Grand Rapids

boblee · Post by **boblee** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 11:27 pm

Edina continues its Edina Classic dominance in 8-3 win over Grand Rapids.

http://grhshockey.com/teams/default.asp ... wsID=34198

Rich Clarke · Post by **Rich Clarke** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 11:39 pm

Pretty scary that Edina scores 8 with their leading scorer on the bench serving a game misconduct from the Rosemount game. Looks like they didn't miss a beat.

Edinahopkins · Post by **Edinahopkins** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 5:43 am

GR needs coach Joe Broking period end of story
John is a good assistant that's it he can't get
The best out of his players like joe could
The kids loved him last year he won the state
Championship with a group of kids as pwAA
That won 10 games the year before that
Went to state wIt hour their best player
That moved to high school coaching is
Everything what happened last night was
Embarrassing To Rapids hockey brothers
Two handing each other it's a gong show
I don't care what you reply they won't win
With out a good coach like east joe is the ticket

Edinahopkins · Post by **Edinahopkins** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 5:43 am

GR needs coach Joe Broking period end of story
John is a good assistant that's it he can't get
The best out of his players like joe could
The kids loved him last year he won the state
Championship with a group of kids as pwAA
That won 10 games the year before that
Went to state wIt hour their best player
That moved to high school coaching is
Everything what happened last night was
Embarrassing To Rapids hockey brothers
Two handing each other it's a gong show
I don't care what you reply they won't win
With out a good coach like east joe is the ticket

notTONIGHT · Post by **notTONIGHT** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 8:48 am

Edinahopkins wrote:GR needs coach Joe Broking period end of story
John is a good assistant that's it he can't get
The best out of his players like joe could
The kids loved him last year he won the state
Championship with a group of kids as pwAA
That won 10 games the year before that
Went to state wIt hour their best player
That moved to high school coaching is
Everything what happened last night was
Embarrassing To Rapids hockey brothers
Two handing each other it's a gong show
I don't care what you reply they won't win
With out a good coach like east joe is the ticket

Is this like a Grand Rapids Haiku attempt?

Mouse in the corner · Post by **Mouse in the corner** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 8:49 am

Rapids will be fine.

There are 2 different ways to look at this.

Right now this Rapids team is playing a really nasty schedule. When you have a 5 game stretch and the cupcake in there is a top ranked A team who could play AA and compete you know you are in deep. As it stands we all know about the BAM line and a couple of other guys who are forwards (Miller to name a name) are stepping up and are producing. That is good. The coaching staff is shifting lines trying combinations and biggest of all conditioning these kids. It takes time, they have time and are doing their job. They got a few goals last night which is a good thing. Yes, they have some issues at D. Most of them are youth and inexperience. Playing teams like Lakeville North and Edina is going to battle test these kids and will show them "the way" really quick. Assuming that the coaching staff can help these kids learn the lessons and not get frustrated this is a good thing. These kids are on a steep learning curve and are in deep water trying to learn. Can they learn? Can the coaches help them learn without rolling over and playing dead? Can the coaches find that right combination of kids who can/will work together? That is the big question. Right now they have a solid goalie in the Gerth kid has came up with big saves when they have been needed to keep the team in the game until they get going. Granted he is not Hunter Shepard but he is solid. He will work for them down the road when they need him.

The other way that this could be approached is to play a soft schedule. We see those teams who are rolling through the season blowing people up. Scoring 10 goals per game and shutting teams out. They (at least on paper) look great. Then they get into a situation where they are tested and they get beaten because they have issues that they did not have a chance to fix when it didn't count.

All in all this is the perfect spot for Rapids to be in. They are seeing their issues when it does not matter (face it, no matter what their regular season record is they still hvae to beat Elk River and Duluth East in the playoffs) and they have time to fix them. They are getting battle tested. They know who will step up and perform, who will lay down and quit, who needs work and what they need help with and etc.

All in all, Rapids goes to state this year out of 7AA and goes deep into tourney to face either oor both of the two teams that they have faced in the last 2 games. Lets see what the coaches have been able to teach them from the losses they they have suffered and see if this bunch can step up and fix the issues. I think they can and will.

alcloseshaver · Post by **alcloseshaver** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 8:58 am

Well stated, the most important games are played in March. Have scene Rapids twice and a young team like this will have growing pains. Should be a good one with the Elks who most likely roll through the last part of their schedule with a tough game at Blaine and maybe an improving MG team and East on Jan. 31st.

grandindian · Post by **grandindian** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 9:37 am

north_bear wrote:"You don't have enough talent to win on talent alone!!"

Frustrating to watch the 2nd and 3rd periods. Granted, Edina was playing very well but it seemed Rapids did not make an adjustment to try and slow them down and not enter the zone freely. They need to be more physical. Hunter Sheppard is not back there to save them anymore. Its hard to tell if they are physically or mentally exhausted. They have the talent to win and score but too many cute passes and not enough driving to the net or puck possession.

I hope this serves as a wake up call.

There are positives GR did tonight, for 1/3 of the game they beat the #2 team in the state. I thought Gerth played well in goal and saved some tough shots. But with Edina a lot higher % of shots are of the high class variety. The forwards showed they have skill and can move the puck and be creative. The lack of effort and competitiveness really bothers me.

Oh well, enough venting for now.

Amen! Every team needs to find an identity and if you don't have the roster to dominate, you have to have the work ethic to overcome. I did not see work ethic when Edina got some momentum. If nothing else, keep your feet moving and good things will happen.

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 9:43 am

Mouse in the Corner, you took the words right out of my mouth. I'm not gonna over react to one game here and there with a team that has a good number of young players with loads of potential. One thing I will say, and we'll find out on Saturday, is Elk River is not as far ahead of GR or anyone else in 7AA as some would like everyone else to believe. And I mean that with all due respect for the Elks, they are certainly a top 10 team, but they are not going to just cakewalk through this section. I think Jaremko is a good choice for Mr. Hockey, and they have a potent offense. But in the playoffs you have to get good defense and goaltending, and I'm skeptical about ER in that department. I think ER, GR, and East will be the top 3 seeds, with STMA being a close 4. Duluth East is on a dangerous path if they don't turn it around soon, given their 7AA results and potential to play one of them (Andover, STMA, CEC) in the quarterfinals that has already given them fits.

Mouse in the corner · Fri Dec 19, 2014 10:02 am

The biggest thing that this coaching staff needs to do right now is to put this group in a position to see what lessons are being taught to them and to help them learn them. This is a very talented bunch of kids who spent time in shadows and on JV teams and now that they are stepping out into the bright lights there are a few warts to be seen. All in all there is some strong potential here and if the coaches can prevent them from getting down on themselves and quitting they are going to take off. I think that once the season gets farther along (mid January or so) and they have their lines together like they want and the D is working as a team and the goalie is settled we will see them settle in, buckle down and go on a crazy tear peaking at just the right time. This is going to be fun to watch down the road as long as you are not a fan of Duluth East or Elk River.

hawkenjonny · Post by **hawkenjonny** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 10:24 am

Completely agree. Getting pounded by Edina 2/3 is not fun for the players or fans, but it is a valuable lesson for some of these young kids. Easy to look great when you play an easy schedule, then you wonder what happened when you step up the competition at playoff time. Learn the lessons and make adjustments now so you are ready in February. I think this team will surprise some people once they gel a bit more.

boblee · Post by **boblee** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 2:18 pm

I love the optimism. I heard Mileski say on KFAN today that "Edina dominated Grand Rapids 8-2." He didn't get the score or the game play right. It came down to execution and in my opinion conditioning last night. Edina is really good and was missing their top scorer, but I didn't feel they outplayed Grand Rapids 8-3.

Here is one thing I think is worth valid concern: goaltending. I have seen it on here and heard a lot last night that Gerth is playing well. He has a save percentage of .838. That's a serious concern. If Rapids gives up 30 shots, the average goals allowed will be 5 goals per game. That number isn't going to be a recipe for playoff success.

The focus should solely be on defense and goaltending right now. They should be able to score goals, but the defensive play falls off at times and I think Gerth let in 4 soft goals last night. He can be the guy, but he isn't yet in my opinion. I bet Troumbly plays tonight.

Go Rapids.

Sats81 · Post by **Sats81** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 2:37 pm

boblee wrote:I love the optimism. I heard Mileski say on KFAN today that "Edina dominated Grand Rapids 8-2." He didn't get the score or the game play right. It came down to execution and in my opinion conditioning last night. Edina is really good and was missing their top scorer, but I didn't feel they outplayed Grand Rapids 8-3.

Here is one thing I think is worth valid concern: goaltending. I have seen it on here and heard a lot last night that Gerth is playing well. He has a save percentage of .838. That's a serious concern. If Rapids gives up 30 shots, the average goals allowed will be 5 goals per game. That number isn't going to be a recipe for playoff success.

The focus should solely be on defense and goaltending right now. They should be able to score goals, but the defensive play falls off at times and I think Gerth let in 4 soft goals last night. He can be the guy, but he isn't yet in my opinion. I bet Troumbly plays tonight.

Mileski is a moron. Case closed.

Go Rapids.

hawkenjonny · Post by **hawkenjonny** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 2:39 pm

Can't disagree with any of that. Some aspects of play need to be addressed and shored up. Good to know that in December and have time to work on it. Always optimistic about my THawks!

Mouse in the corner · Post by **Mouse in the corner** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 3:04 pm

boblee wrote:I love the optimism. I heard Mileski say on KFAN today that "Edina dominated Grand Rapids 8-2." He didn't get the score or the game play right. It came down to execution and in my opinion conditioning last night. Edina is really good and was missing their top scorer, but I didn't feel they outplayed Grand Rapids 8-3.

Here is one thing I think is worth valid concern: goaltending. I have seen it on here and heard a lot last night that Gerth is playing well. He has a save percentage of .838. That's a serious concern. If Rapids gives up 30 shots, the average goals allowed will be 5 goals per game. That number isn't going to be a recipe for playoff success.

The focus should solely be on defense and goaltending right now. They should be able to score goals, but the defensive play falls off at times and I think Gerth let in 4 soft goals last night. He can be the guy, but he isn't yet in my opinion. I bet Troumbly plays tonight.

Go Rapids.

Not so sure I saw 4 soft ones last night but did see lots of times when there was an odd man rush or a D breakdown letting a back door goal pass go through. One was soft I thought and that was a short arm glove save that he missed. All in all though I still like Rapids' chances once they get their D shored up and get some scoring going.

TheInsider · Post by **TheInsider** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 4:47 pm

notTONIGHT wrote:
Edinahopkins wrote:GR needs coach Joe Broking period end of story
John is a good assistant that's it he can't get
The best out of his players like joe could
The kids loved him last year he won the state
Championship with a group of kids as pwAA
That won 10 games the year before that
Went to state wIt hour their best player
That moved to high school coaching is
Everything what happened last night was
Embarrassing To Rapids hockey brothers
Two handing each other it's a gong show
I don't care what you reply they won't win
With out a good coach like east joe is the ticket
Is this like a Grand Rapids Haiku attempt?

Nuts&Bolts · Post by **Nuts&Bolts** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 9:07 pm

GR will struggle to be a top 3 seed in 7AA. Sure theyll improve but so will every one else.

greenway1969 · Post by **greenway1969** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 9:49 pm

Don't think Rapids will improve much. Last year they didn't look any different from their first game (Bemidji) to their last game (East). They just don't seem to play with the intensity that past Rapids teams did. Until that happens, Rapids will struggle to win their first round game at sectionals.

green4 · Post by **green4** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 2:20 am

Tonight was a similar story I feel like for the Thunderhawks. Yes, they never had the lead, but I thought they were the better team for the first half of the game. They controlled play for large parts but it just wasn't going their way. They would have possession and then a quick Eagle transition and EP would score. Then about half way through the 2nd, the passes aren't as crisp, the team looks tired, the play gets a bit sloppy and EP takes over.
To me I thought some of the problems tonight was GR players not taking the open shot. They would always look for the perfect play or that extra pass instead of taking an open shot. That final pass never seemed to work and it resulted in a loss opportunity.
I thought #20 Micah Miller was the best Thunderhawk on the ice tonight. He was fast, took shots and drew all three EP penalties. He seems to have a bright future.

Overall, I think GR still does not have to worry too much yet. I think with this young of a team things will be challenging, but soon enough it will start to come together. Its still early in the season!

Bayside Tigers · Post by **Bayside Tigers** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 2:38 am

Hockey season doesn't begin until the feature 7AA matchup at the Edina Classic anyways. Can't wait for the ER & GR to butt heads tomorrow, always great entertainment watching their physical games as they battle for section seeds. The all cake, frosting & money everywhere matchup is usually a good encore, as well. Gotta love the crosstown, backyard rivalries. This one might be my second favorite in the state behind Hill & White Bear. I don't think those Edina & Eden Prairie kids even have any hockey equipment in their bags, it's just large sums of money.

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 8:49 am

Rapids has never done well vs Edina or EP in this classic. They are 6-3 all time vs Elk River in the Edina Classic. 8-3 in that span if you include the playoffs. People look at the losing streak, but keep in mind who they've played, should of beat Warroad. I think Rapids could go back on a long winning streak starting tonight. They have a tough game in a couple weeks at home vs Mahtomedi. They also play Cloquet next week. So the next two are 7AA games. The thing to remember is the goal is to get to state and Lakeville North, Edina, and Eden Prairie are not in 7AA, so no need to worry about results against them but just take away knowing how much improvement needs to be made to hang with those teams if you get to state. Whoever wins the the game tonight between Rapids and ER will be in the drivers seat to claim the #1 seed with a win vs Duluth East later in the year and no major letdowns. #1 seed will be nice in that it will be the only free pass to semi-final Saturday, and a slightly easier semi-final game. I expect STMA to be in that 4 spot. They are improved, but if you look at STMA's schedule they have it so easy I wonder if they'll be ready for the 7AA intensity in sections. Andover has some quality goaltending, but they don't seem to have enough else to be a threat. I'd be far more leary of Cloquet in sections and Forest Lake has a decent enough top line to cause problems.

alcloseshaver · Post by **alcloseshaver** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:09 am

Possible scenarios, GR beats ER then loses to East and ER beats East and has a much better overall record without playing so many class A schools. The debating will be endless. ER beats GR but loses to East and GR beats East. Head spinning yet? 7AA is the best for seeding arguments. If ER can finally get a win tonight it would go a long ways towards securing the coveted 1 seed. Wait? What? I forgot about the "Randolph Factor"...

greenway1969 · Post by **greenway1969** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:21 am

Since Rapids is in a weak section, they do have a chance to go to state. They have six games remaining (Elk River, Mahtomedi, Hermantown, Duluth East, Wayzata, White Bear) against top 20 teams. They have six games remaining against solid teams (Moorhead, Andover, Hopkins, Cloquet (2), and Denfeld). If they split against the top 20 teams and win 5 of 6 against the solid teams, then I would say Rapids has a good chance at going to state because they'd have proven themselves. Otherwise they turn out to be an average team that could lose in the first round.

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:30 am

alcloseshaver wrote:Possible scenarios, GR beats ER then loses to East and ER beats East and has a much better overall record without playing so many class A schools. The debating will be endless. ER beats GR but loses to East and GR beats East. Head spinning yet? 7AA is the best for seeding arguments. If ER can finally get a win tonight it would go a long ways towards securing the coveted 1 seed. Wait? What? I forgot about the "Randolph Factor"...

So many Class A schools? Rapids dumped at least 3 Class A games because of that argument, also I hate that blind classification where people label teams talent wise based solely on what class they are in. Given the NWSC is down this year, I would say Grand Rapids plays a MUCH tougher schedule than Elk River, particularly after this weekend. Teams like Duluth Marshall and Hermantown are far better than Blaine/Maple Grove this year, not even close.

alcloseshaver · Post by **alcloseshaver** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:56 am

TheHockeyDJ wrote:
alcloseshaver wrote:Possible scenarios, GR beats ER then loses to East and ER beats East and has a much better overall record without playing so many class A schools. The debating will be endless. ER beats GR but loses to East and GR beats East. Head spinning yet? 7AA is the best for seeding arguments. If ER can finally get a win tonight it would go a long ways towards securing the coveted 1 seed. Wait? What? I forgot about the "Randolph Factor"...
So many Class A schools? Rapids dumped at least 3 Class A games because of that argument, also I hate that blind classification where people label teams talent wise based solely on what class they are in. Given the NWSC is down this year, I would say Grand Rapids plays a MUCH tougher schedule than Elk River, particularly after this weekend. Teams like Duluth Marshall and Hermantown are far better than Blaine/Maple Grove this year, not even close.

With all due respect DJ the NWSC is basically a two-tiered league. The are some very weak programs but the top half is always going to be as good as anyone in the state, see Blaine over Hill, Centennial Vs East. Andover and MG burgeoning youth programs. I love the passion but to say those teams are Far Better than Blaine and it's not even close might lead me to believe your coffee was little strong this morning.