7AA Semifinal: Grand Rapids vs. Duluth East

[alcloseshaver]

Amsoil is a nice arena but a small crowd. Plenty of room in the lower level and the upper level was empty. Lucky if there are 1,000 for game 2.

I wonder how much of that was weather related, people still digging out, etc. No reason a game of this caliber shouldn't draw at least 3,000.

Lee

Sure seemed like a pretty good crowd to me. The student sections weren't that filled up but good representation from non students. Of course Rapids fans out number East fans...like always. I didn't stay for the 2nd game but heard from someone who did that there was about 1/4 of the fans there compared to the 1st. That must have been pretty quiet. I liked the mascots having some fun with each other; switching heads and pretending to fight.

Things were looking promising the first half of the 1st, Avery made a sick move around an East D man and landed a ripper of a goal. Slowly though the tide turned. GR had spurts of pressure and chances but gave up too many rushes and poor play in their own end. East is solid but definitely not as suffocating and dominating as years past. Glad to see the refs not be a factor, both teams played with discipline. Cool to see Jake Bischoff and a couple of his Gopher teammates in attendance; Fasching and I think Kloos.

Difficult to watch Avery and Hunter after the game. Avery appeared to take it pretty rough, very understandably. Two special players that I wish the best to, will be fun to follow them in their post high school journeys. Sad the season is over but thanks to the whole team for the great entertainment and memories all year.

Good Luck to the Elks

Nothing but respect for both players, especially Avery. Rapids has a lot to be proud of in them.