The Bruce Plante Show, 2013 Edition

[Northhcky]

Bruce is not only a great guy but a fantastic coach always having a competitive team despite low numbers.

Hermantown has 12 Mite Teams. Most Associations would kill to have "low" numbers like that.

Don't think Bruce coaches mites lol. Yes they have 12 mite teams but you forgot to mention that they only have 4 Squirt teams, 4 PeeWee teams, 3 Bantam teams and only 38 HS kids try outs this year. Mites have nothing to do with your HS program as most filter out as do in other programs. 38 HS kids at tryout is not many, im sure there are a lot of less successful programs in the state that have higher numbers than that. Bruce has done a fantastic job over the years despite being a small school. And FYI i don't live in Hermantown and my boys are long past HS but i have to respect what Bruce has done in his career at Hermantown.

[Northhcky]

Bruce is not only a great guy but a fantastic coach always having a competitive team despite low numbers.

Hermantown has 12 Mite Teams. Most Associations would kill to have "low" numbers like that.

NOT only that (low numbers comment)...how many kids does Roseau have? hmm

Not sure how many Roseau had try out. Why don't you fill us in? There are exceptions to everything but 38 at tryout im sure is small compared to most AA schools. How many kids do the metro AA teams have try out? hmm

[defense]

I dnt really care if hermantown ever goes as, but those numbers are very good for that size school.

[Rocketwrister]

Bruce is not only a great guy but a fantastic coach always having a competitive team despite low numbers.

Hermantown has 12 Mite Teams. Most Associations would kill to have "low" numbers like that.

NOT only that (low numbers comment)...how many kids does Roseau have? hmm

Not sure how many Roseau had try out. Why don't you fill us in? There are exceptions to everything but 38 at tryout im sure is small compared to most AA schools. How many kids do the metro AA teams have try out? hmm

No idea on how many Roseau had try out. 38 small for try out? How many does Rapids, or CEC have try out? I'd guess it isn't much more if more then 38 kids.

Fact of the matter is, Plante has been talking about this "exploring AA" for 10 + years. HE won't do it, he won't make the move. Again, no one would of heard of Bruce Plante if it wasn't for A hockey.

[almostashappy]

NOT only that (low numbers comment)...how many kids does Roseau have? hmm

Not sure how many Roseau had try out. Why don't you fill us in? There are exceptions to everything but 38 at tryout im sure is small compared to most AA schools. How many kids do the metro AA teams have try out? hmm

No idea on how many Roseau had try out. 38 small for try out? How many does Rapids, or CEC have try out? I'd guess it isn't much more if more then 38 kids.

There can be a big difference between the number of kids who try out for the high school program, and the number of kids who are eligible to try out for their high school team.

Large suburban schools have lots of kids who play on Jr. Gold/U16 teams that are eligible for their high school team, but don't bother to try out...either because they are realistic about their chances, or have been cut in previous years. So you can end up only having 40 trying out for Varsity, even though the pool of potential players is twice or three times as big.

If Hermantown doesn't have any U16 or Jr Gold teams (or kids who go out of district to find one), and if 38 really is the total number of eligible high school-aged players, then hats off to them for what they've done. I suspect, however, that the pool isn't quite as dainty as Plante makes it out to be.

[Northhcky]

Not sure how many Roseau had try out. Why don't you fill us in? There are exceptions to everything but 38 at tryout im sure is small compared to most AA schools. How many kids do the metro AA teams have try out? hmm

No idea on how many Roseau had try out. 38 small for try out? How many does Rapids, or CEC have try out? I'd guess it isn't much more if more then 38 kids.

There can be a big difference between the number of kids who try out for the high school program, and the number of kids who are eligible to try out for their high school team.

Large suburban schools have lots of kids who play on Jr. Gold/U16 teams that are eligible for their high school team, but don't bother to try out...either because they are realistic about their chances, or have been cut in previous years. So you can end up only having 40 trying out for Varsity, even though the pool of potential players is twice or three times as big.

If Hermantown doesn't have any U16 or Jr Gold teams (or kids who go out of district to find one), and if 38 really is the total number of eligible high school-aged players, then hats off to them for what they've done. I suspect, however, that the pool isn't quite as dainty as Plante makes it out to be.

Hermantown has neither a U16 or a Jr Gold team. There is or was a Jr Gold program in Duluth and i know there has been a few players that were cut from Hermantowns tryouts and did play there and then tried out for the HS team again the next year but it's tough to get in once cut. Not sure if any ever have or not. But 38 is what Bruce started out with in the fall tryouts. Thats a little low this year, i think it's usually in the low to mid 40's.

[Bigcat99]

No idea on how many Roseau had try out. 38 small for try out? How many does Rapids, or CEC have try out? I'd guess it isn't much more if more then 38 kids.

There can be a big difference between the number of kids who try out for the high school program, and the number of kids who are eligible to try out for their high school team.

Large suburban schools have lots of kids who play on Jr. Gold/U16 teams that are eligible for their high school team, but don't bother to try out...either because they are realistic about their chances, or have been cut in previous years. So you can end up only having 40 trying out for Varsity, even though the pool of potential players is twice or three times as big.

If Hermantown doesn't have any U16 or Jr Gold teams (or kids who go out of district to find one), and if 38 really is the total number of eligible high school-aged players, then hats off to them for what they've done. I suspect, however, that the pool isn't quite as dainty as Plante makes it out to be.

Hermantown has neither a U16 or a Jr Gold team. There is or was a Jr Gold program in Duluth and i know there has been a few players that were cut from Hermantowns tryouts and did play there and then tried out for the HS team again the next year but it's tough to get in once cut. Not sure if any ever have or not. But 38 is what Bruce started out with in the fall tryouts. Thats a little low this year, i think it's usually in the low to mid 40's.

Pretty sure GR hasn't had as many as 38 in a few years now.

[MrBoDangles]

So they should only have twenty some kids try out to be in consideration for staying A? Sub some of their varsity in so they are able to have a jv team schedule?

Didn't Hill Murray or Edina have 80 try out a year or two ago?

[HawkeyPower]

This group of Juniors and Seniors only had around 4 mite teams when they were that age. The number jump came from people leaving Duluth because of the Schools Red Plan and just a general move to Hermantown. Plante has not been talking about the thought of moving up for over 10+ years. He has been pretty consistent on his thoughts of where Hermantown belongs. Now this coming year adding Wayzata, WBL and Brainerd and dropping Virginia, Red Wing and Little Falls has he toyed with getting a tougher schedule. These next two years playing 10 plus AA teams will help him decide what he wants to do. Besides I believe he and his players have wanted to opt up but their Principle and AD didn't allow it to happen

[east hockey]

This group of Juniors and Seniors only had around 4 mite teams when they were that age. The number jump came from people leaving Duluth because of the Schools Red Plan and just a general move to Hermantown. Plante has not been talking about the thought of moving up for over 10+ years. He has been pretty consistent on his thoughts of where Hermantown belongs. Now this coming year adding Wayzata, WBL and Brainerd and dropping Virginia, Red Wing and Little Falls has he toyed with getting a tougher schedule. These next two years playing 10 plus AA teams will help him decide what he wants to do. Besides I believe he and his players have wanted to opt up but their Principle and AD didn't allow it to happen

Well played.

Lee

[DMan-dad]

This group of Juniors and Seniors only had around 4 mite teams when they were that age. The number jump came from people leaving Duluth because of the Schools Red Plan and just a general move to Hermantown. Plante has not been talking about the thought of moving up for over 10+ years. He has been pretty consistent on his thoughts of where Hermantown belongs.

The Red Plan was part of it, but also open enrollment was very open the last few years. There are a LOT of Duluth (Piedmont and Heights) kids and Proctor (Twig) kids at the Bantam level right now.

Also, this is the first time I have heard Coach Plante even mention that he is thinking of moving up. With the PeeWee and Bantam skill level now, they would be fine for the next 6-8 years at AA. I bet Randolph would not be too excited to see the Hawks in his section.

[HawkeyPower]

This group of Juniors and Seniors only had around 4 mite teams when they were that age. The number jump came from people leaving Duluth because of the Schools Red Plan and just a general move to Hermantown. Plante has not been talking about the thought of moving up for over 10+ years. He has been pretty consistent on his thoughts of where Hermantown belongs.

The Red Plan was part of it, but also open enrollment was very open the last few years. There are a LOT of Duluth (Piedmont and Heights) kids and Proctor (Twig) kids at the Bantam level right now.

Also, this is the first time I have heard Coach Plante even mention that he is thinking of moving up. With the PeeWee and Bantam skill level now, they would be fine for the next 6-8 years at AA. I bet Randolph would not be too excited to see the Hawks in his section.

The Red Plan caused the closure of open enrollment, but yes there are kids that opened enrolled. That has been stated in many threads.
I agree. I think at the next opt up in two year it should/could be the time Hermantown makes the move. With the success and numbers in the youth levels it will be time.

[Tigers33]

This online anywhere??

[Froggy Richards]

This group of Juniors and Seniors only had around 4 mite teams when they were that age. The number jump came from people leaving Duluth because of the Schools Red Plan and just a general move to Hermantown. Plante has not been talking about the thought of moving up for over 10+ years. He has been pretty consistent on his thoughts of where Hermantown belongs.

The Red Plan was part of it, but also open enrollment was very open the last few years. There are a LOT of Duluth (Piedmont and Heights) kids and Proctor (Twig) kids at the Bantam level right now.

Also, this is the first time I have heard Coach Plante even mention that he is thinking of moving up. With the PeeWee and Bantam skill level now, they would be fine for the next 6-8 years at AA. I bet Randolph would not be too excited to see the Hawks in his section.

Do you know approximately how many Proctor/Twig kids are at the Bantam level in Hermantown? Unfortunately, Proctor is probably going to struggle for a few years as they have only a Bantam B team this year. The future looks pretty bright for them though as the Pewee A's have been rated all year and they are fielding 6 Mite Teams plus 3 in Twig. They have some great people in place at the lower levels that are very dedicated to building the program into a winner. It would be nice to see all of their kids stay moving forward.

[karl(east)]

Episode 2: After the 2 OT win over Breck.

First, Bruce introduces Zach Kramer as "good luck number 13, the hero of the day." He later adds, "we just call them that [heroes] mockingly. We slap 'em up when they get back in the locker room so their heads don't get too big."

How does Kramer feel right now? "Uh, pretty good." (Tongue firmly planted in cheek.) Was that just like any other goal "Yeah. Basically." Later: "It's the highlight of my life for sure. That's the fastest I've ever moved my skates."

Added Plante: "He's never scored a big goal before, so he didn't know what to do with himself. 'I guess I'll go celebrate with the fans or something.'"

Looking ahead to the finals, he noted that the Hawks didn't play as well as they could have last year, but in the previous two years, they just didn't get that break. "Why don't we get that break? They've already got enough."

Someone observes that he's toned down his grumblings about private schools this year. Bruce's response? A play-acting sigh, an eye roll, and saying that it just comes down getting a break.

A Duluth News-Tribune reporter asked if there would be some poetic justice in another match-up with St. Thomas. Bruce stares at the ceiling, sighs, and asks, "You're a local boy, why are you picking on me? I thought it would be one of these other guys."

[Sats81]

Episode 2: After the 2 OT win over Breck.

First, Bruce introduces Zach Kramer as "good luck number 13, the hero of the day." He later adds, "we just call them that [heroes] mockingly. We slap 'em up when they get back in the locker room so their heads don't get too big."

How does Kramer feel right now? "Uh, pretty good." (Tongue firmly planted in cheek.) Was that just like any other goal "Yeah. Basically." Later: "It's the highlight of my life for sure. That's the fastest I've ever moved my skates."

Added Plante: "He's never scored a big goal before, so he didn't know what to do with himself. 'I guess I'll go celebrate with the fans or something.'"

Looking ahead to the finals, he noted that the Hawks didn't play as well as they could have last year, but in the previous two years, they just didn't get that break. "Why don't we get that break? They've already got enough."

Someone observes that he's toned down his grumblings about private schools this year. Bruce's response? A sigh play-acting sigh, an eye roll, and saying that it just comes down getting a break.

A Duluth News-Tribune reporter asked if there would be some poetic justice in another match-up with St. Thomas. Bruce stares at the ceiling, sighs, and asks, "You're a local boy, why are you picking on me? I thought it would be one of these other guys."

BRUCE!!!!

[Terry Thompson III]

this is great!

[bemused]

Episode 2: After the 2 OT win over Breck.

First, Bruce introduces Zach Kramer as "good luck number 13, the hero of the day." He later adds, "we just call them that [heroes] mockingly. We slap 'em up when they get back in the locker room so their heads don't get too big."

How does Kramer feel right now? "Uh, pretty good." (Tongue firmly planted in cheek.) Was that just like any other goal "Yeah. Basically." Later: "It's the highlight of my life for sure. That's the fastest I've ever moved my skates."

Added Plante: "He's never scored a big goal before, so he didn't know what to do with himself. 'I guess I'll go celebrate with the fans or something.'"

Looking ahead to the finals, he noted that the Hawks didn't play as well as they could have last year, but in the previous two years, they just didn't get that break. "Why don't we get that break? They've already got enough."

Someone observes that he's toned down his grumblings about private schools this year. Bruce's response? A play-acting sigh, an eye roll, and saying that it just comes down getting a break.

A Duluth News-Tribune reporter asked if there would be some poetic justice in another match-up with St. Thomas. Bruce stares at the ceiling, sighs, and asks, "You're a local boy, why are you picking on me? I thought it would be one of these other guys."

Nice of Bruce to share the mike with one of the kids (briefly)....
God what an egomaniac...please shut up!!

[DMan-dad]

Do you know approximately how many Proctor/Twig kids are at the Bantam level in Hermantown? Unfortunately, Proctor is probably going to struggle for a few years as they have only a Bantam B team this year. The future looks pretty bright for them though as the Pewee A's have been rated all year and they are fielding 6 Mite Teams plus 3 in Twig. They have some great people in place at the lower levels that are very dedicated to building the program into a winner. It would be nice to see all of their kids stay moving forward.

My unofficial count is 3 H'Town AA's, 2 A's, and 2 B's. There's also 4 A's and 1 B from Duluth and 2 kids that I don't know where they live. This is Bantams only.

[karl(east)]

Episode 3: after Hermantown's loss in the championship game.

Bruce enters with his players (Zeleznikar, Pionk, and Benson), and introduces them by name and zip code. (55811, for the record.)

The first question was about the penalty. Bruce sighs, stares at the ceiling, and says, "It was the same exact play at the other end. So that happened."

What about your discussion with the referees afterwards, Bruce? "It was one way. It wasn't a discussion. I made a comment or two."

What could your team have done better? "I don't know...it was our greatest effort ever." What did you tell your team after the game? "I told them that I love 'em." ... "This is the most difficult loss in my life."

Another question about the calls. "They were calls that weren't even calls....there are a hell of a lot of things I'd like to say right now, but I'm not gonna. My AD would get mad."

Question: how does this affect your hatred for STA? "There's no hatred. That's a misconception. I have nothing against the Vanellis," he said, going on with some praise for STA before insisting that his real beef is with "this whole private school thing. They get players from Wisconsin and Missouri--yet they play Class A!"

"I had nine parent e-mails this year from parents who wanted to move their kids to Hermantown. I told them to stay with their programs....it kills other programs. We're left with 30 good teams and the other 80 feeding them."

Brue speculated on where Hermantown would be if B.J. Radovich and company had gone to Marshall back when the Hawks were first building up their program. He added some comments on how far his program has come, and what he believes is an incredible run to four straight title games. "Every year I think, well, we're gonna be sh***y next year."

He got back to the refs at the end, saying, "I felt like we were getting homered. Sucks."

The players generally agreed it sucked, too.

[Bonehead]

Episode 3: after Hermantown's loss in the championship game.


"I had nine parent e-mails this year from parents who wanted to move their kids to Hermantown. I told them to stay with their programs....it kills other programs. We're left with 30 good teams and the other 80 feeding them."



He got back to the refs at the end, saying, "I felt like we were getting homered. Sucks."

The players generally agreed it sucked, too.

1) Love the parent email comment/response.

2) We all thought it sucked too.

[spin-o-rama]

introduces them by name and zip code. (55811, for the record.)

Hilarious!

Hermantown played great. They were aggressive all game. Kudos to all the players.

[thestickler07]

Bruce enters with his players (Zeleznikar, Pionk, and Benson), and introduces them by name and zip code. (55811, for the record.)

Haha I'm dying right now.

Soooooooooo salty.

I'm sure the peanut gallery will eat this one up. Plante is the "wittiest" coach in high school hockey.

[Bonehead]

Bruce enters with his players (Zeleznikar, Pionk, and Benson), and introduces them by name and zip code. (55811, for the record.)

Haha I'm dying right now.

Soooooooooo salty.

I'm sure the peanut gallery will eat this one up. Plante is the "wittiest" coach in high school hockey.

Anonymity is your only friend.

[Mailman]

I love this guy.

In this pc, how dare you have an opinion on anything, world, I find it refreshing to see someone who actually speaks his mind.