Duluth East at Andover, Section 7AA Final

[duluth dave]

It was a good close game Andover had a very good team. I think east deserves credit for pulling out a victory after a up and down year.

[Cougaralumni14]

Love the debate as to the call here boys. I’m curious if this result prompts a possible sight relocation for this section. Granted things change and Duluth East isn’t guaranteed to be a powerhouse every year, but it seems the metro schools in this section always fall short. I feel like the travel time may have some contributing factor to the results from Andover and Elk river in recent years. Curious as to your thoughts and if a site location is even possible for this section.

[MNHockeyFan]

Love the debate as to the call here boys. I’m curious if this result prompts a possible sight relocation for this section. Granted things change and Duluth East isn’t guaranteed to be a powerhouse every year, but it seems the metro schools in this section always fall short. I feel like the travel time may have some contributing factor to the results from Andover and Elk river in recent years. Curious as to your thoughts and if a site location is even possible for this section.

As a former Duluth resident (on the east side), I do think the site of the 7AA section final should alternate between north and south each year. Only fair...

[duluth dave]

This was always a northern section between duluth and the range schools. I dont know why they put metro schools in a northern section. But it is not fair to them. It is a big enough area and should have its own local representative.

[MNHockeyFan]

This was always a northern section between duluth and the range schools. I dont know why they put metro schools in a northern section. But it is not fair to them. It is a big enough area and should have its own local representative.

Isn't it a case of not having enough big (AA) schools in the northeast part of the state to fill its own section? Other than combine with the northwest (Bemidji, etc.) what else are you going to do?

[hockey59]

This was always a northern section between duluth and the range schools. I dont know why they put metro schools in a northern section. But it is not fair to them. It is a big enough area and should have its own local representative.

Isn't it a case of not having enough big (AA) schools in the northeast part of the state to fill its own section? Other than combine with the northwest (Bemidji, etc.) what else are you going to do?

Just put DE, Cloquet, GR, Bemidji, Roseau, Moorhead
Duluth Marshall and...HERMANTOWN in 7AA and be done with it..a True Northern Representative each year However, Hermantown likely won’t be up to that kind of competition, so maybe Greenway could take their place

[duluth dave]

Good call

[karl(east)]

The 7AA final never fails when it comes to drama, does it?

You do hate to see a game like this end on a PP, yes. I thought the refs managed this game poorly, setting a tone early on of not calling anything but then suddenly pulling out the whistles midway through the third for the ticky-tack call that led to Andover's tying goal and then the call before the game-winner, which was a legitimate trip but did get a mild enhancement, yes. I don't mind it when officials swallow the whistle in playoff hockey, but please, be consistent throughout the game, as the crew in the 7A final was. (And, for anyone who's wondering, this crew was from the Range.)

But...East found a way, and it's fitting, after all the hand-wringing over Ryder Donovan's finishing this season, that he pounded home the game-winner. Ricky Lyle has been on an absolute tear this postseason, and helped will this team to State. And while Andover did carry somewhat more of the play, East had a game plan and executed it well. Love or hate the guy behind the bench, he finds ways to push the right buttons in ways that others don't. The defense did just enough, Brody Rabold did just enough, and while players like Wyatt Kaiser and Charlie Schoen had some big moments, East had a bit more veteran star power tonight that refused to go lightly. In my 15ish years of following East hockey closely, this senior class is one of the most special I've seen.

Props to coach Manney, who is a total class act. He was livid at the refs, yes, and hunted them down, but down in the hallway postgame, he sought out Donovan to thank him for coming back for his senior year and gave Ricky Lyle some crap. I feel for the Huskies, who I do think were the most complete team East has faced in this run of 11 straight section finals. They played their hearts out, but as Manney noted, the pressure of this game is something else. They generated good zone time but Grade A chances were more even, and Fritsinger, while he had his moments, was mortal tonight.

Off to State, where East has an outside shot at a seed, but will not be a favorite. They're not the most skilled team in the field, but they're deep, they've got some stars, and they're finding ways. We'll see what next week brings.

[northwoods oldtimer]

I thought in playoff hockey officials had to come from other sections of the state?
Horrible timing to make calls when you put the whistles away for the entire game.
With Andover's scoring power it should have been a non factor.
Prior to game thought it would be a 4-1 Andvover win.
Maybe that trip north is a bad omen for southern teams.
Easy fix with Teir 1 and Tier 2

[The Next One]

This game belongs at amsoil. If a team can't jump a bus to Duluth and win a game they don't belong at state. Best venue to host 7aa by far. Don't change it.
As long as Randolph is on the bench you will have to deal with a very good East team in late Feb. Play this game in Duluth, moose lake, pine city, or elk river until the legend retires east will be a factor.
This doesn't even look like the same team that lost to Brainerd and Moorhead on back to back days.

[Jeffy95]

Love the debate as to the call here boys. I’m curious if this result prompts a possible sight relocation for this section. Granted things change and Duluth East isn’t guaranteed to be a powerhouse every year, but it seems the metro schools in this section always fall short. I feel like the travel time may have some contributing factor to the results from Andover and Elk river in recent years. Curious as to your thoughts and if a site location is even possible for this section.

Does anyone actually think that 16-18 year old kids can't recline on a cushy charter bus with their headphones on for two hours? I wonder what those millions of 17-18 year olds that got shipped off in cargo ships to the jungles of Asia or the European front back in 1941 would think about that? Scary what we've become....

[GoldenBear]

This game belongs in Duluth. It's a northern section. These finals are priceless. The fans show up; the games are close; why would you want to tinker with it? One of the best things going in high school sports. The Elk River's and Andover's of the section need to win it on the ice. GB

[MWS coach]

Ok, honestly please help me understand how 7AA is a northern section? There are more "southern" teams then northern teams. Yeah, I know tradition is that way back in the day section 7 WAS a northern section, but landscape of the teams have changed since then.

While the bus ride is part of equation, the number of fans is also a part of the equation. Wasn't at the game, nor did I watch, but I would guess Hounds fans outnumbered Huskies fans 2-1? Maybe not, but would surprise me if that wasn't the case.

Northern section, Southern section blah, blah, blah we all know the real reason the game continues to be played at Amsoil is the Duluth TV revenue. Sorry, we all know that also isn't going to change. The all mighty dollar is even more powerful then the great Randini!

Congrats to the Hounds and my condolences to the Huskies.

[hockey59]

Love the debate as to the call here boys. I’m curious if this result prompts a possible sight relocation for this section. Granted things change and Duluth East isn’t guaranteed to be a powerhouse every year, but it seems the metro schools in this section always fall short. I feel like the travel time may have some contributing factor to the results from Andover and Elk river in recent years. Curious as to your thoughts and if a site location is even possible for this section.

Does anyone actually think that 16-18 year old kids can't recline on a cushy charter bus with their headphones on for two hours? I wonder what those millions of 17-18 year olds that got shipped off in cargo ships to the jungles of Asia or the European front back in 1941 would think about that? Scary what we've become....

Jeffy...you should know better than making such an OBTUSE comparison

[GoldenBear]

Ok, honestly please help me understand how 7AA is a northern section? There are more "southern" teams then northern teams. Yeah, I know tradition is that way back in the day section 7 WAS a northern section, but landscape of the teams have changed since then.

While the bus ride is part of equation, the number of fans is also a part of the equation. Wasn't at the game, nor did I watch, but I would guess Hounds fans outnumbered Huskies fans 2-1? Maybe not, but would surprise me if that wasn't the case.

Northern section, Southern section blah, blah, blah we all know the real reason the game continues to be played at Amsoil is the Duluth TV revenue. Sorry, we all know that also isn't going to change. The all mighty dollar is even more powerful then the great Randini!

Congrats to the Hounds and my condolences to the Huskies.

You win it on the ice. No excuses. Congrats Duluth. Condolences to the Huskies. GB

[MWS coach]

Love the debate as to the call here boys. I’m curious if this result prompts a possible sight relocation for this section. Granted things change and Duluth East isn’t guaranteed to be a powerhouse every year, but it seems the metro schools in this section always fall short. I feel like the travel time may have some contributing factor to the results from Andover and Elk river in recent years. Curious as to your thoughts and if a site location is even possible for this section.

Does anyone actually think that 16-18 year old kids can't recline on a cushy charter bus with their headphones on for two hours? I wonder what those millions of 17-18 year olds that got shipped off in cargo ships to the jungles of Asia or the European front back in 1941 would think about that? Scary what we've become....

Jeffy...you should know better than making such an OBTUSE comparison

Right, no big deal. so then why is Jeffy so opposed to rotating each year if not an advantage? Oh yeah, because it is a northern section.

[MWS coach]

Ok, honestly please help me understand how 7AA is a northern section? There are more "southern" teams then northern teams. Yeah, I know tradition is that way back in the day section 7 WAS a northern section, but landscape of the teams have changed since then.

While the bus ride is part of equation, the number of fans is also a part of the equation. Wasn't at the game, nor did I watch, but I would guess Hounds fans outnumbered Huskies fans 2-1? Maybe not, but would surprise me if that wasn't the case.

Northern section, Southern section blah, blah, blah we all know the real reason the game continues to be played at Amsoil is the Duluth TV revenue. Sorry, we all know that also isn't going to change. The all mighty dollar is even more powerful then the great Randini!

Congrats to the Hounds and my condolences to the Huskies.

You win it on the ice. No excuses. Congrats Duluth. Condolences to the Huskies. GB

Of course the game is won on the ice. Not excuses just factual that there is an advantage (no matter how large or small) to hounds that the game is played in Duluth. Is what it is and teams know it going into the season. Just another obstacle that needs to be overcome to make it to the X.

[hockey59]

I will say, Ricky Lyle played the game of his Life last night, 2 goals and either 1 or 2 assists, including the pass on the GWG, that was such a good pass (even) RD could finish it Especially Ricky & FH Paine, led their team to a win over a faster, more flashy team by playing smash mouth hockey, something you don’t see much nowdays (because the refs rarely allow for it anymore). They will likely get a chance to repeat that feat this coming week, especially if they clash with the Hornets At this point, I will stipulate (DE) is a team on a roll..and won’t be an easy out.

[GoldenBear]

Ok, honestly please help me understand how 7AA is a northern section? There are more "southern" teams then northern teams. Yeah, I know tradition is that way back in the day section 7 WAS a northern section, but landscape of the teams have changed since then.

While the bus ride is part of equation, the number of fans is also a part of the equation. Wasn't at the game, nor did I watch, but I would guess Hounds fans outnumbered Huskies fans 2-1? Maybe not, but would surprise me if that wasn't the case.

Northern section, Southern section blah, blah, blah we all know the real reason the game continues to be played at Amsoil is the Duluth TV revenue. Sorry, we all know that also isn't going to change. The all mighty dollar is even more powerful then the great Randini!

Congrats to the Hounds and my condolences to the Huskies.

You win it on the ice. No excuses. Congrats Duluth. Condolences to the Huskies. GB

Of course the game is won on the ice. Not excuses just factual that there is an advantage (no matter how large or small) to hounds that the game is played in Duluth. Is what it is and teams know it going into the season. Just another obstacle that needs to be overcome to make it to the X.

I agree there is an advantage, I just think it should stay up there for the reasons I gave. You added another reason it should stay up there, TV. GB

[Jeffy95]

Love the debate as to the call here boys. I’m curious if this result prompts a possible sight relocation for this section. Granted things change and Duluth East isn’t guaranteed to be a powerhouse every year, but it seems the metro schools in this section always fall short. I feel like the travel time may have some contributing factor to the results from Andover and Elk river in recent years. Curious as to your thoughts and if a site location is even possible for this section.

Does anyone actually think that 16-18 year old kids can't recline on a cushy charter bus with their headphones on for two hours? I wonder what those millions of 17-18 year olds that got shipped off in cargo ships to the jungles of Asia or the European front back in 1941 would think about that? Scary what we've become....

Jeffy...you should know better than making such an OBTUSE comparison

Okay, how about Warroad bouncing up and down the winter back roads for 7 1/2 hours, hitting their heads on the ceiling, all while breathing Diesel fumes on a 1966 International Harvester School Bus on the way to St. Paul for the 1969 tourney? That's a little more on point. Henry Boucha, are you reading this? Let us know how bad that two hour glide down Interstate-35 on a Modern Day Charter Bus would have sucked.

[GoldenBear]

I will say, Ricky Lyle played the game of his Life last night, 2 goals and either 1 or 2 assists, including the pass on the GWG, that was such a good pass (even) RD could finish it Especially Ricky & FH Paine, led their team to a win over a faster, more flashy team by playing smash mouth hockey, something you don’t see much nowdays (because the refs rarely allow for it anymore). They will likely get a chance to repeat that feat this coming week, especially if they clash with the Hornets At this point, I will stipulate (DE) is a team on a roll..and won’t be an easy out.

I think this is DE's year. Playing well at the right time. They use their size, they have talent that can catch on fire for three games and carry a team (big players make big plays in big games type kids), they have decent goal tending, and they have the coach. Can't wait for the games! GB

[Jeffy95]

Does anyone actually think that 16-18 year old kids can't recline on a cushy charter bus with their headphones on for two hours? I wonder what those millions of 17-18 year olds that got shipped off in cargo ships to the jungles of Asia or the European front back in 1941 would think about that? Scary what we've become....

Jeffy...you should know better than making such an OBTUSE comparison

Right, no big deal. so then why is Jeffy so opposed to rotating each year if not an advantage? Oh yeah, because it is a northern section.

Show me one post on here where I say I'm opposed to rotating it. You won't, because I haven't. I don't care, the Northern fans will be there either way and the results would probably be the same. All I'm saying is it's been WAY overplayed and is not an excuse. My only point is if young kids in the best shape of their life can't handle two hours on an Interstate in a modern day charter bus then we have big problems.

[hockey59]

Does anyone actually think that 16-18 year old kids can't recline on a cushy charter bus with their headphones on for two hours? I wonder what those millions of 17-18 year olds that got shipped off in cargo ships to the jungles of Asia or the European front back in 1941 would think about that? Scary what we've become....

Jeffy...you should know better than making such an OBTUSE comparison

Okay, how about Warroad bouncing up and down the winter back roads for 7 1/2 hours, hitting their heads on the ceiling, all while breathing Diesel fumes on a 1966 International Harvester School Bus on the way to St. Paul for the 1969 tourney? That's a little more on point. Henry Boucha, are you reading this? Let us know how bad that two hour glide down Interstate-35 on a Modern Day Charter Bus would have sucked.

Stick to the Hermantown thread Jeffy, at least in that thread your statements have some merit And while playing on TV is a cool experience for the players, it’s not a valid reason to ignore putting the section final at a neutral venue.

[yesiplayedhockey]

Two things that should never happen (IMO)

1. Duluth East shouldn't get a home game (Ie Amsoil arena) as long as twin city teams are in their section ....Lots of incredible rinks between the cities and Duluth that could host a great atmosphere. Could you imagine a section final between say Edina and Moorhead played at Braemar? I'm a huge fan of Northern Minnesota hockey but you can't argue this is an advantage for DE

2. Section finals should never be played at Mariucci .. Again very easy to find a neutral site that can hold a few thousand fans and still create a great atmosphere.

[That guy for that thing]

I will say, Ricky Lyle played the game of his Life last night, 2 goals and either 1 or 2 assists, including the pass on the GWG, that was such a good pass (even) RD could finish it Especially Ricky & FH Paine, led their team to a win over a faster, more flashy team by playing smash mouth hockey, something you don’t see much nowdays (because the refs rarely allow for it anymore). They will likely get a chance to repeat that feat this coming week, especially if they clash with the Hornets At this point, I will stipulate (DE) is a team on a roll..and won’t be an easy out.

Correction Ricky Lyle played the Section Tourney of his life. 8G5A on both ends of two of the best back door passes all season and hits that will scare any team they play next weekend.

Ryder played well, especially being sick and knowing Lyle could get him the pass back door was exactly what he was on the ice to do.

Hunter, The King Of PAINE, what more can be said about one the best hip check men in the state. He shored up a rocky D core all season, along with Carson Cochran and helped mentor the D core.

The entire D core stepped up today as well. Heitela has grown leaps and bounds and Haugen wasnt even playing to begin the season and was a forward last year. Just wow. Mike knows how to build from the blue line out.