AA Rankings for 1/22/12

Slap Shot · Post by **Slap Shot** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 4:48 pm

mnmouth wrote:
MNHockeyFan wrote:
HockeyGuy81 wrote:What if they don't get their team back and playing together?
And, who's to say Minnetonka wouldn't have won IF East had their team back and playing together?
I would have said that. East would have won by 2 or more goals.

And if they don't get their team back and playing together they won't be that team. All is predicated on them having their complete team.

So having all their players makes them at least a 2 goal favorite, while missing only a few (you do realize Skoog was 9-0 going into that game, DE was only misssing one defenseman and Urick obviousy adjusted) is enough for them to lose by 6?

StreetStix · Post by **StreetStix** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 5:18 pm

Skoog was 9-0 yes, and that's all the announcers knew. Parker played the tougher games and had a far better save percentage, the difference in their shots and saves is very noticeable. Even East knows how big the difference is, Randolph told his team before the game that Skoog was going to get lit up, how many times have you heard of that happening? The drop off is HUGE from Parker to Skoog. I've watched both these guys, you can go and compare the 6-2 game and the 9-3 game, Parker is excellent and Skoog is subpar. Anyone who follows East knows this. Also, Valesano is their best player on the 2nd line and is the one that makes it click - ask anyone on the team. Olson is huge with his physical presence and knack for scoring. A healthy Repensky is the best defenseman on the team, and with guys like Moore and Beaulieu, that's saying something.

Tonka played an amazing game and I think they're an excellent team. If I HAD to put money down, it'd be on them facing East in the final. I really do like the Tonka team, so much talent and great play. But you cannot downplay the effect of the guys East was missing. It was huge. And definitely enough to make them lose by 6. Although I think it was also a combination of the perfect storm: injuries and a bad goalie for East, perfect game execution by Tonka and the puck bouncing their way.

Major props to Tonka on a great win for the team. Not like they caused those missing players, they can only play the team in front of them.

zyzxx · Post by **zyzxx** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 6:01 pm

StreetStix wrote:Skoog was 9-0 yes, and that's all the announcers knew. Parker played the tougher games and had a far better save percentage, the difference in their shots and saves is very noticeable. Even East knows how big the difference is, Randolph told his team before the game that Skoog was going to get lit up, how many times have you heard of that happening? The drop off is HUGE from Parker to Skoog. I've watched both these guys, you can go and compare the 6-2 game and the 9-3 game, Parker is excellent and Skoog is subpar. Anyone who follows East knows this. Also, Valesano is their best player on the 2nd line and is the one that makes it click - ask anyone on the team. Olson is huge with his physical presence and knack for scoring. A healthy Repensky is the best defenseman on the team, and with guys like Moore and Beaulieu, that's saying something.

Tonka played an amazing game and I think they're an excellent team. If I HAD to put money down, it'd be on them facing East in the final. I really do like the Tonka team, so much talent and great play. But you cannot downplay the effect of the guys East was missing. It was huge. And definitely enough to make them lose by 6. Although I think it was also a combination of the perfect storm: injuries and a bad goalie for East, perfect game execution by Tonka and the puck bouncing their way.

Major props to Tonka on a great win for the team. Not like they caused those missing players, they can only play the team in front of them.

If Skoog was that bad, do you think he would have moved up to DE and made the varisty team his first season there? He must have beat out some up coming local DE goalies. Goalie stuff stinks sometimes in who is doing the evaluating. will be interesting to see how things go with Parker back.

mnmouth · Post by **mnmouth** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 6:20 pm

Slap Shot wrote:
mnmouth wrote:
MNHockeyFan wrote: And, who's to say Minnetonka wouldn't have won IF East had their team back and playing together?
I would have said that. East would have won by 2 or more goals.

And if they don't get their team back and playing together they won't be that team. All is predicated on them having their complete team.
So having all their players makes them at least a 2 goal favorite, while missing only a few (you do realize Skoog was 9-0 going into that game, DE was only misssing one defenseman and Urick obviousy adjusted) is enough for them to lose by 6?

Having all their players back would not have made them a 2-goal favorite, it would have made them a 2-goal winner. And it's not that they were missing a few players, but that the few they were missing are only among the best in the state.

It will be up to Skoog to prove his doubters wrong. Right now, he lacks confidence. And though it did not help that he stood like a stump too often against Tonka, his mates did not help him out.

East fans - any idea if Beau Hughes will be back this year?

northwoods oldtimer · Post by **northwoods oldtimer** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:12 pm

zyzxx wrote:
StreetStix wrote:Skoog was 9-0 yes, and that's all the announcers knew. Parker played the tougher games and had a far better save percentage, the difference in their shots and saves is very noticeable. Even East knows how big the difference is, Randolph told his team before the game that Skoog was going to get lit up, how many times have you heard of that happening? The drop off is HUGE from Parker to Skoog. I've watched both these guys, you can go and compare the 6-2 game and the 9-3 game, Parker is excellent and Skoog is subpar. Anyone who follows East knows this. Also, Valesano is their best player on the 2nd line and is the one that makes it click - ask anyone on the team. Olson is huge with his physical presence and knack for scoring. A healthy Repensky is the best defenseman on the team, and with guys like Moore and Beaulieu, that's saying something.

Tonka played an amazing game and I think they're an excellent team. If I HAD to put money down, it'd be on them facing East in the final. I really do like the Tonka team, so much talent and great play. But you cannot downplay the effect of the guys East was missing. It was huge. And definitely enough to make them lose by 6. Although I think it was also a combination of the perfect storm: injuries and a bad goalie for East, perfect game execution by Tonka and the puck bouncing their way.

Major props to Tonka on a great win for the team. Not like they caused those missing players, they can only play the team in front of them.
If Skoog was that bad, do you think he would have moved up to DE and made the varisty team his first season there? He must have beat out some up coming local DE goalies. Goalie stuff stinks sometimes in who is doing the evaluating. will be interesting to see how things go with Parker back.

MIA

keepyourheadup · Post by **keepyourheadup** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:20 pm

I get the part about missing Olson and Valasano but Repensky played and they left their goalie out to dry. East has one vulnerable area...they will give up quality chances. I believe they are the best team this year but by no means are they untouchable.

StreetStix · Post by **StreetStix** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:21 pm

zyzxx wrote: If Skoog was that bad, do you think he would have moved up to DE and made the varisty team his first season there? He must have beat out some up coming local DE goalies. Goalie stuff stinks sometimes in who is doing the evaluating. will be interesting to see how things go with Parker back.

He definitely isn't good right now. And I really, really want him to be. But he isn't. I've watched every game but two this year, so I've seen him a lot. To be honest, I think its mostly nerves, preseason he didn't seem so bad, actually looked good at times. But I think he's been breaking down mentally and that's such a huge struggle for HS kids. Anyone who has played HS sports knows how often kids sink themselves because they lose confidence or get too emotional in the wrong way. Its quite amazing.

True, it'll be very interesting.

mnmouth: I haven't heard an update on Hughes but frankly its because it isn't too important at this point. He's a sometimes-3rd-blueliner and he struggles a lot. IMO if Repensky gets back to 100% it will be Moore-Repensky, Beaulieu-Kotter, Kerr-Trapp/Campion.

StreetStix · Post by **StreetStix** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:25 pm

keepyourheadup wrote:I get the part about missing Olson and Valasano but Repensky played and they left their goalie out to dry. East has one vulnerable area...they will give up quality chances. I believe they are the best team this year but by no means are they untouchable.

Repensky was sore, not only did he say it but you could tell. Look at his passing. Either that wrist is still not 100% or he has some mind games to overcome. Yea definitely, they've struggled with that this year and Parker has had to come up big a few times. Their best defense is their puck possession and when that isn't clicking....they could be in serious trouble. Just as Minnetonka exposed.

East is definitely not untouchable, not even close. On any given night they can be beat by 5+ teams in AA. It'll be a fun postseason to watch

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:29 pm

keepyourheadup wrote:East has one vulnerable area...they will give up quality chances.

That's kind of a big one, don't you think?

Post by **karl(east)** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:04 pm

StreetStix wrote:Their best defense is their puck possession and when that isn't clicking....they could be in serious trouble.

I agree completely, and this is probably the key to this team's success. East is a classic "best defense is a good offense" team that beats its opponents by bottling them up in their own end. The Maple Grove game was the ideal of how this is supposed to work. Pete Waggoner said it well during the radio broadcast: when East's top line starts controlling play, it looks like a perpetual power play, and it doesn't matter who they're playing. The second line, when healthy, is on par with the first. That's why I think a decimated second line was such a problem on Saturday--they didn't have two lines that could control play.

That doesn't mean that nobody could beat East if they were healthy; I'd never say that.

They also have some decent talent on the blue line and normally do a pretty good job of containing odd-man rushes. The forwards also tend to backcheck pretty well, though they did not do so on Saturday. But there certainly have been a few too many defensive lapses this year; most of the time they can cover those up, but not so against Minnetonka. If they can clean that up, they'll be in great shape.

mnmouth · Post by **mnmouth** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:29 pm

karl(east) wrote:
StreetStix wrote:Their best defense is their puck possession and when that isn't clicking....they could be in serious trouble.
I agree completely, and this is probably the key to this team's success. East is a classic "best defense is a good offense" team that beats its opponents by bottling them up in their own end. The Maple Grove game was the ideal of how this is supposed to work. Pete Waggoner said it well during the radio broadcast: when East's top line starts controlling play, it looks like a perpetual power play, and it doesn't matter who they're playing. The second line, when healthy, is on par with the first. That's why I think a decimated second line was such a problem on Saturday--they didn't have two lines that could control play.

That doesn't mean that nobody could beat East if they were healthy; I'd never say that.

They also have some decent talent on the blue line and normally do a pretty good job of containing odd-man rushes. The forwards also tend to backcheck pretty well, though they did not do so on Saturday. But there certainly have been a few too many defensive lapses this year; most of the time they can cover those up, but not so against Minnetonka. If they can clean that up, they'll be in great shape.

You won't say that, but I will. As I've stated (too many times, right Rozoverated?), it will take a tremendous defensive effort to beat East when they are healthy. Hell, even the Red Army team lost occasionally.

green4 · Post by **green4** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:43 pm

mnmouth wrote:
karl(east) wrote:
StreetStix wrote:Their best defense is their puck possession and when that isn't clicking....they could be in serious trouble.
I agree completely, and this is probably the key to this team's success. East is a classic "best defense is a good offense" team that beats its opponents by bottling them up in their own end. The Maple Grove game was the ideal of how this is supposed to work. Pete Waggoner said it well during the radio broadcast: when East's top line starts controlling play, it looks like a perpetual power play, and it doesn't matter who they're playing. The second line, when healthy, is on par with the first. That's why I think a decimated second line was such a problem on Saturday--they didn't have two lines that could control play.

That doesn't mean that nobody could beat East if they were healthy; I'd never say that.

They also have some decent talent on the blue line and normally do a pretty good job of containing odd-man rushes. The forwards also tend to backcheck pretty well, though they did not do so on Saturday. But there certainly have been a few too many defensive lapses this year; most of the time they can cover those up, but not so against Minnetonka. If they can clean that up, they'll be in great shape.
You won't say that, but I will. As I've stated (too many times, right Rozoverated?), it will take a tremendous defensive effort to beat East when they are healthy. Hell, even the Red Army team lost occasionally.

being a guy that likes edina i really wanted to see east crush tonka but then i come on here and read what you say and i completely do a 180 and decided no its good tonka won, open your eyes they lost 9-3 there defense was terrible and they were giving up point blank shots in the slot so even if they had parker in i have a hard time seeing him saving all those and some how with Olson back they go from a 9-3 loss to a win by two goals? i just can't see that with the way there defense played

keepyourheadup · Post by **keepyourheadup** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:49 pm

OK I'll take the bait! Red Army...are you kiddin me. They are a very good team , these Hounds, but not nearly the wrecking crew some people seem to think. They have a better chance than anyone else to win it all in my opinion but are not in the same class as some of the historic power house teams we've seen in the past. While always extremely competitive in youth hockey this group has won ZERO state championships. Last years EP team collected 6. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan, but it seems we have some posters getting a little ahead of themselves.

Post by **east hockey** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:53 pm

keepyourheadup wrote:OK I'll take the bait! Red Army...are you kiddin me. They are a very good team , these Hounds, but not nearly the wrecking crew some people seem to think. They have a better chance than anyone else to win it all in my opinion but are not in the same class as some of the historic power house teams we've seen in the past. While always extremely competitive in youth hockey this group has won ZERO state championships. Last years EP team collected 6. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan, but it seems we have some posters getting a little ahead of themselves.

Saturday's game should have been a humbling experience for all East fans. Not sure what more it would take.

Lee

mnmouth · Post by **mnmouth** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:17 pm

keepyourheadup wrote:OK I'll take the bait! Red Army...are you kiddin me. They are a very good team , these Hounds, but not nearly the wrecking crew some people seem to think. They have a better chance than anyone else to win it all in my opinion but are not in the same class as some of the historic power house teams we've seen in the past. While always extremely competitive in youth hockey this group has won ZERO state championships. Last years EP team collected 6. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan, but it seems we have some posters getting a little ahead of themselves.

Who cares how many state championships a team won in youth hockey? That guarantees them nothing once they hit high school. Last year, East was the best team at state, and it took a fanned clearing attempt and a great effort by Rau to dagger East fans' hearts.

Here's the deal. Obviously, I am basing my judgments on pure speculation that East will have its full roster soon, and through the rest of the season, and that Randolph will mold them into the juggernaut I believe they can become. As I am not an East fan, East Hockey, I don't look at Saturday's loss as a humbling experience. Instead, as a high school hockey fan, I say that ain't gonna happen again. Not this season. More than likely, it will be East doing the humbling.

keepyourheadup · Post by **keepyourheadup** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:22 pm

Last year the best team in the state won the tournament...end of story. This year East should do the same, time will tell.

HappyHockeyFan · Post by **HappyHockeyFan** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:28 pm

Maple Grove Crimson#1 wrote:East should stay #1.
Tonka sealed there spot at #2 with the loss to Edina.
Maple Grove holds at Number #3. 6-1-1 record vs. top 10 keeps them there.

these are the top 3 and I think there is a gap between them and any team you put at Number #4. Eagan hasnt played anything close to the schedules of the top 3 and has 2 losses compared to MG's 1 loss.

everything else looks spot on to me Karl.

Karl I think you overreacted to a couple of losses. You HAVE to consider Duluth East's depleted lineup and Maple Grove's loss cant be taken too seriously, they faced a super hot goalie and only lost by goal in OT...Your standings should have remained DE, Tonka, MG and Eagan. Just my opinion.

mnmouth · Post by **mnmouth** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:37 pm

HappyHockeyFan wrote:
Maple Grove Crimson#1 wrote:East should stay #1.
Tonka sealed there spot at #2 with the loss to Edina.
Maple Grove holds at Number #3. 6-1-1 record vs. top 10 keeps them there.

these are the top 3 and I think there is a gap between them and any team you put at Number #4. Eagan hasnt played anything close to the schedules of the top 3 and has 2 losses compared to MG's 1 loss.

everything else looks spot on to me Karl.
Karl I think you overreacted to a couple of losses. You HAVE to consider Duluth East's depleted lineup and Maple Grove's loss cant be taken too seriously, they faced a super hot goalie and only lost by goal in OT...Your standings should have remained DE, Tonka, MG and Eagan. Just my opinion.

East should not gain continued support (or sympathy) for having a depleted lineup. At this stage of the season, Minnetonka is the #1 club in the state, partly due to East not being at full strength, mainly due to the Skippers beating that depleted club easily. Also, the possibility remains that the Hounds may never have their full complement of players. If they do, they will prove they are an all-time club.

HockeyGuy81 · Post by **HockeyGuy81** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:48 pm

HappyHockeyFan wrote:
Maple Grove Crimson#1 wrote:East should stay #1.
Tonka sealed there spot at #2 with the loss to Edina.
Maple Grove holds at Number #3. 6-1-1 record vs. top 10 keeps them there.

these are the top 3 and I think there is a gap between them and any team you put at Number #4. Eagan hasnt played anything close to the schedules of the top 3 and has 2 losses compared to MG's 1 loss.

everything else looks spot on to me Karl.
Karl I think you overreacted to a couple of losses. You HAVE to consider Duluth East's depleted lineup and Maple Grove's loss cant be taken too seriously, they faced a super hot goalie and only lost by goal in OT...Your standings should have remained DE, Tonka, MG and Eagan. Just my opinion.

MG's loss was to DE. They tied Andover on Saturday

Neuuman · Post by **Neuuman** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:55 pm

mnmouth wrote:
keepyourheadup wrote:OK I'll take the bait! Red Army...are you kiddin me. They are a very good team , these Hounds, but not nearly the wrecking crew some people seem to think. They have a better chance than anyone else to win it all in my opinion but are not in the same class as some of the historic power house teams we've seen in the past. While always extremely competitive in youth hockey this group has won ZERO state championships. Last years EP team collected 6. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan, but it seems we have some posters getting a little ahead of themselves.
Who cares how many state championships a team won in youth hockey? That guarantees them nothing once they hit high school. Last year, East was the best team at state, and it took a fanned clearing attempt and a great effort by Rau to dagger East fans' hearts.

Here's the deal. Obviously, I am basing my judgments on pure speculation that East will have its full roster soon, and through the rest of the season, and that Randolph will mold them into the juggernaut I believe they can become. As I am not an East fan, East Hockey, I don't look at Saturday's loss as a humbling experience. Instead, as a high school hockey fan, I say that ain't gonna happen again. Not this season. More than likely, it will be East doing the humbling.

I've never been in that situation, but I have to believe if I was a member of the #1 ranked team and our team lost 9-3, I'd be a little humbled. I think I'd be arrogant if I wasn't. IMHO

shakey · Post by **shakey** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:11 pm

mnmouth wrote:
keepyourheadup wrote:OK I'll take the bait! Red Army...are you kiddin me. They are a very good team , these Hounds, but not nearly the wrecking crew some people seem to think. They have a better chance than anyone else to win it all in my opinion but are not in the same class as some of the historic power house teams we've seen in the past. While always extremely competitive in youth hockey this group has won ZERO state championships. Last years EP team collected 6. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan, but it seems we have some posters getting a little ahead of themselves.
Who cares how many state championships a team won in youth hockey? That guarantees them nothing once they hit high school. Last year, East was the best team at state, and it took a fanned clearing attempt and a great effort by Rau to dagger East fans' hearts.

Here's the deal. Obviously, I am basing my judgments on pure speculation that East will have its full roster soon, and through the rest of the season, and that Randolph will mold them into the juggernaut I believe they can become. As I am not an East fan, East Hockey, I don't look at Saturday's loss as a humbling experience. Instead, as a high school hockey fan, I say that ain't gonna happen again. Not this season. More than likely, it will be East doing the humbling.

For the love of God, some of you East backers are unbelievable. Your team got beat at state last year by a team that proved over and over and over and over and over again that they were champions and you still can't swallow it. I expected to pull for the Hounds this season but can't bring myself to do it because of the excuses and sour grapes I read on this board from East fans. Never thought I'd say this but "nice job Tonka". By the way, nobody is buying what you're selling about not being an East fan.

shakey · Post by **shakey** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:15 pm

karl(east) wrote:
rapidsrapids wrote:Karl, what is your take on the current 7AA seedings and the outlook for each team moving up or down?
For now:
1. East
2. Andover (needs to beat ER again to stay here)
3. Grand Rapids (ER/Andover game will probably determine their fate; could go up to 2 or down to 4
4. Elk River (tanking and needs to bounce back, but the win over GR is still worth something)
5. Cloquet (nice record, but no real quality wins; will need some help to go higher)
6. Forest Lake (no wins vs. teams above them)

As for knocking East down from #1, I'm going to need to see how they respond before I decide how confident I am in them. Will this be the kick they needed to get things back in order, or is it the seed of doubt that could lead to disaster? The past few years, late-season losses have been the former; in some of the years before that, it was the latter.

If they're not careful, they certainly could go the way of the Packers. (Or, if we want a hockey example, that Minnetonka team 2 years ago that was undefeated until a late-season loss to Edina that then fell flat in a re-match with the Hornets at State.) These Hounds have proven they have the potential to beat anyone; now it's time to test their mental toughness.

But on the other hand, one of the real strengths of last year's team was its ability to go back to work after a tough loss or bad goal and pull it out in the end. No obstacle was too big; they just went back to work and got the job done. A lot of the same players are still around--time to see if they still have it.

There was one obstacle that was too big

old goalie85 · Post by **old goalie85** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:18 pm

Is paige starting tue vs FL ???

Post by **east hockey** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:21 pm

old goalie85 wrote:Is paige starting tue vs FL ???

Against his old team? That would be interesting. Parker should be eligible to play so my guess is that he will.

Lee

Post by **east hockey** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:27 pm

I have always found it interesting that some people base a decision on who to root for/not root for on the words of a few other people in a mostly anonymous forum. People who they don't know. People who they have never met and will never meet.

Lee