Section 3A (2013-2014)

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

NU/SE has a few kids that can play hockey, but I don't think they will be a contender this year. I also think New Ulm is lucky to have these Sleepy Eye kids. They wouldn't be a threat to anyone without most of them.

I saw earlier on this post that someone thought #7 on defense is good. I have to disagree. He's like a bull in a china shop--penalties, centering passes to opposing team, no help to his team at all. Really though, their defense is weak all the way around.

There will be a huge downturn to the NU/SE varsity program in 2-3 years. Biggest problem with this program? The varsity coaches aren't involved with the youth program.
They have left it to a bunch of parents with only one agenda--their kid. (We know how well that works.) I think the varsity coach had better implement a training program for the youth level and be more involved on who makes the teams in order to build unity among the kids.

This is what Luverne and Mankato West have been doing over the last four years. Look how well it's working for them.

Great first Post!

Interesting look at what could be seen as the decay of the NU/SE Program. I believe they will be a serious contender this year. Kraus is a solid tendy who has been to State before.

Interesting note on Mr. Setterholm he seemed very concerned earlier this year with the state of his program and the infamous "Playing Luverne is 10 Steps Backwards For His Program".

MAYBE he should spend time with his youth and develop a program that can still continue to grow even if they have to join the Big South Conference next year..... Just A WILD IDEA.

I am not a huge fan of Luverne as is well known. However, I have been told that their coach has been working a lot with the youth which seems to paying off.

[RRubberbeeskit]

"RRubberbeeskit
I have to commend the Luverne Area Cardinals for having had 2 teriffic seasons in a row. The longer they go without a loss the easier it gets to be complacent. They are going to have dig really deep each and every time out to finish this regular season undefeated. If they finish this regular season undefeated I see them exiting the 3A Championship / playoffs with a loss to New Ulm / Sleepy Eye Area.

So, if they do lose a game in the regular season what happens in the playoffs?

Hopefully they're only loss will not be the last game of the regular season. They are a young team for the most part and really might be lacking significant senior leadership to help them bounce back from a loss.
They remind me a bit of the Park Rapids team a few years ago that had a tremendous winning record and the leading scorer in the state but had no chance of getting by Warroad, TRF or East Grand for a trip to the X. I am not saying New Ulm is comparable to the above three but I believe they will decide the Cardinals fate.

Good luck to all in Sec. 3A!

[50/50]

I'm on the fence about the NU/SE goaltender. I've only been to a few games. Here's what I've seen: He's very small; He comes out of the net way too far at times and gets beaten; He has poor puck control behind the net, nearly scoring goals on himself. He seems fine against towns like Litchfield, but these issues seem to cost him goals against harder opponents. I've not watched their other goaltender play, so I can't comment on him.

Really, though, I think the whole NU/SE defense leaves something to be desired.

I wish they would play Luverne too. I've heard rumors about the reasoning behind it. All I'm going to say is that it involves tattle-taling. I'd be afraid to see how physical the game would get if/when they do meet.

How about Redwood Falls? I'm cheering for them and can't wait to see them in a few years. They're a young group with some offensive talent. Based on the games I have watched, they seem to have a discord between some of the younger players and the goalie. Not fun to watch that. I think some of those players are putting too much blame on their tender. They should look in the mirror for some of that blame. Zero defense.

[notTONIGHT]

I'm on the fence about the NU/SE goaltender. I've only been to a few games. Here's what I've seen: He's very small; He comes out of the net way too far at times and gets beaten; He has poor puck control behind the net, nearly scoring goals on himself. He seems fine against towns like Litchfield, but these issues seem to cost him goals against harder opponents. I've not watched their other goaltender play, so I can't comment on him.

Really, though, I think the whole NU/SE defense leaves something to be desired.

I wish they would play Luverne too. I've heard rumors about the reasoning behind it. All I'm going to say is that it involves tattle-taling. I'd be afraid to see how physical the game would get if/when they do meet.

How about Redwood Falls? I'm cheering for them and can't wait to see them in a few years. They're a young group with some offensive talent. Based on the games I have watched, they seem to have a discord between some of the younger players and the goalie. Not fun to watch that. I think some of those players are putting too much blame on their tender. They should look in the mirror for some of that blame. Zero defense.

Sounds to me more like Tuck-tailing then tattle tailing.....

[TheSiouxSuck]

NU/SE has a few kids that can play hockey, but I don't think they will be a contender this year. I also think New Ulm is lucky to have these Sleepy Eye kids. They wouldn't be a threat to anyone without most of them.

I saw earlier on this post that someone thought #7 on defense is good. I have to disagree. He's like a bull in a china shop--penalties, centering passes to opposing team, no help to his team at all. Really though, their defense is weak all the way around.

There will be a huge downturn to the NU/SE varsity program in 2-3 years. Biggest problem with this program? The varsity coaches aren't involved with the youth program.
They have left it to a bunch of parents with only one agenda--their kid. (We know how well that works.) I think the varsity coach had better implement a training program for the youth level and be more involved on who makes the teams in order to build unity among the kids.

This is what Luverne and Mankato West have been doing over the last four years. Look how well it's working for them.

This years seniors are the last to have really been in the Program when Macho was in charge(Although barely). The last 8 years of success have come with a lot of the talent that Macho developed when he was the HS coach. Where did he go after the NU AD forced him out? Sleepy Eye. Where is all the talent on New Ulms roster this year... wierd....

[notTONIGHT]

NU/SE has a few kids that can play hockey, but I don't think they will be a contender this year. I also think New Ulm is lucky to have these Sleepy Eye kids. They wouldn't be a threat to anyone without most of them.

I saw earlier on this post that someone thought #7 on defense is good. I have to disagree. He's like a bull in a china shop--penalties, centering passes to opposing team, no help to his team at all. Really though, their defense is weak all the way around.

There will be a huge downturn to the NU/SE varsity program in 2-3 years. Biggest problem with this program? The varsity coaches aren't involved with the youth program.
They have left it to a bunch of parents with only one agenda--their kid. (We know how well that works.) I think the varsity coach had better implement a training program for the youth level and be more involved on who makes the teams in order to build unity among the kids.

This is what Luverne and Mankato West have been doing over the last four years. Look how well it's working for them.

This years seniors are the last to have really been in the Program when Macho was in charge(Although barely). The last 8 years of success have come with a lot of the talent that Macho developed when he was the HS coach. Where did he go after the NU AD forced him out? Sleepy Eye. Where is all the talent on New Ulms roster this year... wierd....

Are there any rumblings or rumors of Sleepy Eye ever getting their program back? Or is that never an option again?

[50/50]

Good question about Sleepy Eye. They've been with New Ulm for about three years now, so I would think going back to just Sleepy Eye hockey would be tough.

Slightly off topic, I do like the Sleepy Eye arena seats. They're from the old Met. They're even the green, gold and black North Stars colors.

[notTONIGHT]

Big one tonight. I expect it to be pretty low scoring.
Goosman might get the shutout.
Willmar gets one or two successful odd man rushes.
I expect a high shot total, with a low number of quality scoring chances.
Willmar 2 -Ten steps back 0

[MrGoalieBoy]

I'm going to take Willmar in this one 2-1.

[alumni52]

NotTonight your really butthurt about that loss a couple years ago haha, but I am going to take wilmar 3-2 maybe 4-2 with an empty netter, there will be a rematch of these to in st peter and that the game im really looking forward to.

[notTONIGHT]

NotTonight your really butthurt about that loss a couple years ago haha, but I am going to take wilmar 3-2 maybe 4-2 with an empty netter, there will be a rematch of these to in st peter and that the game im really looking forward to.

Which loss?

[alumni52]

NotTonight your really butthurt about that loss a couple years ago haha, but I am going to take wilmar 3-2 maybe 4-2 with an empty netter, there will be a rematch of these to in st peter and that the game im really looking forward to.

Which loss?

The section final, you seem to have a lot of hostility towards new ulm haha, its all good, anyone would.

[notTONIGHT]

NotTonight your really butthurt about that loss a couple years ago haha, but I am going to take wilmar 3-2 maybe 4-2 with an empty netter, there will be a rematch of these to in st peter and that the game im really looking forward to.

Which loss?

The section final, you seem to have a lot of hostility towards new ulm haha, its all good, anyone would.

Oh, yeah, that sucked.


Willmar wins 4-3 tonight.

I was wrong about Goosmann. But not wrong about the victor. Seedings appear pretty clear at this point. Same as i posted on Sunday.

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

Section 3A Scores
Waconia 6 Hutch 4
Windom 7 Worthington 1
Marshall 6 Redwood Valley 1

Game of the Night
Willmar 4 New Ulm 3

Very good game back and forth. Willmar never trailed in this one. Jumped out to 1-0 and 3 to 1 leads. New Ulm responded each time tieing it up at 1-1 and 3-3. Willmar get the big goal in the third.

Willmar out shot New Ulm but chances for both teams were there.

Teams were very even up and down the ice game.

Willmar with a win next Monday over LDC would lock up the #2 seed and New Ulm looks like a Lock now at the #3 seed. Would be really fun to see these two meet up in the Semi-finals at GAC again this year.

Very evenly matched and the game could either way.

[Teak]

Section 3A Scores
Game of the Night
Willmar 4 New Ulm 3

Very good game back and forth. Willmar never trailed in this one. Jumped out to 1-0 and 3 to 1 leads. New Ulm responded each time tieing it up at 1-1 and 3-3. Willmar get the big goal in the third.

Willmar out shot New Ulm but chances for both teams were there.

Teams were very even up and down the ice game.

Willmar with a win next Monday over LDC would lock up the #2 seed and New Ulm looks like a Lock now at the #3 seed. Would be really fun to see these two meet up in the Semi-finals at GAC again this year.

Very evenly matched and the game could either way.

I was at this game too. Where were you sitting 3A HS? Were you one of the guys who kept complaining about ref calls?

New Ulm seemed a bit bigger than Willmar, but both teams were fairly evenly matched. Willmar players came out strong to start both second and third period. Very physical game. Tollefson wasn't a puck hog as some mentioned earlier, but he does take cheap penalties.

The most impressive players IMHO were Helget for New Ulm (he uses his height to his advantage) and the sophomore Isaac Kobienia for Willmar. He has very good acceleration and is tough despite being shortish. He reminds me of Willmar's star player from last season.

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

Section 3A Scores
Game of the Night
Willmar 4 New Ulm 3

Very good game back and forth. Willmar never trailed in this one. Jumped out to 1-0 and 3 to 1 leads. New Ulm responded each time tieing it up at 1-1 and 3-3. Willmar get the big goal in the third.

Willmar out shot New Ulm but chances for both teams were there.

Teams were very even up and down the ice game.

Willmar with a win next Monday over LDC would lock up the #2 seed and New Ulm looks like a Lock now at the #3 seed. Would be really fun to see these two meet up in the Semi-finals at GAC again this year.

Very evenly matched and the game could either way.

I was at this game too. Where were you sitting 3A HS? Were you one of the guys who kept complaining about ref calls?

New Ulm seemed a bit bigger than Willmar, but both teams were fairly evenly matched. Willmar players came out strong to start both second and third period. Very physical game. Tollefson wasn't a puck hog as some mentioned earlier, but he does take cheap penalties.

The most impressive players IMHO were Helget for New Ulm (he uses his height to his advantage) and the sophomore Isaac Kobienia for Willmar. He has very good acceleration and is tough despite being shortish. He reminds me of Willmar's star player from last season.

I move around during the games I attend.

I was by the New Ulm Parents the first period then the Willmar Parents the second and down by the know it all's at glass level in the 3rd.

Good insight from the game Teak. New Ulm's Top Line of Davis, Peterson and Helget made some nice things happen on line rushes throughout the game. Willmars top line of Mottinger, VanDenEinde and Kobeinia were very dangerous once they were able to work the puck down low.

Couple things that stuck out to me as teak said Willmar came out in each period with a better jump in their stride then New Ulm then. NU had plenty of Grade A Chances though. Willmar when they are able to work that fore check is fun to watch. NU is very dangerous in the transition game especially their top line.

As has been said solid back and forth hockey game last night. Both a Dangerous teams and will have a very good chance to represent Section 3A in St Paul.

Most Likely Willmar is the #2 Seed and New Ulm is the #3 seed a Semi-Final match up @8 PM in Gustavus on Semi-final Saturday will be a treat to watch if that is the match up that we get.

Very Evenly matched squads.

[notTONIGHT]

Very Evenly matched squads.

You said the same about Luverne and Willmar.

Was the 4-0 game as evenly matched as the 4-3 game?

What am I missing here? Which one was it?

My sources told me that it was indeed an evenly matched game, but Id like your comparison. For fun.

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

Very Evenly matched squads.

You said the same about Luverne and Willmar.

Was the 4-0 game as evenly matched as the 4-3 game?

What am I missing here? Which one was it?

My sources told me that it was indeed an evenly matched game, but Id like your comparison. For fun.

In the 4-0 game The Back-up for Willmar was in the nets. Goosman played last night for Willmar. That makes a difference when trying to compare.

Honestly, Willmar had moments where they bottled up NU/SE just like they did with Luverne. Also, NU/SE had great moments when in transition just like Luverne found success.

4-0 was the score but I felt (My opinion) that game was evenly played. NU/SE struggled down low and in corner battles. There D-zone was not as solid as Luverne's coverage was. Where Luverne limited Willmar to one and done chances NU/SE got caught running around alot in their end. NU/SE is little soft on depth in the D-man Department.

I thought Overall last night Willmar would feel fortunate to win that game. They took a couple penalties late in the game and NU/SE just missed some chances to tie it.

Gooseman made a difference in the game. I am not saying at all that he is a 4 goal difference though.

However, I think even you would admit if Willmar and Luverne meet in the playoffs that game could go either way.

I would say the same about NU/SE and Willmar. If they meet again its a toss up who will win very evenly matched.

[notTONIGHT]

Very Evenly matched squads.

You said the same about Luverne and Willmar.

Was the 4-0 game as evenly matched as the 4-3 game?

What am I missing here? Which one was it?

My sources told me that it was indeed an evenly matched game, but Id like your comparison. For fun.

In the 4-0 game The Back-up for Willmar was in the nets. Goosman played last night for Willmar. That makes a difference when trying to compare.

Honestly, Willmar had moments where they bottled up NU/SE just like they did with Luverne. Also, NU/SE had great moments when in transition just like Luverne found success.

4-0 was the score but I felt (My opinion) that game was evenly played. NU/SE struggled down low and in corner battles. There D-zone was not as solid as Luverne's coverage was. Where Luverne limited Willmar to one and done chances NU/SE got caught running around alot in their end. NU/SE is little soft on depth in the D-man Department.

I thought Overall last night Willmar would feel fortunate to win that game. They took a couple penalties late in the game and NU/SE just missed some chances to tie it.

Gooseman made a difference in the game. I am not saying at all that he is a 4 goal difference though.

However, I think even you would admit if Willmar and Luverne meet in the playoffs that game could go either way.

I would say the same about NU/SE and Willmar. If they meet again its a toss up who will win very evenly matched.

I would admit that Willmar could definately pull off an upset. Any of the top four maybe five teams could pull off an upset.

But its exactly that, an upset.

Not saying its 50/50 going into the game.

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

You said the same about Luverne and Willmar.

Was the 4-0 game as evenly matched as the 4-3 game?

What am I missing here? Which one was it?

My sources told me that it was indeed an evenly matched game, but Id like your comparison. For fun.

In the 4-0 game The Back-up for Willmar was in the nets. Goosman played last night for Willmar. That makes a difference when trying to compare.

Honestly, Willmar had moments where they bottled up NU/SE just like they did with Luverne. Also, NU/SE had great moments when in transition just like Luverne found success.

4-0 was the score but I felt (My opinion) that game was evenly played. NU/SE struggled down low and in corner battles. There D-zone was not as solid as Luverne's coverage was. Where Luverne limited Willmar to one and done chances NU/SE got caught running around alot in their end. NU/SE is little soft on depth in the D-man Department.

I thought Overall last night Willmar would feel fortunate to win that game. They took a couple penalties late in the game and NU/SE just missed some chances to tie it.

Gooseman made a difference in the game. I am not saying at all that he is a 4 goal difference though.

However, I think even you would admit if Willmar and Luverne meet in the playoffs that game could go either way.

I would say the same about NU/SE and Willmar. If they meet again its a toss up who will win very evenly matched.

I would admit that Willmar could definately pull off an upset. Any of the top four maybe five teams could pull off an upset.

But its exactly that, an upset.

Not saying its 50/50 going into the game.

Fair enough.

I think any of the top 4 Willmar, Hutch, Luverne, NU/SE have a very good shot at winning this section.

[MrGoalieBoy]

Each of the top 4 teams needs solid goaltending. I would have to say, if Meyer is hot for Luverne, nobody is going to stop them, even if another goalie has a good game.

[Can't skate]

Watch out for the beast Campion. If Marshall can get by Litch and he gets in a groove they could surprise someone in sections.

[Teak]

Having seen all four top squads now (Hutch, Luverne, Willmar, and New Ulm), I'd have to say that Luverne are my favorites to take 3A. It will depend upon goal tending and refereeing, for sure.

I heard some New Ulm guys talking in the john before the game and was tempted to ask them when New Ulm will man-up and schedule Luverne during the regular season.

[notTONIGHT]

Having seen all four top squads now (Hutch, Luverne, Willmar, and New Ulm), I'd have to say that Luverne are my favorites to take 3A. It will depend upon goal tending and refereeing, for sure.

I heard some New Ulm guys talking in the john before the game and was tempted to ask them when New Ulm will man-up and schedule Luverne during the regular season.

haha. thats funny.

The option has run out.

Big south here we come!!

[MrGoalieBoy]

Watch out for the beast Campion. If Marshall can get by Litch and he gets in a groove they could surprise someone in sections.

If Marshall finds someone who can score, yes they will could upset a top team.