AA Rankings for 12/16/18

[hockey59]

Haven’t seen Edina play yet this year...

hard to believe Edina has better D than Tonka & no way they’re a better team defensively...at least where things stand on Dec 17.

Uninformed certainty.

Most of the Edina games are online. Watch parts of a couple and then you can make the statement without blind speculation.

I saw Edina play like 7 times last year...in addition to 3 EL games involving team SW this past Fall. So relative to Vorlicky, Boltman, Reimers vs Luedke, Docter, Glockner, that’s sufficient enough for an initial assessment...subject to change later on this season

[CakeScout17]

I had a different take on the ER goal then you did green. Puck was uncovered in the crease. ER player was pushed into GR goalie which resulted both he, GR player and goalie in the net/crease. It was adifferent player that then put the puck in the net. Puck was never covered and net never came off. Whistle never was blown, why wouldn't this be a good goal?

Although captured on video I was directly above the goal and saw it firsthand. My perspective/opinion does seem to be backed up by the video. The two GR players pushed down on the ER player into the goalie (all within the crease) and goalie knocked down. If you wash the video a few times you'll see the lack of the 'push into' and more of a couple of knuckles on dual backchecks into the ER player downward and he fell on goalie - in the crease. A good 2 seconds later the puck does cross the line and even then the ref makes no call UNTIL AFTER the ER kids motion for goal...THEN the ref calls for goal.

The refs then proceed to convene for minute or two and discuss. Watching that discussion live? No definitive call was made. Priceless expressions on each refs face - debatable? Sure. From my POV...? No goal. Goalie interference and lack of immediate call to thus have to provide conclusive evidence to overturn. Neither was avail...so they called it good. But in real time, from 15 ft above? No goal.

Maybe Im wrong. But not one person out of about 10 lined along ledge above the goal thought it counted. Oh well...

I was there as well, but on the Edina side of rink where student section is. Could clearly see the puck was never covered from there. It was right in front of the goalies leg pad, but puck was in the crease, thus no goal tender interference. Delayed call by ref, guessing he didn't know where the puck was, but just because he didn't call it a goal right away doesn't change the call. Is what it is and guess we just agree to disagree. One last comment, look in the background, young #27 from EP calling it a goal is hilarious! He was more definitive then the ref!

HA! I do see that now, yes! Yeah - it was bizarre.

[CakeScout17]

Edina's defense is REALLY good. EP had some zone time in the 2nd, but they also really didn't have many scoring chances Vorlicky is an absolute stud. Boltmann is right there with him, especially defensively. Reiners, Bishop & Williams are solid. They are a legit 5 deep at D. You can get away with 4 D at state because of the TV timeouts (or in Eagan's case in '14, 2 D), but regular season wise, their D depth seems to be unmatched, even over Tonka due to the numbers. I agree with the opinion that their D may be better than last year, despite losing Brinkman. Nothing to do with Brinkman; they'd be better with him, but has more to do with their core being a year older/wiser/stronger/etc.
-From what I saw, I was impressed with Hogg. Seems to be a different kind of goalie; one Edina doesn't seem to often have.
-I thought Edina really controlled the 3rd period.
-Was a lot more impressed with Chorske than I was last year; skating seems to be quite improved.
-Nevers goal in the 2nd period (the 4th one) was a pretty filthy effort, but one the EP goalie probably needs to save.
-I still like EP as a team overall; Tonka will not have an easy walk to the X. I wasn't impressed with middle Mittlestadt last year too much, but I liked him last night. Younger one too is pretty solid. I like this club; they should have a lot more success this year than last.
-I don't know how much no Jensen last night affected the outcome; it probably did more regarding throwing lines out of whack than anything regarding his talent level being absent. He's a very nice player, but I think it would be generous to say that his absence caused more than a 2 goal differential; still probably would a 3 goal game regardless.

Haven’t seen Edina play yet this year...have seen Tonka play STA. Have to chuckle when Edina fans point out they were missing (or weren’t 100% healthy) in losses to Tonka at Ridder & Pagel, like the game at Braemar was a better barometer of the two teams last year. Problem with that logic is Edina was healthy at Xcel & Tonka was waiting for them for round 4 in the ship game...but Edina couldn’t get past DE. Tonka was the BEST team in 2017-2018...all rationalization & excuses aside . To me Luedtke is better than Vorlicky & Docter is better than Boltman, if not individually regarding the the 2nd comparison, certainly as a tandem paired with the 1st. Don’t know much about Williams or Bishop, but Reimers while good, is not exceptional. Add to Tonka having a AA champ between the pipes & basically nobody scoring more than 2 goals against them so far this year & Edina goalies often being suspect when it counts...hard to believe Edina has better D than Tonka & no way they’re a better team defensively...at least where things stand on Dec 17. And this observation comes from someone with no bias favoring Tonka or Edina.

Again, nobody said a healthy Edina team was the BETTER barometer of the Edina/Tonka matchup last year, and never said it was an excuse as to the other two losses. I believe the first Tonka game at Schwans was dominated by Tonka and Edina would have lost regardless. The 3rd game at Pagel? With a full Edina roster? I wonder. Was a tight game throughout and I believe the last Tonka goal was an empty-netter...? Tonka was on a roll last year and Brink truly special...But getting by DE no easy task for anybody. Just ask Tonka who lost to DE in January at Pagel last year? All about momentum and playing with extra motivation...a Edina/Tonka Part IV for the state title would have been epic. But Id have given the edge to Tonka. Why? Glockner the difference. No question. Otherwise...? GAME ON!

Also, the comment re: this years defensive depth is just that...Luedtke and Docter are probably the best def pair in state, but depth-wise? 6 deep? Edina gets the nod there. No question.

[Slap Shot]

No question? Tonka's Top 6 defenders have 35 points between them and a team (Glockner really as he's played all the minutes so far) 0.86 GAA and 0.947 SV% on 114 shots allowed. Edina's Top 6 have 25 points and a team GAA of 1.43 and 0.923 SV% on 127 shots allowed. Couldn't compare +/- as the numbers for Edina are obviously incorrect on that stat. (fwiw Tonka's Top 6 are +50).

I think it's up for debate after 7 games each and either way should make for some exciting games.

[GoldenBear]

I will change subjects...kind of. I've seen enough of Wayzata that I really like where they are at this stage of the season. They are playing very efficient. Getting contributions offensively from many while defense and goal tending has been good. If it plays out, I look forward to a one game go to X with Edina. I like our chances. Think Wayzata can beat Edina one out of three times. Hope it's on the big sheet at the Mariucci. I've seen Edina three times this season as well. However, Wayzata needs to get to that game.

Let's just call it a Vision Quest for Wayzata (tee up Lunatic Fringe by Red Rider). Let the training for Shute begin now!

My name's Louden, Louden Swain. Last week I turned 18. I wasn't ready for it. I haven't done anything yet. So I made this deal with myself. This is the year I make my mark. Go Wayzata! GB

[hockey59]

I will change subjects...kind of. I've seen enough of Wayzata that I really like where they are at this stage of the season. They are playing very efficient. Getting contributions offensively from many while defense and goal tending has been good. If it plays out, I look forward to a one game go to X with Edina. I like our chances. Think Wayzata can beat Edina one out of three times. Hope it's on the big sheet at the Mariucci. I've seen Edina three times this season as well. However, Wayzata needs to get to that game.

Let's just call it a Vision Quest for Wayzata (tee up Lunatic Fringe by Red Rider). Let the training for Shute begin now!

My name's Louden, Louden Swain. Last week I turned 18. I wasn't ready for it. I haven't done anything yet. So I made this deal with myself. This is the year I make my mark. Go Wayzata! GB

Problem is a more buff version of Louden was done playing HS hockey after the tourney at Xcel (in 2016) & for the current Trojans...there’s no duplicating the intangible element he brought to that title run GB

[CakeScout17]

No question? Tonka's Top 6 defenders have 35 points between them and a team (Glockner really as he's played all the minutes so far) 0.86 GAA and 0.947 SV% on 114 shots allowed. Edina's Top 6 have 25 points and a team GAA of 1.43 and 0.923 SV% on 127 shots allowed. Couldn't compare +/- as the numbers for Edina are obviously incorrect on that stat. (fwiw Tonka's Top 6 are +50).

I think it's up for debate after 7 games each and either way should make for some exciting games.

How do the SOS's compare to date?

[CakeScout17]

I will change subjects...kind of. I've seen enough of Wayzata that I really like where they are at this stage of the season. They are playing very efficient. Getting contributions offensively from many while defense and goal tending has been good. If it plays out, I look forward to a one game go to X with Edina. I like our chances. Think Wayzata can beat Edina one out of three times. Hope it's on the big sheet at the Mariucci. I've seen Edina three times this season as well. However, Wayzata needs to get to that game.

Let's just call it a Vision Quest for Wayzata (tee up Lunatic Fringe by Red Rider). Let the training for Shute begin now!

My name's Louden, Louden Swain. Last week I turned 18. I wasn't ready for it. I haven't done anything yet. So I made this deal with myself. This is the year I make my mark. Go Wayzata! GB

Fantastic! But Louden is OURS! Nice pick up on my reference from last November and the Red Rider 'Lunatic Fringe' pull.
Wayzata will get better as year goes on and the recent scoring surge is definetly of note and eye-opening. I was impressed by the most recent outing as the backup (?) goalie played and apparently was a brick wall.

So yeah, will it be Edina on the Vision Quest or Wayzata? We shall see. Good stuff!

[hockey59]

Edina's defense is REALLY good. EP had some zone time in the 2nd, but they also really didn't have many scoring chances Vorlicky is an absolute stud. Boltmann is right there with him, especially defensively. Reiners, Bishop & Williams are solid. They are a legit 5 deep at D. You can get away with 4 D at state because of the TV timeouts (or in Eagan's case in '14, 2 D), but regular season wise, their D depth seems to be unmatched, even over Tonka due to the numbers. I agree with the opinion that their D may be better than last year, despite losing Brinkman. Nothing to do with Brinkman; they'd be better with him, but has more to do with their core being a year older/wiser/stronger/etc.
-From what I saw, I was impressed with Hogg. Seems to be a different kind of goalie; one Edina doesn't seem to often have.
-I thought Edina really controlled the 3rd period.
-Was a lot more impressed with Chorske than I was last year; skating seems to be quite improved.
-Nevers goal in the 2nd period (the 4th one) was a pretty filthy effort, but one the EP goalie probably needs to save.
-I still like EP as a team overall; Tonka will not have an easy walk to the X. I wasn't impressed with middle Mittlestadt last year too much, but I liked him last night. Younger one too is pretty solid. I like this club; they should have a lot more success this year than last.
-I don't know how much no Jensen last night affected the outcome; it probably did more regarding throwing lines out of whack than anything regarding his talent level being absent. He's a very nice player, but I think it would be generous to say that his absence caused more than a 2 goal differential; still probably would a 3 goal game regardless.

Haven’t seen Edina play yet this year...have seen Tonka play STA. Have to chuckle when Edina fans point out they were missing (or weren’t 100% healthy) in losses to Tonka at Ridder & Pagel, like the game at Braemar was a better barometer of the two teams last year. Problem with that logic is Edina was healthy at Xcel & Tonka was waiting for them for round 4 in the ship game...but Edina couldn’t get past DE. Tonka was the BEST team in 2017-2018...all rationalization & excuses aside . To me Luedtke is better than Vorlicky & Docter is better than Boltman, if not individually regarding the the 2nd comparison, certainly as a tandem paired with the 1st. Don’t know much about Williams or Bishop, but Reimers while good, is not exceptional. Add to Tonka having a AA champ between the pipes & basically nobody scoring more than 2 goals against them so far this year & Edina goalies often being suspect when it counts...hard to believe Edina has better D than Tonka & no way they’re a better team defensively...at least where things stand on Dec 17. And this observation comes from someone with no bias favoring Tonka or Edina.

Again, nobody said a healthy Edina team was the BETTER barometer of the Edina/Tonka matchup last year, and never said it was an excuse as to the other two losses. I believe the first Tonka game at Schwans was dominated by Tonka and Edina would have lost regardless. The 3rd game at Pagel? With a full Edina roster? I wonder. Was a tight game throughout and I believe the last Tonka goal was an empty-netter...? Tonka was on a roll last year and Brink truly special...But getting by DE no easy task for anybody. Just ask Tonka who lost to DE in January at Pagel last year (minus Luedtke) All about momentum and playing with extra motivation...a Edina/Tonka Part IV for the state title would have been epic. But Id have given the edge to Tonka. Why? Glockner the difference. No question. Otherwise...? GAME ON!

Also, the comment re: this years defensive depth is just that...Luedtke and Docter are probably the best def pair in state

FYP & fair enough (regarding if round 4 would have transpired at the Xcel)

[GoldenBear]

Cakescout was trying to copy your VQuest reference but couldn’t figure it out. Glad you picked up on my plagiarism of your lunatic reference. Wasn’t sure if you would jab back at me! Look out Shute! You may cry when you see that bicycle shot goal in March GB

[CakeScout17]

Cakescout was trying to copy your VQuest reference but couldn’t figure it out. Glad you picked up on my plagiarism of your lunatic reference. Wasn’t sure if you would jab back at me! Look out Shute! You may cry when you see that bicycle shot goal in March GB

LOL! Good stuff. Yeah - I headed down that path after discovering identity of the new Edina goalie at end of Nov when rosters were announced. Couple peeps caught on to the 1985 pop-culture reference...off topic, but know what still blows me away all these years later?

That Loudens' buddy 'Kuch' (the faux Indian-inspired wrestler) is actor Michael Schoeffling...WHO is ALSO 'Jake Ryan' in Sixteen Candles!

Yeah, Braemar needs to pick up the Red Rider tune 'Lunatic Fringe' and play that for 3-5 seconds whenever Hogg goes on walkabout past the crease!
God, I'd split in half if they did! Thanks for the levity GB!

[HockeyCrazy1970]

CakeScout17 and GoldenBear,
I like the "walkabout" reference too. I got a good look at his paint job on Friday and he has an Australian flag (and American flag) on the back of his mask.
No wonder he goes on walkabout. Braemar needs to add "I Come from the Land Down Under" to their play list!

[CakeScout17]

CakeScout17 and GoldenBear,
I like the "walkabout" reference too. I got a good look at his paint job on Friday and he has an Australian flag (and American flag) on the back of his mask.
No wonder he goes on walkabout. Braemar needs to add "I Come from the Land Down Under" to their play list!

Then let's get Braemer to offer the 'Vega-mite" sandwich and we're in business!

Great catch on the mask...but riddle me this:

Whats on the sides? is it a cartoon character? Can't make it out.

[Slap Shot]

No question? Tonka's Top 6 defenders have 35 points between them and a team (Glockner really as he's played all the minutes so far) 0.86 GAA and 0.947 SV% on 114 shots allowed. Edina's Top 6 have 25 points and a team GAA of 1.43 and 0.923 SV% on 127 shots allowed. Couldn't compare +/- as the numbers for Edina are obviously incorrect on that stat. (fwiw Tonka's Top 6 are +50).

I think it's up for debate after 7 games each and either way should make for some exciting games.

How do the SOS's compare to date?

Going back to the well?

The only link I could find (MyHockey) has EHS 92.84 with 4 games played and MHS 91.03 for 5 GP a difference of 1.9%. Now Rankings has no data yet. Certainly not respective to the gaps noted previously.

[HockeyCrazy1970]

CakeScout17 and GoldenBear,
I like the "walkabout" reference too. I got a good look at his paint job on Friday and he has an Australian flag (and American flag) on the back of his mask.
No wonder he goes on walkabout. Braemar needs to add "I Come from the Land Down Under" to their play list!

Then let's get Braemer to offer the 'Vega-mite" sandwich and we're in business!

Great catch on the mask...but riddle me this:

Whats on the sides? is it a cartoon character? Can't make it out.

Each side has a green hornet/wasp/bee cartoon creature. Not the official school one though. The grey on top was throwing me off. Turns out those are grey bug wings on top.

[CakeScout17]

No question? Tonka's Top 6 defenders have 35 points between them and a team (Glockner really as he's played all the minutes so far) 0.86 GAA and 0.947 SV% on 114 shots allowed. Edina's Top 6 have 25 points and a team GAA of 1.43 and 0.923 SV% on 127 shots allowed. Couldn't compare +/- as the numbers for Edina are obviously incorrect on that stat. (fwiw Tonka's Top 6 are +50).

I think it's up for debate after 7 games each and either way should make for some exciting games.

How do the SOS's compare to date?

Going back to the well?

The only link I could find (MyHockey) has EHS 92.84 with 4 games played and MHS 91.03 for 5 GP a difference of 1.9%. Now Rankings has no data yet. Certainly not respective to the gaps noted previously.

Yeah, agreed. Sample size too small as of yet. Maybe current stats are reflection of current roster/styles of play...? Does Tonka have bit less scoring punch on its #2-#4 lines and hence their D is given directive to attack/shoot more? Does Edina have more current prowess here and their D back off the scoring a bit? Geez I can see visions oF BB17 trying to pull of his best Paul Coffey last year only to get caught on the backend for an odd man rush. Vorlicky more disciplined player to me, but whenever he gets the green light he goes into attack mode as well.
Great topic and points - will be interesting to see how this plays out in conference play. Great stats too! Keep them coming!

[CakeScout17]

CakeScout17 and GoldenBear,
I like the "walkabout" reference too. I got a good look at his paint job on Friday and he has an Australian flag (and American flag) on the back of his mask.
No wonder he goes on walkabout. Braemar needs to add "I Come from the Land Down Under" to their play list!

Then let's get Braemer to offer the 'Vega-mite" sandwich and we're in business!

Great catch on the mask...but riddle me this:

Whats on the sides? is it a cartoon character? Can't make it out.

Each side has a green hornet/wasp/bee cartoon creature. Not the official school one though. The grey on top was throwing me off. Turns out those are grey bug wings on top.

Same here...the grey on top would throw me off soon as I thought I had it figured it out. You can see the green/Y cartoonish Hornet but you're right - its not the school version by any mean...hmmm...wings on top? Ok cool - thanks!

[Slap Shot]

How do the SOS's compare to date?

Going back to the well?

The only link I could find (MyHockey) has EHS 92.84 with 4 games played and MHS 91.03 for 5 GP a difference of 1.9%. Now Rankings has no data yet. Certainly not respective to the gaps noted previously.

Yeah, agreed. Sample size too small as of yet. Maybe current stats are reflection of current roster/styles of play...? Does Tonka have bit less scoring punch on its #

Tonka's Top 6 F have a total of 49 points and 60 total for all F, the Top 6 F in scoring for Edina have 51 points and 62 for all F so again the difference is negligible. Any other theories?

[hockey59]

Fortunately...this Hornet Skipper thing will get sorted out when Lake conference plays commences, although we’re stuck waiting a bit for that

[CakeScout17]

Going back to the well?

The only link I could find (MyHockey) has EHS 92.84 with 4 games played and MHS 91.03 for 5 GP a difference of 1.9%. Now Rankings has no data yet. Certainly not respective to the gaps noted previously.

Yeah, agreed. Sample size too small as of yet. Maybe current stats are reflection of current roster/styles of play...? Does Tonka have bit less scoring punch on its #

Tonka's Top 6 F have a total of 49 points and 60 total for all F, the Top 6 F in scoring for Edina have 51 points and 62 for all F so again the difference is negligible. Any other theories?

You mean the Top 6 D for Edina have 51 and 62 for F's, correct? See - told ya. HA! J/K - more theories after their first match.
Gotta say though? Goldsworthy appears to be headed toward a Randolph-like future at Tonka. Good coach and assistants that are demonstrably involved on the bench...constantly coaching the kids up.

[WarmUpTheBus]

Yeah, agreed. Sample size too small as of yet. Maybe current stats are reflection of current roster/styles of play...? Does Tonka have bit less scoring punch on its #

Tonka's Top 6 F have a total of 49 points and 60 total for all F, the Top 6 F in scoring for Edina have 51 points and 62 for all F so again the difference is negligible. Any other theories?

You mean the Top 6 D for Edina have 51 and 62 for F's, correct? See - told ya. HA! J/K - more theories after their first match.
Gotta say though? Goldsworthy appears to be headed toward a Randolph-like future at Tonka. Good coach and assistants that are demonstrably involved on the bench...constantly coaching the kids up.

Two minute penalty for nonsensical jargon. "coaching the kids UP." Is this different than coaching the kids and if so do some kids need to be coached down?

[muckandgrinder65]

Maybe another way of saying it is?: The coach keeps the whole bench focused and engaged in the game....
IMO some coaches just say who and when for ice- and don't really coach at all (or feel that they need to coach) during games.
Good for Goldsworthy- sounds like a 'heckava' coach to me

[elliott70]

Best bets to win AA state championship

1 Minnetonka
2 Andover

3 Edina

STA or Maple Grove


No one else....

[InThePipes]

From what I've seen I'd say Tonka/Edina are separated at the top followed by Andover/DE/MG/STA followed by gap and then many other teams who are in the mix at that point.

[MrBoDangles]

Best bets to win AA state championship

1 Minnetonka
2 Andover

3 Edina

STA or Maple Grove


No one else....

Didn't Blaine outshoot Maple Grove by like 20..?