Private School Trash talk thread

[HShockeywatcher]

HSW so funny how you keep defending the indefensible.
A public school can only get so much funding for programs to keep them running, let alone improve them. What programs would be cut first in a failed referendum? Obviously Hill does well at attracting students and athletes, all about the money. I would guess that per pupil spending is greater for students of Hill than any other Section 4 team. And i would bet salary and benefits for Lech is higher than any other coach in section 4.
Public schools are deficient in many areas, Government unions don't help and actually hurt the education of students IMO.
You cant possibly defend the fairness of having a team made up of select talented players and a team made up of home grown players. Then to top it off losing some of those home growns to the very team that you are trying to beat and have a chance to go to the big show.

Good luck at state . Something has to change. I am all for privates having there own section. Problem solved, fairness restored, many people happy. One private at State is plenty. You don't belong in MSHSL no one likes you.

You want to allow the running of your school(s) with an early 20th century model that doesn't work so hot anymore, that's not the fault of those who do things differently.

We're talking athletics only, guy.

Are you suggesting there's no connection between schools and the athletics of the schools?

[PuckU126]

BUMP

After the STA game, let the bashing begin.

(Thankfully STA is opting up next year)

Private schools are 2/3 thus far today with EGF and Lourdes wrapping things up for the Class A quarters. I think the privates will end 2/4.

[rainier]

Ah, it's good to be home.

I'm not rooting for STA to win-or Breck.

Hermantown or EGF? You bet I am.

Hopin for an upset...

[PuckU126]

Ah, it's good to be home.

I'm not rooting for STA to win-or Breck.

Hermantown or EGF? You bet I am.

Hopin for an upset...

Same.

[rainier]

I don't get why Plante gets "in trouble" for discussing the public/private thing. It is so painfully obvious that certain metro private teams are abusing Class A that it should be a topic of conversation. Why shy away from it? Why is this taboo? Is it embarrassing to the MSHSL that they haven't addressed it at all?

It's not sour grapes if you have a legitimate reason. Plante, Nanne, and others have mentioned it, but yet others seem to be scared to mention it. Putting your head in the sand doesn't solve anything.

Oh well, at least there will be one less next year.

[Lowstickside]

Something is not right. There's nothing but apathy and empty seats at the A games. Fans possibly not interested in these 494 ring privates dominating the outstate small public teams. I'm not saying there's not great outstate teams, just not enough of them to ensure 4 good tournament pairings. Kind of hit and miss just waiting for a great game. Maybe one good semi and hopefully a good championship. I love it, but where is the fan support. Really disappointed in all the empty space.

[HappyHockeyFan]

Nobody wants to pay to go see 12-0 games, I am glad to hear there was poor attendance, maybe it will get the MSHSL to get a clue about these private schools ruining the Class A tournament. I would be embarrassed if I were associated with St Thomas or Breck and saw one of those Championship trophies in the trophy case. Just sayin...

[Zamman]

Now I am in no way a fan of STA, but they are opting up and will be in the big boy tournament next year. This years team is pretty good and Apollo is a very young team. STA flat out out-played them. Also, they did let up in the third period....but bash away. I can take it.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

Something is not right. There's nothing but apathy and empty seats at the A games. Fans possibly not interested in these 494 ring privates dominating the outstate small public teams. I'm not saying there's not great outstate teams, just not enough of them to ensure 4 good tournament pairings. Kind of hit and miss just waiting for a great game. Maybe one good semi and hopefully a good championship. I love it, but where is the fan support. Really disappointed in all the empty space.

To suggest that having all small town public schools in the Class tournament would noticeably boost attendance is very naive. If it were limited to four teams, that may well do more to create some buzz. There aren't a lot hockey teams in the state period, and to think that there are 8 of the small school teams that people want to pay money to see, that just won't happen regardless of whether they are private or public.

Everyone gets warm fuzzy feelings when Eveleth makes the field, but no one really cares to get off the couch and buy a ticket. Like it or not, that's the way it is.

[Mailman]

Something is not right. There's nothing but apathy and empty seats at the A games. Fans possibly not interested in these 494 ring privates dominating the outstate small public teams. I'm not saying there's not great outstate teams, just not enough of them to ensure 4 good tournament pairings. Kind of hit and miss just waiting for a great game. Maybe one good semi and hopefully a good championship. I love it, but where is the fan support. Really disappointed in all the empty space.

You've also got to remember, vast majority of A schools are from small(er) towns.

It's much easier to fill an arena, when:

- the fans don't have to drive x hours to get to the game, take off work, spend money at a motel, etc.

- the game(s) of the school(s) you're interested in have fans that come from a over 2 million population base.
Many A towns, you could have every single person at a game, and it still would look empty. Just a matter of numbers.

[Tigers33]

The only comment I will make about sta. I think #14 is on their top line, right? He never should ve touched the ice in the third period. I am not a big fan in calling the dogs off, but by all means DON'T play your top 2 lines in the third period!!

It's called dump and chase...I mean they actually hit a guy on a stretch play in the neutral ice for their 11th or 12th goal. Really? Then number 6 comes down and tries some between the legs crap. I am glad that school is finally moving to class AA. Let me guess they will put them in the ever so powerful section 1.

The last thing is a post said something about they held back. Yes at the 7 minute mark they did and they played keep away! That might be more embarrassing. It's called dump and chase or shoot from the outside more.

I hope they never make it to state in AA!

No coach would care if sta kept playing hard...the things would bother an opposing coach would be - dipsy do crap when up big...top line still playing...and trying to showboat.

[eastsideguy]

Something is not right. There's nothing but apathy and empty seats at the A games. Fans possibly not interested in these 494 ring privates dominating the outstate small public teams. I'm not saying there's not great outstate teams, just not enough of them to ensure 4 good tournament pairings. Kind of hit and miss just waiting for a great game. Maybe one good semi and hopefully a good championship. I love it, but where is the fan support. Really disappointed in all the empty space.

While i am all in favor of STA moving up, and think they should have earlier...the most attended game in Class A history was last years seminfinal game against Breck (over 11,000). If you think there is apathy now... just wait until STA opts us and you will see a Hermantown/EGF final next year in front of 2500.

[blueblood]

Section 1AA makes sense with all of the Lakeville players that attend...

[eastsideguy]

Section 1AA makes sense with all of the Lakeville players that attend...

Blueblood...your living in the past...last year they had one, this year one...and it happens to be the same guy.

[blueblood]

Another hook, line and sinker there folks...isn't that right Lee????

[rainier]

I don't hate private schools. I will root against HM, BSM, etc. in AA but I don't think they are abusing the system the way STA has and Breck continues to do.

If Breck, STA, and T-G opted up prior to this season, the A tourney would probably be:

Hermantown
Marshall

Lourdes
Apollo

EGF
Delano

Mahtomedi
Duluth Marshall

I don't see a 12-0 game in there, and maybe not even a 6-1 game, given Breck is better than Hermantown (according to seedings). No matter what the games would be more entertaining. Hermantown would be the favorite, but it wouldn't be insane to think that Lourdes or EGF could knock them off, not like it would be to think that any of them could beat STA.

I would love to see EGF upset STA, but I just can't see it happening.

[eastsideguy]

I don't hate private schools. I will root against HM, BSM, etc. in AA but I don't think they are abusing the system the way STA has and Breck continues to do.

If Breck, STA, and T-G opted up prior to this season, the A tourney would probably be:

Hermantown
Marshall

Lourdes
Apollo

EGF
Delano

Mahtomedi
Duluth Marshall

I don't see a 12-0 game in there, and maybe not even a 6-1 game, given Breck is better than Hermantown (according to seedings). No matter what the games would be more entertaining. Hermantown would be the favorite, but it wouldn't be insane to think that Lourdes or EGF could knock them off, not like it would be to think that any of them could beat STA.

I would love to see EGF upset STA, but I just can't see it happening.

How many fans do you see at those games?

If you want Breck, STA, and TG to move up.. then all the privates should....Providence, Blake, SPA, Etc...they all have the same perceived opportunities and advantages as the three you mentioned. Just because they have not had the same success, they can stay in A? I would argue Marshall and Lourdes have the same opportunities as well. Smaller metro area to pull from, but no other competition from privates.

Again i am all for STA moving up..to late in my mind...but they probably should all move up

[Lowstickside]

Something is not right. There's nothing but apathy and empty seats at the A games. Fans possibly not interested in these 494 ring privates dominating the outstate small public teams. I'm not saying there's not great outstate teams, just not enough of them to ensure 4 good tournament pairings. Kind of hit and miss just waiting for a great game. Maybe one good semi and hopefully a good championship. I love it, but where is the fan support. Really disappointed in all the empty space.

To suggest that having all small town public schools in the Class tournament would noticeably boost attendance is very naive. If it were limited to four teams, that may well do more to create some buzz. There aren't a lot hockey teams in the state period, and to think that there are 8 of the small school teams that people want to pay money to see, that just won't happen regardless of whether they are private or public.

Everyone gets warm fuzzy feelings when Eveleth makes the field, but no one really cares to get off the couch and buy a ticket. Like it or not, that's the way it is.

I don't see where anything was said about a 4 team tournament of small town schools. Looking at a crowd for our State tournament that rivals a saturday night mid-season league game is what I was talking about. Throwing out possible causes for the apathetic attendance is not naive.
I think the attendance was embarrassing and that clearly something is wrong.

[WarmUpTheBus]

I don't hate private schools. I will root against HM, BSM, etc. in AA but I don't think they are abusing the system the way STA has and Breck continues to do.

If Breck, STA, and T-G opted up prior to this season, the A tourney would probably be:

Hermantown
Marshall

Lourdes
Apollo

EGF
Delano

Mahtomedi
Duluth Marshall

I don't see a 12-0 game in there, and maybe not even a 6-1 game, given Breck is better than Hermantown (according to seedings). No matter what the games would be more entertaining. Hermantown would be the favorite, but it wouldn't be insane to think that Lourdes or EGF could knock them off, not like it would be to think that any of them could beat STA.

I would love to see EGF upset STA, but I just can't see it happening.

I don't see a game in there worth watching.

[rainier]

I don't hate private schools. I will root against HM, BSM, etc. in AA but I don't think they are abusing the system the way STA has and Breck continues to do.

If Breck, STA, and T-G opted up prior to this season, the A tourney would probably be:

Hermantown
Marshall

Lourdes
Apollo

EGF
Delano

Mahtomedi
Duluth Marshall

I don't see a 12-0 game in there, and maybe not even a 6-1 game, given Breck is better than Hermantown (according to seedings). No matter what the games would be more entertaining. Hermantown would be the favorite, but it wouldn't be insane to think that Lourdes or EGF could knock them off, not like it would be to think that any of them could beat STA.

I would love to see EGF upset STA, but I just can't see it happening.

How many fans do you see at those games?

If you want Breck, STA, and TG to move up.. then all the privates should....Providence, Blake, SPA, Etc...they all have the same perceived opportunities and advantages as the three you mentioned. Just because they have not had the same success, they can stay in A? I would argue Marshall and Lourdes have the same opportunities as well. Smaller metro area to pull from, but no other competition from privates.

Again i am all for STA moving up..to late in my mind...but they probably should all move up

I think this is where the whole "human judgement" thing comes into play. I keep hearing from private A school defenders that "life isn't fair", yet these same people will say it isn't "fair" that and SPA, Providence, etc. shouldn't have to opt up also. When SPA or Providence wins a few titles each and there is no drop off in sight, then it is time to opt up. This isn't a hard concept to grasp, unless you are defending your school from abusing Class A, in which case the "fair" argument becomes a convenient place to hide.

The fact that a team is located in a big city is a huge potential advantage, and once a team is able to leverage that advantage, they should opt up. It is that simple.

Once a team has a title or two under their belt, then they are on "opt up notice". If they can compete in their probable section in AA, then they should opt up. If they drop off into 4 seed or below territory in their AA section, then opt back down and be immediately competitive in A. The MSHSL has given teams the 2 year opt rule as a tool, go ahead and use it.

I do wonder how the STA move up will affect Breck. Will talented kids continue to go there as the number of private schools in AA increases? Will Breck finally see that a move to AA can be a great boon to their program?

Good to see STA finally opt up.

[rainier]

I don't hate private schools. I will root against HM, BSM, etc. in AA but I don't think they are abusing the system the way STA has and Breck continues to do.

If Breck, STA, and T-G opted up prior to this season, the A tourney would probably be:

Hermantown
Marshall

Lourdes
Apollo

EGF
Delano

Mahtomedi
Duluth Marshall

I don't see a 12-0 game in there, and maybe not even a 6-1 game, given Breck is better than Hermantown (according to seedings). No matter what the games would be more entertaining. Hermantown would be the favorite, but it wouldn't be insane to think that Lourdes or EGF could knock them off, not like it would be to think that any of them could beat STA.

I would love to see EGF upset STA, but I just can't see it happening.

I don't see a game in there worth watching.

Then don't watch. NHL or college hockey fans may look at the AA tourney and say the same thing.

It's not about filling the X, it's about the kids playing in the state tournament. And even if it was, STA or Breck sure aren't bringing in many fans.

I think most people just want to watch a competitive game, even if the teams are Class A.

[eastsideguy]

I don't hate private schools. I will root against HM, BSM, etc. in AA but I don't think they are abusing the system the way STA has and Breck continues to do.

If Breck, STA, and T-G opted up prior to this season, the A tourney would probably be:

Hermantown
Marshall

Lourdes
Apollo

EGF
Delano

Mahtomedi
Duluth Marshall

I don't see a 12-0 game in there, and maybe not even a 6-1 game, given Breck is better than Hermantown (according to seedings). No matter what the games would be more entertaining. Hermantown would be the favorite, but it wouldn't be insane to think that Lourdes or EGF could knock them off, not like it would be to think that any of them could beat STA.

I would love to see EGF upset STA, but I just can't see it happening.

How many fans do you see at those games?

If you want Breck, STA, and TG to move up.. then all the privates should....Providence, Blake, SPA, Etc...they all have the same perceived opportunities and advantages as the three you mentioned. Just because they have not had the same success, they can stay in A? I would argue Marshall and Lourdes have the same opportunities as well. Smaller metro area to pull from, but no other competition from privates.

Again i am all for STA moving up..to late in my mind...but they probably should all move up

I think this is where the whole "human judgement" thing comes into play. I keep hearing from private A school defenders that "life isn't fair", yet these same people will say it isn't "fair" that and SPA, Providence, etc. shouldn't have to opt up also. When SPA or Providence wins a few titles each and there is no drop off in sight, then it is time to opt up. This isn't a hard concept to grasp, unless you are defending your school from abusing Class A, in which case the "fair" argument becomes a convenient place to hide.

The fact that a team is located in a big city is a huge potential advantage, and once a team is able to leverage that advantage, they should opt up. It is that simple.

Once a team has a title or two under their belt, then they are on "opt up notice". If they can compete in their probable section in AA, then they should opt up. If they drop off into 4 seed or below territory in their AA section, then opt back down and be immediately competitive in A. The MSHSL has given teams the 2 year opt rule as a tool, go ahead and use it.

I do wonder how the STA move up will affect Breck. Will talented kids continue to go there as the number of private schools in AA increases? Will Breck finally see that a move to AA can be a great boon to their program?

Good to see STA finally opt up.

When did i say life isnt fair...when did i say STA shouldnt move up, i dont disagree with a lot of what you say... BUT...those privates in the metro area and a lone private in duluth or rochester have the same opportunities and advantages as STA or Breck. But because STA and Breck have excelled, you single them out... If its all about the extra advantages, more resources, and large talent pool to pull from...you must call out the other privates as well. Sorry but you cant have it both ways.

[dherman8]

Something is not right. There's nothing but apathy and empty seats at the A games. Fans possibly not interested in these 494 ring privates dominating the outstate small public teams. I'm not saying there's not great outstate teams, just not enough of them to ensure 4 good tournament pairings. Kind of hit and miss just waiting for a great game. Maybe one good semi and hopefully a good championship. I love it, but where is the fan support. Really disappointed in all the empty space.

While i am all in favor of STA moving up, and think they should have earlier...the most attended game in Class A history was last years seminfinal game against Breck (over 11,000). If you think there is apathy now... just wait until STA opts us and you will see a Hermantown/EGF final next year in front of 2500.

How many people were at the Hermantown/Thief River Falls semifinal last year? I'm assuming the 11,000 number was the attendance for the 2 game day session on Friday. Have you seen the fan sections that STA and Breck bring? Outside of students there is virtually nobody else that comes to see STA or Breck beyond some alumni. I know many of us from this site go to the X just to watch some great high school hockey in a great venue regardless of who is playing. If you look on this site you can see a big number of people don't enjoy private schools, especially in class A, so I'm guessing people weren't going just to watch a STA/Breck game. Also, Friday is more of a day people take off for the weekend and is more convenient than a Wednesday or a Thursday. Just my thoughts.

[dherman8]

I don't hate private schools. I will root against HM, BSM, etc. in AA but I don't think they are abusing the system the way STA has and Breck continues to do.

If Breck, STA, and T-G opted up prior to this season, the A tourney would probably be:

Hermantown
Marshall

Lourdes
Apollo

EGF
Delano

Mahtomedi
Duluth Marshall

I don't see a 12-0 game in there, and maybe not even a 6-1 game, given Breck is better than Hermantown (according to seedings). No matter what the games would be more entertaining. Hermantown would be the favorite, but it wouldn't be insane to think that Lourdes or EGF could knock them off, not like it would be to think that any of them could beat STA.

I would love to see EGF upset STA, but I just can't see it happening.

I don't see a game in there worth watching.

Then don't. And leave us that want to watch alone.

[rainier]

How many fans do you see at those games?

If you want Breck, STA, and TG to move up.. then all the privates should....Providence, Blake, SPA, Etc...they all have the same perceived opportunities and advantages as the three you mentioned. Just because they have not had the same success, they can stay in A? I would argue Marshall and Lourdes have the same opportunities as well. Smaller metro area to pull from, but no other competition from privates.

Again i am all for STA moving up..to late in my mind...but they probably should all move up

I think this is where the whole "human judgement" thing comes into play. I keep hearing from private A school defenders that "life isn't fair", yet these same people will say it isn't "fair" that and SPA, Providence, etc. shouldn't have to opt up also. When SPA or Providence wins a few titles each and there is no drop off in sight, then it is time to opt up. This isn't a hard concept to grasp, unless you are defending your school from abusing Class A, in which case the "fair" argument becomes a convenient place to hide.

The fact that a team is located in a big city is a huge potential advantage, and once a team is able to leverage that advantage, they should opt up. It is that simple.

Once a team has a title or two under their belt, then they are on "opt up notice". If they can compete in their probable section in AA, then they should opt up. If they drop off into 4 seed or below territory in their AA section, then opt back down and be immediately competitive in A. The MSHSL has given teams the 2 year opt rule as a tool, go ahead and use it.

I do wonder how the STA move up will affect Breck. Will talented kids continue to go there as the number of private schools in AA increases? Will Breck finally see that a move to AA can be a great boon to their program?

Good to see STA finally opt up.

When did i say life isnt fair...when did i say STA shouldnt move up, i dont disagree with a lot of what you say... BUT...those privates in the metro area and a lone private in duluth or rochester have the same opportunities and advantages as STA or Breck. But because STA and Breck have excelled, you single them out... If its all about the extra advantages, more resources, and large talent pool to pull from...you must call out the other privates as well. Sorry but you cant have it both ways.

I wasn't referring to you, it was what STA defenders have said before.

And you're right, I am singling STA and Breck out, because they should be in AA! Why does human judgement not get to be used when examining this? STA and Breck get abused on here precisely because they are abusing Class A. It's about schools leveraging these advantages, not just having them available.

It is not "punishing success", it is offering a promotion, a reward for their success in building a program that is AA caliber. Most people are happy to take a promotion to challenge themselves instead of being a stagnant big fish in a small pond.

When SPA, Providence, etc. also have STA-level success, then they will also be in a position to take the promotion of moving to AA.