Cobber wrote:Tired of hearing it is always unfair when the city teams have to drive a little ways, the Amsoil is a great venue to host the section 7 tournament. I don't hear the northern teams complaining about the state tournament that they have to drive all the way to the twin cities trying to play with bus legs, sleeping in hotels and not eating mom's cooking. No they love the expierence and would not have it any other way.And no I am not from Duluth.
Absolutely talking apples & oranges here. If you make the AA STATE Tourney you drive to St Paul Wed afternoon, check into the hotel, attend the LPH banquet, sleep in the hotel Wed night & play Thursday. I’ve always had less of a problem for Southern teams on semifinal Saturday because all teams are off school that day, while on Final Thursday the southern schools need to bus for 2.5 hours after attending school for a few
Periods. Now if its ER or Andover playing GR, it’s a neutral site game, but if they are playing, DE or DM or Cloquet...it simply ISNT a neutral site game. I realize Amsoil has the contract & I love hanging out in Duluth...but that’s not the point. Now playing the game in say Bemidji would be a TRUE neutral site game. Alternatively, if they rotated the 7AA section final between Amsoil &
St Cloud State’s Rink...that would at least be more equitable. But I doubt that will ever happen
Why exactly does it need to be a neutral site? Tell me how playing at Mariucci is any different of a situation for Twin Cities teams. None of the Duluth area teams play their games in Amsoil during the season. Sure, there may be a rare occasion every now and then, but not every season. Duluth East's home rink is at Heritage, along with Duluth Denfeld. Marshall plays all their home games at Mars Lakeview Arena. Playing games at Amsoil is not something these kids have necessarily had a lot of experience with. So I don't see your point.
If you don’t see the point, lets try this, TRAVEL TIME to the arena for the team’s playing...10-20 minutes as opposed to 150 minutes. I’m still not making excuses for ER multple times & Anoka in 2008 losing the 7AA final (with DE out of the picture...we blew it)...and so has ER on several occasions...but especially in 2015.
Edinahopkins wrote:Does anyone go to the Amsoil semis and finals it's a joke there is nobody there unless it's an all northern final , at least play the semis at the high seed because the atmosphere is dead especially when Rapids and cloquet get knocked out. As far as single A those games were amazing played at the ira great atmosphere the amsoil killed it. The IRA holds 2000 2400 max
The amsoil does not get that for the A no way no how for a single game.
Terribly inaccurate. The atmosphere at least for the AA semi-finals was awesome last year. Elk River brought a lot of fans for the early game against Rapids, the arena was about 75% full, lots of fans in the upper level. I think last year for the first year that Semifinal Saturday really caught on with fans in terms of making it a full day event like at state where you can watch 4 games in the same day. Great video of the atmosphere for the GR/ER game last year (sorry acloseshaver) https://youtu.be/A9cOKoiPLAI?t=5m10s
At the end of the day, the contract is with Amsoil Arena and it is staying there.
What have you been smoking? I’ve been in attendance at every section semifinal that’s been held at Amsoil. It’s typically a snoozefest and as far as last year, it was maybe half full...look at the YouTube video you posted. It’s a great venue no doubt but the atmosphere is only good on final night. I’m also in total agreement with others that it is not fair for the Duluth teams to be playing at home every year. Bemidji or St. Cloud would be good neutral sites.
Edinahopkins wrote:Does anyone go to the Amsoil semis and finals it's a joke there is nobody there unless it's an all northern final , at least play the semis at the high seed because the atmosphere is dead especially when Rapids and cloquet get knocked out. As far as single A those games were amazing played at the ira great atmosphere the amsoil killed it. The IRA holds 2000 2400 max
The amsoil does not get that for the A no way no how for a single game.
Terribly inaccurate. The atmosphere at least for the AA semi-finals was awesome last year. Elk River brought a lot of fans for the early game against Rapids, the arena was about 75% full, lots of fans in the upper level. I think last year for the first year that Semifinal Saturday really caught on with fans in terms of making it a full day event like at state where you can watch 4 games in the same day. Great video of the atmosphere for the GR/ER game last year (sorry acloseshaver) https://youtu.be/A9cOKoiPLAI?t=5m10s
At the end of the day, the contract is with Amsoil Arena and it is staying there.
What have you been smoking? I’ve been in attendance at every section semifinal that’s been held at Amsoil. It’s typically a snoozefest and as far as last year, it was maybe half full...look at the YouTube video you posted. It’s a great venue no doubt but the atmosphere is only good on final night. I’m also in total agreement with others that it is not fair for the Duluth teams to be playing at home every year. Bemidji or St. Cloud would be good neutral sites.
It was electric last year for both AA games. I wasn't at the A games, but Amsoil Arena is the 2nd best hockey arena in the state end of discussion. Bemidji has a great rink, St. Cloud is okay. But as was stated by other users many times, the city of Duluth is far greater than Bemidji or St. Cloud. Compared to Duluth those two cities are so boring it makes death something to look forward to. And Amsoil is a neutral site. There isn't a greyhound logo at center ice.
Duluth east is practicing at the amsoil right now as we
Speak how is that fair to any teams in the section
And don't tell me everyone else can practice there to,
Because Rapids tried to get ice in 2012 but it was full
Bought up by east . Rapids lost in the firsr round that
Year but they still tried so don't tell me practicing all
Week on that ice don't make a difference.
Edinahopkins wrote:Duluth east is practicing at the amsoil right now as we
Speak how is that fair to any teams in the section
And don't tell me everyone else can practice there to,
Because Rapids tried to get ice in 2012 but it was full
Bought up by east . Rapids lost in the firsr round that
Year but they still tried so don't tell me practicing all
Week on that ice don't make a difference.
Rapids has practiced there before, so has Elk River(DECC 2006). It doesn't make a significant difference. Whining about East practicing at Amsoil is a losers lament. A good team doesn't care, they just show up at Amsoil and kick their butt anyways.
alcloseshaver wrote:Late night for the Southern boys, Randolph made it snow...
If the old ER coach got the game time changed so he could go to the outdoor game at TCF, I would think they could switch the semi games around. ER/Andover should be at 5:00.
Edinahopkins wrote:Duluth east is practicing at the amsoil right now as we
Speak how is that fair to any teams in the section
And don't tell me everyone else can practice there to,
Because Rapids tried to get ice in 2012 but it was full
Bought up by east . Rapids lost in the firsr round that
Year but they still tried so don't tell me practicing all
Week on that ice don't make a difference.
Rapids has practiced there before, so has Elk River(DECC 2006). It doesn't make a significant difference. Whining about East practicing at Amsoil is a losers lament. A good team doesn't care, they just show up at Amsoil and kick their butt anyways.
alcloseshaver wrote:Late night for the Southern boys, Randolph made it snow...
If the old ER coach got the game time changed so he could go to the outdoor game at TCF, I would think they could switch the semi games around. ER/Andover should be at 5:00.
Since they will be in school Monday morning anyway, I’m sure the late game on Monday (probably starting around 7:30 pm) will work just fine for ER & Andover...
BodyShots wrote:
How stupid. Elk River and Andover have to drive all the way up to Duluth to play a semi-final game.
So where should 7AA semi-finals be played? Are you suggesting high seed hosts?
I know right? Maybe these complainers should just try to embrace the trip. Go to Canal Park Brewing, Fitgers, Duluth Coffee Company. I don't understand why people can't just enjoy something that should be a lot of fun. Yeah it's a bit of a drive, but you get to be in your warm car. No one is forcing you to ride a donkey without a jacket and gloves. And what hockey fan wouldn't want to watch East vs Marshall before your ER/Andover game?
Damn right the semi-finals should be played at the higher seeds ice arena. It's called earned benefit of being the higher seed. Plus you would end up with a better crowd at both facilities.
I agree the finals need to be at a special rink like Amsoil. Put the A and AA final on a Saturday night and let everybody enjoy it (including those teams and communities that have a long drive to get there and back). There was nothing better than spending a Friday or Saturday night at the Coliseum watching the 5AA finals at 6 and the 4AA finals at 8:45 (or later )
BTW, with three boys playing traveling sports, I've been to Duluth more times than you could imagine. The "Jazz" club was always a favorite!
blueline_6 wrote:
So where should 7AA semi-finals be played? Are you suggesting high seed hosts?
I know right? Maybe these complainers should just try to embrace the trip. Go to Canal Park Brewing, Fitgers, Duluth Coffee Company. I don't understand why people can't just enjoy something that should be a lot of fun. Yeah it's a bit of a drive, but you get to be in your warm car. No one is forcing you to ride a donkey without a jacket and gloves. And what hockey fan wouldn't want to watch East vs Marshall before your ER/Andover game?
Damn right the semi-finals should be played at the higher seeds ice arena. It's called earned benefit of being the higher seed. Plus you would end up with a better crowd at both facilities.
I agree the finals need to be at a special rink like Amsoil. Put the A and AA final on a Saturday night and let everybody enjoy it (including those teams and communities that have a long drive to get there and back). There was nothing better than spending a Friday or Saturday night at the Coliseum watching the 5AA finals at 6 and the 4AA finals at 8:45 (or later )
BTW, with three boys playing traveling sports, I've been to Duluth more times than you could imagine. The "Jazz" club was always a favorite!
I understand the high seed earning a home game, which for quarterfinals is fine. However, THE FANS, should be rewarded with the awesome doubleheader they get and Amsoil doesn't clear the arena. One game ends, you stay in your seat and warmups start for the next game. That can't be beat! High seed in semi's forces you to miss one of the games, that is BS.
blueline_6 wrote:
So where should 7AA semi-finals be played? Are you suggesting high seed hosts?
I know right? Maybe these complainers should just try to embrace the trip. Go to Canal Park Brewing, Fitgers, Duluth Coffee Company. I don't understand why people can't just enjoy something that should be a lot of fun. Yeah it's a bit of a drive, but you get to be in your warm car. No one is forcing you to ride a donkey without a jacket and gloves. And what hockey fan wouldn't want to watch East vs Marshall before your ER/Andover game?
Damn right the semi-finals should be played at the higher seeds ice arena. It's called earned benefit of being the higher seed. Plus you would end up with a better crowd at both facilities.
I agree the finals need to be at a special rink like Amsoil. Put the A and AA final on a Saturday night and let everybody enjoy it (including those teams and communities that have a long drive to get there and back). There was nothing better than spending a Friday or Saturday night at the Coliseum watching the 5AA finals at 6 and the 4AA finals at 8:45 (or later )
BTW, with three boys playing traveling sports, I've been to Duluth more times than you could imagine. The "Jazz" club was always a favorite!
LOL ...and yes those games at the Coliseum on Friday night were a blast...except for the crappy sight lines to watch the game.
TheHockeyDJ wrote:
I know right? Maybe these complainers should just try to embrace the trip. Go to Canal Park Brewing, Fitgers, Duluth Coffee Company. I don't understand why people can't just enjoy something that should be a lot of fun. Yeah it's a bit of a drive, but you get to be in your warm car. No one is forcing you to ride a donkey without a jacket and gloves. And what hockey fan wouldn't want to watch East vs Marshall before your ER/Andover game?
Damn right the semi-finals should be played at the higher seeds ice arena. It's called earned benefit of being the higher seed. Plus you would end up with a better crowd at both facilities.
I agree the finals need to be at a special rink like Amsoil. Put the A and AA final on a Saturday night and let everybody enjoy it (including those teams and communities that have a long drive to get there and back). There was nothing better than spending a Friday or Saturday night at the Coliseum watching the 5AA finals at 6 and the 4AA finals at 8:45 (or later )
BTW, with three boys playing traveling sports, I've been to Duluth more times than you could imagine. The "Jazz" club was always a favorite!
LOL ...and yes those games at the Coliseum on Friday night were a blast...except for the crappy sight lines to watch the game.
You must be short...... top corners and you can see the plays develop, my boy.
BodyShots wrote:
Damn right the semi-finals should be played at the higher seeds ice arena. It's called earned benefit of being the higher seed. Plus you would end up with a better crowd at both facilities.
I agree the finals need to be at a special rink like Amsoil. Put the A and AA final on a Saturday night and let everybody enjoy it (including those teams and communities that have a long drive to get there and back). There was nothing better than spending a Friday or Saturday night at the Coliseum watching the 5AA finals at 6 and the 4AA finals at 8:45 (or later )
BTW, with three boys playing traveling sports, I've been to Duluth more times than you could imagine. The "Jazz" club was always a favorite!
LOL ...and yes those games at the Coliseum on Friday night were a blast...except for the crappy sight lines to watch the game.
You must be short...... top corners and you can see the plays develop, my boy.
No & yeah, from 100 feet to the near corner boards. Lets put it this way, compared to Aldrich...the Coliseum sight lines...SUCKED
I remember my days in HS from only 6-10 years ago. When I'm on the ice, I never really noticed the fans too much, between whistles and while on the bench yeah yo do a bit, but that's not what you are worried about. I've played in sold out Mars Lakeview's and sold out Heritage's and close to sold out Iron Range Barns (Hibbing, Virginia, Rapids) and even some section 8 rinks. The atmosphere is cool, and it makes you a bit nervous, but one of my favorite memories was playing at Amzoil and the DECC. They weren't sold out, but it was just cool to play on the same ice as the Dogs, and anyone who would come visit them (primarily the Gophers). I never went to the X, so Amzoil was the best rink I got to play in, and it was nowhere near sold out.
This is a sport for the kids on the ice, most of which will not play college hockey, maybe club. The kids are really the ones who matter here, not our asses up in the seats.
Edinahopkins wrote:Duluth east is practicing at the amsoil right now as we
Speak how is that fair to any teams in the section
And don't tell me everyone else can practice there to,
Because Rapids tried to get ice in 2012 but it was full
Bought up by east . Rapids lost in the firsr round that
Year but they still tried so don't tell me practicing all
Week on that ice don't make a difference.
As said here before, "losers lament". If teams like Elk River want to find something to complain about, try the section assignment. We "Northerners" would gladly welcome another contender who appreciates the challenge. Tired of people who can't seem to get over their privileged, self-serving arguments. Moving the games to out-of-section "neutral sites" is absolutely ridiculous. Crazy talk. Get over it. The results would have been the same either way. And before you start saying that I can't know that, you can't know that it would be the opposite.
Edinahopkins wrote:Duluth east is practicing at the amsoil right now as we
Speak how is that fair to any teams in the section
And don't tell me everyone else can practice there to,
Because Rapids tried to get ice in 2012 but it was full
Bought up by east . Rapids lost in the firsr round that
Year but they still tried so don't tell me practicing all
Week on that ice don't make a difference.
As said here before, "losers lament". If teams like Elk River want to find something to complain about, try the section assignment. We "Northerners" would gladly welcome another contender who appreciates the challenge. Tired of people who can't seem to get over their privileged, self-serving arguments. Moving the games to out-of-section "neutral sites" is absolutely ridiculous. Crazy talk. Get over it. The results would have been the same either way. And before you start saying that I can't know that, you can't know that it would be the opposite.
Quit yer whining.
Well...you Notherners could have 7AA to yourselves, nothing would make TC teams happier. Unfortunately the economy the last 50 years hasn't cooperated & many from the Range & Duluth have (had to) move to the TC. Then you have towns like Hermantown who should be playing AA but choose to SANDBAG.
hockey59 wrote:Then you have towns like Hermantown who should be playing AA but choose to SANDBAG.
We can agree on this bit....
I am the exception to the rule. I moved from TC to Duluth 25-years ago.
We will just have to accept that we see this whole thing differently. I wish there were enough AA teams to keep it all in 218 for 7AA, but that is not the case.....heck I honestly would love it if it was still all one class.
They move the section finals to St. Cloud east loses to elk river at
Least 3 times the city teams would have there fans and finally be a real advantage when they had the one seed you think east fans travel doubtful
I feel for elk river and Andover. If the state would not let east or any teams
Practice at all I wouldn't care but they do and it makes a difference I played there it's different ice and boards are different, east sets plays to use the boards it's dumb big advantage.
That guy for that thing wrote:Can we look at this from the players perspective?
I remember my days in HS from only 6-10 years ago. When I'm on the ice, I never really noticed the fans too much, between whistles and while on the bench yeah yo do a bit, but that's not what you are worried about. I've played in sold out Mars Lakeview's and sold out Heritage's and close to sold out Iron Range Barns (Hibbing, Virginia, Rapids) and even some section 8 rinks. The atmosphere is cool, and it makes you a bit nervous, but one of my favorite memories was playing at Amzoil and the DECC. They weren't sold out, but it was just cool to play on the same ice as the Dogs, and anyone who would come visit them (primarily the Gophers). I never went to the X, so Amzoil was the best rink I got to play in, and it was nowhere near sold out.
This is a sport for the kids on the ice, most of which will not play college hockey, maybe club. The kids are really the ones who matter here, not our asses up in the seats.
My 2 cents.
Great perspective from a player. I think that cinches the argument right there. The players are excited to skate on NCAA ice.
Edinahopkins wrote:east sets plays to use the boards it's dumb big advantage.
That is a bit of a baseless assumption, and hardly a factor in winning and losing. The only difference in playing a game at Amsoil is that the ice is better than any rink in the state. I have experienced it myself, and have heard it over and over again from many other people. Probably another reason to keep it right here in AWESOME Duluth.
I like the Amsoil for the AA final. My only beef is letting teams practice at the venue.
Prep for the game that aint right it’s an added edge for sure.
So now that it has been established as an undeniable fact that Amsoil Arena is awesome and so is Duluth, let's get back to the games.
I'm thinking Duluth Marshall and East are gonna play a crazy 6-6 type game and someone wins it in the first OT. I'll take Marshall and Stauber with the GWG.
Elks vs Andover could honestly be a repeat of offensive outburst. The Elks sniping that heralded FL goalie and chasing him off the ice makes me think Elky is gonna get it done. 7-4 Elks.
I’m still not making excuses for ER multple times & Anoka in 2008 losing the 7AA final (with DE out of the picture...we blew it)...and so has ER on several occasions...but especially in 2015.
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