4AA Final: White Bear Lake vs. Hill-Murray

[Pioneerprideguy]

I am expecting a similiar game to 2011 (hoping for a different result) where WB will attempt to clog up the neutral zone & slow HM down. I think they saw from their first meeting that if they try to skake with Hill, they will get blown out. WB will pack it in around their goalie and try to pick spots when they can try to release somebody down the ice and hope to catch HM in an odd man rush.

HM will need to be patient and not get frustrated and take stupid penalties. HM's forwards do a nice job down low which will pay off if they stay the course.

It will be interesting to see if Lex learned from 2 years ago. I'll say HM's depth prevails 4-1.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

With Hill having the higher seed, there is no need to wonder whether it will be the green or black uniforms. But what about Lex? Will it be the Charlie Brown sweater?

Hill by 2, maybe 4-2 with an empty net possible. Hill fans will not be able to relax until about 16:40 of the third. No OT. (I'm getting a little old for that.)

What's the over/under on how many times Sager throws his hands in the air over a perceived non-call?

[WBLHockeyfan04]

With Hill having the higher seed, there is no need to wonder whether it will be the green or black uniforms. But what about Lex? Will it be the Charlie Brown sweater?

Hill by 2, maybe 4-2 with an empty net possible. Hill fans will not be able to relax until about 16:40 of the third. No OT. (I'm getting a little old for that.)

What's the over/under on how many times Sager throws his hands in the air over a perceived non-call?

Not as many times as you'll hear him yell "BODY" or his annoying three whistles for a line change.

[BodyShots]

With Hill having the higher seed, there is no need to wonder whether it will be the green or black uniforms. But what about Lex? Will it be the Charlie Brown sweater?

Hill by 2, maybe 4-2 with an empty net possible. Hill fans will not be able to relax until about 16:40 of the third. No OT. (I'm getting a little old for that.)

What's the over/under on how many times Sager throws his hands in the air over a perceived non-call?

Not as many times as you'll hear him yell "BODY" or his annoying three whistles for a line change.

I know. I keep running to the bench asking him what I can do!

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

With Hill having the higher seed, there is no need to wonder whether it will be the green or black uniforms. But what about Lex? Will it be the Charlie Brown sweater?

Hill by 2, maybe 4-2 with an empty net possible. Hill fans will not be able to relax until about 16:40 of the third. No OT. (I'm getting a little old for that.)

What's the over/under on how many times Sager throws his hands in the air over a perceived non-call?

Not as many times as you'll hear him yell "BODY" or his annoying three whistles for a line change.

I know. I keep running to the bench asking him what I can do!

Ba-domp domp! Good one, & the assist goes to WBLHockeyfan04.

[inthetwine]

As a WBL fan I hate to say this, but Hill wins by 4.

[wbhockey02]

Hill is the better team and should win this game by 3 goals.. But I'm goin with Da Bears in this on in a 4-3 OT thriller Also that would mean a PRIVATE SCHOOL FREE STATE TOURNEY

[karl(east)]

With East-GR out of the way I can turn my attention to this game, which should be the perfect way to round out the section playoffs. As others have noted, WBL will probably be torn to pieces if they try to skate with Hill, so I think it'll come down to how well these young Bears can run the trap. The longer they keep it close, the better for WBL--if they gain some confidence and start playing like they have nothing to lose, they'll have a fighting chance.

Hard for me to choose a side in this one...I have nothing but respect for the Coach Lechner and the Hill program and want to see the best at State, but I also do enjoy a good upset in a rivalry game, and a WBL win might let East poach the #1 seed at State. I can only hope it's as exciting as the final two years ago, whatever the outcome.

[SomeHotBroads]

This game, on paper and every computer screen SCREAMS Hill-Murray. I mean their AGE, talent, skill, stats, coach, money, pride, recruiting, Catholicism, and money beat the White Bear Lake Bears worse than Chris Brown beat Rihanna.

HOWEVER Bears fans, there is some light. Stillwater made Hill-Murray look like a beatable team, so I can guarantee you that if Hill doesn't bring their A-Game, they will be in some trouble. Also if WBL can play H-M like they played Edina and Duluth East, this could also be an interesting contest.

I said in 2011 that there was almost no chance at a WBL victory, and to much delight I was proven wrong. I am saying pretty much the same thing this year, however I will say this year that there is no chance at a WBL victory. I really hope I'm proven wrong, but it's not going to happen unfortunately.

If Wahlin stays, which I don't think he will, they will have one heck of a run next year and I believe they could beat Hill in 2014 or 2015.

But not this year, not tonight.

Hill-Murray 5
White Bear Lake 2

[Gunner_Stahl_Lives]

If this is indeed Wahlin's final ride, I hope he goes out with a bang at least. I think this one might come down to who scores first, if Hill gets that first goal and they get it quick, WBL will panic. If the Bears net the first then they can skate with a little bit of confidence.

My heart is pulling for the Bears, being an alum and what not but my head says Hill.

Anybody know anything about Gorman's nerves? Will he get rattled at all?

[stpaul]

History provides hope for the Bears. The lower seeded team has won this game 11 times since 1985.

1985 Final - #2 HM 3-0
1989 Semi - #4 WBL 4-3 OT
1991 Final - #3 HM 4-3
1994 Final - #2 WBL 2-1 OT
1995 Final - #2 WBL 5-3
1996 Semi - #5 WBL 4-3 OT
1998 Final - #2 WBL 4-1
2000 Final - #2 HM 2-0
2002 Final - #2 HM 4-1
2004 Semi - #3 HM beat #2 WBL 5-4 OT (Cent. was #1)
2011 Final - #2 WBL 5-4 OT

Edit - Corrected 1989

[wbmd]

History provides hope for the Bears. The lower seeded team has won this game 11 times since 1985.

1985 Final - #2 HM 3-0
1988 Final - #4 WBL 4-3 OT
1991 Final - #3 HM 4-3
1994 Final - #2 WBL 2-1 OT
1995 Final - #2 WBL 5-3
1996 Semi - #5 WBL 4-3 OT
1998 Final - #2 WBL 4-1
2000 Final - #2 HM 2-0
2002 Final - #2 HM 4-1
2004 Semi - #3 HM beat #2 WBL 5-4 OT (Cent. was #1)
2011 Final - #2 WBL 5-4 OT

That's interesting since White Bear didn't make the State Tournament in 1988. They did in 1989 with a short-handed overtime goal against Stillwater.

In 1988, White Bear lost in the semi's to Hill. In '89, they beat Hill in the semi's.

[stpaul]

You are correct - It was 1989 and it was a semi-final

[ZachHalverson]

Be sure to listen to this game on http://TheHornWBL.com because you like the White Bear Lake Bears and so do we.

[BlueLineSpecial]

Be sure to listen to this game on http://TheHornWBL.com because you like the White Bear Lake Bears and so do we.

ZH, do you know if this is on any of the local PA channels?

[stpaul]

Internet TV on prep45.com. They have had good quality productions all week. Last night they had the Duluth TV feed for the 7AA game. However the broadcast from the Coliseum on Wed. for the 5AA semis was not so good. The camera is too low and the camera movement too choppy. I will be in the Coliseum tonight and can give the camera guy some help.

[BlueLineSpecial]

Internet TV on prep45.com. They have had good quality productions all week. Last night they had the Duluth TV feed for the 7AA game. However the broadcast from the Coliseum on Wed. for the 5AA semis was not so good. The camera is too low and the camera movement too choppy. I will be in the Coliseum tonight and can give the camera guy some help.

Thanks. I'll go the old fashioned route and listen on the radio

As far as the game itself: if HM plays the way they did against Stillwater they are in trouble. Too many chances Stillwater missed that I don't expect other teams to miss, including WBL.

1. Where is that vaunted first line for HM? They need to play well, and as a team, the entire game

2. Dugas needs to be at his best. No glory holes tonight!

3. Can Wahlin play well enough to put up a multi-point game, which I think WBL is going to need to get the W.

4. How will Chase play in goal for WBL. Probably need to keep HM to 3 goals or less for a chance at this game.

Looking forward to it! As usual, a game that records/standings can often be thrown out the window for.

My prediction: HM weathers an early storm from WBL, HM leads 2-0 after 1, 3-1 after 2 and 5-2 final with an empty netter. Good luck to both teams! But slightly more luck to HM

[ZachHalverson]

Internet TV on prep45.com. They have had good quality productions all week. Last night they had the Duluth TV feed for the 7AA game. However the broadcast from the Coliseum on Wed. for the 5AA semis was not so good. The camera is too low and the camera movement too choppy. I will be in the Coliseum tonight and can give the camera guy some help.

BTW I was directing, graphic designer, and replay operator of the 2AA/6AA finals for Prep45, so thanks for the compliment!

ZH, do you know if this is on any of the local PA channels?

Nope. The MSHSL and GrandStadium unfortunately has banned TV19 from doing it. It's a shame too, because the 2nd game I ever called for the station was the 2011 Section 4AA Final. Hopefully it gets straightened out next year.

I play on White Bear Lake's Junior Gold A team and we have a game tonight out at the Schwan "No Atmosphere" Super Rink. Joe Moore will be on The Horn's call until I get there, which should be around 9:15-9:30, depending on if I get pulled over on 35W.

[Wallyworld]

As a die-hard, & vocal Hill fan I wish I was as confident of a Hill victory as most WBL fans are about their team coming up short.. I just don't feel good about this game at all. Maybe it's because Hill hasn't played a top team for awhile and real competition is now frightening. I actually felt much more certain about us beating STA last time we played than I do about the game tonight.. Or maybe I'm just concerned about our first line not being as potent as it has been in the past.. And Dugas looking a little shaky last game, letting in the first shot? Or maybe I remember last year too well where the Roseville game was much closer than I thought it would be??

Somebody told me (haven't checked the record myself) that the last time Hill entered the sections with the #1 state ranking (2 years ago) they also played WBL in the regular season and, like this year, beat them 6-1 and we all know what the section final outcome was that year.

If Hill loses can you imagine the state tourney field with Eastview, WBL, LVNorth, Centennial (?), & Moorhead.. I don't know if I would even go to the first day's AA games in that case and that is usually my favorite day... Here's to a Hill win for the sake of Tourney fans everywhere... P.S. After watching the broadcast of D East last night and Wayzata in person the night before, I would love to see those two play for the prize.. With Duluth's D and Wayxata's amazing F talent and efficiency (per SOGoal) I would pay top dollar for a ringside seat for that one... Sorry Edina...

[BogeyMan]

WW what the heck????? Why the "glass half empty" post. Based on your comments the last few weeks the whole section should have tossed on the towel and played for 2nd as Anderson and Brown were unstoppable and Funk as a grinder were going to carry the Pioneers right from the coliseum to the X!!!!!!!

It's playoffs and it comes down to defense and goaltending and who can finish the limited chances that teams usually get in these big games. For the most part the teams top lines production will and should decrease. The best guys play against the other teams best guys and usually cancel eachother out. (i.e. BSM and Grand Rapids, top guys were held in check)The key will be who can win the battle of 2nd lines vs 2nd lines and 3rds against 3rds. Have to believe that HM has the advantage. Big questions still remain can the HM defense play defense and will Dugas be better than Gorman? On paper HM should win but that is why they play the games......

Nobody likes HM but a State Tourney without the top teams will draw less interest........

[BlueLineSpecial]

WW what the heck????? Why the "glass half empty" post. Based on your comments the last few weeks the whole section should have tossed on the towel and played for 2nd as Anderson and Brown were unstoppable and Funk as a grinder were going to carry the Pioneers right from the coliseum to the X!!!!!!!

It's playoffs and it comes down to defense and goaltending and who can finish the limited chances that teams usually get in these big games. For the most part the teams top lines production will and should decrease. The best guys play against the other teams best guys and usually cancel eachother out. (i.e. BSM and Grand Rapids, top guys were held in check)The key will be who can win the battle of 2nd lines vs 2nd lines and 3rds against 3rds. Have to believe that HM has the advantage. Big questions still remain can the HM defense play defense and will Dugas be better than Gorman? On paper HM should win but that is why they play the games......

Nobody likes HM but a State Tourney without the top teams will draw less interest........

I like them

[meridian90]

If this is indeed Wahlin's final ride, I hope he goes out with a bang at least. I think this one might come down to who scores first, if Hill gets that first goal and they get it quick, WBL will panic. If the Bears net the first then they can skate with a little bit of confidence.

My heart is pulling for the Bears, being an alum and what not but my head says Hill.

Anybody know anything about Gorman's nerves? Will he get rattled at all?

I really hope Wahlin gives it one more season before he heads to Iowa, would love to see what this group would do next year with an extra season under their belts (especially with gorman returning).

[WBLHockeyfan04]

If this is indeed Wahlin's final ride, I hope he goes out with a bang at least. I think this one might come down to who scores first, if Hill gets that first goal and they get it quick, WBL will panic. If the Bears net the first then they can skate with a little bit of confidence.

My heart is pulling for the Bears, being an alum and what not but my head says Hill.

Anybody know anything about Gorman's nerves? Will he get rattled at all?

I really hope Wahlin gives it one more season before he heads to Iowa, would love to see what this group would do next year with an extra season under their belts (especially with gorman returning).

I agree. I see them as a top 10 team next year if Wahlin's back. If not, well, who knows... Still a team with some good young players next year.

[iwatchalotofhockey]

Log on now to watch live the broadcast of the game from the Coliseum.


www.Prep45.com

[Ogie]

Stream announcers said the attendance was over 7,100.

In that building?...Wow!