Section 1A

[scarlethockey33]

Games for Februrary 14, 2012

Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea
Fairmont at Mankato East
Providence Academy at Faribault
Academy of Holy Angels at Red Wing
New Prague at Northfield
Marshall at L-H/SP

New Prague at Northfield tonight, any opinions?

[bstarr15]

should be New Prague, they played a close tough game with Lourdes.
Sections should be interesting. New Prague has a lot riding on the game if they wish to be #2 seed.

[notenoughhockey]

Wow not alot of credit given to Lourdes and Neumann in net who has been playing well down the stretch, and alot of props for NP and Morris. I don't think Lourdes has losses to any teams in the section and has played some tough competition outside the section!

[sniper20]

Wow not alot of credit given to Lourdes and Neumann in net who has been playing well down the stretch, and alot of props for NP and Morris. I don't think Lourdes has losses to any teams in the section and has played some tough competition outside the section!

That't probably due to the fact that we have already established that Lourdes is the frontrunner and the question was posed, is there a team that could upset Lourdes and if so what team would it be?

Per Hockey Hub:

AHA 6 Red Wing 2

New Prague 3 Northfield 1

[notenoughhockey]

Wow not alot of credit given to Lourdes and Neumann in net who has been playing well down the stretch, and alot of props for NP and Morris. I don't think Lourdes has losses to any teams in the section and has played some tough competition outside the section!

That't probably due to the fact that we have already established that Lourdes is the frontrunner and the question was posed, is there a team that could upset Lourdes and if so what team would it be?

Sorry, my mistake, did not see that post!

Per Hockey Hub:

AHA 6 Red Wing 2

New Prague 3 Northfield 1

[scarlethockey33]

Big win tonight for Mankato East, 9-1 vs. Fairmont. Hasn't been the greatest season for the Cougars, but I'm happy that the seniors on the team got to win possibility their last game at All Seasons Area. Cougars will head to Faribault to end the regular season on February 16th.

[Rookie19]

Carlson released from Fairbanks?

Will he be back with Albert Lea for the playoffs?

[hockeydad]

Carlson released from Fairbanks?

Will he be back with Albert Lea for the playoffs?

Rookie, I'm pretty sure you know the MSHSL rule on this one and are just being sarcastic, but for those who don't know the rule, once he played with the Fairbanks team after the high school season started, he is ineligible for high school hockey for the season.

[davey]

Carlson released from Fairbanks?

Will he be back with Albert Lea for the playoffs?

Rookie, I'm pretty sure you know the MSHSL rule on this one and are just being sarcastic, but for those who don't know the rule, once he played with the Fairbanks team after the high school season started, he is ineligible for high school hockey for the season.

traded to janesville in the NAHL

[Huskiesfan16]

So are you meaning to say he could have left? A better high school or juniors team? I wonder if he wanted to. Either way the kid has a lot of talent and could make a good team great.

Amsden should have been up for the Brimsek award but he got cut from the Elite League soley on his playing for LeSeuer instead if BSM or Edina. He's this years Alex Kangas.

My take....first, I believe the Brimsek is for senior goalies only and Amsden is a junior pretty sure. This year's team is a blip on the radar. I think they deserve to be judged for what they have done THIS year and not what they have been or will be, but Amsden does suffer from team perception. He probably knows he has to fight this. Their schedule isn't very strong..no fault of their own but it is what it is. He is a very good goalie make no mistake about it. He just has the team around him this year to get the optics for what he really is. I don't know the history of the kid and his experience in the Elite League but I think you put him on a power team in the metro and he really shines.
I admire the kid for wanting to stay with his buddies and play through high school with them. In these small communities I think that matters a lot more than the factories in the metro. In the end, he will get a chance to play somewhere if that is what he wants to do.

[Gretzky9]

So are you meaning to say he could have left? A better high school or juniors team? I wonder if he wanted to. Either way the kid has a lot of talent and could make a good team great.

Amsden should have been up for the Brimsek award but he got cut from the Elite League soley on his playing for LeSeuer instead if BSM or Edina. He's this years Alex Kangas.

My take....first, I believe the Brimsek is for senior goalies only and Amsden is a junior pretty sure. This year's team is a blip on the radar. I think they deserve to be judged for what they have done THIS year and not what they have been or will be, but Amsden does suffer from team perception. He probably knows he has to fight this. Their schedule isn't very strong..no fault of their own but it is what it is. He is a very good goalie make no mistake about it. He just has the team around him this year to get the optics for what he really is. I don't know the history of the kid and his experience in the Elite League but I think you put him on a power team in the metro and he really shines.
I admire the kid for wanting to stay with his buddies and play through high school with them. In these small communities I think that matters a lot more than the factories in the metro. In the end, he will get a chance to play somewhere if that is what he wants to do.

I have no idea if you could have left but really like that he has stayed and played with his buddies for these memorable high school years. This year's team has allowed everyone to see that Amsden is a good goalie. From a friend, I know LS/SP has lost two key players over the years that could have taken this particular team over the top...Cody Meyer who is at New Prague and there is some kid at Shattuck. Not sure how much was really gained by either of those two but it happens all the time and I would love to see any statistics of how often things work out the way these kids who leave really hope for.

[Huskiesfan16]

From what I can see, all you've posted are things about Lourdes, specifically one of their goalies whose last name is Neumann. You sound like a dad trying to promote his kid..... . Morris gets a lot of credit because he is without a doubt the best goalie in this section (maybe Amsden giving him competition, same with Fox from 'Kato). Morris almost beat last years team at Lourdes and could very well do it again. I see a 2-1 title game, could go either way.

Wow not alot of credit given to Lourdes and Neumann in net who has been playing well down the stretch, and alot of props for NP and Morris. I don't think Lourdes has losses to any teams in the section and has played some tough competition outside the section!

[scarlethockey33]

My Final Rankings:

1. Rochester Lourdes
2. New Prague
3. Northfield
4. Red Wing
5. Le Sueur-Henderson/St. Peter
6. Mankato West
7. Albert Lea
8. Faribault
9. La Crescent
10. Austin
11. Waseca
12. Mankato East

Red Wing still has one game vs. New Prague on Saturday February 18th. Northfield's two wins over Red Wing secure a possible third spot, but with Red Wing's game vs. New Prague, that could still make a mess in the rankings as Red Wing has beaten New Prague earlier in the season 2-1.

L-H/SP deserves the 5 seed, lost very few games this season, beat Mankato West straight up 4-0 a couple weeks ago. The Bulldogs have quietly acquired 19 wins this season. Albert Lea has been falling as of late, I think Albert Lea could be seeded 6th ahead of Mankato West at this point. West has been incredibly shaky as of late, and Nystrom can influence a couple coaches to agree to his bid for the 6th seed. Although I think Mankato West's 6-2 victory at Albert Lea City Arena should be enough to secure 6 for the Scarlets.

Don't want to over think these lower seeds too much. Faribault has only one section win (Austin) as of right now. They host Mankato East tomorrow and will go to Mankato to face Mankato West on Saturday. La Crescent has beaten Austin and East while splitting games vs. Waseca also lost to L-H/SP (4-2) earlier in the season. Austin is 2-1 vs. Waseca, split games vs. East. Waseca 2 wins vs. Mankato East. This all pretty much leaves Mankato East at 12.

[scarlethockey33]

From what I can see, all you've posted are things about Lourdes, specifically one of their goalies whose last name is Neumann. You sound like a dad trying to promote his kid..... . Morris gets a lot of credit because he is without a doubt the best goalie in this section (maybe Amsden giving him competition, same with Fox from 'Kato). Morris almost beat last years team at Lourdes and could very well do it again. I see a 2-1 title game, could go either way.

Wow not alot of credit given to Lourdes and Neumann in net who has been playing well down the stretch, and alot of props for NP and Morris. I don't think Lourdes has losses to any teams in the section and has played some tough competition outside the section!

I don't think Morris is "without a doubt the best goalie in this section" there are a lot of goalies who you could argue to be the best in this section. I would agree though Morris is the most experienced goalie in the section. Lourdes goalies haven't had anything to wow anyone, but they have done enough to have Lourdes win. I give them that much credit, I am interested to see who Spaniol chooses to go with during sections. As of right now I think Neumann is the favorite because the starts vs. Breck, Blake, Rogers and New Prague show some trust against some tougher competition.

[notenoughhockey]

Huskiesfan I am a dad of 1 that will be going to Lourdes. He is a goalie and Neumann lives in our neighborhood so the boy likes to go watch Jesse play. So that is the scope of my knowledge of what goes on around the state of hockey. Sorry if I offended you by being a fan of a team or a player. I will refrain from any more posts.

[Huskiesfan16]

As a fellow poster, please don't. I enjoy your posts and that is honest and sincere, I hope you can believe that. I hope I haven't discouraged you from your posts...unless you know your caught .

Huskiesfan I am a dad of 1 that will be going to Lourdes. He is a goalie and Neumann lives in our neighborhood so the boy likes to go watch Jesse play. So that is the scope of my knowledge of what goes on around the state of hockey. Sorry if I offended you by being a fan of a team or a player. I will refrain from any more posts.

[Huskiesfan16]

From what I have seen, that seems to be the case. I mean neither compare to what Heimer did with his three years. Neumann got pulled in that Breck game, but Lourdes has been rewarded with some great games from him so it looks like he might get the start in sections, barring something unforseeable of course. But who knows, the pressure of sections have gotten to some of best players.

From what I can see, all you've posted are things about Lourdes, specifically one of their goalies whose last name is Neumann. You sound like a dad trying to promote his kid..... . Morris gets a lot of credit because he is without a doubt the best goalie in this section (maybe Amsden giving him competition, same with Fox from 'Kato). Morris almost beat last years team at Lourdes and could very well do it again. I see a 2-1 title game, could go either way.

Wow not alot of credit given to Lourdes and Neumann in net who has been playing well down the stretch, and alot of props for NP and Morris. I don't think Lourdes has losses to any teams in the section and has played some tough competition outside the section!

I don't think Morris is "without a doubt the best goalie in this section" there are a lot of goalies who you could argue to be the best in this section. I would agree though Morris is the most experienced goalie in the section. Lourdes goalies haven't had anything to wow anyone, but they have done enough to have Lourdes win. I give them that much credit, I am interested to see who Spaniol chooses to go with during sections. As of right now I think Neumann is the favorite because the starts vs. Breck, Blake, Rogers and New Prague show some trust against some tougher competition.

[Roy01]

Huskiesfan I am a dad of 1 that will be going to Lourdes. He is a goalie and Neumann lives in our neighborhood so the boy likes to go watch Jesse play. So that is the scope of my knowledge of what goes on around the state of hockey. Sorry if I offended you by being a fan of a team or a player. I will refrain from any more posts.

Nothing wrong with supporting your team. Keep posting.

[Gretzky9]

My Final Rankings:

1. Rochester Lourdes
2. New Prague
3. Northfield
4. Red Wing
5. Le Sueur-Henderson/St. Peter
6. Mankato West
7. Albert Lea
8. Faribault
9. La Crescent
10. Austin
11. Waseca
12. Mankato East

Red Wing still has one game vs. New Prague on Saturday February 18th. Northfield's two wins over Red Wing secure a possible third spot, but with Red Wing's game vs. New Prague, that could still make a mess in the rankings as Red Wing has beaten New Prague earlier in the season 2-1.

L-H/SP deserves the 5 seed, lost very few games this season, beat Mankato West straight up 4-0 a couple weeks ago. The Bulldogs have quietly acquired 19 wins this season. Albert Lea has been falling as of late, I think Albert Lea could be seeded 6th ahead of Mankato West at this point. West has been incredibly shaky as of late, and Nystrom can influence a couple coaches to agree to his bid for the 6th seed. Although I think Mankato West's 6-2 victory at Albert Lea City Arena should be enough to secure 6 for the Scarlets.

Don't want to over think these lower seeds too much. Faribault has only one section win (Austin) as of right now. They host Mankato East tomorrow and will go to Mankato to face Mankato West on Saturday. La Crescent has beaten Austin and East while splitting games vs. Waseca also lost to L-H/SP (4-2) earlier in the season. Austin is 2-1 vs. Waseca, split games vs. East. Waseca 2 wins vs. Mankato East. This all pretty much leaves Mankato East at 12.

Quick point from an earlier post....I don't think you can put Fox in the same category as Morris and Amsden....and those two are very close....and they ARE the best goalies in the section.
I will post my final rankings Saturday night but as of now here are mine:

1. Lourdes
2. NP
3. Northfield
4. LS/SP
5. Red Wing
6. West
7. AL
8. Faribault
9. La Crescent
10. Waseca
11. Austin
12. East

[Roy01]

My Final Rankings:

1. Rochester Lourdes
2. New Prague
3. Northfield
4. Red Wing
5. Le Sueur-Henderson/St. Peter
6. Mankato West
7. Albert Lea
8. Faribault
9. La Crescent
10. Austin
11. Waseca
12. Mankato East

Red Wing still has one game vs. New Prague on Saturday February 18th. Northfield's two wins over Red Wing secure a possible third spot, but with Red Wing's game vs. New Prague, that could still make a mess in the rankings as Red Wing has beaten New Prague earlier in the season 2-1.

L-H/SP deserves the 5 seed, lost very few games this season, beat Mankato West straight up 4-0 a couple weeks ago. The Bulldogs have quietly acquired 19 wins this season. Albert Lea has been falling as of late, I think Albert Lea could be seeded 6th ahead of Mankato West at this point. West has been incredibly shaky as of late, and Nystrom can influence a couple coaches to agree to his bid for the 6th seed. Although I think Mankato West's 6-2 victory at Albert Lea City Arena should be enough to secure 6 for the Scarlets.

Don't want to over think these lower seeds too much. Faribault has only one section win (Austin) as of right now. They host Mankato East tomorrow and will go to Mankato to face Mankato West on Saturday. La Crescent has beaten Austin and East while splitting games vs. Waseca also lost to L-H/SP (4-2) earlier in the season. Austin is 2-1 vs. Waseca, split games vs. East. Waseca 2 wins vs. Mankato East. This all pretty much leaves Mankato East at 12.

Quick point from an earlier post....I don't think you can put Fox in the same category as Morris and Amsden....and those two are very close....and they ARE the best goalies in the section.
I will post my final rankings Saturday night but as of now here are mine:

1. Lourdes
2. NP
3. Northfield
4. LS/SP
5. Red Wing
6. West
7. AL
8. Faribault
9. La Crescent
10. Waseca
11. Austin
12. East

I agree with Gretzky9 here, Fox is good no question but Morris and Amsden are the best goalies in this section. I still feel Morris is the best; put him in the schedule LS/SP plays and he'll easily put up the same numbers. Aside from the goalies, my seeding prediction is as follows:

1. Lourdes
2. NP
3. Northfield
4. LS/SP
5. Red Wing
6. West
7. AL
8. Faribault
9. La Crescent
10. Waseca
11. Austin
12. East

I have LS/SP ahead of Red Wing because of their wins. Red Wing has played a much harder schedule, no questions asked, but to place a team (Red Wing) that very likely will finish below .500 ahead of LS/SP seems odd to me... LS/SP has played perfectly within the section as well (much unlike Red Wing) and is, most likely, going to finish with 20 wins on the regular season (congrats to them on that as well).

LS/SP could surprise some team in this section. Having not seen them play, I cannot really speak for them but I feel their run will be as long as Amsden can carry them. They'll have to take some risks in playoffs - more "opportunistic" plays if you will, but great goaltending can carry any team, especially in a one-game playoff.

The single most thing that could make me place Red Wing at four is a close game, or win, over New Prague. With the way the Trojans have been playing as of late, I do not see that happening. I see New Prague running away at the end of this one... Red Wing has been in a bit of a slump as of late, I would say primarily because of their recent schedule, but in the event they do go into sections with a loss to New Prague, it won't help the team's confidence very much.

Best of luck to the Wingers tonight against Farmington to get a (much needed) win going into playoffs next week.

Anyone with thoughts looking into Saturday's Missota/Section showdown between Red Wing and New Prague?

[scarlethockey33]

Not to knock on L-H/SP I think what they've done this season is great for their program, but give the Bulldogs the Winger's schedule and I don't think theres anyway they come out of it any better than Red Wing has this season. Red Wing has almost traditionally one of the hardest schedules in the section every year. Though their record is not as good as L-H/SP, you have to respect their schedule strength just as much as you respect L-H/SP's 19 or more wins.

I was able to attend the game tonight for the Scarlets, much better effort tonight for West. Compared to how they have played lately, they played real well. Still seeing some trouble in their power play and turnovers that could be easily avoided. Fox's performance was solid, a little feisty tonight too, only goal for Owatonna was on the power play, shot came through with a screen in front of Fox, he didn't have much time to react to it.

Scores from February 16th

Albert Lea 7 Winona 4
Chaska 2 Northfield 6
Owatonna 1 Mankato West 6

Games Yet to be Reported for February 16th

Mankato East at Faribault
New Ulm at Waseca
Austin at Rochester JM
Red Wing at Farmington

[Roy01]

Not to knock on L-H/SP I think what they've done this season is great for their program, but give the Bulldogs the Winger's schedule and I don't think theres anyway they come out of it any better than Red Wing has this season. Red Wing has almost traditionally one of the hardest schedules in the section every year. Though their record is not as good as L-H/SP, you have to respect their schedule strength just as much as you respect L-H/SP's 19 or more wins.

I was able to attend the game tonight for the Scarlets, much better effort tonight for West. Compared to how they have played lately, they played real well. Still seeing some trouble in their power play and turnovers that could be easily avoided. Fox's performance was solid, a little feisty tonight too, only goal for Owatonna was on the power play, shot came through with a screen in front of Fox, he didn't have much time to react to it.

Scores from February 16th

Albert Lea 7 Winona 4
Chaska 2 Northfield 6
Owatonna 1 Mankato West 5

Games Yet to be Reported for February 16th

Mankato East at Faribault
New Ulm at Waseca
Austin at Rochester JM
Red Wing at Farmington

I would have to agree that Red Wing has played the harder schedule, but if you want to look at last year's seeding as an example West played an easier schedule than Red Wing and still received a seed higher than them. Granted the Big 9 will always trump the South Central for difficulty, it's just a matter of preference in the voting...

Red Wing 5, Farmington 1
Faribault 6, East 1
New Ulm 8, Waseca 1
Rochester JM 6, Austin 1

[TheTweeter]

Being from St. Peter, Fox is not even close to the same level as Amsden or Morris. Effort wise, he's there. but skill wise he isn't. It looks like he is tied with his cross town counter part, Weihe, in save percentage. That should say something in itself.

[scarlethockey33]

Being from St. Peter, Fox is not even close to the same level as Amsden or Morris. Effort wise, he's there. but skill wise he isn't. It looks like he is tied with his cross town counter part, Weihe, in save percentage. That should say something in itself.

Numbers maybe nice and all, but saying "hey look at the save percentage they are about the same, that must mean they are about the same skill wise" really is a large generalized assumption. Save percentage has so many other variables that aren't accounted for, solely basing a goalies skill on it is really a poor way to look at goalies. These statistics maybe good indicators, but you don't want to try and pull fact out of them.

[scarlethockey33]

Last day of the regular season for all the teams in Section 1A

Games for Saturday February 18th

Totino Grace at Rochester Lourdes
New Prague at Red Wing
Faribault at Mankato West
Austin at Owatonna

Only one score to report from last night:

Luverne 3 L-H/SP 2

Any score reports would be much appreciated!