at a new AA school?

USHL and back to existing community (there is a way around that when it is a private to public trans.)

[MrBoDangles]

THing is, STA is likely NOT moving to class AA this year or next. Far as I know, the deal is done. I am not beyond where the mshsl could make an exception, but....don't count on it. And personally, I don't care. LEt it go dangles...your team who either got beat by STA in sections the last so many years, or hasn't been to the twin cities tournement just wasn't good enough..... I hope my two sons learn to actually earn something. So, in the same sentance: they will NOT be attending class at some preppy school AND I HOPE THAT STA, BRECK, DULUTH MARSHAL...and all the others still compete in class A.

You go from a little common sense in one post, to sounding like your having a hormonal imbalance in this one.

[MNHockeyFan]

Those of you that are bitching about St. Thomas not moving to AA are, quite frankly, just wasting your time. As a matter of fact, you're pretty much just pi$$ing into the wind. For those who might not know, the MSHSL assigns various classes in ALL sports for both boys and girls that are based strictly on school enrollment. And they have never FORCED any program to "opt up" because they've been "too successful" in section and/or state tournaments. It would be unrealistic and perhaps even egotistical to believe that the MSHSL would make an exception for just boys hockey. If you think they should, you probably don't know that there are far more high schools that play basketball and football, and even girls basketball, and there are no special rules in these sports that determine which schools need to "opt up" (or down) to "level the playing field." For all these other sports, just like boys hockey, it's whichever team wins in their class (based strictly on enrollment size). The powers that be at the MSHSL should ask, why should boys high school hockey be treated differently and have different rules?

Despite all of the "great suggestions" posted here on how to change the tournament and to force boys hockey teams (like STA) to play at a class level above what their enrollment calls for, you need to know that such a change will never happen unless it is univesrally adopted for all sports. I think this is highly unlikely.

[defense]

THing is, STA is likely NOT moving to class AA this year or next. Far as I know, the deal is done. I am not beyond where the mshsl could make an exception, but....don't count on it. And personally, I don't care. LEt it go dangles...your team who either got beat by STA in sections the last so many years, or hasn't been to the twin cities tournement just wasn't good enough..... I hope my two sons learn to actually earn something. So, in the same sentance: they will NOT be attending class at some preppy school AND I HOPE THAT STA, BRECK, DULUTH MARSHAL...and all the others still compete in class A.

You go from a little common sense in one post, to sounding like your having a hormonal imbalance in this one.

And generally there are pretty decent posts out of you...except crap like that.

[MrBoDangles]

Those of you that are bitching about St. Thomas not moving to AA are, quite frankly, just wasting your time. As a matter of fact, you're pretty much just pi$$ing into the wind. For those who might not know, the MSHSL assigns various classes in ALL sports for both boys and girls that are based strictly on school enrollment. And they have never FORCED any program to "opt up" because they've been "too successful" in section and/or state tournaments. It would be unrealistic and perhaps even egotistical to believe that the MSHSL would make an exception for just boys hockey. If you think they should, you probably don't know that there are far more high schools that play basketball and football, and even girls basketball, and there are no special rules in these sports that determine which schools need to "opt up" (or down) to "level the playing field." For all these other sports, just like boys hockey, it's whichever team wins in their class (based strictly on enrollment size). The powers that be at the MSHSL should ask, why should boys high school hockey be treated differently and have different rules?

Despite all of the "great suggestions" posted here on how to change the tournament and to force boys hockey teams (like STA) to play at a class level above what their enrollment calls for, you need to know that such a change will never happen unless it is univesrally adopted for all sports. I think this is highly unlikely.

Maybe all of the private schools that have opted up could drop back down for one big massacre of the small town A schools....... If STA and Breck move up there will be a much better balance of teams... and there will still be plenty of private schools that will contend.

No one is forcing any program to move up, it is more about having a conscience.

Hats off to the programs that knew when it was time.

[Marty Moose]

Mr. Bo,

You are right on. But I think some of the posters are missing the point of many here...

I'm not anti-STA, nor are many of the people here. Nor do I support the idea of the MSHSL 'forcing' them to play at the AA level. The contention by many, myslef included, is that STA should know that it's time to move up. That's where the crticism should be directed. I really respect STA as an institution. I believe they teach the kids well. Most graduates I know are top notch. I respect that school a lot. I DO NOT respect the decision to stay at Class A. They have developed a solid program, the kids work hard, and they are well-coached. But the fact is that they have inherent advantages over small public schools when it comes to hockey (which nobody on this board disputes). People on here whine about Warroad and the one or two 'open enrollment' players they might have on the roster. STA has 20 'open enrollment' players on their roster - every year. So does Breck. I have lost a lot of respect for STA. Not just as a hockey team, but as a school. They can claim to be coaching the kids up, teaching them to excel, blah, blah, blah. They win mostly beacuse of the inherent advantages. Does every private school have them? No. New Ulm Cathedral is sitting on the prairie in the middle of one of the least populated counties in the state. No way they can get the kind of players STA does. Does St. Paul Academy have the same advatnges as STA does? They could, but they have not really chosen to pursue it. If they do, and Joe D. gets the thing rocking, then I'd hope they'd know when the time is right to go to AA. It's about respecting the intent of the 2 class system. And STA is not doing that.

[MrBoDangles]

Mr. Bo,

You are right on. But I think some of the posters are missing the point of many here...

I'm not anti-STA, nor are many of the people here. Nor do I support the idea of the MSHSL 'forcing' them to play at the AA level. The contention by many, myslef included, is that STA should know that it's time to move up. That's where the crticism should be directed. I really respect STA as an institution. I believe they teach the kids well. Most graduates I know are top notch. I respect that school a lot. I DO NOT respect the decision to stay at Class A. They have developed a solid program, the kids work hard, and they are well-coached. But the fact is that they have inherent advantages over small public schools when it comes to hockey (which nobody on this board disputes). People on here whine about Warroad and the one or two 'open enrollment' players they might have on the roster. STA has 20 'open enrollment' players on their roster - every year. So does Breck. I have lost a lot of respect for STA. Not just as a hockey team, but as a school. They can claim to be coaching the kids up, teaching them to excel, blah, blah, blah. They win mostly beacuse of the inherent advantages. Does every private school have them? No. New Ulm Cathedral is sitting on the prairie in the middle of one of the least populated counties in the state. No way they can get the kind of players STA does. Does St. Paul Academy have the same advatnges as STA does? They could, but they have not really chosen to pursue it. If they do, and Joe D. gets the thing rocking, then I'd hope they'd know when the time is right to go to AA. It's about respecting the intent of the 2 class system. And STA is not doing that.

Great post! They're starting to get it.

[HShockeywatcher]

Those of you that are bitching about St. Thomas not moving to AA are, quite frankly, just wasting your time. As a matter of fact, you're pretty much just pi$$ing into the wind. For those who might not know, the MSHSL assigns various classes in ALL sports for both boys and girls that are based strictly on school enrollment. And they have never FORCED any program to "opt up" because they've been "too successful" in section and/or state tournaments. It would be unrealistic and perhaps even egotistical to believe that the MSHSL would make an exception for just boys hockey. If you think they should, you probably don't know that there are far more high schools that play basketball and football, and even girls basketball, and there are no special rules in these sports that determine which schools need to "opt up" (or down) to "level the playing field." For all these other sports, just like boys hockey, it's whichever team wins in their class (based strictly on enrollment size). The powers that be at the MSHSL should ask, why should boys high school hockey be treated differently and have different rules?

Despite all of the "great suggestions" posted here on how to change the tournament and to force boys hockey teams (like STA) to play at a class level above what their enrollment calls for, you need to know that such a change will never happen unless it is univesrally adopted for all sports. I think this is highly unlikely.

One thing you must keep in mind when making posts like this MNHockeyFan, is that "hockey's different." Right or wrong, that's how hockey fans look at it.

Mr. Bo,

You are right on. But I think some of the posters are missing the point of many here...

I'm not anti-STA, nor are many of the people here. Nor do I support the idea of the MSHSL 'forcing' them to play at the AA level. The contention by many, myslef included, is that STA should know that it's time to move up. That's where the crticism should be directed. I really respect STA as an institution. I believe they teach the kids well. Most graduates I know are top notch. I respect that school a lot. I DO NOT respect the decision to stay at Class A. They have developed a solid program, the kids work hard, and they are well-coached. But the fact is that they have inherent advantages over small public schools when it comes to hockey (which nobody on this board disputes). People on here whine about Warroad and the one or two 'open enrollment' players they might have on the roster. STA has 20 'open enrollment' players on their roster - every year. So does Breck. I have lost a lot of respect for STA. Not just as a hockey team, but as a school. They can claim to be coaching the kids up, teaching them to excel, blah, blah, blah. They win mostly beacuse of the inherent advantages. Does every private school have them? No. New Ulm Cathedral is sitting on the prairie in the middle of one of the least populated counties in the state. No way they can get the kind of players STA does. Does St. Paul Academy have the same advatnges as STA does? They could, but they have not really chosen to pursue it. If they do, and Joe D. gets the thing rocking, then I'd hope they'd know when the time is right to go to AA. It's about respecting the intent of the 2 class system. And STA is not doing that.

The biggest issue I have with a post like this (and I would like to see them up) is that it implies the higher class means teams are better. There have been many years where public schools are also "too good" for the rest of the competition.
I'd like to see them up because of the positive implications it would have on the program and (if High Flyer's post is accurate) the negative implications of staying down.

My second issue is the blind negative comments directed at St Thomas. -Breck has 4 titles in the last 11 years. Maybe not as good head at head, or right now, but a better program over the last 10-15 years. Yet, over the last two years while Breck was making it to state (something the Cadets didn't do) and winning state, most of the comments were about St Thomas, not Breck.
-In 2005 Totino lost to Warroad in double OT, and was probably a top 5, at least top 10, team in state. I remember talk about how good the team was, etc, etc, and all the while all the recruiting talks were about how St Thomas was so good because of how they recruited one player they had, while they went 1-2 at state.
I'll leave it at that. Recent success means they're good now.

I still would like to understand how the class you are in has diddly do to with how good you or your program is. I can think of countless programs in other sports that are not in the top class, but respected as some of the best teams in the sport. During the season they play teams in other classes and do well. Most are public, so apparently that's okay.

[Marty Moose]

HS Hockeywatcher,

Fair enough. My comments were directed at STA because that has been the topic of the thread. I think Breck should move up as well. Totino too. Probably Blake as well. I don't think any of these schools should be forced to go, but they should do it to respect the purpose of the two class system.

As for AA being better than A... I agree that there are teams in A who are better than many teams in AA. But in general, AA is the stronger class. No debate there. It's why STA chooses to play a AA regular season schedule - stronger competition. And they should measure themselves vs. the generally stronger class.

[stpaul]

Those of you that are bitching about St. Thomas not moving to AA are, quite frankly, just wasting your time. As a matter of fact, you're pretty much just pi$$ing into the wind. For those who might not know, the MSHSL assigns various classes in ALL sports for both boys and girls that are based strictly on school enrollment. And they have never FORCED any program to "opt up" because they've been "too successful" in section and/or state tournaments. It would be unrealistic and perhaps even egotistical to believe that the MSHSL would make an exception for just boys hockey. If you think they should, you probably don't know that there are far more high schools that play basketball and football, and even girls basketball, and there are no special rules in these sports that determine which schools need to "opt up" (or down) to "level the playing field." For all these other sports, just like boys hockey, it's whichever team wins in their class (based strictly on enrollment size). The powers that be at the MSHSL should ask, why should boys high school hockey be treated differently and have different rules?

Despite all of the "great suggestions" posted here on how to change the tournament and to force boys hockey teams (like STA) to play at a class level above what their enrollment calls for, you need to know that such a change will never happen unless it is univesrally adopted for all sports. I think this is highly unlikely.

Hey what's the big idea coming on hear and writing with reason and about reality? These 15 pages are full of posts written by guys who like wasting their time and peeing in the wind. Do you mean nothing will change as a results of the volumes written about how STA should move to AA? That's impossible.

[HShockeywatcher]

HS Hockeywatcher,

Fair enough. My comments were directed at STA because that has been the topic of the thread. I think Breck should move up as well. Totino too. Probably Blake as well. I don't think any of these schools should be forced to go, but they should do it to respect the purpose of the two class system.

As for AA being better than A... I agree that there are teams in A who are better than many teams in AA. But in general, AA is the stronger class. No debate there. It's why STA chooses to play a AA regular season schedule - stronger competition. And they should measure themselves vs. the generally stronger class.

The purpose, as it is given to fans from the MSHSL, is to have the biggest 64 teams in the biggest class. If the purpose was for other certain schools to be in a certain place, wouldn't they do that?
There's two classes; what's wrong with the top half of private schools being up?

I really don't get where everyone gets this; they play 12 games against AA teams.
7 are conference opponents, 3 are at Schwan's Cup, 1 is Cretin and 1 is Minnetonka.
One of the first years they were in the Schwan's Cup was 05-06 and they played Orono, Totino and Cretin. Since, they have won and risen. Cretin they play every year in every sport they can. Tonka is really the only game they are choosing who to play that is AA.
Simply put, what you said is true; they are choosing to play strong competition, which is why they continue to play Breck, Marshall, Lourdes and Totino.

SSP has 17 AA teams on their schedule and I haven't heard anyone say anything about them...

[MrBoDangles]

Those of you that are bitching about St. Thomas not moving to AA are, quite frankly, just wasting your time. As a matter of fact, you're pretty much just pi$$ing into the wind. For those who might not know, the MSHSL assigns various classes in ALL sports for both boys and girls that are based strictly on school enrollment. And they have never FORCED any program to "opt up" because they've been "too successful" in section and/or state tournaments. It would be unrealistic and perhaps even egotistical to believe that the MSHSL would make an exception for just boys hockey. If you think they should, you probably don't know that there are far more high schools that play basketball and football, and even girls basketball, and there are no special rules in these sports that determine which schools need to "opt up" (or down) to "level the playing field." For all these other sports, just like boys hockey, it's whichever team wins in their class (based strictly on enrollment size). The powers that be at the MSHSL should ask, why should boys high school hockey be treated differently and have different rules?

Despite all of the "great suggestions" posted here on how to change the tournament and to force boys hockey teams (like STA) to play at a class level above what their enrollment calls for, you need to know that such a change will never happen unless it is univesrally adopted for all sports. I think this is highly unlikely.

Hey what's the big idea coming on hear and writing with reason and about reality? These 15 pages are full of posts written by guys who like wasting their time and peeing in the wind. Do you mean nothing will change as a results of the volumes written about how STA should move to AA? That's impossible.

Hey Hill Murray guy, We are able to read right through your motives...

[MrBoDangles]

HS Hockeywatcher,

Fair enough. My comments were directed at STA because that has been the topic of the thread. I think Breck should move up as well. Totino too. Probably Blake as well. I don't think any of these schools should be forced to go, but they should do it to respect the purpose of the two class system.

As for AA being better than A... I agree that there are teams in A who are better than many teams in AA. But in general, AA is the stronger class. No debate there. It's why STA chooses to play a AA regular season schedule - stronger competition. And they should measure themselves vs. the generally stronger class.

The purpose, as it is given to fans from the MSHSL, is to have the biggest 64 teams in the biggest class. If the purpose was for other certain schools to be in a certain place, wouldn't they do that?
There's two classes; what's wrong with the top half of private schools being up?

I really don't get where everyone gets this; they play 12 games against AA teams.
7 are conference opponents, 3 are at Schwan's Cup, 1 is Cretin and 1 is Minnetonka.
One of the first years they were in the Schwan's Cup was 05-06 and they played Orono, Totino and Cretin. Since, they have won and risen. Cretin they play every year in every sport they can. Tonka is really the only game they are choosing who to play that is AA.
Simply put, what you said is true; they are choosing to play strong competition, which is why they continue to play Breck, Marshall, Lourdes and Totino.

SSP has 17 AA teams on their schedule and I haven't heard anyone say anything about them...

When you're scheduling those type of teams and Shattuck St. Mary(national champs) and national powers from the east coast...... Why is it so hard for you to get this? STA has been THE team consistently in the top ten of the all school rankings.

Explain to the people why sponsors and players now want to bail from STA. I would bet that they know it is messed up what they are doing to small, community based, programs.

Pure shame it has become...

[MrBoDangles]

From followthepuck.com... a very good overview of STA and other private schools... IMO...

Attention St. Thomas Academy: Isn't your move up overdue?

With Holy Family Catholic making the move up to Class AA after only three years of having their own independent hockey program, what is stopping St. Thomas Academy, the 2011 Class A State Champions? St. Thomas Academy hockey is a proven successful program and the Cadets play over 50 percent of their regular season schedule against Class AA teams and prep schools. The Cadets would most likely be welcomed with open arms and better respected by the boys high school hockey fan base if they decided to FINALLY move up. Section 3AA looks like a nice fit for them.

Holy Family Catholic 2011-2012 enrollment: 595 (boys & girls)
Hill-Murray 2011-2012 enrollment: 705 (boys & girls)
Academy of Holy Angels 2011-2012 enrollment: 741 (boys & girls)
St. Thomas Academy 2011-2012 enrollment: 1066 (all boys Academy)*

Additional Information:

*Since I made the post above, I received two emails that the St. Academy enrollment for grades 9 through 12 is actually 534. The Cadets school information can be found here: http://www.cadets.com/page/365

They, the MSHSL (Minnesota State High School League), doubled the number (1066) because it is an all boys school. Not sure why that was necessary but that is what they did. I think all they needed to do was list it as '534 (boys only)'.

One of the emails also suggested, since I was singling out St. Thomas Academy, that I should also call out Breck School, Hermantown, and Blake School to move up as well. They too have had successful hockey programs in recent years. The pro-St. Thomas Academy supporter that emailed me had a good point if we were strictly talking about similar enrollments and successful programs at the Class A level. However, we are talking about an ALL BOYS SCHOOL. They have 534 BOYS. The other three schools, cut in half to represent the number of potential boys, would be Breck (200), Blake (260), Hermantown (313).

My point is that St. Thomas Academy has a much larger pool of boys eligible to play hockey and that they schedule a majority of their games against Class AA teams or prep schools. They play like a Class AA team during the regular season but they go into the Class A tournaments looking like Goliath's big brother.

2010-2011 regular season games vs. Class AA and elite non-MSHSL prep schools:
St. Thomas Academy: 15 out of 25 | 60%
Blake School: 9 out of 25 | 36%
Breck School: 8 out of 25 | 32%
Hermantown: 6 out of 25 | 24%

New Class AA team Holy Family Catholic: 4 out of 24 | 16.7%

If St. Thomas Academy does not want to move up due to their enrollment size, that is absolutely their prerogative. However, if the Cadets argument is that they want to play better competition during the regular season, why does that not stay consistent with deciding to opt up to the Class AA level and play in that tournament where the better teams are?

St. Thomas Academy's record versus Class A schools in the last six years:

91-8-4 (.919 win percentage)

2010-2011: 16-0-0 | CLASS A CHAMPIONS
2009-2010: 13-2-0 (lost to Mahtomedi twice including the Section 4A title game)
2008-2009: 11-2-2 (lost to Duluth Marshall and Mahtomedi, Mahtomedi in the 4A title game)
2007-2008: 16-2-0 (lost to Breck and Duluth Marshall) | CLASS A CHAMPIONS
2006-2007: 17-1-1 (lost to Duluth Marshall at state and tied them regular season) | CLASS A THIRD PLACE
2005-2006: 18-1-1 (lost to Breck, tied Red Wing) | CLASS A CHAMPIONS

If it were not for Mahtomedi, St. Thomas Academy could be, should be looking at four straight Class A titles. But, somehow, Mahtomedi was able to upset St. Thomas Academy not once but twice in the Section 4A playoffs in back-to-back years thanks to some outstanding and timely goaltending by Brad Wohlers of the Zephyrs in both years. Mahtomedi was badly outshot in both games. In the 2010 playoffs, St. Thomas Academy outshot the Zephyrs 45-25. In 2009, 49-23 Cadets.

Some more information for the debate...

Milking the system

[MrBoDangles]

The STA folks on here are blinded into thinking- that if there IS a little doubt that they will win the A championship- that they must be at the right level.

I don't think there is one person on either side of this discussion that feels they should not move up to AA. Why do you think that is? So if everyone thinks the same thing, do you think it is at all possible that this is why the Hockey community is losing all respect for the program/school?

I remember being excited for STA the first year they started doing good. Only recently, with their scheduling and total domination of the small school class, have I become fed up with them, along with most others.

The only reason the faculty wants to stay at A is because they figure why possibly ruin what we have now. Them saying that they don't want to excell (be known) at a higher level is a lie. I hope we all know that.

The sad truth to all this is that STA will take a large hit from this decision. People now know their angle....... They are hoping to stay a household name by collecting the small program trophy.

Look for this program to take a downward spiral..... Because of the faculty cowards.

The sad facts

[High Flyer]

HS Hockeywatcher,

Fair enough. My comments were directed at STA because that has been the topic of the thread. I think Breck should move up as well. Totino too. Probably Blake as well. I don't think any of these schools should be forced to go, but they should do it to respect the purpose of the two class system.

As for AA being better than A... I agree that there are teams in A who are better than many teams in AA. But in general, AA is the stronger class. No debate there. It's why STA chooses to play a AA regular season schedule - stronger competition. And they should measure themselves vs. the generally stronger class.

The purpose, as it is given to fans from the MSHSL, is to have the biggest 64 teams in the biggest class. If the purpose was for other certain schools to be in a certain place, wouldn't they do that?
There's two classes; what's wrong with the top half of private schools being up?

I really don't get where everyone gets this; they play 12 games against AA teams.
7 are conference opponents, 3 are at Schwan's Cup, 1 is Cretin and 1 is Minnetonka.
One of the first years they were in the Schwan's Cup was 05-06 and they played Orono, Totino and Cretin. Since, they have won and risen. Cretin they play every year in every sport they can. Tonka is really the only game they are choosing who to play that is AA.
Simply put, what you said is true; they are choosing to play strong competition, which is why they continue to play Breck, Marshall, Lourdes and Totino.

SSP has 17 AA teams on their schedule and I haven't heard anyone say anything about them...

Explain to the people why sponsors and players now want to bail from STA. I would bet that they know it is messed up what they are doing to small, community based, programs.

Ok Bodangs, thought I should clarify that my post was a ruse (April 1st), the old “hidden ball trick”. Couldn’t fool Bodyshots and observe, as they caught that right away, but it appears you took the bait. No move up, no sponsors backing out and no players leaving.

Fact is, heard a very interesting rumor from a reliable source that STA may be getting a high profile transfer of a D1 coaches son and a talented 9th grader from a former NHL'er....

[MrBoDangles]

The purpose, as it is given to fans from the MSHSL, is to have the biggest 64 teams in the biggest class. If the purpose was for other certain schools to be in a certain place, wouldn't they do that?
There's two classes; what's wrong with the top half of private schools being up?

I really don't get where everyone gets this; they play 12 games against AA teams.
7 are conference opponents, 3 are at Schwan's Cup, 1 is Cretin and 1 is Minnetonka.
One of the first years they were in the Schwan's Cup was 05-06 and they played Orono, Totino and Cretin. Since, they have won and risen. Cretin they play every year in every sport they can. Tonka is really the only game they are choosing who to play that is AA.
Simply put, what you said is true; they are choosing to play strong competition, which is why they continue to play Breck, Marshall, Lourdes and Totino.

SSP has 17 AA teams on their schedule and I haven't heard anyone say anything about them...

Explain to the people why sponsors and players now want to bail from STA. I would bet that they know it is messed up what they are doing to small, community based, programs.

Ok Bodangs, thought I should clarify that my post was a ruse (April 1st), the old “hidden ball trick”. Couldn’t fool Bodyshots and observe, as they caught that right away, but it appears you took the bait. No move up, no sponsors backing out and no players leaving.

Fact is, heard a very interesting rumor from a reliable source that STA may be getting a high profile transfer of a D1 coaches son and a talented 9th grader from a former NHL'er....

Clarify!!? There is truth to your "April Fools" joke.... There are kids that were thinking of going to STA that have ruled out that option. There are unhappy coaches, faculty, and players.......FACT. There are plenty of STA folks (unlike the few on here that post) with class, that don't want to be known as sandbaggers.

Your joke is the real word around STA. Downward spiral!!!!!!

[Ugottobekiddingme]

Funny guy, thanks for being the Charlie Sheen of Minnesota Hockey Duh winning Nice work STA on the "A" championship...many of us envy that prize. Here boy, here boy...go get it...