MIAC

[hillhockey]

predictions? <p></p><i></i>

[EREmpireStrikesBack]

St. Johns? <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p>Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 Girls</p><i></i>

[LloydBraun]

i think st thomas will give st johns a real good game. <p></p><i></i>

[hillhockey]

It's funny that you mention St. Thomas..I guess everyone knows about SJU and UST.<br><br>But speaking of SJU hockey, it is nearly a sure thing that CSB/SJU is getting their own hockey arena..In St. Joe, within walking distance of CSB. <br><br>From the school newspaper:<br>"Hockey players Lisa Bush and Darrul Smoleroff spend up to 20 minutes commuting to St. Cloud for their practices and home games. That could change by next year. Kevin Johnson, owner of K. Johnson Construction, Inc. pitched a plan last week to build an arena that would become home ice for the CSB/SJU hockey teams. The prospect of their own arena excites most hockey players. "There's definately a need for it," said Bush, the Blazers captain. "We share rink time with four high school teams." The SJU hockey team shares space at the National Hockey Center and the CSB hockey team bids for time at the Municipal Athletic Complex. Hockey players and coaches argue that their own rink would boost recruiting, cut down on extra driving time, and make travelling to games more accessible for fans. "I think the great things about a closer rink is we dont have to drive 20 minutes each way every day," said Smoleroff, the Johnnie captain.<br><br>Johnson's proposal is still in the preliminary stages, but if all goes as planned, he hopes to break ground for the $4-6 million facility by spring and have the arena open by November 2006. Johnson, of Sauk Rapids, met with St. Joseph city officials las week to discuss his plans to remodel the recently closed theatre and reception hall, The Lighthouse. Johnson, 43, has owned the building for two and a half years and rented it to the previous owners. He and his company have already built three ice arenas in central Minnesota. Johnson will soon present his plan to the city's Planning Commission, which will make a recommendation to the City Council. St. Joseph Mayor Richard Carlbrom said it likely will be approved. "We're excited about the concept and we're going to wait for the developers to go to the next step," he said. "I would like to see them work on this as soon as possible."<br><br>But Johnson also said he needs the support of CSB/SJU. "We're really building it for the two colleges," Johnson said. "If this doesn't work out, we'll have to find something else." Even though he doesn't have a connection to CSB/SJU and hasn't followed the sports teams, Johnson knew there was a need. "I heard through the grapevine that St. John's University was looking for a facility," Johnson said. "So we approached SJU head hockey coach John Harrington." <br><br>Throughout the summer, Johnson discussed ideas for an arena with Harrington and plans to talk with the St. Ben's Athletic Department today. "I think it's a great option," Harrington said. 'It would be great for our student athletes as well as students who want to watch the game." This isn't the first time serious discussion has surfaced over a hockey arena servicing CSB/SJU.<br><br>Last March, city officials met with Harrington, former CSB head hockey coach Dave Laliberte and CSB/SJU athletic diretors over a possible community center that would include a rink. But comingup with the money was a problem. CSB/SJU officials said a rink wasn't on the list of top priorities. Johnson's arena proposal surprised school officials. Carol Howe-Veenstra, the CSB athletic director and interim CSB head hockey coach Neil Andruschak said they still need more information. But both said they are eager to discuss different options for an arena.<br><br>Johnson hopes to persuade them to jump on board. He said the schools will pay rent for ice time, just as they do in St. Cloud. The teams also would get first dibs on using it. 'It'd be their home ice," he said. 'They'd get first shot." Johnson said the facility would have one rink connected to an existing 18,000 sqayre foot building, which would include a bar and grill overlooking the arena, retail stores, and a gift shop. He also hopes to include corporate seats fo CSB/SJU alumni. The year round ice facility also could accomodate concerts, Johnson said.<br><br>And an arena could boost neighboring businesses. This obviously is going to be a help to our business," said Stonehouse Tavern manager Robb Ksiazek. Johnson also hopes to coordinate some of his efforts with the River Bats, St. Cloud's collegiate baseball team, which plans to build a stadium nearby. Another advantage to the schools would be the arena's proximity, Johnson said. Senior hockey players Bush and Smoleroof agree. "It's too bad we won't get to play in it, but it would help the program," Bush said. "It would be nice to have a place to call home."<br><br> <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p100.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... lhockey</A> at: 10/6/05 6:24 pm<br></i>

[Hockeyisthebest21]

St. Johns was the champions in the regular season last year, but we know they choked int he playoffs. St. Thomas had a great run in the playoffs. look for those two to be atop the conference again. Bethel is off to a great start. St. Olaf is starting slower then i expected. Gustavus is off to a pretty decnt start, they typically start slow. Look for these to be the top 5 in confrence again. Concordia is looking pretty bad so far. Hamline will be much improved but will probably not crack the top 5. St. Mary's and Augsburg will challenge St. Olaf and Gustavus for playoff spots. Augsburg and Gustavus are the only teams with on campus rinks. <p></p><i></i>

[I35hockey]

St. Mary's rink is also on campus. <p></p><i></i>

[brickwall33]

Yes, I concur. St. Mary's has a rink on campus and a group of super fans, who are decked out in hockey equipment and taunt the other team all night. Best fans in the MIAC in my opinion. Its a true home rink advantage. Players are heckled, fish and oranges are thrown. Its a hostile environment. <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p100.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... kwall33</A> at: 11/30/05 9:56 pm<br></i>

[Hockeyisthebest21]

Too bad they don't have a good team to go with it. Looks liek St. mary's could use a little bit of help. Bethel and Gustavus looking pretty good so far. St. Thomas and St. Johns still are the top two. Concordia, poor showing this weekend. Looks like they are the new Hamline. <p></p><i></i>

[gferhock1]

I agree that St Marys is down this year. From what I understand, they have 2 new asst coaches and have gone the way of playing with big hitting players. What they're missing is guys who can control the puck, read the ice and set up plays for the forwards. That much I do know is true. Hopefully they'll learn from this. If you look at Hamline and the direction they're going I think is right for their league. <p></p><i></i>

[frozen]

UST all the way <p>there'd be no hockey if the water wasn't FROZEN</p><i></i>

[Hockeyisthebest21]

The final seedings are here... same five teams advance to the playoffs as last year.<br>#1 St. Thomas 13-2-1 27pts<br>#2 St. Johns 11-3-2 24 pts<br>#3 St. Olaf 8-5-3 19pts<br>#4 Bethel 8-6-2 18pts<br>#5 Gustavus Adolphus 9-7-0 18pts<br><br>Bethel with the tie breaker because they swept Gustavus during the season. Works the same way as WCHA final five. All games at the high seed. <p></p><i></i>

[9hockey1]

Go St. Thomas! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

[Hockeyisthebest21]

St. Olaf takes homethe MIAC championship! The Olies beat St. Thomas 5-1 in the final, to pull off the upset. <p></p><i></i>

[9hockey1]

did they really? <p></p><i></i>

[gferhock1]

St Olaf is the team to watch the next few years, they also have a good group coming in as freshmen next season. Very young team, but with Joey Martin added to the coaching staff, Goldsworthy's team will be a power house the next 3 seasons. <p></p><i></i>

[LUhockey11]

Who are the oles bringing in? <p></p><i></i>