allstatebenders wrote:Actually getting a little nervous for this game... It's hard to beat a team three times in a season. Even more nervous that after East loses in the playoffs (if they do) their dominance is essiently over for a while until they rebuild. Hope they can make it through this game!
especially a rivalry game at that... in playoffs.... Even if they do win, Im sure ER or especially GR will give them more than a run for their money
So it looks like Duluth East scores all 3 on the PP (3 of 4 conversions) while CEC goes 0 for 3. Like last year East has a good powerplay, decent goaltending and a coach that knows how to win.
Pretty frustrating game to watch as a cloquet fan. Cloquet just sat back and watched east take. Lazy careless play, no hustle, terrible passing no hitting. Just embarrassing.
I've waited five long years for that. Dominant defense for the Hounds this afternoon--they never really let Cloquet set up much. As with the meeting in Cloquet, special teams were huge, as the East PP kept up its torrid pace, and the PK was very solid, even on a Jacks 5-on-3 in the 3rd.
The atmosphere was a bit underwhelming. This game seemed to work a lot better in the old DECC. Of course, it doesn't help the atmosphere when one team doesn't generate a whole lot of offense.
Agreed Karl. Crowd was quiet, student section was lame, no bands , sloppy game , slow pace , it seemed like Duluth east was playing extremely conservative and Cec was letting them get away with it. Interesting to see if east steps it up a bit against GR or if they will just do what they have to , and play safe. And to all the CEC fans, it goes both ways on this one. You say your team played like poo, well this is the sloppiest I have seen east play in 8 games this season as well.
I made the hike up to Amsoil for once to take in Semifinal Saturday. I was pretty underwelmed with the hype of this rivalry. Boring student sections, not alot of energy in the building at all. Cloquet's play didn't really help that cause too much. Overall a boring game. I'm glad the second game made my trip worth while, and the Thunderhawks had a very good turnout and student section.
WBLHockeyfan04 wrote:I made the hike up to Amsoil for once to take in Semifinal Saturday. I was pretty underwelmed with the hype of this rivalry. Boring student sections, not alot of energy in the building at all. Cloquet's play didn't really help that cause too much. Overall a boring game. I'm glad the second game made my trip worth while, and the Thunderhawks had a very good turnout and student section.
Yeah, I certainly don't blame you for that reaction. It was about the polar opposite from the meeting a few weeks ago in terms of atmosphere. No creativity from the student sections (Rapids' was by far the best today). Sticking them in opposite corners of that building sure doesn't help, either. They need to re-examine the logistics of these section playoff games, or move them back into the old DECC. It may not be as pretty, but it is much, much better for playoff high school hockey.
WBLHockeyfan04 wrote:I made the hike up to Amsoil for once to take in Semifinal Saturday. I was pretty underwelmed with the hype of this rivalry. Boring student sections, not alot of energy in the building at all. Cloquet's play didn't really help that cause too much. Overall a boring game. I'm glad the second game made my trip worth while, and the Thunderhawks had a very good turnout and student section.
Yeah, I certainly don't blame you for that reaction. It was about the polar opposite from the meeting a few weeks ago in terms of atmosphere. No creativity from the student sections (Rapids' was by far the best today). Sticking them in opposite corners of that building sure doesn't help, either. They need to re-examine the logistics of these section playoff games, or move them back into the old DECC. It may not be as pretty, but it is much, much better for playoff high school hockey.
Yeah, I can believe that. I think if the game was a little more competitive it probably would helped.
On a side note, it was my first time seeing Amsoil Arena. What a nice arena. I'm definitely going to have to catch a Bulldog game sometime.
I appreciate the comments about the East-CEC game being underwhelming. All the talk about it being the best rivalry in MN high school hockey had me expecting something more. It really seemed flat in the arena (and on the ice) for the game. I was sitting amongst a group of CEC fans and it was sure quiet and subdued from the first drop. East students made a respectable showing I thought, so I guess I will have to figure a way to go to a regular season match-up between these two.
On another note, I was interested to see Toscano's actions late in the game. He got into jawing and chipping with CEC. At one point Randolph yelled his name a couple times and shook his head no at him. Shortly thereafter, #23 drew a penalty anyway. I thought it showed a lapse in discipline and made me wonder if he is susceptible to being drawn-in to not-smart penalties. I haven't seen any other East games, so maybe this was really provoked, but it made me wonder.
Also, I happily drink the orange Kool-Aid, but over the years it is fun to watch the East teams. Their passing is so crisp and ice awareness so smart, it is really impressive.
Immigrant Fan wrote:I appreciate the comments about the East-CEC game being underwhelming. All the talk about it being the best rivalry in MN high school hockey had me expecting something more. It really seemed flat in the arena (and on the ice) for the game. I was sitting amongst a group of CEC fans and it was sure quiet and subdued from the first drop. East students made a respectable showing I thought, so I guess I will have to figure a way to go to a regular season match-up between these two.
By its standards, I thought the East showing was pretty mediocre. Not bad for a school on break this week, but they've been much better for this game in the past. Their placement in the arena also didn't help, as they were swallowed up by that half-empty UMD student section, and as most East parents and alumni were halfway around the rink near center ice.
I expect a much better atmosphere on Thursday, at least.
