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HShockeywatcher wrote:

notTONIGHT wrote:If Luverne runs the table with their weak schedule, and advances through the section tournament to state, do they get seeded?

I know its unlikely, going undefeated is an extremely rare feat. I would be suprised if it happens, but looking at the remaining games, you cant tell me its not possible.

My gut reaction is no. However, I look back to the 08-09 season when a LF team who played all of one "quality opponent" (in their third game mind you) ran the table and got the #1 seed. Not at all saying they are as good as LF was or that their weak schedule is as good as LF's was, but in a vacuum it would be very hard to see any team make it to state with a record of 27-0-1 and not have a number next to their name.

The thing about all of those Class A undefeated teams is that, aside from 95 Hutch, they were pretty well-established Class A powers. Warroad and Hermantown clearly were, and while Red Wing and Little Falls didn't quite fit that mold, they'd both been to a few state tournaments in a row, and each had a player who was widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, in the state (Pohl, Hanowski). Right or not, that sort of reputation will help teams come seeding time.

I have no memory of the 95 Tourney, which was back before seeding started, but I'm guessing Hutch was not among the favorites going in.

karl(east) wrote:

HShockeywatcher wrote:

notTONIGHT wrote:If Luverne runs the table with their weak schedule, and advances through the section tournament to state, do they get seeded?

I know its unlikely, going undefeated is an extremely rare feat. I would be suprised if it happens, but looking at the remaining games, you cant tell me its not possible.

My gut reaction is no. However, I look back to the 08-09 season when a LF team who played all of one "quality opponent" (in their third game mind you) ran the table and got the #1 seed. Not at all saying they are as good as LF was or that their weak schedule is as good as LF's was, but in a vacuum it would be very hard to see any team make it to state with a record of 27-0-1 and not have a number next to their name.

The thing about all of those Class A undefeated teams is that, aside from 95 Hutch, they were pretty well-established Class A powers. Warroad and Hermantown clearly were, and while Red Wing and Little Falls didn't quite fit that mold, they'd both been to a few state tournaments in a row, and each had a player who was widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, in the state (Pohl, Hanowski). Right or not, that sort of reputation will help teams come seeding time.

I have no memory of the 95 Tourney, which was back before seeding started, but I'm guessing Hutch was not among the favorites going in.

This is definitely true.
The way they win is also very different on paper from Mankato West, for example. But they're still winning. It would be quite interesting to see an undefeated team not seeded.

I'm curious if there's been a team with 3 players in the top 10 in state in scoring recently?

Also curious how many people have seen them play and what they can add. I decided to rank them this week for the reasons listed, but they really are a mystery to many.

HShockeywatcher wrote:

karl(east) wrote:

HShockeywatcher wrote: My gut reaction is no. However, I look back to the 08-09 season when a LF team who played all of one "quality opponent" (in their third game mind you) ran the table and got the #1 seed. Not at all saying they are as good as LF was or that their weak schedule is as good as LF's was, but in a vacuum it would be very hard to see any team make it to state with a record of 27-0-1 and not have a number next to their name.

The thing about all of those Class A undefeated teams is that, aside from 95 Hutch, they were pretty well-established Class A powers. Warroad and Hermantown clearly were, and while Red Wing and Little Falls didn't quite fit that mold, they'd both been to a few state tournaments in a row, and each had a player who was widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, in the state (Pohl, Hanowski). Right or not, that sort of reputation will help teams come seeding time.

I have no memory of the 95 Tourney, which was back before seeding started, but I'm guessing Hutch was not among the favorites going in.

This is definitely true.
The way they win is also very different on paper from Mankato West, for example. But they're still winning. It would be quite interesting to see an undefeated team not seeded.

I'm curious if there's been a team with 3 players in the top 10 in state in scoring recently?

Also curious how many people have seen them play and what they can add. I decided to rank them this week for the reasons listed, but they really are a mystery to many.

Warroad has 3 player in the top 10 of scoring this year.

Luverne is a solid 3A team
They has 2 scoring lines they play a decent 3rd line. 2 very good dman and a solid tender.

They will be right in the thick of it in 3a this year. For a high school of only 330 kids in a basketball region very neat story.

Section 3A HockeyScout wrote:

HShockeywatcher wrote:

karl(east) wrote: The thing about all of those Class A undefeated teams is that, aside from 95 Hutch, they were pretty well-established Class A powers. Warroad and Hermantown clearly were, and while Red Wing and Little Falls didn't quite fit that mold, they'd both been to a few state tournaments in a row, and each had a player who was widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, in the state (Pohl, Hanowski). Right or not, that sort of reputation will help teams come seeding time.

I have no memory of the 95 Tourney, which was back before seeding started, but I'm guessing Hutch was not among the favorites going in.

This is definitely true.
The way they win is also very different on paper from Mankato West, for example. But they're still winning. It would be quite interesting to see an undefeated team not seeded.

I'm curious if there's been a team with 3 players in the top 10 in state in scoring recently?

Also curious how many people have seen them play and what they can add. I decided to rank them this week for the reasons listed, but they really are a mystery to many.

Warroad has 3 player in the top 10 of scoring this year.

Luverne is a solid 3A team
They has 2 scoring lines they play a decent 3rd line. 2 very good dman and a solid tender.

They will be right in the thick of it in 3a this year. For a high school of only 330 kids in a basketball region very neat story.

What's "Basketball"?

If I remember correctly, in 95 Hutch was ranked #1 going into tourney and had beaten Red Wing in the regular season. Red Wing upset them in the first game and Hutch had to settle for the consolation championship.

Section 3A HockeyScout wrote:

HShockeywatcher wrote:

karl(east) wrote: The thing about all of those Class A undefeated teams is that, aside from 95 Hutch, they were pretty well-established Class A powers. Warroad and Hermantown clearly were, and while Red Wing and Little Falls didn't quite fit that mold, they'd both been to a few state tournaments in a row, and each had a player who was widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, in the state (Pohl, Hanowski). Right or not, that sort of reputation will help teams come seeding time.

I have no memory of the 95 Tourney, which was back before seeding started, but I'm guessing Hutch was not among the favorites going in.

This is definitely true.
The way they win is also very different on paper from Mankato West, for example. But they're still winning. It would be quite interesting to see an undefeated team not seeded.

I'm curious if there's been a team with 3 players in the top 10 in state in scoring recently?

Also curious how many people have seen them play and what they can add. I decided to rank them this week for the reasons listed, but they really are a mystery to many.

Warroad has 3 player in the top 10 of scoring this year.

Luverne is a solid 3A team
They has 2 scoring lines they play a decent 3rd line. 2 very good dman and a solid tender.

They will be right in the thick of it in 3a this year. For a high school of only 330 kids in a basketball region very neat story.

6 of the top 8 scorers in the state come from two programs. One very highly regarded, and one considered chopped liver. Both are deserved.

As I believe Karl said after the holiday tournament, this is one of the best 3A teams he's ever seen.

casualobserver wrote:If I remember correctly, in 95 Hutch was ranked #1 going into tourney and had beaten Red Wing in the regular season. Red Wing upset them in the first game and Hutch had to settle for the consolation championship.

Hutch had beat Red Wing twice that year, then lost 3-1 in the quarters. Hutch hasn't beating Red Wing since..

6 of the top 8 scorers in the state come from two programs. One very highly regarded, and one considered chopped liver.

Ya and look at the teams they are playing and racking those points up against.

Hockey North wrote:

6 of the top 8 scorers in the state come from two programs. One very highly regarded, and one considered chopped liver.

Ya and look at the teams they are playing and racking those points up against.

I agree

Section 3A HockeyScout wrote:Warroad has 3 player in the top 10 of scoring this year.

Warroad has 3 players in the top 3 of scoring this year (right now anyway).

Hockey North wrote:

6 of the top 8 scorers in the state come from two programs. One very highly regarded, and one considered chopped liver.

Ya and look at the teams they are playing and racking those points up against.

Yeah, I would say a guy like Trey Rooney from Robbinsdale Cooper is likely more impressive than either simply for that same reason.
However, it's next to impossible to compare almost any schedule to any other. Take a guy like Jake Wahlin (#10 in scoring right now). While he is playing generally harder competition, he also has generally better teammates assisting him and that he can assist.

Ultimately, this is another thing that gets brought up every year or two. It's hard to say which is "better" but everyone has their own opinions.

bardown27 wrote:

casualobserver wrote:If I remember correctly, in 95 Hutch was ranked #1 going into tourney and had beaten Red Wing in the regular season. Red Wing upset them in the first game and Hutch had to settle for the consolation championship.

Hutch had beat Red Wing twice that year, then lost 3-1 in the quarters. Hutch hasn't beating Red Wing since..

Worth mentioning, us Red Wing alum take great pride in our winning streak by the way

Granted, I'd like to see the two reschedule one another again...

Looking at the poll:
Very curious to hear about the 2 who picked "someone else," from those who picked Hermantown and why so few have picked EGF. Frankly I thought I was going to get a lot of criticism for Warroad but more people seem to agree with it, so that's always a plus

Roy01 wrote:

bardown27 wrote:

casualobserver wrote:If I remember correctly, in 95 Hutch was ranked #1 going into tourney and had beaten Red Wing in the regular season. Red Wing upset them in the first game and Hutch had to settle for the consolation championship.

Hutch had beat Red Wing twice that year, then lost 3-1 in the quarters. Hutch hasn't beating Red Wing since..

Worth mentioning, us Red Wing alum take great pride in our winning streak by the way

Granted, I'd like to see the two reschedule one another again...

that was a couple of good teams from the same conference! was that Justin Martin's senior year? What was his line mates name? they were good!

Chalk_Talk wrote:

Roy01 wrote:

bardown27 wrote: Hutch had beat Red Wing twice that year, then lost 3-1 in the quarters. Hutch hasn't beating Red Wing since..

Worth mentioning, us Red Wing alum take great pride in our winning streak by the way

Granted, I'd like to see the two reschedule one another again...

that was a couple of good teams from the same conference! was that Justin Martin's senior year? What was his line mates name? they were good!

That was Jeff's senior year. Linemates were either Perry Henke, Ryan Dolder or Marc Docken.

Both are very good teams and either could win the A1 title. The section final (assuming TRF doesn't pull an upset) should be fantastic. I would choose EGF by a hair right now for two reasons, EGF is an excellent defensive team and in the playoffs Defense wins games. Also their top scorer Dixon Bowen has returned from an ankle injury that had him out since game 1.

While it is fun to compare scores, Warroad is steam rolling good teams. Their loss to Bemidji is a little puzzling and EGF loss to Breck looks worse than it probably was being a day game after beating Blaine the evening before. IMO, EGF's Goal tending is still a little suspect, but I think their offense has more upside.

Its a shame one of them will be home in March!

ted2you wrote:Both are very good teams and either could win the A1 title. The section final (assuming TRF doesn't pull an upset) should be fantastic. I would choose EGF by a hair right now for two reasons, EGF is an excellent defensive team and in the playoffs Defense wins games. Also their top scorer Dixon Bowen has returned from an ankle injury that had him out since game 1.

While it is fun to compare scores, Warroad is steam rolling good teams. Their loss to Bemidji is a little puzzling and EGF loss to Breck looks worse than it probably was being a day game after beating Blaine the evening before. IMO, EGF's Goal tending is still a little suspect, but I think their offense has more upside.

Its a shame one of them will be home in March!

Where is the section final being held this year?

Totino-Grace is underrated, saw them play close games with Holy Family and St. Thomas this year

Section 8A semi and finals to be held in TRF.

ted2you wrote:Section 8A semi and finals to be held in TRF.

Beautiful Arena!

The last 4 games that Hermantown has played say more than they have: “proven little with their wins”
Below are the last 4 game Herm has played along with others that have played the same team.
In each of these games, Hermantown has handed the teams their biggest loss of the season.
Why is Warroad’s 3-0 win over Cathedral worth mentioning, yet Hermantown handing SCC their biggest loss of the season with a 6-0 victory “prove little”?
Warroad also has a loss to Bemidji, who is not even ranked in the top 20.

Imo, the 4 top teams are close, yet I think an examination of common opponents/ games, gives the nod to Hermantown at 2nd place and right on the heels of Breck.

I agree that the Bemidji game will be interesting and a solid win by Hermantown in this game would solidify their spot at a minimum of #2.

At this point, I agree with the Let’s Play Hockey Rankings for the top 4.

LET’S PLAY HOCKEY
1 BRECK
2 Hermantown
3 East Grand Forks
4 Warroad

HERMANTOWN'S LAST 4 GAMES:

Jan-2 vs Duluth Marshall
Herm 6-2
STA 5-2
BSM 4-3

Jan-4 vs I-Falls
Herm 10-0
Warroad 6-0
DM 5-1

Jan-10 vs St. Cloud Cathedral
Herm 6-0
Breck 6-1
Warroad 3-0
EGF 3-1

Jan-14 vs Superior
Herm 8-2
EGF 2-1
DM 1-2 Loss
DM 4-2

Jan-18 vs Bemidji
EGF 5-2
Warroad 4-3 Loss
EGF __ - __ (Jan-16)
Herm __ - __ (Jan-18 )

I am thinking it should be

1. East Grand Forks
2. Warroad
3. Hermantown
4. Breck
5. Thief River Falls
6. Duluth Marshall
7. St Cloud Cathedral
8. Alexandria
9. Duluth Denfeld
10. New Prague
11. Blake
12. Mahtomedi
13. Totino
14. St Paul Academy
15. Forest lake Area
16. Virginia
17. Orono
18. Alexandria
19 Mankato West
20. Sartell
21. Delano
22. Park Rapids
23. Detroit Lakes
24. Bloomington Kennedy
25. Luverne

Just checking to see how many are laughing and how many are fuming.

I'm guessing Breck fans (if they cared) would be apoleptic having beaten EGF 6-0 and a perfect record against A teams.

I still think the EGF Breck game was not representative with EGF playing a saturday afternoon game after beating Blaine on the Firday night game.

Warroad and EGF skated to a tie. Hermantown keeps on taking care of business.

If anyone thinks they can find any real differences between those top four teams I'd be interested in hearing their logic.

It can't be a real ego boost playing EGF, Warroad, Hermantown, and Breck in a couple weeks.

For the record, I think the runner up in 8A could win 8AA this year.

ted2you wrote:It can't be a real ego boost playing EGF, Warroad, Hermantown, and Breck in a couple weeks.

For the record, I think the runner up in 8A could win 8AA this year.

It would be a contest every year.