Section 1A

[Gretzky9]

I am going to post my "final" section standings after the Lourdes/Northfield game based on the seasons that each team had AND how they did in the section tournament. Will be an interesting slant.

[The Universe]

Rochester back to St. Paul in a 5-1 win over Northfield. Any other predictions?

[hockeyking]

Northfield 4-2 over Rochester, Northfield going to their first trip to St. Paul

[hockeyking]

Northfield has a very strong sophmore defenseman in von ruden. He is hitter, moves the puck very efficiently and can score. He can shutdown most players that go up against him.

[Roy01]

Northfield has a very strong sophmore defenseman in von ruden. He is hitter, moves the puck very efficiently and can score. He can shutdown most players that go up against him.

I agree he can play a key role in a possible upset, but they'd have to match him with the Samuelson line for the entire game to break their speed. I'm not too familiar with the Northfield team this year, but I think any determined team with a common goal can pull an upset if underestimated.

[Roy01]

Northfield has a very strong sophmore defenseman in von ruden. He is hitter, moves the puck very efficiently and can score. He can shutdown most players that go up against him.

I agree he can play a key role in a possible upset, but they'd have to match him with the Samuelson line for the entire game to break their speed. I'm not too familiar with the Northfield team this year, but I think any determined team with a common goal can pull an upset if underestimated.

[hockeyking]

Northfield has been slowing peaking through the last 5 games they have played. Every game they have improved their team play and seem to be peaking at the right time.

[blueblood]

Lourdes in running time. Final score 8 to 1.

[The Universe]

Well I wonder who Hockeyking is?

[hockeyking]

Well I wonder who Hockeyking is?

Just a fan of the Northfield Raider Hockey team. I wonder who The Universe? My guess is a fan of the Rochester team(s).

[hockeyking]

Lourdes in running time. Final score 8 to 1.

Blueblood, I know you are a fan and I can appreciate that but you may want to come back to earth on your score prediction. Northfield is in the best seat possible, underdog. It will be a great night of hockey, can you say upset.

[urban iceman]

I think the only team that had a chance to upset Lourdes has already exited, due to poor defense, penalties and bad luck!( Also a goalie who did an exceptional job)!! Good luck to all.

[blueblood]

I've seen both teams play on numerous occasions. Don't think its gonna be close.

Lourdes will nuetralize Friermuth and Scofield and win big...

[hockeyking]

I think the only team that had a chance to upset Lourdes has already exited, due to poor defense, penalties and bad luck!( Also a goalie who did an exceptional job)!! Good luck to all.

I would have to disagree with your statement. At this time the best team will be playing against Rochester and will provide the upset. If your defense was poor and the players were undisiplined in getting penality calls how could that be the best team. Thanks for the well wish.

[hockeyking]

[quote="blueblood"]I've seen both teams play on numerous occasions. Don't think its gonna be close.

Lourdes will nuetralize Friermuth and Scofield and win big...[/quote

Your approach, has the tendency to play right into our plan. Upset is in the air. It only takes one goal to determine the outcome of the game. Unfortunately it will be a BIG WIN for the Raiders. Good luck with your team.

[The Universe]

Ahhh your ignorance is actually a little shocking, regardless of where I'm from, it is going to have no impact on who wins the game. Perhaps you should spend more time practicing and prepping vs. talking your team up on here.

[scarlethockey33]

I think we all understand where hockeyking stands on Section 1A final.

Realistically Rochester Lourdes is the strong favorite here. I wouldn't count out an upset possibility though, this is easily one of the weaker Lourdes teams compared to recent years. But I still think Lourdes' has a better overall team than Northfield, except maybe in goaltending. Issak Tjaden has been highly underrated this season with Amsden's amazing season and Morris' end to a great high school career for New Prague, he's been quite shadowed. In fact, I would consider Tjaden to be the best goaltender in the section next season, if Amsden leaves L-H/SP (which I expect).

But although Lourdes may not have better goaltending than Northfield, they simply haven't needed spectacular goaltending from either of their goaltenders to beat any of the teams in this section, which they have shown during the regular season. (Undefeated in regular season section play)

I think to win Northfield will need a similar gameplan as Red Wing. The Wingers really put an emphasis on slowing down Funk, Samuelson and Farrell, with some physical play but they will need to kill and limit the penalties, as they say "you live and die by the sword". Lourdes' powerplay can really move the puck around and produce offensive chances, I wouldn't want to put the Eagles on the man advantage too much.

As much as I would like to see a new representative of Section 1A, it's a tall order for Scofield and Company. I think scoring early is critical as the longer the game carries on, overall Lourdes' talent and depth will pull them through. Rochester Lourdes marches on to the Xcel 5-2 final.

Well I wonder who Hockeyking is?

Just a fan of the Northfield Raider Hockey team. I wonder who The Universe? My guess is a fan of the Rochester team(s).

Also I would like to point out that I believe Universe actually picked New Prague to win 1A

[hockeyking]

Ahhh your ignorance is actually a little shocking, regardless of where I'm from, it is going to have no impact on who wins the game. Perhaps you should spend more time practicing and prepping vs. talking your team up on here.

It is funny how your ignorance kicks in when someone picks a different outcome then you. Maybe you should lose you arrogance and figure out what reality show your gonna watch on TV when you have no one to cheer for in the state tournament. The kids play the game lets just enjoy the outcome. Good luck with you pick

[hockeyking]

I think we all understand where hockeyking stands on Section 1A final.

Realistically Rochester Lourdes is the strong favorite here. I wouldn't count out an upset possibility though, this is easily one of the weaker Lourdes teams compared to recent years. But I still think Lourdes' has a better overall team than Northfield, except maybe in goaltending. Issak Tjaden has been highly underrated this season with Amsden's amazing season and Morris' end to a great high school career for New Prague, he's been quite shadowed. In fact, I would consider Tjaden to be the best goaltender in the section next season, if Amsden leaves L-H/SP (which I expect).

But although Lourdes may not have better goaltending than Northfield, they simply haven't needed spectacular goaltending from either of their goaltenders to beat any of the teams in this section, which they have shown during the regular season. (Undefeated in regular season section play)

I think to win Northfield will need a similar gameplan as Red Wing. The Wingers really put an emphasis on slowing down Funk, Samuelson and Farrell, with some physical play but they will need to kill and limit the penalties, as they say "you live and die by the sword". Lourdes' powerplay can really move the puck around and produce offensive chances, I wouldn't want to put the Eagles on the man advantage too much.

As much as I would like to see a new representative of Section 1A, it's a tall order for Scofield and Company. I think scoring early is critical as the longer the game carries on, overall Lourdes' talent and depth will pull them through. Rochester Lourdes marches on to the Xcel 5-2 final.

Well I wonder who Hockeyking is?

Just a fan of the Northfield Raider Hockey team. I wonder who The Universe? My guess is a fan of the Rochester team(s).

Also I would like to point out that I believe Universe actually picked New Prague to win 1A

I agree with your take but I believe Lourdes has not played well in its last 4 games. So I still go with the upset of 4-2 in favor of Northfield. The kids need to play the game, lets just have fun watching them.

[hockeyking]

Putting all kidding aside. I wish both teams good luck. I will be cheering on any of the teams that make it to the state tournament from section A1.

Good Luck to both teams and have fun.

[The Universe]

I don't think I am being ignorant, I am only making a prediction that I am standing strong by, Lourdes winning (5-1 if we're getting detailed) and in the event that they do lose to Northfield I will be the first to congratulate NF because it's about time some new blood represents section 1A in St. Paul. However, I just don't see it happening.

[The X]

I don't think I am being ignorant, I am only making a prediction that I am standing strong by, Lourdes winning (5-1 if we're getting detailed) and in the event that they do lose to Northfield I will be the first to congratulate NF because it's about time some new blood represents section 1A in St. Paul. However, I just don't see it happening.

I dont think any team will represent section 1A at state other than Lourdes for a long time to come. If Lourdes keeps getting 90% of the top kids from Rochester and surrounding areas, how can any team in section 1A compete against that? Lets get real here, a private school gets the pick of the litter and plays in section 1A, they will not lose in the section final that is played every year at the Rochester Recreation Center. IMHO.

[scarlethockey33]

The Rec Center in Rochester isn't considered the home arena of Rochester Lourdes as they reside in Graham for all their home game. Personally still think it should be held elsewhere, but it's not really home "ice" for Lourdes. Just to clear that up in case someone had that confused. Maybe more of a home area advantage, as it is held in their town, just not in their rink.

There really haven't been many strong years from other teams since maybe back when Mankato West won the section. 2007-2008 was a big year for a lot of teams, New Prague, Albert Lea, Rochester Lourdes, Red Wing and Mankato West all had some great talents and prolific scorers, and were all arguably right with each other competition-wise. Otherwise since 07'-08' Rochester Lourdes has been the strong favorite.

As for the future of section 1A, I expect New Prague to contend for 1A, as they have kids coming up from their teams and even on their varsity squad right now. Mankato squads are promising, but definitely interesting how they will split up from East and West when they grow up. The West's squad this year was packed with sophomores, and had some juniors who stepped up considerably from the previous year.

Red Wing will continue to surprise I think there's a lot of talent down there that goes unnoticed. Rochester Lourdes will be the favorite next year with Samuelson and Funk still together, but will be interesting who they can grab after their two top scorers since they were freshmen (Samuelson and Funk) graduate. Albert Lea will continue to be competitive as long as Nystrom coaches there. Will definitely be interesting how the situation changes in Tiger territory whenever Roy decides to hang up the whiteboard and whistle. I'm not real sure where Northfield will stand in a couple of years though. I expect Andrew Scofield will return for his senior year, and there's a lot of juniors currently on the team. The Raiders should compete next year, but not so sure about farther down the road.

[Roy01]

The Rec Center in Rochester isn't considered the home arena of Rochester Lourdes as they reside in Graham for all their home game. Personally still think it should be held elsewhere, but it's not really home "ice" for Lourdes. Just to clear that up in case someone had that confused. Maybe more of a home area advantage, as it is held in their town, just not in their rink.

There really haven't been many strong years from other teams since maybe back when Mankato West won the section. 2007-2008 was a big year for a lot of teams, New Prague, Albert Lea, Rochester Lourdes, Red Wing and Mankato West all had some great talents and prolific scorers, and were all arguably right with each other competition-wise. Otherwise since 07'-08' Rochester Lourdes has been the strong favorite.

As for the future of section 1A, I expect New Prague to contend for 1A, as they have kids coming up from their teams and even on their varsity squad right now. Mankato squads are promising, but definitely interesting how they will split up from East and West when they grow up. The West's squad this year was packed with sophomores, and had some juniors who stepped up considerably from the previous year.

Red Wing will continue to surprise I think there's a lot of talent down there that goes unnoticed. Rochester Lourdes will be the favorite next year with Samuelson and Funk still together, but will be interesting who they can grab after their two top scorers since they were freshmen (Samuelson and Funk) graduate. Albert Lea will continue to be competitive as long as Nystrom coaches there. Will definitely be interesting how the situation changes in Tiger territory whenever Roy decides to hang up the whiteboard and whistle. I'm not real sure where Northfield will stand in a couple of years though. I expect Andrew Scofield will return for his senior year, and there's a lot of juniors currently on the team. The Raiders should compete next year, but not so sure about farther down the road.

Well you'd know plenty about that West team, wouldn't ya? That was an unbelievable team that I, personally, felt was going to make a great run in state but was beaten by a very good Duluth team. I would say the 08-09 Red Wing team had the ability to beat Lourdes, but it didn't shake out that way. The combination of Voigt, Funk, and Peterson was a great trio. I truly feel even last year's West team could have contended with Lourdes. The combination of Weber and Ville "The Finland Phenom" Rantanen was a great scoring duo. Unbelievable team speed out of that group. As for West's future, I like what Billy Bigham is doing on the blue line. Also, as noted by scarlethockey33, the youth in this program made huge strides this year in putting this team in place to be contenders. Another year and I think this will be an elite group within the section.

I feel the ability for Lourdes to put a team into the final every year (lets disregard even winning here) is a huge advantage. To have the experience of being there before gives the boys in purple a bit of an edge over who they end up facing in the finals. Speaking from my own experience, I know sections (and even the finals) were much more relaxed the second time through and later.

Northfield and New Prague will only be getting better in time. As the metro area begins to expand past Lakeville and into Farmington now, it'll bring more people, players, and (most importantly) a plethora of talent to those two towns. It's only up for those two programs as I see it. New Prague has made unbelievable strides in becoming a competitive program within just the last five years since Seth Ambroz left (and imagine if he had stayed...) Northfield as well. I like what Bryce is doing with the program over there; obviously it is working to put Northfield back in the section finals.

As for Red Wing, I don't know how the future looks for them. They lost A LOT with this year coming to a close... They lost their D core. Coach Rajanen does an excellent job in Red Wing with the players he is presented with on the defensive end, but the size, physicality, and tenacity is not prevalent in the younger boys. Maybe it is a result of the more "passive" systems that were instilled with the Head Coaching change from George Nemanich to Mike Belisle, but the aggressiveness that I have seen in Red Wing in the past was not there this season... Taylor Hanson and Alex Rezansoff will remain there, but I don't see them as contenders again for a while... Not unless the youth in the program can really step up to the plate... Also, "through the grapevine," some "motivational" things need to be re-addressed from the inside...

On a final note, scarlethockey33, I ABSOLUTELY agree with you on changing the location of the final from the Rec Center! Yes, is not Lourdes official home ice, but I feel that any time you have a team's name and logo painted on the arena wall...it doesn't (entirely) denote as "neutral ice." Though, many would say, it is the largest arena in the area.

[urban iceman]

I don't think I am being ignorant, I am only making a prediction that I am standing strong by, Lourdes winning (5-1 if we're getting detailed) and in the event that they do lose to Northfield I will be the first to congratulate NF because it's about time some new blood represents section 1A in St. Paul. However, I just don't see it happening.

I dont think any team will represent section 1A at state other than Lourdes for a long time to come. If Lourdes keeps getting 90% of the top kids from Rochester and surrounding areas, how can any team in section 1A compete against that? Lets get real here, a private school gets the pick of the litter and plays in section 1A, they will not lose in the section final that is played every year at the Rochester Recreation Center. IMHO.

Here-Here!