7AA Quarterfinal: Cloquet @ St. Michael-Albertville

[alcloseshaver]

STMA is the better team. They should win 4-1 ish. Esse this and Esse that. Great, he's had his team ready in the past, congratulations! I can tell you from first hand experience (standing 20 feet from the guy in the last game) that he does work the refs. He was pissing and moaning that STMA was skating in the wrong end during the 2nd period warmups and he wanted a penalty. At the end of the second, he calls all 3 refs over (and like sheep they went) and proceeded to cry about how he thought a lot of hits were coming in high. Within 30 seconds of the 3rd, STMA was in the box for elbowing.

CEC had a good breakout and better than average neutral zone play but the STMA defense owned them in their zone. CEC's D were overwhelmed on quite a few occasions by STMA's top end forward talent.

CEC is very formidable, but I don't see them winning this one.

I would hope CEC gets a little earlier start on the road than last Tuesday.

[stromboli]

MyHockeyRankings has these two teams listed at #31 and #33 in Mn class AA. The "math" based on nearly a full season of play suggests the game is a toss-up. So it will likely come down to a mistake or two, or a great play.

I'll guess it's a one goal game. Winner TBD.

History/experience vs. new kid with a chip on the shoulder. Should make for a great matchup.

Good luck to both squads!

[Bigcat99]

STMA is the better team. They should win 4-1 ish. Esse this and Esse that. Great, he's had his team ready in the past, congratulations! I can tell you from first hand experience (standing 20 feet from the guy in the last game) that he does work the refs. He was pissing and moaning that STMA was skating in the wrong end during the 2nd period warmups and he wanted a penalty. At the end of the second, he calls all 3 refs over (and like sheep they went) and proceeded to cry about how he thought a lot of hits were coming in high. Within 30 seconds of the 3rd, STMA was in the box for elbowing. ..

So to you its crying (and pissing and moaning) when a coach works the refs. Happens all the time in sports. Veteran coaches will help their team get some calls. End of story.

[karl(east)]

I'm not wildly surprised Cloquet won, but 9-4, with 6-for-8 on the PP? Wow. Congrats to Esse and crew, who have done it again. They sure brought it tonight. Elk River definitely can't take them lightly.

It was unfortunate to see things unravel for STMA tonight. They're obviously better than they showed, but it looks like one team was ready for the pressure of a playoff run, and one wasn't. As a program on the rise, they'll be back, whether it's here or in whichever section they wind up in next season. Hopefully they can learn from this one, and get themselves a schedule next season that will prepare them for a deeper run.

Great lineup for Saturday at Amsoil. Should be a fun couple of games.

[Bluelightspecial]

STMA is the better team. They should win 4-1 ish. Esse this and Esse that. Great, he's had his team ready in the past, congratulations!
CEC had a good breakout and better than average neutral zone play but the STMA defense owned them in their zone. CEC's D were overwhelmed on quite a few occasions by STMA's top end forward talent.

CEC is very formidable, but I don't see them winning this one.

I hope you are not a gambler. That's gotta sting a bit.

[gitter]

I'm not wildly surprised Cloquet won, but 9-4, with 6-for-8 on the PP?

Must have been those "sheep" refs Karl. Esse wouldn't be the coach he is without all those refs

[Sotaboy]

STMA was a fun team to watch, not a parent, but a fan that admires what these guys put forth this year in trying to build an expectation of winning. Good luck to the fine seniors graduating and best of luck to the Cloquet boys that came down to Albertville firing tonight. I have always admired Coach Esse and the way he gets his young men going. Fun section to watch this year and every year.

[RRubberbeeskit]

STMA is the better team. They should win 4-1 ish. Esse this and Esse that. Great, he's had his team ready in the past, congratulations! I can tell you from first hand experience (standing 20 feet from the guy in the last game) that he does work the refs. He was pissing and moaning that STMA was skating in the wrong end during the 2nd period warmups and he wanted a penalty. At the end of the second, he calls all 3 refs over (and like sheep they went) and proceeded to cry about how he thought a lot of hits were coming in high. Within 30 seconds of the 3rd, STMA was in the box for elbowing.

CEC had a good breakout and better than average neutral zone play but the STMA defense owned them in their zone. CEC's D were overwhelmed on quite a few occasions by STMA's top end forward talent.

CEC is very formidable, but I don't see them winning this one.

Esse this! 9 - 4 Esse that!

[north_bear]

Really, this is a topic?

Why wouldn't it be? This should be a great matchup. Coach Esse is up there with Randolph as far as tacticians go. I see this one going into OT with the Jacks advancing. Either team will give Elk River a run for their money.

I'm case you didn't know we have a coach also,,

Not gonna be close. Just my opinion.. Should've been 2-0 after the the first 4 shifts but stma hit double pipes and had another go wide of net.

But I'm biased

You're right, it wasn't close.

[karl(east)]

Anyone want to meander up I-94 to make sure our resident STMA fans are all okay?

[alcloseshaver]

Might not have the Knights to kick around next year. Most likely will be headed to 8AA to replace the team that is dropping down to A. it was a nice run...

[green4]

SHOW YOURSELVES!!!!

[sanryam]

Much like Cloquet's PP% against the Knights, 66.6% of the Mississippi 8 conference has been wiped out already (A and AA). Ouch.

Only Chisago, Princeton and Rogers left standing...
Guess it's the Year of the Cat

[Traxler]

I suspect we won't hear from the STMA dads until next year. They'll make a lot of noise again throughout their easy schedule and then disappear after an unimpressive playoff exit.

[My_Kid_Loves_Hockey]

Not much can be said about that effort last night.

When you can't stay out of the box and give up PP goals like that, well can't overcome that.

No matter how much bashing you give, the kids played the schedule they had and the parents are proud of what they accomplished.

Good luck to the remaining teams who are moving on.

[woodstickguy]

I suspect we won't hear from the STMA dads until next year. They'll make a lot of noise again throughout their easy schedule and then disappear after an unimpressive playoff exit.

Sorry for the delay guys - it was a long night. Jeez Trax why so bitter? I personally have no reason to hide and I am always amazed at how some people find comfort in others disappointment - thanks mom and dad for not raising me that way. I am very proud of what our kids accomplished. It may seem unimpressive to most but for these boys to get to hang a High School Banner at the arena means as much as anything so the boys should be proud.

The wheels came flying off last night and it was hard to watch. These big strong hockey players were reduced to a puddle of tears for several hours after the game and my heart breaks for them. The kids poured their heart and soul into this season and made big strides for our program. You can get on the internet and throw all the stones you want at us supporters but don't think for one second that STMA won't be back bigger, better and smarter next year. Will it end differently next year, not sure, but I do know the kids will work harder than ever to write a different ending.

I would like to wish all the remaining teams the best of luck going forward. It should be a good weekend of hockey and I may still make the trip to take it all in.

[alcloseshaver]

Very stand up post Woodstick. STMA has first class sports programs and is a growing outer suburb that will continue to compete. Tough for kids to see there season end but the cycle continues...

[hadenuf]

I suspect we won't hear from the STMA dads until next year. They'll make a lot of noise again throughout their easy schedule and then disappear after an unimpressive playoff exit.

Sorry for the delay guys - it was a long night. Jeez Trax why so bitter? I personally have no reason to hide and I am always amazed at how some people find comfort in others disappointment - thanks mom and dad for not raising me that way. I am very proud of what our kids accomplished. It may seem unimpressive to most but for these boys to get to hang a High School Banner at the arena means as much as anything so the boys should be proud.

The wheels came flying off last night and it was hard to watch. These big strong hockey players were reduced to a puddle of tears for several hours after the game and my heart breaks for them. The kids poured their heart and soul into this season and made big strides for our program. You can get on the internet and throw all the stones you want at us supporters but don't think for one second that STMA won't be back bigger, better and smarter next year. Will it end differently next year, not sure, but I do know the kids will work harder than ever to write a different ending.

I would like to wish all the remaining teams the best of luck going forward. It should be a good weekend of hockey and I may still make the trip to take it all in.

Well said Wood.
I can't wait to read Slammer's and Traxler's tear soaked version Saturday night.

[elliott70]

I think most everyone are pleased when a program develops and is competitive.
Congrats to StMA on a fine season.

If you come to the great NW of Section 8 next year, hope to meet you in the section finals.

[old goalie85]

Congrats to STMA on the season. They will be better next year. I would hate to see them leave for 8AA.

[Traxler]

I suspect we won't hear from the STMA dads until next year. They'll make a lot of noise again throughout their easy schedule and then disappear after an unimpressive playoff exit.

Sorry for the delay guys - it was a long night. Jeez Trax why so bitter? I personally have no reason to hide and I am always amazed at how some people find comfort in others disappointment - thanks mom and dad for not raising me that way. I am very proud of what our kids accomplished. It may seem unimpressive to most but for these boys to get to hang a High School Banner at the arena means as much as anything so the boys should be proud.

The wheels came flying off last night and it was hard to watch. These big strong hockey players were reduced to a puddle of tears for several hours after the game and my heart breaks for them. The kids poured their heart and soul into this season and made big strides for our program. You can get on the internet and throw all the stones you want at us supporters but don't think for one second that STMA won't be back bigger, better and smarter next year. Will it end differently next year, not sure, but I do know the kids will work harder than ever to write a different ending.

I would like to wish all the remaining teams the best of luck going forward. It should be a good weekend of hockey and I may still make the trip to take it all in.

I'm not a dad of anyone on the team, I'm just a fan of high school hockey. I may be wrong, but I doubt it, that you and the other STMA dads are not really hockey fans, you're just in it for your kids. This is great from a loving parent standpoint, but don't then come onto the message board and talk about how awesome your team is and then whine when I mock you for losing.

All season long I've read your posts about how great your team is and how much noise you'll make in the playoffs. Am I happy that your kids cried after they lost? No. But you really need to learn to take it as well as you give it.

Will my team, East (not Rosemount) make it to state again this year? Most likely not, but it's certainly a possibility. I'll be cheering for them to make it, but I'm not going into these games talking about how we will dominate. If I did and we lost as badly as your team lost, I would expect to be mocked on the same board that I boasted on.

Develop a thicker skin, especially when you talk the talk and your kids can't walk the walk.

[kniven]

I'm not wildly surprised Cloquet won, but 9-4, with 6-for-8 on the PP? Wow. Congrats to Esse and crew, who have done it again. They sure brought it tonight. Elk River definitely can't take them lightly.

It was unfortunate to see things unravel for STMA tonight. They're obviously better than they showed, but it looks like one team was ready for the pressure of a playoff run, and one wasn't. As a program on the rise, they'll be back, whether it's here or in whichever section they wind up in next season. Hopefully they can learn from this one, and get themselves a schedule next season that will prepare them for a deeper run.

Great lineup for Saturday at Amsoil. Should be a fun couple of games.

Karl. Were you at the game last night?

[Mouse in the corner]

I suspect we won't hear from the STMA dads until next year. They'll make a lot of noise again throughout their easy schedule and then disappear after an unimpressive playoff exit.

Sorry for the delay guys - it was a long night. Jeez Trax why so bitter? I personally have no reason to hide and I am always amazed at how some people find comfort in others disappointment - thanks mom and dad for not raising me that way. I am very proud of what our kids accomplished. It may seem unimpressive to most but for these boys to get to hang a High School Banner at the arena means as much as anything so the boys should be proud.

The wheels came flying off last night and it was hard to watch. These big strong hockey players were reduced to a puddle of tears for several hours after the game and my heart breaks for them. The kids poured their heart and soul into this season and made big strides for our program. You can get on the internet and throw all the stones you want at us supporters but don't think for one second that STMA won't be back bigger, better and smarter next year. Will it end differently next year, not sure, but I do know the kids will work harder than ever to write a different ending.

I would like to wish all the remaining teams the best of luck going forward. It should be a good weekend of hockey and I may still make the trip to take it all in.

Well said Wood.
I can't wait to read Slammer's and Traxler's tear soaked version Saturday night.

That won't be possible until at least Monday if it goes as planned. Even now, Slammer is on the chat line with Chinese hackers installing a back door into the server operation system so if East loses he can get in and crash the site.

[karl(east)]

Karl. Were you at the game last night?

No, I just switched over to that radio broadcast once it was clear East had its game in hand.

[woodstickguy]

I suspect we won't hear from the STMA dads until next year. They'll make a lot of noise again throughout their easy schedule and then disappear after an unimpressive playoff exit.

Sorry for the delay guys - it was a long night. Jeez Trax why so bitter? I personally have no reason to hide and I am always amazed at how some people find comfort in others disappointment - thanks mom and dad for not raising me that way. I am very proud of what our kids accomplished. It may seem unimpressive to most but for these boys to get to hang a High School Banner at the arena means as much as anything so the boys should be proud.

The wheels came flying off last night and it was hard to watch. These big strong hockey players were reduced to a puddle of tears for several hours after the game and my heart breaks for them. The kids poured their heart and soul into this season and made big strides for our program. You can get on the internet and throw all the stones you want at us supporters but don't think for one second that STMA won't be back bigger, better and smarter next year. Will it end differently next year, not sure, but I do know the kids will work harder than ever to write a different ending.

I would like to wish all the remaining teams the best of luck going forward. It should be a good weekend of hockey and I may still make the trip to take it all in.

I'm not a dad of anyone on the team, I'm just a fan of high school hockey. I may be wrong, but I doubt it, that you and the other STMA dads are not really hockey fans, you're just in it for your kids. This is great from a loving parent standpoint, but don't then come onto the message board and talk about how awesome your team is and then whine when I mock you for losing.

All season long I've read your posts about how great your team is and how much noise you'll make in the playoffs. Am I happy that your kids cried after they lost? No. But you really need to learn to take it as well as you give it.

Will my team, East (not Rosemount) make it to state again this year? Most likely not, but it's certainly a possibility. I'll be cheering for them to make it, but I'm not going into these games talking about how we will dominate. If I did and we lost as badly as your team lost, I would expect to be mocked on the same board that I boasted on.

Develop a thicker skin, especially when you talk the talk and your kids can't walk the walk.

OK I'll bite - I am pretty sure you won't find a post like that from me and I can't control what the others post. I like to talk about the positive things that sports bring, the great experiences along the way and not who is going to win or lose - I try to take the rational approach while trying (and not always succeeding) to inject humor along the way. The tears come from the end of a season, the no more battling together as a team and did I let my teammates down not the score of a given game. These are the same tears all kids will shed this time of year. I almost feel sorry for you with all that pent up hate and I hope some day you can find happiness outside of a computer screen and keyboard but honestly I am not holding my breath.