Where's the love for the Eagles?

[D6 Girls Fan]

I know Tonka was depleted this past weekend, but Eden Prairie did beat them by 3 goals. Isn't it possible that EP is the best team in the state? If so, it's a year early. I just think they might be getting overlooked.

[sinbin]

It's possible. Yes, Tonka was depleted, coming off an emotional win over BSM, hit 3 pipes, the refs swallowed their whistles (not a single penalty - unheard of), and the final goal was an empty-netter, but EP did play very well and IMHO deserved to win that game. A long way to go, of course, but they're still undefeated and I would certainly put EP in the final mix. I would also add that they probably have more upside since they're comparatively young. We'll see how the Lake conference schedule and a game vs. BSM treats them in January, but that might only serve to battle-test them and make them stronger.

[luckyEPDad]

I know Tonka was depleted this past weekend, but Eden Prairie did beat them by 3 goals. Isn't it possible that EP is the best team in the state? If so, it's a year early. I just think they might be getting overlooked.

EP's defense lets forwards dally unopposed in front of the net too long, usually because they get too focused on the puck. The offense is too dependent on individual rushes and not on coordinated attacks. But EP has gotten a lot better at both, and I think they have more room for improvement than Minnetonka or BSM. The big question is how much of their potential can be realized before the section tournaments.

Upcoming games against Edina, Hopkins and Buffalo will be very interesting.

As for love, don't hold your breath. The girls may as well wear hornet sweaters as nearly the entire state lumps them together in the same cake eater basket. Too many numbers, too much privilege, and too much success. Could we be the least likeable team in the state?

[36Guy]

Wow..where do we start with this one?? And Holy Cow what am I missing?? First..YES...read it again...YES.. EP was the better team that night. But really, Tonka has two girls at Worlds (that is the best 15 girls in the US). Another defensemen go down right away with an injury and not return and another one sick and playing with a short bench. All after coming off a knock down drag out with BSM the night before. I am sure EP was exhausted after that tough draw they got. Yes all these are homer excuses to going out and getting beat, I get that. But using this as a game to be anointed #1? If they wanted to be number one the should have put BSM in their bracket and beat them both.

As far as crowning them champions for next year, did BSM stop having girls hockey? Because judging by their roster they will be unbelievable next year and could win this year. Hill Murray is a deep and young as any team and might have something to say about it too. My money is on EP winning it in two years, super talented class and been coached well all they way up.

[Goalie-Dad]

I know Tonka was depleted this past weekend, but Eden Prairie did beat them by 3 goals. Isn't it possible that EP is the best team in the state? If so, it's a year early. I just think they might be getting overlooked.

Before EP, BSM or Minnetonka are anointed the best team in the state. Look across the river at Mounds View and Hill Murray. MV is still undefeated, including a convincing victory of Wayzata last week.

[Rocketwrister]

EP is a GOOD team! 1 can say they didn't go against BSM or Tonka right away....but whatever it's their tournament.
EP with all there sophomores...wow, there good and will only get better.

That tournament was fun to watch! 8 great teams, playing high caliber hockey...doesn't get any better.

Were many people there watching who post on here? What did everyone think?

[Bighead]

I wondered how long it would take! Beat a disabled Tonka squad, tie Burnsville, Hill, and CC... & we should not only be the best team in the state...we want to be the most hated! That would be really cool!!! Yea...but before we say any of that, lets lead our comment by throwing in a parents perspective on how this team can reach it's potential! Seriously! Let's see how you do against a complete Hopkins & Tonka squad!

As for Goalie Dad...nice job by your MV squad so far this year, but I would calm down (Hastingitis), review your strength of schedule so far this year, and start scouting that Andover team that is going to be a problem for you!

[D6 Girls Fan]

I just asked if it was possible that EP was the #1 team. Interesting to see the reaction.

As far as crowning them champions for next year, did BSM stop having girls hockey? Because judging by their roster they will be unbelievable next year and could win this year.

Unless the MSHSL site is wrong, BSM looks like they'll graduate most of their defense and a couple fowards. Based on watching a lot of the JV games this past weekend, I'd say neither Minnetonka or BSM have enough kids to replace those losses. BSM had one JV girl that looks like she can play varsity now, and Tonka has a deep group of good players on JV, but those are very significant losses. (I know that both teams promoted JV players to their varsity this weekend.) Unless the recruiting (which of course never happens) at those schools has some phenoms in the pipeline, I'd say both teams could take a step back to the pack, and that might be enough for teams like EP or Hill, both of whom will be better next year. Any 8th or 9th grader probably won't be a huge difference maker against the top juniors and seniors anyway.

So in the possibility that EP isn't the best this year, I think it's okay to say that next year they'll be in the mix, and this month will really tell a lot about this year.

[Goalie-Dad]

I wondered how long it would take! Beat a disabled Tonka squad, tie Burnsville, Hill, and CC... & we should not only be the best team in the state...we want to be the most hated! That would be really cool!!! Yea...but before we say any of that, lets lead our comment by throwing in a parents perspective on how this team can reach it's potential! Seriously! Let's see how you do against a complete Hopkins & Tonka squad!

As for Goalie Dad...nice job by your MV squad so far this year, but I would calm down (Hastingitis), review your strength of schedule so far this year, and start scouting that Andover team that is going to be a problem for you!

I don't have any kids playing for MV varsity, just a east side fan of this team.

Obviously MV has very little control on their schedule strength. I do not know what your reference is to Hastingitis! Hastings was missing their top player and MV played a good game against them.

Andover is a good team, MV scrimmaged them this summer. I am sure MV has scouted Andover and Blaine closely this year.

[luckyEPDad]

I wondered how long it would take! Beat a disabled Tonka squad, tie Burnsville, Hill, and CC... & we should not only be the best team in the state...we want to be the most hated! That would be really cool!!! Yea...but before we say any of that, lets lead our comment by throwing in a parents perspective on how this team can reach it's potential! Seriously! Let's see how you do against a complete Hopkins & Tonka squad!

As for Goalie Dad...nice job by your MV squad so far this year, but I would calm down (Hastingitis), review your strength of schedule so far this year, and start scouting that Andover team that is going to be a problem for you!

Are you lost? Now that STA is moving to Class AA I suppose the trolls need a new home. Maybe you should try the youth hockey forum. They have an old PW checking discussion where you could spew your vitriol.

[allhoc11]

Obviously MV has very little control on their schedule strength.

They only thing a team/coach can't control is their conf schedule, otherwise the non-conference is wide open. Usually when a team thinks they will be good they try to beef up their schedule to help prepare them for the playoff's. I've seen many times were so-so teams will play weaker teams in hopes of building player confidence and pad win/stat totals, but that rarely pays off come section time.

[36Guy]

First...good stuff! A shot across the bow once in a while can be good fun. But the topic is misguided and full of guess work. Should EP be ranked #1...NO. Should EP be ranked in the top 3 Yes. Will EP win it in the next couple years, odds are as good as anyone.

The question was "where is the love for the Eagles?" They are ranked second with 3 ties against Ok teams(HM is better thane ok). They avoided BSM and played a depleted Tonka team. I would say a #2 ranking is lots of Love!

No nobody is criticizing their stud goalie and great young talent. But when your spooning for someone to tell you how good you are, you get a reaction. Much like the "Is Hastings ranked to low dad".

What am I missing on this JV hotbed? Since when do "impact" varsity players come from JV. (No I dont need to hear about Jonny Hustle that played B hockey his whole life and was the homecoming king and varsity captain). Impact girl players come from 14U..EP's Dahlquist and Boyle are perfect examples.

Last know your teams not websites! BSM returns EVERY impact forward they have next year, 2 Good D and a great goalie.

And last Bighead doesn't have a boy in hockey but he does spew "vitriol" after a few cocktails! Lol

[Nimrod]

This is all good stuff and I agree its fun to see some shots across the bow. From my perspective it initially seemed to be a two team race between Tonka and BSM. However, when I see that 5 or 6 of the Section 6AA teams will be ranked in the top 20, its fair to assume no one should assume anything. And of course there are teams like Eden Prairie, HM, Edina, etc. that will have their day in court when it comes to the state tournament. I think its exciting for girls hockey to see so many teams get in the mix. I am all for it and it seems fair to say its never over until the fat lady sings!

With respect to BSM, next year they will lose 2 high quality forwards but their big loss will be on defense. However, I would not base anything on their current roster. Schools like BSM attract (yes, I said attract, not recruit) high end players and I suspect that with the the openings at defense and the large group of Junior forwards this year, there will be several new players hoping to join a successful program. Of course there are many other public and private schools that likewise benefit from "new recruits". I suggest its too early to worry about next year.

[Goalie-Dad]

Obviously MV has very little control on their schedule strength.

They only thing a team/coach can't control is their conf schedule, otherwise the non-conference is wide open. Usually when a team thinks they will be good they try to beef up their schedule to help prepare them for the playoff's. I've seen many times were so-so teams will play weaker teams in hopes of building player confidence and pad win/stat totals, but that rarely pays off come section time.

The SEC has 10 teams (one of larger conferences in the state). Each team has 18 required conference games. Add 3 games for a Xmas tourney that's 21 games - leaving 4 games for non-conference games. MV is in Section 5. MV is the only SEC team in Section 5. The remaining 4 games need to be against Section 5 teams to legitimize sectional seedings.

The Lake conference has 5 teams, that's only 8 required conference games. Add a Xmas tourney, 3 games - each team has 14 games to play sectional and other games.

[D6 Girls Fan]

Based on last night, never mind.