Where in the heck is the 7AA chatter....

[kniven]

Section seeding comes out weds night or thursday am, seeding looks to be all but set. Tomorrow's CEC/GR game could possibly change that.

I can't imagine the results of this game change anything. Heck......they were ranked top 5 all season until a couple weeks ago. CEC would have to put it in running time to make the coaches ponder. But I don't know anything really. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Goldyismoldy]

But I don't know anything really.

We should put that to a poll. Who knows how to do that? I'm a rookie here. Please help.

[grindiangrad-80]

4-0 CEC after 2. Cloquet with 38 shots on goal to 18 for GR. Injuns are getting beat to every loose puck.

The last week has been some of the most lethargic hockey I have seen in a long time.

[greenwayraider]

4-0 CEC after 2. Cloquet with 38 shots on goal to 18 for GR. Injuns are getting beat to every loose puck.

The last week has been some of the most lethargic hockey I have seen in a long time.

You picked the right word "lethargic". Looks like Rapids is just going through the motions. Given their play the last couple of weeks they should be seeded fourth rather than third. Unless they somehow find a way to get motivated in the third period we could see running time.

[north_bear]

Good thing seeding is based on the season results. Still can't ignore what they did in December. But definitely disappointing seeing this kind of play and results this late in the year...

[Goldyismoldy]

Rope-a-dope. The oldest trick in the books. Thin books version.

[grindiangrad-80]

Getting beat by Bemidji and Moorhead and Cloquet in hard fought close games is acceptable. Getting killed by all three is not. There is no way they get past Marshall or Andover this way.

[Slammer]

5-0 loss to East, 4-1 loss against Cloquet... Rapids should be 4 imo.

But since this isn't "what have you done for me lately" they'll be 3.

[grindiangrad-80]

I don't think it matters if they are 3 or 4 at this point. They seem to have thrown in the towel.

[mulefarm]

I don't think it matters if they are 3 or 4 at this point. They seem to have thrown in the towel.

Sure seems like it. Really must be some internal problems for their play to drop off this much?

[greenwayraider]

Looks like the section is the weakest it's been for quite awhile. East has taken a couple of losses in the last two games, Rapids has lost three in a row and Cloquet is rising but still lost to Moorhead and has had no signature wins this seaason. No good wins for any of the Northern teams in the last two weeks. Not a good note to end the regular season on. The section is the Elks to lose.

[north_bear]

Rope-a-dope. The oldest trick in the books. Thin books version.

Exactly. Nobody will see it coming. They're just waiting for the playoffs to pick it up!

[mulefarm]

Rope-a-dope. The oldest trick in the books. Thin books version.

Exactly. Nobody will see it coming. They're just waiting for the playoffs to pick it up!

Anything is possible, especially with HS kids.

[karl(east)]

Well, that Rapids-Cloquet game was one of the more remarkable games I've seen in a while.

It's just baffling to see a team with as much talent as GR look so anemic. There were a few moments when Miller turned on the jets, and one nice feed he had to McLaughlin that prompted a huge save out of Newman when it was still 2-0...but beyond that, they just looked so incredibly flat. They were outworked, with Cloquet skaters going around a lot of orange pylons, and the body language and general vibe off the bench just seemed very down.

They could still turn it around, of course. The talent is there. They did look better in the 3rd period when they broke up the big 3 and could sustain some zone time, though CEC had also grown more defensive by that point, so it's hard to say if that was a sign of progress or just a function of the game situation. No matter what, Klatt has his work cut out for him as he tries to rally this group.

What shouldn't be lost in all of this is Cloquet's effort tonight...they forechecked hard and really took it to the Rapids D. It's an aggressive call against a team that can be lethal in transition, but it sure worked. Their top line hung in there pretty well against Rapids' big guns, and the lower lines were much better than GR's; the second line accounted for 3 of the 4 goals. Some of those kids are growing up, none more so than Landon Langenbrunner, whose waltz about the ice before the 3rd goal was a thing of beauty. This win put this team back on the map, and they could yet cause some trouble in sections.

I think Cloquet has a strong case for the 3-seed, with a convincing later win, a win over an Andover team that GR tied, and general momentum heading into sections. GR just has to make a case for overall body of work and strength of schedule. In the end, though, I'm never one to say it matters that much. Rapids will probably have to go through East and Elk River regardless if they want to go back, while there's not much distinction between Andover and Marshall in the first round. On paper you'd say East would gain and Elk River would lose from CEC being 3 and GR being 4, but honestly, with the way both are playing right now, is that really the case? I guess it depends how much faith you have in GR's ability to flip the switch when their season is suddenly on the line.

East isn't exactly lighting the world on fire right now either, with a flat loss to Lakeville South and Will Fisher probably done for the year with an injury. (Of course, they went into sections pretty flat last season too, and still had themselves a 2-goal lead in the 3rd period of the section final.) On the whole, things are lining up right there for Elk River right now...we'll see if they can cash in.

[Slammer]

While the two losses for GR and DE tonight were not good, it's easy to forget that these kids are in school all day and then hop on a bus to play hockey. Pros are good at adjusting to that, but 15-17 year old kids probably aren't.

That's why even though I don't like Rapids, I understand that sometimes these games just feel different. When I was playing high school hockey, the toughest thing to do was the long bus ride then trying to find your mojo with 15 mins of warmups.

[alcloseshaver]

While the two losses for GR and DE tonight were not good, it's easy to forget that these kids are in school all day and then hop on a bus to play hockey. Pros are good at adjusting to that, but 15-17 year old kids probably aren't.

That's why even though I don't like Rapids, I understand that sometimes these games just feel different. When I was playing high school hockey, the toughest thing to do was the long bus ride then trying to find your mojo with 15 mins of warmups.

That is why East has the advantage in sections Slammy

[Slammer]

While the two losses for GR and DE tonight were not good, it's easy to forget that these kids are in school all day and then hop on a bus to play hockey. Pros are good at adjusting to that, but 15-17 year old kids probably aren't.

That's why even though I don't like Rapids, I understand that sometimes these games just feel different. When I was playing high school hockey, the toughest thing to do was the long bus ride then trying to find your mojo with 15 mins of warmups.

That is why East has the advantage in sections Slammy

Agreed. I don't like that the games are played at Amsoil. But I think the best way to solve the problem is getting Elk River and Forest Lake out of our section, and replacing it with Hermantown (once they move up).

Man, I think about Hermantown moving to 7AA and how much that would change the game. Hermantown and East would instantly become bitter rivals.

[alcloseshaver]

What he said, add Andover. You are stuck with Flake though, just South of Duluth on 35.

[grindiangrad-80]

I don't think it matters if they are 3 or 4 at this point. They seem to have thrown in the towel.

Sure seems like it. Really must be some internal problems for their play to drop off this much?

It is hard to figure. I'm not complaining about them losing, but getting worked over like they have lately seemed unlikely a month ago. When they lost some gut wrenchers to East in the sections the last several years it was agonizing but the effort was never in question. I am not getting that feeling from this team now. There is no way I would consider coaching to be the reason either. If you are at this level on a team with this much talent you shouldn't need anyone to remind you to hussle. The players just need to play the way they are capable of.

My hat goes off to CEC. The present and future is looking good there.

[Jeffy95]

While the two losses for GR and DE tonight were not good, it's easy to forget that these kids are in school all day and then hop on a bus to play hockey. Pros are good at adjusting to that, but 15-17 year old kids probably aren't.

That's why even though I don't like Rapids, I understand that sometimes these games just feel different. When I was playing high school hockey, the toughest thing to do was the long bus ride then trying to find your mojo with 15 mins of warmups.

That is why East has the advantage in sections Slammy

Agreed. I don't like that the games are played at Amsoil. But I think the best way to solve the problem is getting Elk River and Forest Lake out of our section, and replacing it with Hermantown (once they move up).

Man, I think about Hermantown moving to 7AA and how much that would change the game. Hermantown and East would instantly become bitter rivals.

I've been saying that for 3 years. It would be the best thing that happened to Northern High School Hockey in years. 7A would take on a whole new life and become very competitive and 7AA would instantly become even more special than it already is with the new Hermantown rivalries with East, Cloquet and Rapids. The buzz would probably allow Hermantown to get the second sheet of ice that they desperately need. If anyone could screw it up it would be Hermantown though, so I'm not holding my breath until it happens.

[Usthockey13]

That is why East has the advantage in sections Slammy

Agreed. I don't like that the games are played at Amsoil. But I think the best way to solve the problem is getting Elk River and Forest Lake out of our section, and replacing it with Hermantown (once they move up).

Man, I think about Hermantown moving to 7AA and how much that would change the game. Hermantown and East would instantly become bitter rivals.

I've been saying that for 3 years. It would be the best thing that happened to Northern High School Hockey in years. 7A would take on a whole new life and become very competitive and 7AA would instantly become even more special than it already is with the new Hermantown rivalries with East, Cloquet and Rapids. The buzz would probably allow Hermantown to get the second sheet of ice that they desperately need. If anyone could screw it up it would be Hermantown though, so I'm not holding my breath until it happens.

Rumor on the streets in Duluth is Hermantown has submitted papers for moving up to AA and Bruce is going to retire at seasons end

[pekyman]

Agreed. I don't like that the games are played at Amsoil. But I think the best way to solve the problem is getting Elk River and Forest Lake out of our section, and replacing it with Hermantown (once they move up).

Man, I think about Hermantown moving to 7AA and how much that would change the game. Hermantown and East would instantly become bitter rivals.

I've been saying that for 3 years. It would be the best thing that happened to Northern High School Hockey in years. 7A would take on a whole new life and become very competitive and 7AA would instantly become even more special than it already is with the new Hermantown rivalries with East, Cloquet and Rapids. The buzz would probably allow Hermantown to get the second sheet of ice that they desperately need. If anyone could screw it up it would be Hermantown though, so I'm not holding my breath until it happens.

Rumor on the streets in Duluth is Hermantown has submitted papers for moving up to AA and Bruce is going to retire at seasons end

If this is true, I expect Jeffy and Rainier to donate handsomely to the Hermantown rink fund. "Desperately" is an understatement.

[hockey59]

Well, that Rapids-Cloquet game was one of the more remarkable games I've seen in a while.

It's just baffling to see a team with as much talent as GR look so anemic. There were a few moments when Miller turned on the jets, and one nice feed he had to McLaughlin that prompted a huge save out of Newman when it was still 2-0...but beyond that, they just looked so incredibly flat. They were outworked, with Cloquet skaters going around a lot of orange pylons, and the body language and general vibe off the bench just seemed very down.

They could still turn it around, of course. The talent is there. They did look better in the 3rd period when they broke up the big 3 and could sustain some zone time, though CEC had also grown more defensive by that point, so it's hard to say if that was a sign of progress or just a function of the game situation. No matter what, Klatt has his work cut out for him as he tries to rally this group.

What shouldn't be lost in all of this is Cloquet's effort tonight...they forechecked hard and really took it to the Rapids D. It's an aggressive call against a team that can be lethal in transition, but it sure worked. Their top line hung in there pretty well against Rapids' big guns, and the lower lines were much better than GR's; the second line accounted for 3 of the 4 goals. Some of those kids are growing up, none more so than Landon Langenbrunner, whose waltz about the ice before the 3rd goal was a thing of beauty. This win put this team back on the map, and they could yet cause some trouble in sections.

I think Cloquet has a strong case for the 3-seed, with a convincing later win, a win over an Andover team that GR tied, and general momentum heading into sections. GR just has to make a case for overall body of work and strength of schedule. In the end, though, I'm never one to say it matters that much. Rapids will probably have to go through East and Elk River regardless if they want to go back, while there's not much distinction between Andover and Marshall in the first round. On paper you'd say East would gain and Elk River would lose from CEC being 3 and GR being 4, but honestly, with the way both are playing right now, is that really the case? I guess it depends how much faith you have in GR's ability to flip the switch when their season is suddenly on the line.

East isn't exactly lighting the world on fire right now either, with a flat loss to Lakeville South and Will Fisher probably done for the year with an injury. (Of course, they went into sections pretty flat last season too, and still had themselves a 2-goal lead in the 3rd period of the section final.) On the whole, things are lining up right there for Elk River right now...we'll see if they can cash in.

Despite the ugly swoon, GR will get the 3rd seed. Karl, your wearing your DE goggles (not wanting to play GR in the semifinals) to rationalize an argument for Cloquet getting the 3rd seed. Cloquet's only quality win all season was last night. GR split the season series with Cloquet...and has beaten EP, Edina, Tonka, Wayzata and WBL. I was at the ER vs MG game last night...ER's defense is airtight at this stage of the season...and the ER supporters heads will literally EXPLODE if GR is dropped to the 4th seed, after ER earned the #1 seed. While Cloquet's young team has improved no doubt through the course of the season and Esse is an excellent coach, they'll have a tough time scoring in the semifinals vs ER, and Murray was back to his normal game and heathy last night. The main difference with this ER team compared to the last few years is Coach Gustavson has them playing a more disaplined style, not so much run and gun like the Jamemko teams, so very few odd man rushes given up now compared to those teams...and at least one of Nick Perbix or Benton Mass is on the ice at ALL times, making them very difficult to pin on the forecheck.

[Jeffy95]

I've been saying that for 3 years. It would be the best thing that happened to Northern High School Hockey in years. 7A would take on a whole new life and become very competitive and 7AA would instantly become even more special than it already is with the new Hermantown rivalries with East, Cloquet and Rapids. The buzz would probably allow Hermantown to get the second sheet of ice that they desperately need. If anyone could screw it up it would be Hermantown though, so I'm not holding my breath until it happens.

Rumor on the streets in Duluth is Hermantown has submitted papers for moving up to AA and Bruce is going to retire at seasons end

If this is true, I expect Jeffy and Rainier to donate handsomely to the Hermantown rink fund. "Desperately" is an understatement.

Not sure how this affects the High School classification. The Youth program could use the extra sheet, it doesn't affect the High School team. High Schools get priority and they get all of the ice they want. It's mostly a convenience issue for the youth, since they are able to currently rent what they need, mostly from MARS and Carlton. Duluth is in pretty much the same boat with East and Denfeld sharing Fryberger and Heritage. Could be some rental opening up in Proctor's old building too now that they are building a new Arena.

[kniven]

Rumor on the streets in Duluth is Hermantown has submitted papers for moving up to AA and Bruce is going to retire at seasons end

If this is true, I expect Jeffy and Rainier to donate handsomely to the Hermantown rink fund. "Desperately" is an understatement.

Not sure how this affects the High School classification. The Youth program could use the extra sheet, it doesn't affect the High School team. High Schools get priority and they get all of the ice they want. It's mostly a convenience issue for the youth, since they are able to currently rent what they need, mostly from MARS and Carlton. Duluth is in pretty much the same boat with East and Denfeld sharing Fryberger and Heritage. Could be some rental opening up in Proctor's old building too now that they are building a new Arena.

I've talked to some prominent hockey folks in Hermantown this year during a game. They are currently designing/planning another sheet of ice. Just a matter of time. I sure hope Duluth Marshall stays AA once Hermantown moves up next year. I can't seem to get a sense of who takes over though for Bruce from talking to Hermantown hockey folks...