Section 3AA Final: #4 Eagan vs #3 STA 2/27, 7PM

[almostashappy]

Might as well get this thread started, and give a home to the pre-game chirping that's already started elsewhere.

As HSHW had pointed out, up until the semi's STA had scored less than 3 goals in only two games this season. They needed OT to put two on the board against Eastview and Driscoll. Eagan's gritty defensive-focused playing style is a lot like Eastview's, so STA's defense and goaltending will probably have to come up big again for the Cadets to punch their ticket to the (Really) Big Show.

It's not rocket science for the Wildcats...play their physical game, limit mistakes and penalty minutes, and capitalize on opportunities when they occur. Wolff, Muck and Lindgren all played with Novak in Elite League, and will need to put that knowledge to work to shut him down (without ignoring his linemates).

The win over CDH was Eagan's sixth OT game this season...really encouraging to see the third line out there Saturday night, both late in the 3rd and in OT. That line and the second d-pair have improved greatly over the last month, and been a big factor down the stretch. This will mitigate the last line change advantage that STA brings into the game.

The incentives/challenges of playing against familiar faces will cut both ways...SSC points leader Jack Jenson played on STA's 2011-12 Single A State Championship team as a sophomore, before his family moved out to Eagan. STA's sophomore defenseman Jason "Lumpy" Smallidge played on the same Eagan youth hockey teams as some of the Eagan varsity players; his older brother Nick played defense for the Wildcats, and was a captain on last year's team.

Should be a great match-up. I'm sure that Prep45 is hoping for a STA victory so they can profile/highlight/beat-to-death the storyline of the Cadets playing in the AA Tourney their first year up. Of course, I'd rather see them talking about the hard-working lunch-bucket scrappy Eagan players who made it to the Tourney thanks to old-fashioned effort and an old-time hockey playing style.

Any chance we'll see STA fans in uniform Thursday night? I was kind of disappointed they weren't out in force at the Coliseum on Saturday.

[WBLHockeyfan04]

Might as well get this thread started, and give a home to the pre-game chirping that's already started elsewhere.

As HSHW had pointed out, up until the semi's STA had scored less than 3 goals in only two games this season. They needed OT to put two on the board against Eastview and Driscoll. Eagan's gritty defensive-focused playing style is a lot like Eastview's, so STA's defense and goaltending will probably have to come up big again for the Cadets to punch their ticket to the (Really) Big Show.

It's not rocket science for the Wildcats...play their physical game, limit mistakes and penalty minutes, and capitalize on opportunities when they occur. Wolff, Muck and Lindgren all played with Novak in Elite League, and will need to put that knowledge to work to shut him down (without ignoring his linemates).

The win over CDH was Eagan's sixth OT game this season...really encouraging to see the third line out there Saturday night, both late in the 3rd and in OT. That line and the second d-pair have improved greatly over the last month, and been a big factor down the stretch. This will mitigate the last line change advantage that STA brings into the game.

The incentives/challenges of playing against familiar faces will cut both ways...SSC points leader Jack Jenson played on STA's 2011-12 Single A State Championship team as a sophomore, before his family moved out to Eagan. STA's sophomore defenseman Jason "Lumpy" Smallidge played on the same Eagan youth hockey teams as some of the Eagan varsity players; his older brother Nick played defense for the Wildcats, and was a captain on last year's team.

Should be a great match-up. I'm sure that Prep45 is hoping for a STA victory so they can profile/highlight/beat-to-death the storyline of the Cadets playing in the AA Tourney their first year up. Of course, I'd rather see them talking about the hard-working lunch-bucket scrappy Eagan players who made it to the Tourney thanks to old-fashioned effort and an old-time hockey playing style.

Any chance we'll see STA fans in uniform Thursday night? I was kind of disappointed they weren't out in force at the Coliseum on Saturday.

I was at both games last night, and their whole student cheering section took up one of the tables at the coliseum.. apparently the STA students don't show up until the state tournament. So hopefully I don't have to see them at all.

[Cadets16]

Uniforms are worn in state games only. Might see a bigger crowd at the section final, but then again it is a school night and most guys probably don't want to go an "away" game.
I also believe the state swim meet starts that night? I could be wrong though.

Just assumptions of course.

[mnhockfan99]

I like STA 4-3.

[almostashappy]

Uniforms are worn in state games only. Might see a bigger crowd at the section final, but then again it is a school night and most guys probably don't want to go an "away" game.
I also believe the state swim meet starts that night? I could be wrong though.

"Away" game? STA is closer to the State Fairgrounds than EHS, and will be the home team wearing white.

Oh, well. Guess the cadets will have to find support from the lovely City of St Thomas (which is almostaslovely as the City of Hill Murray).

[BlueLineSpecial]

Uniforms are worn in state games only. Might see a bigger crowd at the section final, but then again it is a school night and most guys probably don't want to go an "away" game.
I also believe the state swim meet starts that night? I could be wrong though.

"Away" game? STA is closer to the State Fairgrounds than EHS, and will be the home team wearing white.

Oh, well. Guess the cadets will have to find support from the lovely City of St Thomas (which is almostaslovely as the City of Hill Murray).

Nice

I mentioned in a different topic that I thought this was STA's section to lose. Basing this only on having seen them play a couple of really strong games against Hill. Haven't seen Eagan this year but AAH tends to have good insight into not only the Cats but others in the section. I'm still picking STA but I'd love to see Eagan at State. This section looks to be have the most parity, above even 7AA

[Wblhcky2424]

Uniforms are worn in state games only. Might see a bigger crowd at the section final, but then again it is a school night and most guys probably don't want to go an "away" game.
I also believe the state swim meet starts that night? I could be wrong though.

Just assumptions of course.

Who cares if it's a school night or an away game? You should still support your team in a big game like a section final

[Cadets16]

Uniforms are worn in state games only. Might see a bigger crowd at the section final, but then again it is a school night and most guys probably don't want to go an "away" game.
I also believe the state swim meet starts that night? I could be wrong though.

Just assumptions of course.

Who cares if it's a school night or an away game? You should still support your team in a big game like a section final

I wholeheartedly agree with you, but unfortunately, it's the truth that students will not go for those reasons.

Also, I would assume that some students at STA do not realize how big this game truly is, as they are used to a state champion team, not realizing that this year is so much different. I bet the student body, outside of the hockey players, thinks it will be a cakewalk.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

The City of Hill-Murray is nestled between the cities of East Ridge and Eastview. Not many people are aware that Hill-Murray was founded by migrants from ROCORI, MACCRAY, and Sibley East. While those cities aren't
known for hockey, once the community formed they adopted the game to unify the disparate groups. And the rest is history.

Sadly, all records of the founding of the City Of Saint Thomas were lost when the town hall burned to the ground.

[east hockey]

The City of Hill-Murray is nestled between the cities of East Ridge and Eastview. Not many people are aware that Hill-Murray was founded by migrants from ROCORI, MACCRAY, and Sibley East. While those cities aren't
known for hockey, once the community formed they adopted the game to unify the disparate groups. And the rest is history.

Sadly, all records of the founding of the City Of Saint Thomas were lost when the town hall burned to the ground.

Yeah, about six hours after residents were seen on the streets of Hill-Murray with gas cans. At least they saved the city of Cretin.

Lee

[Lazy Scout]

I recall it was either a guy from the city of Tartan or the city of Irondale that was convicted of the town hall fire.

[Cadets16]

I was under the impression that it was the Fire of the City of Holy Family that was the cause of all these fires.

hah, puns.

[HappyHockeyFan]

I can't predict a winner, too close to call, but I do think it will go to overtime..Go Cats !!

[thestickler07]

One goal game either way, the top four in this section were so close from the start anything else would surprise me.

Eagan sounds like a more physical version of Eastview, with better goaltending as well. I'd have the o/u on goals at 3.5; Eagan probably wins a defensive struggle if its the under, but if this game gets into 4+ territory STAA's skill will carry things for the Cadets.

[bauerman]

STA starting to play well as the younger players getting a season under their belt. STA played just as physical as Eastview, if Eagan goes into the box too much its all over--STA by 2. Students will be back . Visitation their sister school had their junior senior dance last Saturday, can't miss that if you go to an all boys school

[deacon]

Disclaimer: I graduated from STA and am a huge homer.

That being established, I can't believe there isn't an outcry from Eastview fans or STA haters about the officiating in that game. It was the worst officiated game I've ever seen. The Cadets were on the receiving end of some calls that I thought were laughable, in their favor. The Eastview coach was livid and I can't say I really blame him. However, there was something fishy going on with the Eastview goalie, I have never seen the goal come off its posts as often as it did, and it was only the Eastview net, at both ends of the rink. Vanelli wanted a delay of game penalty by the third period. The Cadets didn't score on the PP but they had their chances.

One thing that has irked me over the course of the Vanelli regime is that they always seem to try and make the perfect play or the extra pass when the simple, logical play makes far more sense. In a grind it out game, which seems to be the norm in playoffs, throwing it on net makes more sense, in my opinion.

I know nothing about Eagan but I hope the Cadets can pull out a W.

The Eastview game was my first experience in the Coliseum. What piece of crap. I can see, however, that it would I be cool venue in a packed house. Someone is going to get killed via a puck to the face if they're not paying attention.

[almostashappy]

Disclaimer: I graduated from STA and am a huge homer.

That being established, I can't believe there isn't an outcry from Eastview fans or STA haters about the officiating in that game.

There's never been a big Eastview fan presence in this forum...they only show up to crow after big victories, especially if it's over Eagan.

Gonna miss watching Sport Jacket Helicopter Dad's antics behind the glass.

[EliteHockeyMind]

I agree with this venue being terrible for hockey, especially for a section championship game. These games are usually the best games of the year, stronger rivalries, battling for a ticket to state. I wish FSN would televise some of these championship games. I hear Eagan's D is strong, and STA has been shut down last 2 games. I see a breakout game here and STA punches their ticket to the big show.

STA wins 5-2

[Thevalley]

I am an Eastiew fan born and bread.

I agree that the game last saturday was one of the worst officiated games I've seen all year. One could say it had a big impact of the momentum of the game and also the fatigue factor of the EV players. However it didn't have an impact on the score which is what rely matters. correct me if I'm wrong but i believe STA went 0 for 6 on the PP. Which could be a good reference point for eagan on how EV did it.

Bein an EV fan i don't like Eagan very much.. But i believe Eagan is going to win this game. STA won't be able to handle their physical style of play and very structured D zone.

I like Eagan 2 to 1

[almostashappy]

Tape-delayed video of both of Saturday's 3AA semi-final games is now available on Minnesota Hockey Magazine's website:

http://minnesotahockeymag.com/video/min ... com-demand/

Big thank you to MHM, Northstar Sports, and PSB Media, both for producing these broadcasts, and for not hiding them behind a paywall.

[EliteHockeyMind]

I took a look at the Tape-delayed video, mosly just to see the goals. Haven't seen STA play once this year, but they just looked sloppy to me. They looked slow, tired, falling over a lot, a lot of neutral zone turnovers. Maybe this was just around the few minutes I was able to see, but nothing looked to be clicking.

Tommy Novak also looked slow, trying to do too much with the puck. A few times he had the puck in the high slot and instead of trying to shoot through a screen and get the puck to the net he would try to walk a few guys. The guy has incredible hands, but he may need to pick his times a little better when he wants to make a fancy move.

[kobudo]

Most of the STA boys were at the Visitation winter dance.
Girls or hockey and they chose girls!

[MrBoDangles]

I like STA 4-3.

I like Eagan 3
I dislike STA 2

[almostashappy]

Most of the STA boys were at the Visitation winter dance.
Girls or hockey and they chose girls!

They could have done both and brought their dates to the Coliseum.

[bauerman]

Most of the STA boys were at the Visitation winter dance.
Girls or hockey and they chose girls!

They could have done both and brought their dates to the Coliseum. [/qu
ote] That would have made all the Eastview boys jealous