HighSchoolHockeyForums.com

What's up with this team? I've seen them play twice and they impressed me both times. Then they get into these losing streaks, and I don't know what to make of them (Anoka and Blaine are good teams and I'm sure they earned their victories, but Centennial beat them easily the first time around, so I'm curious). Any Cougar (or old Chief) fans (or foes) who can assess the skill, attitude, progress, and/or state tourney prospects?

Goaltending has been a problem. Two weak goals let in by Hanna last night caused him to be pulled halfway through the 2nd. Strand hasn't been any better. They're both very good goalies who seem to have a mental block sometimes. Maybe a Hill fan can relate.

The talent is there, but IMHO the main problem with this team is a "play when we want to play" attitude. That falls on Aus, who to put it nicely, has never had one of his teams overachieve.

For me, this team has been one of the most disappointing teams of the year. I was glad to see them move into a different section as I viewed them as a major force for Hill to contend with this year. The young talent has now grown up & appeared ready to take that next step, but obviously, they appear to be stumbling right now. I don't know enough about Aus & his coaching style, but something is lacking. At some point, seniors need to take the reigns & start leading this cougar down the right path. It doesn't appear that they are that far off, but things need to be corrected or they will miss out on another state tournament & this time, they won't be able to point a finger at a private school.

They also aren't a very disciplined team sometimes. I've watched a lot of their games and they take a lot of penalties. Goaltending is a big issue. Hanna can look spectacular sometimes, but a lot time he looks disinterested.
With the talent they have, Lovick, Hess, Pitlick, Larsen, they should be a top 5 team.

I think the play when you want to play description is dead on also. Maybe by section time they will wake up.

Pioneerprideguy wrote: At some point, seniors need to take the reigns & start leading this cougar down the right path.

The seniors are the inmates running the asylum. The line of Larsen, Thompsen and Holt specifically.

Neutron 14 wrote:inmates running the asylum.

Sounds like that school should be on the Eastside!

I don't know I'd describe Centennial as quite the engima Hill has been this year it is still safe to say they've been incosistent. But one thing that can't be argued is Centennial has the talent to make a state tournament run. They still are the most talented team in their section and in the end that will show through. While questionable goaltending can kill you in one and done formats, I can't believe Hanna won't get it together by middle of February. I still expect to see sit with Neutron at the section finals, although I'll be cheering for Blaine.

Sparlimb wrote: although I'll be cheering for Blaine.

Sounds like he will be too!

Can't Never Tried wrote:

Sparlimb wrote: although I'll be cheering for Blaine.

Sounds like he will be too!

Hardly-har-har. I'll be there Sparlimb!

Neutron 14 wrote:

Pioneerprideguy wrote: At some point, seniors need to take the reigns & start leading this cougar down the right path.

The seniors are the inmates running the asylum. The line of Larsen, Thompsen and Holt specifically.

Thompson especially

rbk28 wrote: Thompson especially

He's about 2 quarts of testosterone past the full mark...

Sounds like some problems that are similar to those that the team experienced in the mid - late 90s (Aus' teams then as well) when the Cougs would get knocked out early by the likes of Irondale. This team is a lot more talented in my limited spectating, so they could definitely make a run. So much of high school sports is about attitude, team work, work ethic (I suppose this is true on any level to a some extent) that anything can happen. Seems like there are a few other talented teams dealing with the same inconsistency. Like other Pioneer fans, I'm glad to see the red and black out of the section, but would still enjoy seeing them get back to the show.

I have been to eleven Centennial games this year. Now when I go, I wonder which Cougar team will show up. I think neutron, pioneerprideguy and mnhock all are right on! I also think when the Cougars let in that easy goal and fall behind, it start's to snowball and they lose confidence and leadership. But when they are ahead, they seem to build on that and look good the whole game! I also have to say that last night's game was probably the worst I have seen Centennial play since I started going to Cougar games in 2003. If it does come down to a Blaine/Centennial section final, I definatley will be there early to get a good seat after the small rumble at last nights game.

From what I see this team likes to play only when they have the puck. Total lack of effort when the other team has the puck. They obviously have a major gosl tending issue. The lack of effort by the rest of the team is unexceptable.

Year in and year out there are teams that stand out because of their first lines. Noteably Anoka and Centennial this year. Having one line makes teams very very inconsistent. [/list]

Year in and year out there are teams that stand out because of their first lines. Noteably Anoka and Centennial this year. Having one line makes teams very very inconsistent.

Now that forward Berkley Scott has moved to centering Anoka's second line, they haven't looked very "inconsistent".

Just ask Centennial about about that one.

Since, both lines have put up huge numbers.

Their best goalie might be playing Bantam A.

In spite of their inconsistency, I still expect they will make a run to the State Tourney this year.

Anoka is by far the best team in this conference. Their defencemen are awsome to say the least. They have 2 lines that play very well toghther. They have a kid going D1 who just might be their #3 forward. It is just to bad that they are in such a tough section that I do not see them even getting to the finals in.

Tuffpucker - Who exactly are you talking about when Anoka's "#3 forward" is going D1?

The only player on that team as of right now going D1 is John O'neill (UMD) and I would consider him their #1 forward..

Although I do agree with you that they are the best team in the NWSC, I'm just a little confused on your thoughts of, well, there top 3 forwards?