Section 1A

[Roy01]

I just got in from the Red Wing - New Prague game.

Final Red Wing 1 - New Prague 0

Very, very good game to watch. I personally wanted to see these two teams play before sections got under way next week and kind of gauge them. It was extremely physical, a lot of penalties going both ways (I feel a few fortuitous calls for Red Wing towards the earlier part of the game). Penalties completely mired the New Prague offense early on... I think it was about 12 minutes of the first period were spent in the box.

As the game moved along New Prague got much stronger. Morris played very well in net (didn't get a great look at the goal, it looked like it took a funky bounce up the slot off the faceoff - a little misdirection). The New Prague powerplay looked a little off at times... Passes were being missed and sustained pressure didn't come too often. The backdoor was open and , when they could, they exposed it but couldn't cash in on opportunities. The play was there, just bouncing pucks hopped sticks and led to an incomplete play.

As for Red Wing, they looked like they just wanted it more. It was senior night for the Wingers (extra motivation maybe, who knows) but they played as the more "desperate" team in this game, which is huge as they move into sections next week. Blaney played well in net for Red Wing as well, though I would have to say I was still more impressed with Morris' play throughout.

Red Wing played a very conservative defensive zone. They just bottled up the center all game long and it forced New Prague to keep their play to the perimeter. I would had liked to see New Prague attack this "passive" system more... A quick give-and-go down the board would have easily pulled the slot open with the F3 or D man dropping into the slot. Rather it was a lot of point shots and the Wingers did an excellent job at blocking all night, as did New Prague as well.

Excellent game to watch and best of luck to both these teams as they move into sections.

Anyone with any opinion on how much this will impact seeding?

[Gretzky9]

I just got in from the Red Wing - New Prague game.

Final Red Wing 1 - New Prague 0

Very, very good game to watch. I personally wanted to see these two teams play before sections got under way next week and kind of gauge them. It was extremely physical, a lot of penalties going both ways (I feel a few fortuitous calls for Red Wing towards the earlier part of the game). Penalties completely mired the New Prague offense early on... I think it was about 12 minutes of the first period were spent in the box.

As the game moved along New Prague got much stronger. Morris played very well in net (didn't get a great look at the goal, it looked like it took a funky bounce up the slot off the faceoff - a little misdirection). The New Prague powerplay looked a little off at times... Passes were being missed and sustained pressure didn't come too often. The backdoor was open and , when they could, they exposed it but couldn't cash in on opportunities. The play was there, just bouncing pucks hopped sticks and led to an incomplete play.

As for Red Wing, they looked like they just wanted it more. It was senior night for the Wingers (extra motivation maybe, who knows) but they played as the more "desperate" team in this game, which is huge as they move into sections next week. Blaney played well in net for Red Wing as well, though I would have to say I was still more impressed with Morris' play throughout.

Red Wing played a very conservative defensive zone. They just bottled up the center all game long and it forced New Prague to keep their play to the perimeter. I would had liked to see New Prague attack this "passive" system more... A quick give-and-go down the board would have easily pulled the slot open with the F3 or D man dropping into the slot. Rather it was a lot of point shots and the Wingers did an excellent job at blocking all night, as did New Prague as well.

Excellent game to watch and best of luck to both these teams as they move into sections.

Anyone with any opinion on how much this will impact seeding?

My final seedings:

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

If LS/SP would have won yesterday and RW won I was going to be torn with 4 and 5. The events of the last 24 hours shook things up a little. Maybe LS/SP at 5 and West at 6 but should be pretty close.

[Roy01]

Updated Saturday Scores

Owatonna 6 - Austin 1
Totino Grace 5 - Lourdes 4

[scarlethockey33]

Mankato West 4 Faribault 1

[Gretzky9]

I just got in from the Red Wing - New Prague game.

Final Red Wing 1 - New Prague 0

Very, very good game to watch. I personally wanted to see these two teams play before sections got under way next week and kind of gauge them. It was extremely physical, a lot of penalties going both ways (I feel a few fortuitous calls for Red Wing towards the earlier part of the game). Penalties completely mired the New Prague offense early on... I think it was about 12 minutes of the first period were spent in the box.

As the game moved along New Prague got much stronger. Morris played very well in net (didn't get a great look at the goal, it looked like it took a funky bounce up the slot off the faceoff - a little misdirection). The New Prague powerplay looked a little off at times... Passes were being missed and sustained pressure didn't come too often. The backdoor was open and , when they could, they exposed it but couldn't cash in on opportunities. The play was there, just bouncing pucks hopped sticks and led to an incomplete play.

As for Red Wing, they looked like they just wanted it more. It was senior night for the Wingers (extra motivation maybe, who knows) but they played as the more "desperate" team in this game, which is huge as they move into sections next week. Blaney played well in net for Red Wing as well, though I would have to say I was still more impressed with Morris' play throughout.

Red Wing played a very conservative defensive zone. They just bottled up the center all game long and it forced New Prague to keep their play to the perimeter. I would had liked to see New Prague attack this "passive" system more... A quick give-and-go down the board would have easily pulled the slot open with the F3 or D man dropping into the slot. Rather it was a lot of point shots and the Wingers did an excellent job at blocking all night, as did New Prague as well.

Excellent game to watch and best of luck to both these teams as they move into sections.

Anyone with any opinion on how much this will impact seeding?

My final seedings:

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

If LS/SP would have won yesterday and RW won I was going to be torn with 4 and 5. The events of the last 24 hours shook things up a little. Maybe LS/SP at 5 and West at 6 but should be pretty close.

Unconfirmed seeds. I will try to do so:

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

My source is a little unsure about 2 and 4 but I think I was right on the money last night.

[Edger]

How long has it been since Albert Lea was seeded as low as #7?
Maybe I'm forgetting a couple rough years lately, but seeing them that low is shocking to me.

[scarlethockey33]

Section 1A Playoff Preview

The Forecheck

You don't have too look too far to find the scorers in 1A, as the number one seeded Eagles of Rochester Lourdes present some of the most potent weapons in the section with Jason Samuelson (23 goals, 30 assists), Alex Funk (27 goals, 24 assists) and Landon Farrell (14 goals, 29 assists). The trio have combined for a total 147 points (64 goals, 83 assists) for the Eagles this season. The Trojans of New Prague has an array of young of scorers led by sophomores Colton Schmidt (13 goals, 20 assists), Luke Lijewski (9 goals, 23 assists), and Austin Kilian (12 goals, 9 assists). Northfield's sniper Andrew Scofield has been lighting up lamps for three years in a Raider's uniform, and this season Scofield set a personal best with 25 goals this season (approximately 27% of the team's goals). Fellow Raider Taylor Freiermuth also shouldn't be overlooked with 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists) this season.

Albert Lea senior Levi Hacker has stepped it up for the Tigers this season recording 24 goals and 19 assists. Red Wing's Taylor Hanson (15 goals, 18 assists), Alex Rezansoff (12 goals, 14 assists), and Mike Stegora (16 goals, 8 assists) led the Winger's last season in scoring and came back and did the same thing this season leading the Wingers to a fourth seed. The Bulldogs of Le Sueur-Henderson/St. Peter (L-H/SP) this season set a hockey program record 19 wins. The scoring has been led by the senior duo of Jack Swanberg (23 goals and 24 assists) and Jordan Wilmes (18 goals, 17 assists). The Scarlets of Mankato West has had goal contributions from everywhere this season but leading them in goals has been Ryan Jutting (12 goals, 12 assists), Tyler Mata (11 goals, 16 assists) and Zach Erickson (11 goals, 6 assists)

The Blue Line

The Eagles defensive core is led by senior Justin Dewitz (8 goals, 24 assists). Also seeing a lot of ice time on the blue line for Lourdes is junior Karl Krecke (9 goals, 11 assists). Juniors Jack Pexa (10 goals, 8 assist) and Cody Meyer (8 goals, 13 assists) have contributed some good offensive numbers from the blue line for the Trojans this season. Mankato West's junior captain Billy Bigham (2 goals, 16 assists) is the Scarlet's go-to guy defensively. Jack Strusz (9 goals, 8 assists) leads a senior-laden defensive core in points.

The Goal Crease

Section 1A has had years of some great goaltending and this season has been no different. Chris Amsden for L-H/SP led the Bulldogs to a record-setting 19 wins. The junior goalie led the state in both SV% (.940) and shutouts (8) also tag on a very good GAA of 1.56 to his accolades. A great performance from Amsden, and Bulldogs could definitely be pulling upsets from the sixth seed position. The senior Joe Morris of New Prague has had one of his best seasons in goal. The Trojan has the third best SV% in the state with a .931 along with 5 shutouts and a GAA of 1.95. Morris has played in two section finals, and last season JoMo had a strong section performance posting a .965 SV%. If Morris can bring the same stuff he did last time during sections, the Trojans could ride Morris all the way to the big show in March. Mankato West's senior Zach Fox has been exactly what Scarlets needed this season for the young squad coming in. In his only starting year in goal for the Scarlets, Fox has put up good numbers between the pipes with a .907 SV% along with 4 shutouts.

Waseca's Pontus Sjoman has quietly been under the radar posting the 7th best SV% in the state with a .924. Lourdes' goalie situation has been compelling as the Eagles are the only team in the Section 1A with any even time split between Jesse Neumann (.867 SV%, 2.81 GAA) and Andrew Ellingson (.869 SV% 2.57 GAA). We'll have to wait and see who Spaniol chooses to go with for the number one seeded Eagles. Red Wing's Preston Blaney has been playing well for the Wingers this season in place of graduate Sam Amendolar. With the Winger's tough schedule, the junior goalie has a .900 SV% with a respectable 3.22 GAA

Possible Games to Look Forward To

Don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves here, but barring first round upsets there are some interesting possible match-ups in the quarterfinal.

#5 Mankato West at #4 Red Wing

A rematch of last season's quarterfinal between the Scarlets and the Red Wings, but this time instead Mankmatch-upsato West gets to come to Prairie Island Arena. Most of Red Wing's squad is the same as last season, but Mankato West's squad is a lot different from last season, the players apart of last season's squad definitely haven't forgotten the early quarterfinal exit.

#6 Le Sueur-Henderson/St. Peter at #3 Northfield

Is St. Peter just is another good story, or do they have what it takes to pull an upset? Northfield can't overlook the Bulldogs as they aren't the same Bulldogs they have been in past years. Goaltender Chris Amsden has had an amazing season in net and will look to stop the Raiders for the upset.

#7 Albert Lea at #2 New Prague

The Tigers find themselves in odd territory as the 7th seed in 1A. Nystrom never says die and his players will definitely be translating that on the ice. Never count out an Albert Lea team in sections. Expect this game to be closer than some may think.

[TheTweeter]

zare we ef.

[Chalk_Talk]

Here are the facts scarlet: Fox has played in 6 more games than Weihe, but seen 270ish LESS shots. And has a much better team with much better defense in front of him. For these two to have the same save percentage, Fox isn't even on the same level as Weihe, much less Amsden or Morris.

Why do people have to be so quick to judge. Scarlett puts out a nice read, not comparing anyone or knocking anyone and this gets said. Fox is a solid goalie just like the rest of them.

[scarlethockey33]

Here are the facts scarlet: Fox has played in 6 more games than Weihe, but seen 270ish LESS shots. And has a much better team with much better defense in front of him. For these two to have the same save percentage, Fox isn't even on the same level as Weihe, much less Amsden or Morris.

I wasn't knocking on Lucas Weihe or trying to praise Fox anymore than I already have, I was just stating logical goalie sense. Good job for Weihe this season, had a great senior season, great kid. Haven't been close to him personally, but I've watched him grow up through high school.

Really the argument can sway both ways, and just to show you I will proceed to argue with myself:

- Weihe sees more shots (exactly 264 difference) than Zach Fox and has the same SV%! Weihe has played weaker competition like Worthington (2), Fairmont (2) and Waseca (2) unlike Zach Fox, and the quality of shots aren't as good!

- Zach Fox has the better defense and still posts similar numbers to Weihe. Well good defense can keep the bad shots out, but what about the good shots that run through screens or breakaway's or just pure snipes? And while the defense keep the bad shots away from the net for Fox, Fox sees less shots overall hurting his SV% compared to Weihe where he sees almost every shot.

- Zach Fox for West plays a stronger schedule than Weihe, playing teams like Duluth Marshall, Lourdes, and Superior (WISC). Weihe can't do anything but play the games he is given and perform his best, schedules are out of players' control.

- Weihe has played 6 less games than Fox, and still has more shots saved than Fox total, while keeping similar SV%! Fox can't tell the other team to shoot. Although 6 games may seem like an advantage at first, you can easily swing it and say that 6 more games, just means we've seen more of Fox and what he's capable of, along with his consistency. As for Weihe, we haven't seen him as much, if he played 6 more games like Fox would we see the same consistent numbers?

Honestly the argument can go on forever, but it all goes back to that statistics are nice indicators, but you don't want to pull fact out of it. Too many factors aren't accounted for in every stat that you could throw, and you can always swing statistics either way in an argument. If you really want to figure who's the better goalie, or even just compare the two goalies, watch them play with a good understanding of goaltending. It's only the way to be sure of their ability. Statistics don't account for the goalie's angling, movement in net, rebound control or any of the other skill that goalie's need to be successful.

Once again I would like to repeat that I'm not trying to take sides. As much as I side with West in the Mankato rivalry, I respect both goaltenders in Mankato.

[TheTweeter]

I apologize for offending anyone. I did not mean to bash on Fox and what he has done this year. He has been exceptionally well. I was just trying to put it in a different view for scarlet cause I feel like some of his post are biased sometimes, which isn't always a bad thing. Sorry

[Jim9000]

Any upsets tonight in the play-in games??? Probably unlikely.

Will any of the games not be in run time by the end?

my predictions:
West over East 8-1
LS/SP over Waseca 6-0
Albert Lea over Austin 5-1
Faribo over LaCresent 4-1

[bobforhockey]

Reply with your nominees for "All Section" blue liners. I will set up a poll with the nominees for the first of next week.

[Roy01]

Any upsets tonight in the play-in games??? Probably unlikely.

Will any of the games not be in run time by the end?

my predictions:
West over East 8-1
LS/SP over Waseca 6-0
Albert Lea over Austin 5-1
Faribo over LaCresent 4-1

West over East 9-1
LS/SP over Waseca 5-1
AL over Austin 7-1
Faribault over LaCrescent 5-1

[scarlethockey33]

No upsets this first round for me either.

My predictions:

Mankato West 6 East 0
L-H/SP 4 Waseca 0
Albert Lea7 Austin 2
Faribault 4 LaCrescent 1

[scarlethockey33]

Scores from 1st Round Sections Feb. 21:

Mankato West 6 Mankato East 0
L-H/SP 4 Waseca 0
Albert Lea 6 Austin 0
Faribault 6 La Crescent 2

All higher seeds advance into the quarterfinal.

Section Quarterfinal Games for February 23rd

#8 Faribault Falcons (8-17-0) at #1 Rochester Lourdes Eagles (17-8-0)
#7 Albert Lea Tigers (12-13-0) at #2 New Prague Trojans (13-11-1)
#6 Le Sueur-Henderson/St. Peter Bulldogs (20-6-0) at #3 Northfield Raiders (13-10-0)
#5 Mankato West Scarlets (13-12-1) at #4 Red Wing Wingers (12-12-1)

[OU812]

Wow. Nice calls on the West v East and the Waseca v LHSP scores, Scarlet33.

[BadgerBob82]

I still predict Lourdes will be upset. Can't imagine Faribo can pull it off. #2 and #3 seeds should roll over their opponents. The West vs. Red Wing game should be entertaining. West wins 1-0 2OT

[scarlethockey33]

I still predict Lourdes will be upset. Can't imagine Faribo can pull it off. #2 and #3 seeds should roll over their opponents. The West vs. Red Wing game should be entertaining. West wins 1-0 2OT

I wouldn't call any of the quarterfinals games for sure except for maybe Rochester Lourdes over Faribault. Albert Lea always presents a challenge during sections, and L-H/SP could ride Amsden to a close one vs. Northfield.

I expect Rochester Lourdes to beat Faribault in running time. I'm giving New Prague and Northfield the 2 goal favorite over their matchups vs. Albert Lea and L-H/SP. Honestly think L-H/SP has a good chance to upset if Northfield thinks it's another walkover Bulldogs team. L-H/SP will need to secure a lead though, as I can't see the Bulldogs winning in comeback fashion. As for Mankato West at Red Wing, definitely seeing a one goal game out of this one, maybe two goals if you consider an empty netter. I will hopefully make the trek to Prairie Island Thursday!

[The Universe]

Lourdes over Fairbo 8-0
NP over AL 4-1
L-S/SP over NF 2-1, NF gets one with goalie pulled but too little too late.
Red Wing over Mankato West 3-2

[Gretzky9]

Lourdes over Fairbo 8-0
NP over AL 4-1
L-S/SP over NF 2-1, NF gets one with goalie pulled but too little too late.
Red Wing over Mankato West 3-2

I got:

- Lourdes 7-1
- Red Wing 4-1
- LS/SP 2-1
- NP 4-3

[Roy01]

Lourdes over Fairbo 8-0
NP over AL 4-1
L-S/SP over NF 2-1, NF gets one with goalie pulled but too little too late.
Red Wing over Mankato West 3-2

I got:

- Lourdes 7-1
- Red Wing 4-1
- LS/SP 2-1
- NP 4-3

Lourdes 8-1
LS/SP 2-1
New Prague 5-2
Red Wing and West is a toss up for me honestly.. If Fox can play well I say West, otherwise it'll be Red Wing in a close one. I'll go Red Wing 4-3 in a tight one.

[urban iceman]

If Joe Morris has a good game, NP should win. If not, Albert Lea could upset the Trojans! They rely WAY to much on their top line to win games for them as I have noticed lately. If the defense is challenged, they have a little quit to them, not all, just a couple of them! They need to spread the duties around more like they did when they beat Chan the second time. Then the top line will stay fresh for the 3rd period.

I believe LSHSP can beat Northfield if they contain Scofield and Morsching!
Red Wing will take care of MW, they are playing very good hockey right now, HOT GOALIE!!

Lourdes will wait for the Wingers.

[Washed Up Alum 181]

A little late... but here is my whole entire section prediction..

http://charliecloud.wordpress.com/2012/ ... edictions/

[Roy01]

If Joe Morris has a good game, NP should win. If not, Albert Lea could upset the Trojans! They rely WAY to much on their top line to win games for them as I have noticed lately. If the defense is challenged, they have a little quit to them, not all, just a couple of them! They need to spread the duties around more like they did when they beat Chan the second time. Then the top line will stay fresh for the 3rd period.

I believe LSHSP can beat Northfield if they contain Scofield and Morsching!
Red Wing will take care of MW, they are playing very good hockey right now, HOT GOALIE!!

Lourdes will wait for the Wingers.

I don't mean to sound critical but a "hot goalie" qualifies as playing a good game against New Prague? In the final few weeks of the season Red Wing had given up 19 goals in their last 5 games. Granted that was against some better competition, but still, aside from the New Prague game, goaltending wasn't really a cog recently playing into much of any win recently...