A Rankings for 2/6/22

[ClassAGuy]

Class A Ranking Week #11 (2/6/2022)

1- Hermantown (7A) (19-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-0 Cloquet, W 5-1 Totino Grace
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 @ Rock Ridge, 2/11 vs Holy Family, 2/12 vs St Thomas Academy
The Hawks took their show on the road this week and beat two AA teams handily. They started by destroying Cloquet as they used Kade Kohanski’s hat trick and Garron Opsahl’s shut out to easily defeat the Lumberjacks. The Hawks then broke open a 1-1 game after one period with a big second period to cruise to victory on the road at Totino Grace. Max Plante’s 2 goal effort helped lead the way and now Hermantown has another interesting week they take on improving 7A Rock Ridge before hosting a pair of above average AA private programs.

2- Warroad (8A) (18-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 OT Thief River Falls, W 5-2 Grand Forks Central
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 vs East Grand Forks, 2/10 vs Bemidji
The Warriors found themselves in a battle with the team they will most likely meet in the Section 8A Semis. Jayson Shaugabay scored the second of his two goals with just five seconds left in overtime to secure a very hard fought Section 8A road win in a game where Warroad outshot Thief River Falls 50-21. They followed up that tight result with a nice road win vs. Grand Forks Central as they jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead and never looked back defeating one of top programs North Dakota. Warroad has a huge game this week as they have the rematch vs. EGF at home.

3- Mahtomedi (4A) (10-10-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 Eden Prairie, L 2-3 St Michael Albertville
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 vs Breck
The Zephyrs showed against the defending AA Champions why they are still the X factor in Class A. They played a surging Eden Prairie team very tough and for the first time they scored some key goals late when needed to pull out a tight win instead of their normal 1 goal loss. Charlie Drage assisted the game tying goal and then scored the game winner in the third period as Mahtomedi picked up a big win vs. EP. However, their question marks returned as they dropped yet another one goal game to STMA where again they received a great goaltending from Dardis but lacked the big goal needed to ever take the lead. This week just one game vs. Breck a game they should win.

4- Minneapolis (2A) (16-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-0 Hutchinson, W 2-1 OT Osseo, W 5-1 Waconia, W 4-2 Dodge County
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 vs Gentry Academy, 2/10 vs Chisago Lakes, 2/12 @ St Paul Johnson
Minneapolis’s John Bebler scored two goals as Minneapolis scored early and often in its 6-0 win over fellow section 2A Hutchinson. Alex Lamont and Griffin Riley combined for the shutout and Minneapolis was able to pick up a big Section win. They followed that up the next night by having a much closer game than expected against struggling Osseo but Jack Hanson played the hero and scored the GWG in OT to survive the upset scare. Jack Hanson was again the hero as he helped Minneapolis break open a tight 1-1 game after two periods; his hat trick was the key difference in helping them pick up another key Section 2A win. Minneapolis wrapped up a (4-0-0) week with a 4-2 road win over Dodge County. This team has by far the best resume of the rest of the teams in the rankings and will get a great test this week with Gentry and Chisago Lakes on the upcoming schedule.

5- Delano (2A) (14-6-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-1 Mound Westonka, W 2-1 Armstrong/Cooper
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 vs Litchfield Dassel Cokato, 2/10 @ Southwest Christian
The Tigers blew out Section 2A and WCC Conference rival Mound Westonka on the road behind Gunnar Paulson’s hat trick. In a game that historically is close the Tigers jumpers all over the White Hawks after the game was tied 1-1 only two minutes in and Delano showed they are putting things together as they always do down the stretch and will be a force come playoff time in Section 2A. However, the other Tiger team showed up this week as well as against a struggling Armstrong/Cooper bunch Delano was able to win but showed again they allow lesser talented teams to hang around at times more than they should. Big week this week as Delano takes on two 2A teams the LDC game will be interesting to watch play out.

6- Alexandria (6A) (12-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 Little Falls, W 6-4 Duluth Denfeld
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 vs St. Cloud, 2/10 @ Fergus Falls, 2/11 vs Northern Lakes
Brycen Berg's hat trick lifted Alexandria to a 5-1 win over Little Falls to get revenge for the loss earlier this year. Alexandria was able to jump out early and build a 3-0 lead and Teegan Pfeffer stopped 35 shots to secure the win. Brycen Berg continued his torrid scoring of late as he put up another hat trick and the Card used a big three goal second period to blow open the game vs. a good Hunters team. Alexandria seems to be putting things together at the right time and they have a big week with back to back games vs the next two best teams in 6A.

7- Detroit Lakes (8A) (16-4-0)
Past Week Results: W 10-0 Breckenridge/Wahpeton, W 10-0 Wadena Deer Creek, W 2-0 Brainerd
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 @ Park Rapids , 2/10 vs Little Falls, 2/12 @ Red Lake Falls
The Lakers got their week started with a blow out 10-0 win over Mid-State Conference Breckenridge/Wahpeton to keep their perfect conference record intact. Detroit Lakes routed another Mid-State Conference team by ten goals as they destroyed Wadena Deer Creek on the road. Spencer Bergman’s Hattrick provided more than enough offense for the Lakers as they put the Wolverines into running time. They finished the week winning 2-0 over a struggling Brainerd team. The Lakers continue to win against a very weak conference and schedule. They will get a good test this week from Little Falls and have a big Section 8A game against Red Lake Falls to maybe help us get a better read on how good this team really is.

8- Fergus Falls (6A) (14-7-0)
Past Week Results: L 3-5 Sartell, W 6-0 Willmar, L 3-5 Bemidji
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 vs River Lakes, 2/10 vs Alexandria, 2/12 @ Thief River Falls
The Otters were unable to complete the sweep of AA Sartell as they dug themselves into a three goal deficit. Michael DeBrito did have two goals but that wasn’t enough as Fergus Falls dropped the rematch. The Otter took care of business vs. 6A and CLC Willmar as they scored two goals in all three periods and seldom used Brady Metcalf picked up his first varsity win and shutout in the process. They dropped the week’s finale vs. Bemidji and now the Otters have a huge week as they get a rematch of their worst loss of the year vs River Lakes and then a game for the #1 seed in Section 6A vs Alexandria and now added a trip to TRF will be good tests for the Otters.

9- Little Falls (5A) (19-3-0)
Past Week Results: L 1-5 Alexandria, W 6-2 River Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 2/10 @ Detroit Lakes, 2/12 @ Totino Grace
The Flyers dug themselves a hole again against Alexandria falling behind by three goals and this time there was no miracle comeback and Little Falls suffered its third loss in their last six games. The Flyers did however finish the week strong as they picked up a critical Section 5A win over River Lakes playing without their top 2nd line forward and using only 3 defensmen. The Flyers did fall behind early 1-0 but behind Carter Oothoudt’s hat trick Little Falls was able to pull away and pick up a good section win. Now they will get some time to rest and hopefully heal up as they have a tough upcoming week where they face highly ranked but not truly tested Detroit Lakes and tough AA Totino Grace both on the road.

10- Providence Academy (2A) (17-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-0 Minnehaha Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 2/10 @ Breck, 2/12 @ Rochester Lourdes
The Lions won their only game of the week over a struggling Minnehaha Academy team shutting them out 6-0. With only three games left on their regular season schedule it is critical for seeding purposes that they win out. They do still face two Section 2A teams as they have a rematch with Breck and they host Waconia to end their year. They most likely will finish the year with 20 wins however, they don't face Delano or Orono and they have a blowout loss to Minneapolis. To me I am not sure they will be seeded any higher than 4 at this point. They are a curious team to keep an eye on as we get closer to playoff time. They could be the darkhouse to represent 2A at State this March.

11- Duluth Denfeld (7A) (15-8-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-0 Greenway, W 4-3 OT Sartell, L 4-6 Alexandria
Upcoming Schedule: 2/9 vs Duluth East, 2/10 vs Duluth Marshall
The Hunters led by Cooper McClure’s two goals won a much needed Section 7A road game 4-0 over Greenway. Connor McClure added three points of his own and Austin Wick stopped 20 shots for the shutout. The Hunters then got their weekend started slowly falling behind by 2 goals 1 minute into the game and 3-0 after the first period but the Hunters came roaring back and tied the game late in the third on a goal from Whittaker Heart and won it in OT with a goal from Connor McClure. The Hunters finished the week by digging a large 4 goal deficit and they were not able to dig out of it vs. Alexandria. It is the battle for the city of Duluth this week as they take on East and Marshall this week to wrap up their regular season schedule.

12- East Grand Forks (8A) (8-13-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 Bemidji, L 2-5 Grand Forks Red River, L 1-8 Roseau
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 @ Warroad, 2/10 @ Grand Forks Central
The Greenwave started the week well as they stayed hot and won their 3rd straight game defeating AA Bemidji 5-1. Jaksen Panzer and Brock Schultz each scored 2 goals in the winning effort. However, just as it appeared the Greenwave were turning the corner, their defensive issues again showed as they were tied midway through the third period with a good Red River club only to give up 3 unanswered goals and suffer yet another loss while giving up 5 goals. EGF then totally fell apart against a talented Roseau team and were throttled on home ice. The schedule does not let up this week as hit the road to face #2 ranked Warroad and then head for a matchup vs ND primer program in Grand Forks Central.

13- Cambridge- Isanti (5A) (16-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-0 St Paul Highland Park, W 5-3 Northern Edge, L 2-4 Northern Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 @ Chisago Lakes, 2/10 vs Becker Big Lake
Cambridge was able to beat St Paul Highland Park and Junior netminder Jason Hosch picked up his first varsity shutout in the win. The Blue Jackets got some good news as Freshman netminder Jaxon Siblell returned from injury and Cambridge used Wyatt Nutt’s two goal night to pick up a hard fought win over Northern Edge. However, the loss to Northern Lakes and tie with Irondale last week is not a good trend. They still control the #1 seed in 5A still and they can win the Mississippi 8 Conference this week the rematch on the road vs. Chisago Lakes will be very telling to see where this team is at with just two weeks till playoffs for a team that has never been in the favorite position before.

14- Northfield (1A) (13-5-1)
Past Week Results: W 8-2 Rochester John Marshall, W 4-0 Owatonna
Upcoming Schedule: 2/10 vs Rochester Century, 2/12 @ Mankato East
Northfield continued to beat up on the lower portion of the Big 9 Conference as they took care of Rochester John Marshall will ease on the road. They rode Cayden Monson’s big night as his hat trick was a part of an eight goal offensive attack that overwhelmed the Rockets. The Raiders wrapped up their week with Keaton Walock securing a shutout in a 4-0 win over Owatonna. They should continue to win vs the Big Nine Conference this week where they are (11-1-1) on the year but are a red flag (2-4-0) in 6 games outside the conference to really raise questions on how good this team is but they do have a big re-match with 3A Favorite Mankato East this week.

15- Chisago Lakes (4A) (15-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-3 Hopkins
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 vs Cambridge, 2/10 @ Minneapolis, 2/11 @ Northern Edge
The Wildcats were able to take care of business and beat AA Hopkins 5-3 on the road before starting their stretch of games in a row vs ranked Class A teams. Unfortunately, we lost out on a chance to see the Wildcats play their first real tough game at TRF as it was canceled. This week though they have two good ones on tap first they host Cambridge in a rematch from a good one earlier this year with the Mississippi 8 Conference Title on the line. They also take a trip to highly ranked Minneapolis later this week both should give us a better idea of where this team is at as the playoffs loom.

16- Orono (2A) (10-10-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 OT St. Louis Park
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 @ Benilde St. Margaret's, 2/12 @ Chanhassen
Orono dropped back to .500 due to a loss in their only game against St. Louis Park. Bradley Walker appeared to put the team on his back as his two goal night put the Spartans up 3-1 after two periods of play. However, his 5 minute major with 30 seconds left in the game proved to be extremely costly as SLP was able to score on the PP to tie it with 20 seconds left in regulation and then win it in OT with the man advantage. I will leave Orono ahead of TRF for now due to them beating Delano and SCC, both of whom the Prowlers lost too. They have a very tough week as they hit the road vs the offensive juggernaut Red Knights before finishing up with a young up and coming Chanhassen team.

17- Thief River Falls (8A) (10-10-0)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 OT Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 @ Roseau, 2/10 vs Red Lake Falls, 2/12 vs Fergus Falls
Thief River Falls gave the top team in Section 8A a serious scare as they took Warroad to OT. Brendan Bottem had a hat trick and Brett Holmer held the Prowlers in the game while facing 50 shots to show they will be a tough out in the 8A playoffs. This week the Prowlers have two good ones as they head on the road to face AA offensive juggernaut Roseau before hosting Red Lake Falls for who will be the 4 seed in Section 8A and finishing up with an interesting game against Fergus Falls.

18- Simley (4A) (15-7-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 St Paul Academy, St Thomas Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 @ Coon Rapids, 2/10 vs Bloomington Kennedy
Simley continued its dominance in Section 4A play as they beat SPA 5-1 behind Jayar Luedke’s three point night to improve their record vs 4A teams to (10-1-0) on the year. The Spartans were able to hang around in the game with STA due to some great goaltending from Logan Suchy. This week the Simley has two more winnable games on deck as they take on AA Coon Rapids and then host Bloomington Kennedy.

19- Mankato East (3A) (12-7-1)
Past Week: T 2-2 Rochester Century, L 2-8 Rochester Mayo
Upcoming Schedule: 2/10 @ Owatonna, 2/12 vs Northfield
Mankato East's Parker Anthony scored late in the third to force overtime as the Cougars rallied to a 2-2 overtime tie with Rochester Century in a less than impressive result. The Cougars rough week continued as they were trounced by Rochester Mayo at home to end their week. While this won't hurt their stock in the 3A Seedings they could end up as a two seed due to not playing any Big South Schools. They really could use a positive result this week as they take on AA Owatonna and then get a rematch vs 1A favorite Northfield.

20- St. Cloud Cathedral (5A) (11-10-0)
Past week: L 0-1 Mora
Upcoming Schedule: 2/8 vs Totino Grace
The Crusaders lost a big Section 5A game on the road to Mora which now drops to #20 in the ranking and really they should be knocked out but they are clinging to the bottom spot for now as no one in the notable section had that great of a week either. They still have games with Little Falls and Cambridge left to secure a top 3 seed in 5A but this team is fading badly down the stretch. They have only one game this week and it will not be easy as they take on a respectable AA Totino Grace team at home

The Next Five Notable Class A Teams- .
Rock Ridge (7A) (10-9-1)- Playing better of late they are (6-3-1) in their last 10 and have had some good results of late a win over #11 Denfeld, tie with #10 Providence Academy and 1 goal loss to #4 Minneapolis.

Litchfield Dassel Cokato (2A) (13-7-1)- The Dragons won two good games this week over New Ulm and SWC and they are (11-3-1) in their last 15 games. This team’s core went to State last year and seems to be kicking into gear.

New Ulm (3A) (17-6-0)- Typical week for New Ulm beat the Big South Conference teams and lost to a decent out of conference team against LDC.

Rochester Lourdes (1A) (15-6-0)- Lourdes is another tough team to to get a good read but they are having a nice year and just might end up as the #2 seed in 1A and again just two years ago they went (0-26-0) great turn around by this program.

Proctor (7A) (14-7-1)- Big win over Hibbing the 2nd time around a key match up with Rock Ridge to determine the #3 seed and avoid having to see the Hawks in the Section 7A Semi’s.

[Corn Cobb]

Ranking - 2/6/22

1- Hermantown
2- Warroad
3- Mahtomedi
4- Minneapolis
5- Alexandria
6- Delano
7- Detroit Lakes
8- Little Falls
9- Duluth Denfeld
10- Chisago Lakes
11- Orono
12- Providence Academy
13- East Grand Forks
14- Fergus Falls
15- Simley
16- Thief River Falls
17- Northfield
18- Cambridge-Isanti
19- St. Cloud Cathedral
20- Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato

[ClassAGuy]

Section by Section Breakdown Week #11 (2/6/22)

Section 1A (11 Teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Northfield (14) (13-5-1)
2- Rochester Lourdes (15-6-1)
3- New Prague (6-13-1)
4- Faribault (8-12-0)
5- Albert Lea (14-6-0)
6- Red Wing (9-12-0)
7- La Crescent (11-8-1)
8- Winona (6-13-1)
9- Waseca (4-12-1)
10- Austin (1-14-0)
11- Cotter (0-8-0)

Section 1A Overview- Northfield is the clear #1 seed as they are unbeaten in section play. Rochester Lourdes moves up to the 2 seed they only have 1 section loss vs. Albert Lea who is a trainwreck of late. New Prague is at the 3 seed due to SOS and they own the head to head win over Faribault who is 4 due to wins of late over the Tigers and Wingers. Red Wing has a big game vs AL this week looking for the sweep. La Crescent owns the head to head win over Winona who just knocked off AL. Waseca beat Austin head to head and Cotter has not played a game in weeks.

Section 2A (11 Teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Minneapolis (4)- (16-4-1)
2- Orono (16)- (10-10-1)
3- Delano (5)- (14-6-0)
4- Providence Academy (10)- (17-4-1)
5- Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato- (13-7-1)
6- Southwest Christian- (10-10-1)
7- Breck- (7-12-0)
8- Hutchinson- (10-12-1)
9- Mound Westonka- (8-13-1)
10- Bloomington Kennedy- (4-13-1)
11- Waconia- (4-16-0)

Section 2A Overview- Toughest Section seed Minneapolis is the 1 seed they own the head to head wins over the next top three seeds. Orono is the #2 seed as they are (5-1-0) in 2A and own the head to head over Delano who will be #3. Providence Academy doesn't play the Spartans or Tigers to be stuck at #4. After that I put Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato at 5 which means they MUST beat Hutchinson the 2nd time around. Southwest Christian has lost the crucial 2nd game to both the Tigers and Dragons but they own the head to head win over Breck. Speaking of the Mustangs they have the head wins over MPLS, LDC and Hutch but also lost to Mound Westonka as did the Lions. Bloomington Kennedy has the win over Waconia but they meet again to settle the bottom of a very tough section.

Section 3A (10 Teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- New Ulm- (17-6-0)
2- Mankato East (19)- (12-7-1)
3- Luverne- (10-9-0)
4- Marshall- (12-10-0)
5- Windom- (10-11-1)
6- Worthington- (9-10-0)
7- Fairmont- (6-13-0)
8- Minnesota River- (5-15-1)
9- Mankato West- (6-14-0)
10- Redwood Valley-(2-17-0)

Section 3A Overview- New Ulm & Mankato East are the clear 1 and 2 as both remain unbeaten in 3A play and I think the Eagles will get the nod in the coaches vote because they play all the Big South Schools and Cougars played only the Bulldogs. Luverne swept the Tigers to remain 3 seed. Marshall won the crucial 2nd match up over Windom to settle the 4/5 seeds. Worthington is at the 6 seed due to the head to head win over Fairmont who swept Minnesota River. Mankato West is (0-3-0) in their only 3A action and lost to the Bulldogs head to head and Redwood Valley continues to be at the bottom.

Section 4A (8 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Mahtomedi (3)- (10-10-1)
2- Simley (18) (15-7-1)
3- Chisago Lakes (15)- (15-3-1)
4- St Paul Highland Park (8-9-1)
5- Two Rivers- (8-12-0)
6- St Paul Academy (5-14-1)
7- South St Paul- (4-16-0)
8- St Paul Johnson- (6-10-1)

Section 4A Overview- Mahtomedi is the lock at one seed in the section. Simley played the Zephyrs tight and is (10-1-0) in 4A play which should give them the 2 seed in the coaches vote. Chisago Lakes is having a nice year but they dont play many Section 4A teams so they are a mystery in the coaches vote. St Paul Highland Park owns the head to head win over Two Rivers. St Paul Academy beat and tied St Paul Johnson head to head and South St Paul beat the Govs in the crucial 2nd match up to get the above seeds for now.

Section 5A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Cambridge Isanti (13)- (16-4-1)
2- Little Falls (9)- (19-3-0)
3- St. Cloud Cathedral (20)- (11-10-0)
4- Monticello- (8-13-1)
5- River Lakes- (10-11-0)
6- Mora (15-5-2)
7- Princeton (9-13-0)
8- Sauk Rapids (5-15-0)
9- Pine City (7-15-0)
10- Becker/Big Lake- (4-16-0)

Section 5A Overview- Cambridge holds the 1 seed for now with the head to head win over Little Falls. St Cloud Cathedral stays at 3 and they still have games with the Flyers and Blue Jackets yet. Monticello owns the 2nd win over the Bluejackets and the head to head win over River Lakes to stay at the 4 seed. Mora gets bumped up due to their upset of SCC but they lost to the Stars to end the week. Princeton did beat the Mustangs head to head but don't have much else on the resume and Sauk Rapids owns the head to head win over the Moose but no one else. Pine City’s lone Section 5A win is over Becker Big Lake.

Section 6A (8 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Alexandria (6)- (12-6-1)
2- Fergus Falls (8)- (14-7-0)
3- Northern Lakes- (13-8-0)
4- Wadena Deer Creek- (13-11-0)
5- Morris Benson- (11-11-1)
6- Prairie Centre- (6-15-0)
7- Willmar- (5-14-0)
8- Breckenridge/Wahpeton- (0-18-0)

Section 6A Overview- This section’s top seed will be decided when Alexandria & Fergus Falls play this week. Northern Lakes took down WDC in the crucial 2nd meeting to lock into the three seed. Wadena Deer Creek locked in at the 4 seed. Morris Benson beat Prairie Centre head to head and the PC swept Willmar to for now make it look like 5 will be the Storm, 6 will be the North Stars, and 7 will be the Cards. Breckenridge is at the bottom still searching for their first win.

Section 7A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Hermantown (1)- (19-2-0)
2- Duluth Denfeld (11)- (15-8-0)
3- Proctor (14-7-1)
4- Hibbing- (10-11-0)
5- Rock Ridge- (10-9-1)
6- Greenway- (9-9-0)
7- International Falls- (5-13-0)
8- North Shore- (4-15-0)
9- Ely- (4-16-0)
10- Moose Lake- (2-16-0)

Section 7A Overview- Section 7A behind Hermantown is about avoiding the Hawks until the Section Championship Game. Duluth Denfeld stays at two and I don't see that changing for now. Proctor moved up to 3 with the crucial 2nd win of the series over Hibbing. Rock Ridge has the most to gain, they still have the Hawks, Rails, Raider and BlueJackets left they could rise all the way to the 2 seed. Greenway looks stuck at 6 due to the fact they don't play the Rails!?!? International Falls beat North Shore and Ely owns the head to head win over Moose Lake.

Section 8A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Warroad (2)- (18-3-1)
2- East Grand Forks (12)- (8-13-0)
3- Detroit Lakes (7)- (16-4-0)
4- Thief River Falls (17)- (10-10-0)
5- Red Lake Falls- (14-6-0)
6- Crookston- (3-15-1)
7- Bagley/Fosston- (12-9-1)
8- Park Rapids- (9-11-1)
9- Lake of the Woods (7-10-1)
10- Kittson Central- (5-15-1)

Section 8A Overview- The top four seeds look locked in for now Warroad followed by East Grand Forks and then Detroit Lakes & Thief River Falls. Red Lake Falls has the most to gain as they have games with the Prowlers and Lakers this week. Crookston has a brutal record but their three wins are a sweep over Park Rapids and won the head to head vs. Bagley/Fosston. Lake of the Woods has lost and tied the Panthers to sit below them and Kittson Central has a big win over the Pirates but nothing else to stay stuck at 10.

[ClassAGuy]

Youth Hockey Hub Class "A" Rankings (2/6/22)
1 Hermantown (7A)
2 Warroad (8A)
3 Mahtomedi (4A)
4 Delano (2A)
5 Alexandria (6A)
6 Detroit Lakes (8A)
7 Northfield (1A)
8 Minneapolis (2A)
9 Fergus Falls (6A)
10 Providence Academy (2A)

YHH Commentary- Class A got a little jumbled this week rankings-wise. Warroad has a nail biter with TRF, Cambridge-Isanti falls to Northern Lakes and Alex keeps rolling through some good competition (Little Falls, Duluth Denfeld). Detroit Lakes will get a test this week with Little Falls. The Lakers are eyeing a 20 win season and a #2 seed in 8A.

[Rails Hockey]

Section 7A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Hermantown (1)- (19-2-0)
2- Duluth Denfeld (11)- (15-8-0)
3- Proctor (14-7-1)
4- Hibbing- (10-11-0)
5- Rock Ridge- (10-9-1)
6- Greenway- (9-9-0)
7- International Falls- (5-13-0)
8- North Shore- (4-15-0)
9- Ely- (4-16-0)
10- Moose Lake- (2-16-0)

Section 7A Overview- Section 7A behind Hermantown is about avoiding the Hawks until the Section Championship Game. Duluth Denfeld stays at two and I don't see that changing for now. Proctor moved up to 3 with the crucial 2nd win of the series over Hibbing. Rock Ridge has the most to gain, they still have the Hawks, Rails, Raider and BlueJackets left they could rise all the way to the 2 seed. Greenway looks stuck at 6 due to the fact they don't play the Rails!?!? International Falls beat North Shore and Ely owns the head to head win over Moose Lake.

Greenway chose not to play Proctor this year. Rails tried to schedule them. Rails at home vs. Rock Ridge Friday is a big game for both teams.

[ClassAGuy]

Section 7A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Hermantown (1)- (19-2-0)
2- Duluth Denfeld (11)- (15-8-0)
3- Proctor (14-7-1)
4- Hibbing- (10-11-0)
5- Rock Ridge- (10-9-1)
6- Greenway- (9-9-0)
7- International Falls- (5-13-0)
8- North Shore- (4-15-0)
9- Ely- (4-16-0)
10- Moose Lake- (2-16-0)

Section 7A Overview- Section 7A behind Hermantown is about avoiding the Hawks until the Section Championship Game. Duluth Denfeld stays at two and I don't see that changing for now. Proctor moved up to 3 with the crucial 2nd win of the series over Hibbing. Rock Ridge has the most to gain, they still have the Hawks, Rails, Raider and BlueJackets left they could rise all the way to the 2 seed. Greenway looks stuck at 6 due to the fact they don't play the Rails!?!? International Falls beat North Shore and Ely owns the head to head win over Moose Lake.

Greenway chose not to play Proctor this year. Rails tried to schedule them. Rails at home vs. Rock Ridge Friday is a big game for both teams.

Thanks Rails Hockey! Makes ZERO sense on Greenway's side and looks like that choice will come back to haunt them in seeding. Agreed big one this weekend for Proctor need a win over Rock Ridge to stay 3. Regardless, a very nice season for Proctor this winter!

[elliott70]

QRF 2-7-22
1 Hermantown (18-2) 121.5
2 Warroad (16-3-1) 106.0
3 Minneapolis (16-4-1) 86.8
4 Duluth Denfeld (14-8) 83.9
5 Little Falls (19-3) 83.3
6 Delano (14-6) 81.9
7 Northfield (13-5-1) 79.3
8 Fergus Falls (14-7) 77.5
8 Mahtomedi (9-10-1) 77.5
10 Providence Academy (17-4-1) 76.6
11 Detroit Lakes (16-4) 75.5
12 Alexandria (12-6-1) 74.9
13 Cambridge-Isanti (16-4-1) 74.1
14 Chisago Lakes Area (15-3-1) 73.2
15 Proctor (13-6-1) 70.2
16 Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (13-7-1) 68.3
17 Red Lake Falls (13-4) 67.1
18 Simley (15-6-1) 66.9
19 St. Cloud Cathedral (11-10) 65.5
20 Mankato East/Loyola (12-7-1) 65.3
21 Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota (15-6) 64.8
22 New Ulm (17-6) 64.7
23 Southwest Christian/Richfield (10-10-1) 63.8
24 Albert Lea (14-6) 62.5
25 Thief River Falls (10-9) 62.3
26 Northern Lakes (13-8) 61.9
27 East Grand Forks (7-10) 60.9
28 Orono (10-10-1) 60.3
29 Wadena-Deer Creek (13-11) 58.4

[headsupsticksdown]

Maybe doesn’t mean much, but I thought RR played HTown pretty decent for 2 quarters there. If Janzig doesn’t bury that shot from right above the dots after RR tied it up, things could’ve gotten interesting…

[east hockey]

QRF 2-7-22
1 Hermantown (18-2) 121.5
2 Warroad (16-3-1) 106.0
3 Minneapolis (16-4-1) 86.8
4 Duluth Denfeld (14-8) 83.9
5 Little Falls (19-3) 83.3
6 Delano (14-6) 81.9
7 Northfield (13-5-1) 79.3
8 Fergus Falls (14-7) 77.5
8 Mahtomedi (9-10-1) 77.5
10 Providence Academy (17-4-1) 76.6
11 Detroit Lakes (16-4) 75.5
12 Alexandria (12-6-1) 74.9
13 Cambridge-Isanti (16-4-1) 74.1
14 Chisago Lakes Area (15-3-1) 73.2
15 Proctor (13-6-1) 70.2
16 Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (13-7-1) 68.3
17 Red Lake Falls (13-4) 67.1
18 Simley (15-6-1) 66.9
19 St. Cloud Cathedral (11-10) 65.5
20 Mankato East/Loyola (12-7-1) 65.3
21 Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota (15-6) 64.8
22 New Ulm (17-6) 64.7
23 Southwest Christian/Richfield (10-10-1) 63.8
24 Albert Lea (14-6) 62.5
25 Thief River Falls (10-9) 62.3
26 Northern Lakes (13-8) 61.9
27 East Grand Forks (7-10) 60.9
28 Orono (10-10-1) 60.3
29 Wadena-Deer Creek (13-11) 58.4

Attaway, Proctor! Top 15!

Lee

[ClassAGuy]

Tuesday Night (2/8/22) Class A Recap-

Class A Games of the Night-
#2 Warroad 6 #12 East Grand Forks 3
The Warriors used Sophomore Carson Pilgrim’s four goal 1st period to jump out to a big lead and never look back against East Grand Forks at home. The sweep of the Greenwave help the Warriors lock up the #1 seed in Section 8A and showed they are finding scoring depth as we near the playoffs.

Gentry Academy 7 #4 Minneapolis 6 OT
Minneapolis played what may have been one of the most entertaining games of the high school hockey season. They went toe to toe with the defending Class A Champions Gentry Academy. Hank Davis capped off a big 5 point night by scoring the go ahead goal at the midway mark of the third period to put Minneapolis up 7-6. However, Gentry was able to tie the last minutes of the third on a controversial goal and then win it quickly in overtime.

#5 Delano 4 Litchfield Dassel Cokato 3
The Tigers found themselves in a battle with 2A LDC. In a game that went back and forth and was very evenly played it was Gunnar Paulson that played the hero as he scored the GWG with just 15 seconds left in regulation while shorthanded and Delano picked up a key Section 2A win.

#15 Chisago Lakes 6 #13 Cambridge Isanti 3
The Wildcats picked up a big Mississippi 8 Conference win as they avenged their earlier season loss by defeating Cambridge this time around. The two Nikolas boys led the way as Nikolas Jinks had 4 points while Nikolas Helland had 3 points and Wildcats used a big three goal third period to break open a tie game and win on their home ice.

#14 Northfield 4 #19 Mankato East 2
Northfield won the rematch against 3A Favorite Mankato East 4-2. In a very even and entertaining game it was the Raiders Andrew Winter’s two goals that proved to be the difference. These top two Southern Class A clubs will play third time this Saturday due to both losing a game vs. Roseville in the Herb Brooks Classic earlier this winter.

Other Notable Class A Games
#1 Hermantown 5 Rock Ridge 1- The Hawks found themselves in a battle of the road with improving Rock Ridge; it was Beau Janzig’s goal 12:20 into the 2nd period that helped break open a tie game. The Hawks would go on to score three more after that and win their 20th game of the year.

#3 Mahtomedi 6 Breck 0- The Zephyrs were able to cruise past a Breck team that has been steadily improving of late. They jumped out to a two goal lead in the first period and that was more than enough as Ben Dardis recorded his 18th career shutout to set the state record.

#6 Alexandria 5 St. Cloud 4- Alexandria’s Tyler Kuldt’s second goal of the night near the end of the 2nd period appeared to put the Cards in total control as they led by three after two periods. Turns out they would need it as they held on for dear life in the third period where they were badly outplayed and snuck out with a one victory over a struggling St Cloud team.

#7 Detroit Lakes 5 Park Rapids 0- The Lakers got their week off to a rocky start as they found themselves tied 0-0 in a battle in the middle of the 2nd period against Park Rapids. However, Jordan Fields was able to take control of the game and put up three points after that and get the Lakers another win over a Mid-State/8A team.

#8 Fergus Falls 4 River Lakes 1- The Otters were able to get some revenge on what was the worst loss of their season earlier this year vs River Lakes. In the rematch Fergus was able to slowly build a three goal lead and Ben Swenson stopped 21 of 22 shots to help secure the win at home.

Benilde St Margrets 5 #16 Orono 2- Orono dropped back below .500 as they fell to a very good AA Red Knights Squad. Their former youth teammate Ben Norris had a big night against his former buddies as his three point night helped lead Benilde to the victory over the Spartans.

Roseau 8 #17 Thief River Falls 2- Thief River Falls was routed by the Rams to start the week. They were tied 1-1 after the 1st period of play but it was all Rams after that and they skated away to win an easy win over the outmatched Prowler team.

Totino Grace 4 #20 St. Cloud Cathedral 1- The Crusaders continued their poor play since the turn of the new year as they were outshot 37-15 and were easily beaten by AA Totino Grace to drop their record to (3-8-0) since the start of 2022.

UPSET OF THE NIGHT
Coon Rapids 5 #18 Simley 4
Simley dropped a surprising game to Coon Rapids. The game was tightly contested throughout and it was the Spartans who grabbed a 4-3 lead early in the third period. However, it was Coon Rapids who would tie the game up and then win it with only 12 seconds left to complete the upset over Simley.

[OldManRiver]

UPSET OF THE NIGHT
Coon Rapids 5 #18 Simley 4
Simley dropped a surprising game to struggling Coon Rapids. The game was tightly contested throughout and it was the Spartans who grabbed a 4-3 lead early in the third period. However, it was Coon Rapids who would tie the game up and then win it with only 12 seconds left to complete the upset over Simley.

Coon Rapids has a young core that can play. The issue for them (as always) will be can they keep them from leaving to greener pastures.

[ClassAGuy]

UPSET OF THE NIGHT
Coon Rapids 5 #18 Simley 4
Simley dropped a surprising game to struggling Coon Rapids. The game was tightly contested throughout and it was the Spartans who grabbed a 4-3 lead early in the third period. However, it was Coon Rapids who would tie the game up and then win it with only 12 seconds left to complete the upset over Simley.

Coon Rapids has a young core that can play. The issue for them (as always) will be can they keep them from leaving to greener pastures.

Agreed Coon Rapids for years has been killed by kids leaving for other programs. YHH did a nice little segment about them earlier this winter being young and kids maybe sticking around on their podcast. The Upset was more in reference to a Senior heavy Simley team that has hopes to play for a Section 4A title can't drop this game at this point in the season if we are considering them a true threat and being ranked.

Again, be fun to see Coon Rapids have the talent stick around and make a run as they are now in 7AA.

[Sparlimb]

Can anyone explain why Mahtomedi is Class A for boys hockey and Class AA for Girls? Do they have different cutoff numbers for the two sports because there are less girl teams? Just surprised me.

[ClassAGuy]

Can anyone explain why Mahtomedi is Class A for boys hockey and Class AA for Girls? Do they have different cutoff numbers for the two sports because there are less girl teams? Just surprised me.

Girls have a different cutoff. Alexandria is another example of Boys at A but Girls at AA.

I think both Mahtomeidi and Alexandria getting closer to making the jump to AA for boys as they grow. Alex looks more likely in the near future than the Zephyrs. However, the AA schedule Mahtomedi has put together this year would indicate they may know they ump is coming soon.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

I'd venture to say that anytime "upset" is applied to a loss by the #18 team is Class A it is an abuse of that term.

[ClassAGuy]

I'd venture to say that anytime "upset" is applied to a loss by the #18 team is Class A it is an abuse of that term.

Brutal just because they are Class A doesnt mean they are no good. Yes Class A is down this year but the brand of hockey is much better every year. Simley is a senior laden team who is now (16-8-1) and looks like a top two seed in Section 4A. Losing to a young while improving 2nd to last place in the Northwest Suburban Conference (9-15-0) Coon Rapids for night in my eyes was an upset. Normally a top 20 ranked Class A team will beat the bottom tier AA teams. Again, Coon Rapids is improved and is light years ahead of their previous teams. To say though because they are Class A Top 20 it doesn't mean as much I will disagree with you there all day.

[ClassAGuy]

Thursday Night (2/10/22) Class A Recap-

Game of the Night-
#4 Minneapolis 6 #15 Chisago Lakes 3
Minneapolis fell behind 3-0 early but after the first period they dominated Chisago Lakes. They scored 6 unanswered goals and outhot the Wildcats 28-7 in final two periods Zander Zoia’s big three point night helped lead the way for a very nice home win.

Other Notable Class A Games
#5 Delano 7 Southwest Christian 1- Delano routed SWC 7-1 to finish off a good week in Section 2A play. Gunnar Paulson was again the hero racking up a big 4 point night and the Tigers finished their week on a strong note.

#11 Duluth Denfeld 3 Duluth Marshall 2- The Hunters were able to win a tight game over the Hilltoppers to claim the City of Duluth Championship to end their regular season.

Grand Forks Central 7 #12 East Grand Forks 1- East Grand Forks wrapped their week by getting routed on the road by Grand Forks Central. The Greenwave did play a good first period and tied the score at 1-1 but then the wheels fell off as they gave up 6 unanswered and suffered yet another defeat of giving up 5 or more goals.

#14 Northfield 5 Rochester Century 1- The Raiders cruised to another Big 9 win over Rochester Century as Caden Monson’s 4 point night helped lead the way to another conference victory.

#18 Simley 5 Bloomington Kennedy 2- The Spartans rebounded from a disappointing loss earlier this week and behind Matt Milner’s three point night they were able to claim a victory over Bloomington Kennedy.

Owatonna 3 #19 Mankato East 1- The Cougars jumped out to a 1-0 lead after 1 period vs Owatonna but it was all Huskies after that and Mankato East dropped another game in their recent poor stretch of play.

UPSET OF THE NIGHT
Breck 3 #10 Providence Academy 0
Providence Academy was shocked on the road by 2A rival Breck despite outshooting the Mustangs 47-27 they were unable to capitalize as the Breck goaltender shut down the Lions high powered offense. They pretty much seals the Providence’s fate as the #4 seed in Section 2A and they will have a very tough road to make it to their programs first ever appearance at state.

[skiumah]

Thanks for all your hard work on this thread.

[elliott70]

Let's Play Hockey Feb 9, 2022
1. Hermantown 20-2-0 1
2. Warroad 19-3-1 2
3. Mahtomedi 11-10-1 3
4. Delano/Rockford 15-6-0 4
5. Minneapolis 16-5-1 5
6. Alexandria 13-6-1 7
7. Little Falls 19-3-0 8
8. Fergus Falls 15-7-1 6
9. Detroit Lakes 17-4-0 9
10. Chisago Lakes 16-3-1 13
11. Providence Academy 17-4-1 11
12. Duluth Denfeld 15-8-0 10
13. Simley 15-8-1 12
14. Northfield 14-5-1 14
15. Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato 13-8-1 NR
16. New Ulm 17-6-0 15
17. Northern Lakes 13-8-0 NR
18. Cambridge-Isanti 16-5-1 16
19. Southwest Christian/Richfield 10-11-1 17
20. Proctor 14-7-1 NR
Other teams receiving votes:
Monticello, Mankato East/Loyola, Thief River Falls, East Grand Forks, St. Cloud Cathedral, Rochester Lourdes.

[elliott70]

Section probabilities

1 Northfield - may get a challenge from Rochester Lourdes, Albert Lea or New Prague

2 Minneapolis, Delano or Orono (should be the most interesting section tournament.) I would put money on Orono if the odds were right.

3 Mankato East or New Ulm

4 Mahtomedi - Simley may give them a game

5 Little Falls -

6 Alexandria - Fergus Falls may challenge

7 Hermantown

8 Warroad - game will be in East Grand Forks so....

In conclusion I see the state as
Northfield, Orono, MEast, Maht, Little Falls, Alex, Hermantown and Warroad.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

I'd venture to say that anytime "upset" is applied to a loss by the #18 team is Class A it is an abuse of that term.

Brutal just because they are Class A doesnt mean they are no good. Yes Class A is down this year but the brand of hockey is much better every year. Simley is a senior laden team who is now (16-8-1) and looks like a top two seed in Section 4A. Losing to a young while improving 2nd to last place in the Northwest Suburban Conference (9-15-0) Coon Rapids for night in my eyes was an upset. Normally a top 20 ranked Class A team will beat the bottom tier AA teams. Again, Coon Rapids is improved and is light years ahead of their previous teams. To say though because they are Class A Top 20 it doesn't mean as much I will disagree with you there all day.

Gimme aa break. One perennial topic here is whether or not one of the unraked teams will a first round game in March. It's happened so rarely that people here can tell us exactly when it last happened. So when you get down to #18... holy cow... Number 18 in AA isn't anything to shout about, but at least in AA lopsided quarter final games have become rare.

Let's all put on our big boy pants here. I don't cotton to the soft bigotry of low expectations in regards to Class A.

[ClassAGuy]

I'd venture to say that anytime "upset" is applied to a loss by the #18 team is Class A it is an abuse of that term.

Brutal just because they are Class A doesnt mean they are no good. Yes Class A is down this year but the brand of hockey is much better every year. Simley is a senior laden team who is now (16-8-1) and looks like a top two seed in Section 4A. Losing to a young while improving 2nd to last place in the Northwest Suburban Conference (9-15-0) Coon Rapids for night in my eyes was an upset. Normally a top 20 ranked Class A team will beat the bottom tier AA teams. Again, Coon Rapids is improved and is light years ahead of their previous teams. To say though because they are Class A Top 20 it doesn't mean as much I will disagree with you there all day.

Gimme aa break. One perennial topic here is whether or not one of the unraked teams will a first round game in March. It's happened so rarely that people here can tell us exactly when it last happened. So when you get down to #18... holy cow... Number 18 in AA isn't anything to shout about, but at least in AA lopsided quarter final games have become rare.

Let's all put on our big boy pants here. I don't cotton to the soft bigotry of low expectations in regards to Class A.

Wow Doubling down on a terrible take and then backing it with a off base argument.

Class A QF at State is due to unbalanced Sections based on Geography. Class A would have a great field but they honor giving 3A, 1A, & 5A a bid which historically don't have ranked teams in them to compete. AA Sections have schools with large enrollments and history 1AA use to be the black eye but even they have the Big Lakeville schools now. 3A is Southwest MN not hockey ground and small school basketball powers. 1A is small school southern teams I think its good for Class A to give those chance at State. AA Hockey is honestly the same Schools every year and I have NO problem with that but its always a Lakeville, Moorhead/Roseau, EP, AA Private Power (HM, STA,BSM maybe CDH this year, Edina or Wayzata and of recent years Andover or Rapids... I have no issue with this at all but the Sectionals are better spread out and honestly its the same teams at the top year after year... Same as in Class A its always going to be Hermantown, Mahtomedi and Warroad/EGF.... But there are many Sections that have good teams stay home due to being in those Sections. Same issues in AA so using the State Tournament is a Flawed argument in my mind.

2017 was the last Tourney were unseeded teams won Northfield and MAML at the time had close to AA enrollments and both upset Delano (1st year but still how that team lost to the Moose... another story) and a young Mahtomedi team.

Sorry getting off track....

My point is that a Top 20 Class A team normally beats a lower AA team. Thats why said upset Coon Rapids was a poor example as they are young and improving.

I just totally disagree with your jab that Class A doesn't have 20 quality teams every year. Your argument may have better ground this year as Class A is down as a whole but to use the State Tournament as an argument not the right one. MSHSL did add NP and Northfield back to 1A and moved LF and SCC over to 5A which should increase to a better Wednesday... Hermantown and Warroad are very good... The whole Hermantown thing is a different argument.

Just still dont agree that a Top 20 Class A team will always lose to a AA team argument. AA overall is much deeper and better then Class A they should be they are drawing from double the amount of kids or have hockey rich tradition like Roseau and Rapids. But Class A does have good teams and the Top 20 in A should be beating the lower half of AA. Simley is 70th overall on Pagestat which I really trust Coon Rapids is 85th... So when Simley loses to a team 15 spots lower then them in my eyes its an upset not a big one but an upset. Just cause they are Class A should have nothing to do with it.

[ClassAGuy]

I also want to make a point I do not think Class A is comparable to AA. The AA level is much deeper and stronger no arguments at all from me on that.

My point is that we have gotten to the point where the Top 20 in A shoudl be expected to beat the lower portion of AA like the 6-8 Seeds in AA Sections. To say because its an A School they are bad and no argument is to me sad. I have a passion for Class A the comment triggered me.

Just saying I think we are to a point in the State where when a Top 20 A losses to lower AA (Again 6-8 Seed) its an upset.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

Brutal just because they are Class A doesnt mean they are no good. Yes Class A is down this year but the brand of hockey is much better every year. Simley is a senior laden team who is now (16-8-1) and looks like a top two seed in Section 4A. Losing to a young while improving 2nd to last place in the Northwest Suburban Conference (9-15-0) Coon Rapids for night in my eyes was an upset. Normally a top 20 ranked Class A team will beat the bottom tier AA teams. Again, Coon Rapids is improved and is light years ahead of their previous teams. To say though because they are Class A Top 20 it doesn't mean as much I will disagree with you there all day.

Gimme aa break. One perennial topic here is whether or not one of the unraked teams will a first round game in March. It's happened so rarely that people here can tell us exactly when it last happened. So when you get down to #18... holy cow... Number 18 in AA isn't anything to shout about, but at least in AA lopsided quarter final games have become rare.

Let's all put on our big boy pants here. I don't cotton to the soft bigotry of low expectations in regards to Class A.

Wow Doubling down on a terrible take and then backing it with a off base argument.

Class A QF at State is due to unbalanced Sections based on Geography. Class A would have a great field but they honor giving 3A, 1A, & 5A a bid which historically don't have ranked teams in them to compete. AA Sections have schools with large enrollments and history 1AA use to be the black eye but even they have the Big Lakeville schools now. 3A is Southwest MN not hockey ground and small school basketball powers. 1A is small school southern teams I think its good for Class A to give those chance at State. AA Hockey is honestly the same Schools every year and I have NO problem with that but its always a Lakeville, Moorhead/Roseau, EP, AA Private Power (HM, STA,BSM maybe CDH this year, Edina or Wayzata and of recent years Andover or Rapids... I have no issue with this at all but the Sectionals are better spread out and honestly its the same teams at the top year after year... Same as in Class A its always going to be Hermantown, Mahtomedi and Warroad/EGF.... But there are many Sections that have good teams stay home due to being in those Sections. Same issues in AA so using the State Tournament is a Flawed argument in my mind.

2017 was the last Tourney were unseeded teams won Northfield and MAML at the time had close to AA enrollments and both upset Delano (1st year but still how that team lost to the Moose... another story) and a young Mahtomedi team.

Sorry getting off track....

My point is that a Top 20 Class A team normally beats a lower AA team. Thats why said upset Coon Rapids was a poor example as they are young and improving.

I just totally disagree with your jab that Class A doesn't have 20 quality teams every year. Your argument may have better ground this year as Class A is down as a whole but to use the State Tournament as an argument not the right one. MSHSL did add NP and Northfield back to 1A and moved LF and SCC over to 5A which should increase to a better Wednesday... Hermantown and Warroad are very good... The whole Hermantown thing is a different argument.

Just still dont agree that a Top 20 Class A team will always lose to a AA team argument. AA overall is much deeper and better then Class A they should be they are drawing from double the amount of kids or have hockey rich tradition like Roseau and Rapids. But Class A does have good teams and the Top 20 in A should be beating the lower half of AA. Simley is 70th overall on Pagestat which I really trust Coon Rapids is 85th... So when Simley loses to a team 15 spots lower then them in my eyes its an upset not a big one but an upset. Just cause they are Class A should have nothing to do with it.

I just totally disagree with your jab that Class A doesn't have 20 quality teams every year.

Just still dont agree that a Top 20 Class A team will always lose to a AA team argument.

Now you're putting words in my mouth.

[ClassAGuy]

Gimme aa break. One perennial topic here is whether or not one of the unraked teams will a first round game in March. It's happened so rarely that people here can tell us exactly when it last happened. So when you get down to #18... holy cow... Number 18 in AA isn't anything to shout about, but at least in AA lopsided quarter final games have become rare.

Let's all put on our big boy pants here. I don't cotton to the soft bigotry of low expectations in regards to Class A.

Wow Doubling down on a terrible take and then backing it with a off base argument.

Class A QF at State is due to unbalanced Sections based on Geography. Class A would have a great field but they honor giving 3A, 1A, & 5A a bid which historically don't have ranked teams in them to compete. AA Sections have schools with large enrollments and history 1AA use to be the black eye but even they have the Big Lakeville schools now. 3A is Southwest MN not hockey ground and small school basketball powers. 1A is small school southern teams I think its good for Class A to give those chance at State. AA Hockey is honestly the same Schools every year and I have NO problem with that but its always a Lakeville, Moorhead/Roseau, EP, AA Private Power (HM, STA,BSM maybe CDH this year, Edina or Wayzata and of recent years Andover or Rapids... I have no issue with this at all but the Sectionals are better spread out and honestly its the same teams at the top year after year... Same as in Class A its always going to be Hermantown, Mahtomedi and Warroad/EGF.... But there are many Sections that have good teams stay home due to being in those Sections. Same issues in AA so using the State Tournament is a Flawed argument in my mind.

2017 was the last Tourney were unseeded teams won Northfield and MAML at the time had close to AA enrollments and both upset Delano (1st year but still how that team lost to the Moose... another story) and a young Mahtomedi team.

Sorry getting off track....

My point is that a Top 20 Class A team normally beats a lower AA team. Thats why said upset Coon Rapids was a poor example as they are young and improving.

I just totally disagree with your jab that Class A doesn't have 20 quality teams every year. Your argument may have better ground this year as Class A is down as a whole but to use the State Tournament as an argument not the right one. MSHSL did add NP and Northfield back to 1A and moved LF and SCC over to 5A which should increase to a better Wednesday... Hermantown and Warroad are very good... The whole Hermantown thing is a different argument.

Just still dont agree that a Top 20 Class A team will always lose to a AA team argument. AA overall is much deeper and better then Class A they should be they are drawing from double the amount of kids or have hockey rich tradition like Roseau and Rapids. But Class A does have good teams and the Top 20 in A should be beating the lower half of AA. Simley is 70th overall on Pagestat which I really trust Coon Rapids is 85th... So when Simley loses to a team 15 spots lower then them in my eyes its an upset not a big one but an upset. Just cause they are Class A should have nothing to do with it.

I just totally disagree with your jab that Class A doesn't have 20 quality teams every year.

Just still dont agree that a Top 20 Class A team will always lose to a AA team argument.

Now you're putting words in my mouth.

No I am not your original brutal take was and I Quote-
"I'd venture to say that anytime "upset" is applied to a loss by the #18 team is Class A it is an abuse of that term."

Implying that there is not even 20 good teams in Class A to have an upset occur which triggered me. Class A is getting better and then your State tournament argument to defend it was even worse.

Glad to see you back tracking though from a terrible take.

Like I said I know many on the Forum love to still refer to the Class A field as things like "JV" and other garbage statements like that. I respect what AA hockey is and I just have a special passion for A hockey and it has grown over the years we are approaching 30 years soon. When you said that there was not even 18 good teams in Class A it triggered me. AA is king I get that but again Class A hockey does have a place and its something I am fond of and just couldn't let that comment slide. But we can agree to disagree because I want to get back to promoting Class A teams.