White Bear Lake-Ups and Downs

[blanco oso]

So do you think that maybe WB might finally beat HM this year? I realize it has been years since this has happened so I guess here is your chance WB. Boy, just imagine the feeling that if, by some weird chance, that HM & WB meet again in sections. All WB has to do is beat a team that lost "3 of their top 5 players" and they get to return to State. And what would that feeling be like if, say, HM finds a way to win said game? Nahhh, never happen. Hill has no chance...they are done...put a fork in em! It appears HM has every excuse why they didn't win sections, but what will be WB's excuse if they fail? Seems like a lot of pressure WB...don't grip those sticks too tight.

way its lookin now they would meet in the semis. and weve had an excuse ever since sager started coaching...

[youngblood08]

So do you think that maybe WB might finally beat HM this year? I realize it has been years since this has happened so I guess here is your chance WB. Boy, just imagine the feeling that if, by some weird chance, that HM & WB meet again in sections. All WB has to do is beat a team that lost "3 of their top 5 players" and they get to return to State. And what would that feeling be like if, say, HM finds a way to win said game? Nahhh, never happen. Hill has no chance...they are done...put a fork in em! It appears HM has every excuse why they didn't win sections, but what will be WB's excuse if they fail? Seems like a lot of pressure WB...don't grip those sticks too tight.

As pointed out earlier, WBL almost beat HM last year in the section final even though they were down 4 significant players from the previous year. Given HM had around 90 kids tryout for their hockey program, it won't be a surprise if they make it to state again this year. Not to mention that HM still has some top end players that played "Elites" this past summer when WBL had none.

Lets just say the section winner this year is up for grabs with a number of teams capable. None of which is a power in the state of hockey!

That would be a good statement if they all deserved to be there.

[Hockeyfan#8]

Who would you rather play with Lowell and Slator that is fast enough to keep up with them?

Swanson is the best Center that White Bear has... he deserves to be their first line center more than anyone else.

swanson is the best on the team in faceoffs won, isn't weak with the puck, and is faster then 80%of the kids out there

Ya and how many more faceoffs taken does he have?

[BodyShots]

WOW, what a pleasant surprise to see WBL actually attacking the opposition on the penalty kill last night vs Flake. Flake didn't generate any scoring opportunities on the power play and even had a couple of long 5 on 3's. Maybe the WBL coaches actually read these posts and got some ideas!

I also thought Wolter's played his best game. He was very agressive with the puck around the net and played the body more than anytime during the year. Good job Ryan.

Now Bears, lets build off this and gain momentum next week with solid performances against Park and Moundsview.

[formerlybackofnet]

So do you think that maybe WB might finally beat HM this year? I realize it has been years since this has happened so I guess here is your chance WB. Boy, just imagine the feeling that if, by some weird chance, that HM & WB meet again in sections. All WB has to do is beat a team that lost "3 of their top 5 players" and they get to return to State. And what would that feeling be like if, say, HM finds a way to win said game? Nahhh, never happen. Hill has no chance...they are done...put a fork in em! It appears HM has every excuse why they didn't win sections, but what will be WB's excuse if they fail? Seems like a lot of pressure WB...don't grip those sticks too tight.

way its lookin now they would meet in the semis. and weve had an excuse ever since sager started coaching...

It's way to early to pick seedings. Unless Hill really falls apart, they will probably still be the #1 seeed, and if WBL finishes strong with wins over Roseville, Stillwater,Cretin and Woodbury, they could be #2.

[youngblood08]

they played Flake!

[The Gumper]

This is why no school should have a combination coach/AD.

An excellent point, even if a digression from the topic.

[SECBLUES]

Ive been looking at almost ever post for WBL games and it seems that after every game, win OR lose, a new topic arrises about their "inconsitency". Now I agree with the topic, and would like to make a thread where people can talk about it without it overpowering another topic/thread.
Heres a look at the schedule:
Century:7-1 W
Fargo:4-3 L
Moorhead:6-3 L
Forest Lake:5-1 W
Woodbury(10):3-2 L
Cloquet:4-0 W
Park:8-1 W
Moundsview:2-1 W
Hill(12)(#2 at the time):5-2 L
Centennial(4):6-5 W
Holy Angels(9):4-4 T(shootout win for schwanns goes to AHA)
Minnetonka(7):7-2 L
Stillwater(15):2-1 L
Hastings:9-0 W
Roseville:2-0 L
CDH:4-2 W
East(6):6-3 L

Now, looking at the schedule, do you blame WB's inconsistency, or do you blame others being inconsistent as well? Hastings:tied stillwater and roseville
Woodbury:tied forest lake, OT with hastings
Roseville:tied hastings, lost to CDH
CDH:Beat roseville, lost to WB

i mean, it seems like WB is taking all the pressure for inconsistency, and other teams either arent getting credit, or make excuses. which one is it?
WB sits at 7-1-7 with some easier matchups coming up. How will they finish?

First of all you just included Woodbury in an inconsistant group. With a record of 14-1-2, and there only loss to Edina who is argueably the #1 team in state. Every team in the state is going to have a hiccup or two during a season, but i dont think i would call it in consistant. White bear was used to having seasons boasting great records, in the last few this was not the story. The competition in the SEC is a lot better than it use to be when White Bear dominated. They are no longer on top of the food chain. Get over it. Both Roseville and Woodbury will probably sweep home and away against White bear this year, with a outside chance that stillwater will do the same. I am not saying that all the talent is gone in Bear town, but it will be a few years until they will be able to compete for a conference title again. With White Bears current record it is aembarrasing that they are currently ranked in the top 20 on the lets play hockey rankings. you are just over a 500 club.

[blanco oso]

First of all you just included Woodbury in an inconsistant group. With a record of 14-1-2, and there only loss to Edina who is argueably the #1 team in state. Every team in the state is going to have a hiccup or two during a season, but i dont think i would call it in consistant. White bear was used to having seasons boasting great records, in the last few this was not the story. The competition in the SEC is a lot better than it use to be when White Bear dominated. They are no longer on top of the food chain. Get over it. Both Roseville and Woodbury will probably sweep home and away against White bear this year, with a outside chance that stillwater will do the same. I am not saying that all the talent is gone in Bear town, but it will be a few years until they will be able to compete for a conference title again. With White Bears current record it is aembarrasing that they are currently ranked in the top 20 on the lets play hockey rankings. you are just over a 500 club. [/quote]

im not one to make excuses, but do you tihnk that since wb is back at full strength it will make a difference in how they finish? last night vs forest lake was the first time they had their whole team back in a long long time, and they looked pretty dang good.

[SECBLUES]

First of all you just included Woodbury in an inconsistant group. With a record of 14-1-2, and there only loss to Edina who is argueably the #1 team in state. Every team in the state is going to have a hiccup or two during a season, but i dont think i would call it in consistant. White bear was used to having seasons boasting great records, in the last few this was not the story. The competition in the SEC is a lot better than it use to be when White Bear dominated. They are no longer on top of the food chain. Get over it. Both Roseville and Woodbury will probably sweep home and away against White bear this year, with a outside chance that stillwater will do the same. I am not saying that all the talent is gone in Bear town, but it will be a few years until they will be able to compete for a conference title again. With White Bears current record it is aembarrasing that they are currently ranked in the top 20 on the lets play hockey rankings. you are just over a 500 club.

It will be interesting down the stretch. Between Stillwater, White Bear, Roseville, Cretin, and Woodbury, i find it a stretch that people outside this conference are calling it weak. 4 of these teams are ranked in the top twenty, and the top teams all play each other back to babck to back at the end of the season. even BJ doesnt have competition scheduled like that. I didn"t see that White bear was missing anyone when they suffered conference losses this season. thay have a lot of potential, but have a lot of growth to do on defense. Every one is talking about this is the year to beat Hill and get to the dance. Unfortunately Both WB and Hill will also have to get by Stillwater and Roseville to make that match up reality. in my opinion, i dont think either one will make it to the final this year. sorry.

im not one to make excuses, but do you tihnk that since wb is back at full strength it will make a difference in how they finish? last night vs forest lake was the first time they had their whole team back in a long long time, and they looked pretty dang good.[/quote]

[blanco oso]

First of all you just included Woodbury in an inconsistant group. With a record of 14-1-2, and there only loss to Edina who is argueably the #1 team in state. Every team in the state is going to have a hiccup or two during a season, but i dont think i would call it in consistant. White bear was used to having seasons boasting great records, in the last few this was not the story. The competition in the SEC is a lot better than it use to be when White Bear dominated. They are no longer on top of the food chain. Get over it. Both Roseville and Woodbury will probably sweep home and away against White bear this year, with a outside chance that stillwater will do the same. I am not saying that all the talent is gone in Bear town, but it will be a few years until they will be able to compete for a conference title again. With White Bears current record it is aembarrasing that they are currently ranked in the top 20 on the lets play hockey rankings. you are just over a 500 club.

It will be interesting down the stretch. Between Stillwater, White Bear, Roseville, Cretin, and Woodbury, i find it a stretch that people outside this conference are calling it weak. 4 of these teams are ranked in the top twenty, and the top teams all play each other back to babck to back at the end of the season. even BJ doesnt have competition scheduled like that. I didn"t see that White bear was missing anyone when they suffered conference losses this season. thay have a lot of potential, but have a lot of growth to do on defense. Every one is talking about this is the year to beat Hill and get to the dance. Unfortunately Both WB and Hill will also have to get by Stillwater and Roseville to make that match up reality. in my opinion, i dont think either one will make it to the final this year. sorry.

im not one to make excuses, but do you tihnk that since wb is back at full strength it will make a difference in how they finish? last night vs forest lake was the first time they had their whole team back in a long long time, and they looked pretty dang good.

[/quote]

wolters, hoffman,gjerde and dolfay were either out or had been out up until last nights game. i could not tell you exactly what games they were out for. except hoffman-hastings cretin and maybe stillwater. but i can for sure say its been a long long time since they have been 100%

[youngblood08]

First of all you just included Woodbury in an inconsistant group. With a record of 14-1-2, and there only loss to Edina who is argueably the #1 team in state. Every team in the state is going to have a hiccup or two during a season, but i dont think i would call it in consistant. White bear was used to having seasons boasting great records, in the last few this was not the story. The competition in the SEC is a lot better than it use to be when White Bear dominated. They are no longer on top of the food chain. Get over it. Both Roseville and Woodbury will probably sweep home and away against White bear this year, with a outside chance that stillwater will do the same. I am not saying that all the talent is gone in Bear town, but it will be a few years until they will be able to compete for a conference title again. With White Bears current record it is aembarrasing that they are currently ranked in the top 20 on the lets play hockey rankings. you are just over a 500 club.

It will be interesting down the stretch. Between Stillwater, White Bear, Roseville, Cretin, and Woodbury, i find it a stretch that people outside this conference are calling it weak. 4 of these teams are ranked in the top twenty, and the top teams all play each other back to babck to back at the end of the season. even BJ doesnt have competition scheduled like that. I didn"t see that White bear was missing anyone when they suffered conference losses this season. thay have a lot of potential, but have a lot of growth to do on defense. Every one is talking about this is the year to beat Hill and get to the dance. Unfortunately Both WB and Hill will also have to get by Stillwater and Roseville to make that match up reality. in my opinion, i dont think either one will make it to the final this year. sorry.

im not one to make excuses, but do you tihnk that since wb is back at full strength it will make a difference in how they finish? last night vs forest lake was the first time they had their whole team back in a long long time, and they looked pretty dang good.

wolters, hoffman,gjerde and dolfay were either out or had been out up until last nights game. i could not tell you exactly what games they were out for. except hoffman-hastings cretin and maybe stillwater. but i can for sure say its been a long long time since they have been 100%[/quote]



I believe WBL had all of them for the Stillwater game.

[blanco oso]

[quote="youngblood08]I believe WBL had all of them for the Stillwater game.[/quote] young blood i could be wrong but stillwater was after the schwanns cup and i think gjerde was out for a week or two with that concussion, i could be mistaken and he may have came back but i think he was out.

[blanco oso]

First of all you just included Woodbury in an inconsistant group. With a record of 14-1-2, and there only loss to Edina who is argueably the #1 team in state.

now can i include them in this "inconsistent" group after thier loss to flake..."agrueably" the worst team in the SEC along with hastings and park?

[Minn State of Mind]

First of all you just included Woodbury in an inconsistant group. With a record of 14-1-2, and there only loss to Edina who is argueably the #1 team in state.

now can i include them in this "inconsistent" group after thier loss to flake..."agrueably" the worst team in the SEC along with hastings and park?

No...you can't. Losing to a weaker team just once would still not make them inconsistent. From looking at their schedule, I would guess they might win the rest of their regular season games, or atleast come close. They would have to lose to a couple weaker teams they play like Hastings, Park, or Mounds View along the way before you could call them inconsistent. I mean just look at their record, IMO you can't have 2 losses and be considered inconsistent

[blanco oso]

First of all you just included Woodbury in an inconsistant group. With a record of 14-1-2, and there only loss to Edina who is argueably the #1 team in state.

now can i include them in this "inconsistent" group after thier loss to flake..."agrueably" the worst team in the SEC along with hastings and park?

No...you can't. Losing to a weaker team just once would still not make them inconsistent. From looking at their schedule, I would guess they might win the rest of their regular season games, or atleast come close. They would have to lose to a couple weaker teams they play like Hastings, Park, or Mounds View along the way before you could call them inconsistent. I mean just look at their record, IMO you can't have 2 losses and be considered inconsistent

what about tying forest lake earlier, and south st paul. and actually having to go into overtime with hastings. i know i know, a wins a wins your correct. their record is impressive...idk, i just cant hit the nail on the head with woodbury. they are winning but its in a quiet sort of way without much notice i guess

[hockeyhockeyhockey]

WB what can you say.

this team is a total non factor... semi final loser..not worth thinking about. little to no talent on Def or on Off..

[hockeyxfan01]

First of all you just included Woodbury in an inconsistant group. With a record of 14-1-2, and there only loss to Edina who is argueably the #1 team in state.

now can i include them in this "inconsistent" group after thier loss to flake..."agrueably" the worst team in the SEC along with hastings and park?

No...you can't. Losing to a weaker team just once would still not make them inconsistent. From looking at their schedule, I would guess they might win the rest of their regular season games, or atleast come close. They would have to lose to a couple weaker teams they play like Hastings, Park, or Mounds View along the way before you could call them inconsistent. I mean just look at their record, IMO you can't have 2 losses and be considered inconsistent

Almost every team has some inconsistency. White Bear is just worse than most.

[BarryMcConnell]

Could the inconsistency of play be due to something such as preperation???? Hmmm, I think I'm on to something! Spoke with a few players last week and there seems to be a common theme here. I hate to beat a dead horse but at what time do we look into this and do something about it??
Let's look at their wins this season: Century, FL, Cloquet, Park, MV, Centennial, Hastings, Cretin and FL again. Wow!!! Very impressive (insert sarcasm here). I'm sick of hearing that the talent level just isn't there. The talent is there at the player level. I wish I could say that for who's "coaching" them!! I use the word "coach" very lightly when speaking on this subject.
Sorry to beat the dead horse, now go back to talking about wins and losses.

[wbmd]

Could the inconsistency of play be due to something such as preperation???? Hmmm, I think I'm on to something! Spoke with a few players last week and there seems to be a common theme here. I hate to beat a dead horse but at what time do we look into this and do something about it??
Let's look at their wins this season: Century, FL, Cloquet, Park, MV, Centennial, Hastings, Cretin and FL again. Wow!!! Very impressive (insert sarcasm here). I'm sick of hearing that the talent level just isn't there. The talent is there at the player level. I wish I could say that for who's "coaching" them!! I use the word "coach" very lightly when speaking on this subject.
Sorry to beat the dead horse, now go back to talking about wins and losses.

You are definitely correct. The problem is the coaching.

[Pioneerprideguy]

The problem is not, I repeat, not coaching. The coaching staff is doing a great job so please leave them alone! Let's see, ummm, when WB has lost they just didn't get the breaks...they ran into hot goalies...ummm...the refs had it out for them...some kids were sick/hurt...ummm...the ice was bad. See, there are numerous reasons for WB's issues this year. But understand, they have the right coaches in place so please, please, don't think about making any coaching changes there.

[wbmd]

The problem is not, I repeat, not coaching. The coaching staff is doing a great job so please leave them alone! Let's see, ummm, when WB has lost they just didn't get the breaks...they ran into hot goalies...ummm...the refs had it out for them...some kids were sick/hurt...ummm...the ice was bad. See, there are numerous reasons for WB's issues this year. But understand, they have the right coaches in place so please, please, don't think about making any coaching changes there.

Only so that they can continue losing to Hill-Murray every year.

[BarryMcConnell]

Does anyone know Sager's record against Hill??? Something along the lines of 0-12!! Didn't the Michigan football coach get fired because he couldn't beat their biggest rival in Ohio State??

Pioneerprideguy has it right. WB should keep the band of misfit coaches around. We'll never have a chance to beat the Pioneers as long as he's here!

[mustangman]

Sounds like a couple of the people in the youth program are upset and talking tough again behind fake names. Easy to sit and complain but you have no credability. We know you like to whine WBMD, all you do is bash so we know it's personal. Barry is probably one of your friends you talked into joining you here. Thank god the real hockey people know the difference. I sit over at Mounds view and we even hear what a bunch of goofballs some of you people are in the WB youth program.

[TheNightman]

Everyone keeps saying this team isn't as talented as they used to be, which I agree with but in regards to having no D1 players I would think Birnkinbine has a good chance. It may be too early to say, but if he keeps up the way he has been playing he'll be D1. Wahlin possibly could be too, but he's pretty small. That line of Birki, Wahlin and Wolter is the best thing they've got going right now.