6AA Final: Eden Prairie vs. Minnetonka

[karl(east)]

An intriguing matchup to begin with, and it's been made even more interesting by the suspension of 3 regular EP players. The Eagles still have Mittelstadt and Graham, while the Skippers have spent most of the year sailing under the radar, avoiding drama, and piling up a bunch of good wins. They split their two meetings, with the road team winning each time; Tonka won the first game 4-2, and and EP won the second one 4-1. Who comes out on top in the nightcap at Mariucci on Wednesday?

[mnhockeynut77]

They did meet in the Schwan Cup too. Minnetonka won that game 7-4. We'll see if Berger can continue playing solid in net for Minnetonka; that's the only way I see them winning this game even with EP's suspensions.

[WestMetro]

This game has some irony if I recall correctly that Durocher came out of the Tonka system? Anyway, from what I read he is lucky he will be in goal for the final game.

Having sworn not to make a prediction on any more Section 6 games, I will go with the Skips in the final to complete the Section 6 drama , and likely resulting in a no seed at state for a Section 6 team for the first time in ??? years.

[Rich Clarke]

Eden Prairie's the better team and beat the Skippers 4-1 the last time they met. But Minnetonka beat EP not just once at the Schwan, but also 4-2 in the first conference game in February. Those wins came against EP's full compliment of players I believe. The game would be a toss up without the suspensions. With them, it is pretty even. The question I have is whether EP comes together and plays a more inspired game because of them, and whether Minnetonka is perhaps tenuous because they suddenly see themselves as the favorite. They are a much harder team to beat when they are thinking they're the underdog. Also, I've never thought Lee Smith has accomplished nearly what he could have with the talent in that program. If he can inspire these kids to win, that will say a lot. If he let's them sulk, well...

Either way, it'll be nice if the Eagles can pull it out. As much as I dislike what happened at the end, and agree that the goalie was just clueless, it would be sad to see their season end on that note. In 1990, Minnetonka lost two of its top players in the semifianls against Richfield due to a similar brawl. They came back and beat Edina and made it to the state semifinals before losing, like everyone else, to an unbelievable Roseau team (everyone else includes Brian Bonin and some great GR stars who I am ashamed I am not recalling right now).

[edgeUcated]

Does anyone know if this game is being video broadcast online ?? I only see an audio broadcast by MSBN

[bemused]

Does anyone know if this game is being video broadcast online ?? I only see an audio broadcast by MSBN

Pay per view..with EP's #20 doing the color with his helmet still on in case he runs into somebody who punches back...

[Tron]

Skippers will be pumped after their win against Wayzata. EP's mental game isnt as sharp as it was earlier in the year. Skippers make it to state but will be early departures.

[PSBMedia]

Does anyone know if this game is being video broadcast online ?? I only see an audio broadcast by MSBN

Prep45 has exclusive rights to all live video of postseason games. We inquired about partnering with Prep45 to bring live video but received no response from them. As mentioned above, there should be a number of audio feeds though.

[jgmotorsports]

This will also help motivate the Mtka boys i would think.
On another note, and dont want to steal this thread,
What should be done about this type of action with a team that does not progress into playoffs?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vysME31XgU

[blindref]

How about no home ice for next year's playoffs if your team is in a fight in the last five minutes of a game.
You're the visiting team at all neutral sites as well.

[DanSorensen]

It starts with the parent having a serious conversation with his son about being mature and displaying good sportsmanship even during a tough loss. For those that know me, trust me discipline has begun at home for this action. As we all know, there isn't a simple answer in dealing with dumb decisions that your chilldren make. There is no reason for this to occur in any sport. I will do whatever is possible to insure that it doesn't happen again. When all said and done, it is the responsibility of the player to make the right choices on and off the ice. As parents we can only hope that we have provided the appropriate support and discipline at home that allows our children to make good choices and have good high school sports experiences. Dan Sorensen

[WarmUpTheBus]

It starts with the parent having a serious conversation with his son about being mature and displaying good sportsmanship even during a tough loss. For those that know me, trust me discipline has begun at home for this action. As we all know, there isn't a simple answer in dealing with dumb decisions that your chilldren make. There is no reason for this to occur in any sport. I will do whatever is possible to insure that it doesn't happen again. When all said and done, it is the responsibility of the player to make the right choices on and off the ice. As parents we can only hope that we have provided the appropriate support and discipline at home that allows our children to make good choices and have good high school sports experiences. Dan Sorensen

He could start by apologizing sincerely to the kid he hit in the back.

[Gov78]

Does anyone know if this game is being video broadcast online ?? I only see an audio broadcast by MSBN

Prep45 has exclusive rights to all live video of postseason games. We inquired about partnering with Prep45 to bring live video but received no response from them. As mentioned above, there should be a number of audio feeds though.

Prep45 does not appear to be offering the section finals Wed as their next published broadcasts are for state wrestling tournament.

I can't make the trip to Mariucci this year so was hoping to catch online but might have to settle for audio only.

[nahc]

Any idea where we can pick up the audio feed?

[Just Checking]

It starts with the parent having a serious conversation with his son about being mature and displaying good sportsmanship even during a tough loss. For those that know me, trust me discipline has begun at home for this action. As we all know, there isn't a simple answer in dealing with dumb decisions that your chilldren make. There is no reason for this to occur in any sport. I will do whatever is possible to insure that it doesn't happen again. When all said and done, it is the responsibility of the player to make the right choices on and off the ice. As parents we can only hope that we have provided the appropriate support and discipline at home that allows our children to make good choices and have good high school sports experiences. Dan Sorensen

Well said. Keep doing the best you can. That is all you can do. He is a good kid, he will figure it out if you stay on him. Needs to use a potentiometer rather than flipping the switch with that aggression.

[mnhockey47]

Any idea where we can pick up the audio feed?

Click on this link http://www.msbnsports.net/

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

Eden Prairie's the better team and beat the Skippers 4-1 the last time they met. But Minnetonka beat EP not just once at the Schwan, but also 4-2 in the first conference game in February. Those wins came against EP's full compliment of players I believe. The game would be a toss up without the suspensions. With them, it is pretty even. The question I have is whether EP comes together and plays a more inspired game because of them, and whether Minnetonka is perhaps tenuous because they suddenly see themselves as the favorite. They are a much harder team to beat when they are thinking they're the underdog. Also, I've never thought Lee Smith has accomplished nearly what he could have with the talent in that program. If he can inspire these kids to win, that will say a lot. If he let's them sulk, well...

Either way, it'll be nice if the Eagles can pull it out. As much as I dislike what happened at the end, and agree that the goalie was just clueless, it would be sad to see their season end on that note. In 1990, Minnetonka lost two of its top players in the semifianls against Richfield due to a similar brawl. They came back and beat Edina and made it to the state semifinals before losing, like everyone else, to an unbelievable Roseau team (everyone else includes Brian Bonin and some great GR stars who I am ashamed I am not recalling right now).

Chris Marinucci for one.

[Doc Holliday]

EP wins, 2-1 in OT.

Mittelstedt with the GWG (both EP goals).

[Nostalgic Nerd]

Eden Prairie's the better team and beat the Skippers 4-1 the last time they met. But Minnetonka beat EP not just once at the Schwan, but also 4-2 in the first conference game in February. Those wins came against EP's full compliment of players I believe. The game would be a toss up without the suspensions. With them, it is pretty even. The question I have is whether EP comes together and plays a more inspired game because of them, and whether Minnetonka is perhaps tenuous because they suddenly see themselves as the favorite. They are a much harder team to beat when they are thinking they're the underdog. Also, I've never thought Lee Smith has accomplished nearly what he could have with the talent in that program. If he can inspire these kids to win, that will say a lot. If he let's them sulk, well...

Either way, it'll be nice if the Eagles can pull it out. As much as I dislike what happened at the end, and agree that the goalie was just clueless, it would be sad to see their season end on that note. In 1990, Minnetonka lost two of its top players in the semifianls against Richfield due to a similar brawl. They came back and beat Edina and made it to the state semifinals before losing, like everyone else, to an unbelievable Roseau team (everyone else includes Brian Bonin and some great GR stars who I am ashamed I am not recalling right now).

Chris Marinucci for one.

The name escapes me but the GR goalie made a superb save in the semis vs Anoka by sticking a would-be goal out of the air.

Also am hoping Minnetonka wins. EP should be ashamed and hopefully the whole run capsizes on them. Suspension for a game? Gimme a break...

[WestMetro]

The yearlong Section 6 drama ends on a high note in a close game with top notch sophomore CM dealing with the pressure and coming thru big time. Also, audio sounded like both goalies had good game, with Durocher facing many of his former Tonka Bantam teammates.

[Nostalgic Nerd]

EP wins, 2-1 in OT.

Mittelstedt with the GWG (both EP goals).

Right on the money!

[hermantown2000]

Just watched a video that was taken after the game winning goal. Minnetonka looked pretty stunned (the one player near the goalie on the ground on his knees dejectedly says it all). The Skippers were probably thinking with the three EP players out that they were going to breeze through this game. Even I did not like EPs chances in this game.After the ot goal Tonka was like"What in the world just happen?". As far as EP goes talk about resilience, guts and determination.

[twolinepass]

Didn't know Rau was going to be wearing 11 tonight.

[WBLHockeyfan04]

Didn't know Rau was going to be wearing 11 tonight.

Another #11 from EP heading to the Gopher's in a few years.

[Bayside Tigers]

How you guys like the weird bounce off the Tonka dump when Dorucher skated behind the net, but decided not to play & instead skated back to his crease. Little did he know the puck bounced & came with him. And getting back into position he nearly kicked it in, clueless as to where it was. The arena erupted, as you could imagine. This was in the 3rd period with the game tied no less. I hope he let the defender who saved the puck from going in kiss his girlfriend, it's the least he could do.

If Dorucher was truly in the wrong in the Benilde fisticuffs scandal, the Hockey Gods would have made him to kick that puck into the net. Instead, they reward him for his grit & toughness. I agree.

Awesome.