Myth: Warroad tradition

Nostalgic Nerd · Post by **Nostalgic Nerd** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:46 am

Despite my love for the meanest team I ever saw (’96 Warroad), I have to admit Warrior tradition is suspect. Their teams have been in three “big school” tourney finals. The last being Henry Bouche’s run nearly 40 years ago in 1969. Warroad has never won an “AA” title. However, their crosstown rival Roseau has been in 12 tournament finals, winning seven.

It was pretty impressive watching Warroad beat up on metro schools in the ‘90s and mid-2000s, but compared to what Roseau is accomplishing today in the big school field, it leaves the impression that the Warriors are trying to be as big a David as their rivals without actually directly trying to compete against them. Sure, they face Roseau twice a year during regular season, but in post-season, it’s zilch.

In essence, Warroad tradition is impressive minus the Rams comparison. Their community wants the recognition Roseau has established through the years, but the “A” hardware is more important than the principle of competing against the best, namely Roseau.

There might be people who scoff at the idea small school mystique can be criticized, but the fact is Roseau made a distinct decision to move to the upper class based on principles. They decided as a team, as well as a community, that should they lose they will accept their loss and have to work that much harder the next time around. Because to be the best, you have to beat the best.

Warrior tradition really isn’t predicated on that belief. By default they’ve acknowledged their defeat to a superior program in Roseau. And the only way for them to truly right themselves is to consciously accept that principle, improve, and jump into the fold.

Post-season record: 16-9 Roseau

1946 Regional semi: Roseau 5, Warroad 2
1947 Regional final: Roseau 5, Warroad 2
1948 Regional final: Warroad 3, Roseau 2
1949 Regional semi: Warroad 2, Roseau 0
1953 Regional final: Roseau 3, Warroad 1
1954 Regional semi: Warroad 5, Roseau 4
1958 Regional semi: Roseau 7, Warroad 0
1959 Regional semi: Roseau 5, Warroad 0
1960 Regional semi: Warroad 1, Roseau 0
1962 Regional final: Roseau 4, Warroad 0
1963 Regional final: Roseau 2, Warroad 0
1964 Regional final: Roseau 3, Warroad 1
1965 Regional semi: Roseau 2, Warroad 1
1966 Regional final: Roseau 5, Warroad 0
1967 Regional semi: Roseau 3, Warroad 1
1968 Regional semi: Roseau 5, Warroad 3
1969 Regional final: Roseau 2, Warroad 1
1969 Tournament semi: Warroad 3, Roseau 2
1970 Regional semi: Roseau 2, Warroad 0
1978 Regional semi: Roseau 11, Warroad 4
1989 Regional final: Warroad 2, Roseau 0
1993 Regional semi: Roseau 6, Warroad 2
1995 Regional final: Warroad 3, Roseau 0
1996 Regional final: Warroad 6, Roseau 2
1997 Regional final: Warroad 4, Roseau 3

Tourney appearances (thru 1997, the last year both schools were in same regional): 26-9 Roseau

Nostalgic Nerd · Post by **Nostalgic Nerd** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:47 am

***BTW, does anyone have the overall record between the two schools? I couldn't find anything in searches.

Govs93 · Post by **Govs93** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:56 am

I don't think there are too many people who haven't questioned Warroad's decision to not opt up, but I don't know that it really has a whole lot of impact on their tradition itself though. They still play Roseau twice a year, and as I understand it, they're still the biggest two games of the regular season for both schools. The fact they did have success so many years ago is the foundation of why they have an admirable tradition. opting to stay in Class A is a little bit of a black eye to many, but to lump it in with their history and call it a "myth" would be incorrect in my opinion. I don't think you can question it.

OGEE OGELTHORPE · Post by **OGEE OGELTHORPE** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:59 am

Nostalgic Nerd wrote:***BTW, does anyone have the overall record between the two schools? I couldn't find anything in searches.

Roseau 92-57-4 overall record against Warroad.

golfer09 · Post by **golfer09** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:11 pm

I think what everyone forgets is the trouble Roseau had with Warroad in the mid 90's when Roseau was class A also. After a few seasons of not being able to get past Warroad, Roseau made the jump to AA and then did not have to play Warroad to get to the state tourny. That is how Roseau ended up in AA.

onbison09 · Post by **onbison09** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:12 pm

History of rivalry courtesy of roseauramshockey.com-http://www.roseauramshockey.com/rams_wa ... rriors.htm

MN Pond Hockey · Post by **MN Pond Hockey** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:21 pm

The 95/96 Warroad team were a bunch of dinks. I graduated that year from another team in section 8.

O-townClown · Post by **O-townClown** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:23 pm

The Olimb team lost to eventual champs Edina in OT - 1988 Semis. Sometimes teams are just as good as those that win it but don't due to a bounce of the puck here or there.

Three finals is true, but one darn good team didn't make the final and merits mention.

61ache · Post by **61ache** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:29 pm

Hey, I'm from Roseau so you usually won't get a whole lot of arguments from Warroad thrash talking from me. However, I think there's something missing in the argument--in the Warroad tradition HS hockey only makes up a portion of story. You also have to combine the Warroad Lakers and all their Allen Cup victories. This is combined with Olympic and professional athletes including the "Miracle On Ice", Cal Marvin's efforts, Christian Brothers Hockey Sticks, and overall contribution to the "State of Hockey" to see the whole picture.

packerboy · Post by **packerboy** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:33 pm

Warrod doesnt compare with Roseau but so what?

Its still a great hockey town with great tradition and good quality windows.

A lot of schools dont compare with Roseau in hockey.

Can't Never Tried · Post by **Can't Never Tried** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:38 pm

packerboy wrote: Its still a great hockey town with good quality windows.

A lot of schools dont compare with Roseau in hockey.

Rogers doesn't

.........but we do have Cabelas

Go figure the premier outdoor store right here in the Metro!!

darkdemon · Post by **darkdemon** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:41 pm

It doesn't matter Warroad is still one of Minnesota's greatest hockey towns

Govs93 · Post by **Govs93** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:49 pm

Can't Never Tried wrote:
packerboy wrote: Its still a great hockey town with good quality windows.

A lot of schools dont compare with Roseau in hockey.
Rogers doesn't .........but we do have Cabelas

Go figure the premier outdoor store right here in the Metro!!

I'm still stunned they didn't open that place on the Eastside of St. Paul....

Oh, wait... they sell firearms, don't they?

Nevermind.

SB24 · Post by **SB24** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:33 pm

I think everyone on here knows i am a huge supporter of Warrior hockey, but like most people on here, would rather they played AA hockey. But where would that leave section 8A? Do you think TRF, EGF, and Bemidji would stay in 8A if Warroad left? Warroad is after all, the smallest of the competitive schools in 8A. Should they all do AA? Maybe, but maybe all schools should play in the class they fall into, then we would have two very equal tournaments and in many years, the A tourney would out class the AA tournament.

The point about questioning Warroad's tradition and hockey heritage is rediculous as everyone knows. A town that has produced the most NHLers and Olympians per capita in the entire country, not to mention county, needs no questions on its hockey tradition. Throw in Warroad being the only American town to win Canada's Allen Cup, Cal Marvin starting hockey at UND, and the Christian Brothers and their sticks and the case is pretty much open and shut.

And also, to MN Pond Hockey...still holding on to that bitterness after 12 years? Let it go man.

darkdemon · Post by **darkdemon** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:55 pm

MN Pond Hockey can go cry a pond we can all play on.

Roseau '71er · Post by **Roseau '71er** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:56 pm

Hi, I am a new member of this forum, but I have been reading it for some time and get a big kick out of it. I am an alum of Roseau (class of 1971). Even though I never played organized hockey, I have followed the Rams all my life.

This thread has caused me to write my first response!

As a fan of the Roseau Rams, I have great respect for Warroad's hockey tradition. I believe that the intense rivalry that exists between the two communities has helped heighten both hockey programs. Every program has ups and downs, but the overall success of these two small towns is unique. They have pushed each other to the top!

I must, however, disagree with the perception that Roseau opted up because they didn't want to have to compete with Warroad in Sectional tourneys. As I already stated, every program has up and down cycles, and I'm sure those who made the decision were quite aware of that, and also knew that Moorhead would be every bit as much of a thorn in their side over the long term.

I was disappointed when the Rams didn't opt up at the beginning, because I viewed the A tourney as an inferior product. I believe the two state titles that have been won since they moved up have been much sweeter than if they would have been won at the Class A level.

There is nothing wrong with competing in Class A, but if you have a program that can play with the best in the state, why not do it.

Neutron 14 · Post by **Neutron 14** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:01 pm

Roseau '71er wrote:Hi, I am a new member of this forum, but I have been reading it for some time and get a big kick out of it. I am an alum of Roseau (class of 1971). Even though I never played organized hockey, I have followed the Rams all my life.

This thread has caused me to write my first response!

As a fan of the Roseau Rams, I have great respect for Warroad's hockey tradition. I believe that the intense rivalry that exists between the two communities has helped heighten both hockey programs. Every program has ups and downs, but the overall success of these two small towns is unique. They have pushed each other to the top!

I must, however, disagree with the perception that Roseau opted up because they didn't want to have to compete with Warroad in Sectional tourneys. As I already stated, every program has up and down cycles, and I'm sure those who made the decision were quite aware of that, and also knew that Moorhead would be every bit as much of a thorn in their side over the long term.

I was disappointed when the Rams didn't opt up at the beginning, because I viewed the A tourney as an inferior product. I believe the two state titles that have been won since they moved up have been much sweeter than if they would have been won at the Class A level.

There is nothing wrong with competing in Class A, but if you have a program that can play with the best in the state, why not do it.

Great post!

You should feel silly for lurking all this time. Join the fray! I think your the last one in Roseau with a computer to chime in!

HockeyFan1 · Post by **HockeyFan1** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:01 pm

golfer09 wrote:I think what everyone forgets is the trouble Roseau had with Warroad in the mid 90's when Roseau was class A also. After a few seasons of not being able to get past Warroad, Roseau made the jump to AA and then did not have to play Warroad to get to the state tourny. That is how Roseau ended up in AA.

Ya, keep telling yourself that - it's the only thing you can cling to.

Get real. I think many Warroad fans realized this last year, with them playing in Class A, when the Rams were playing in AA, and getting all the attention, just isn't even a close comparison. I've heard many comments from Warroad fans about this lately.

But ya, if it makes you feel better - cling to that idea about how the Rams moved to AA.

Back to the topic, All in All, Warroad does have a nice tradition - but until they move up, they won't be considered a great tradition moving forward nearly as much as the past history dictates.

Can't Never Tried · Post by **Can't Never Tried** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:01 pm

Roseau '71er wrote:Hi, I am a new member of this forum, but I have been reading it for some time and get a big kick out of it. I am an alum of Roseau (class of 1971). Even though I never played organized hockey, I have followed the Rams all my life.

This thread has caused me to write my first response!

As a fan of the Roseau Rams, I have great respect for Warroad's hockey tradition. I believe that the intense rivalry that exists between the two communities has helped heighten both hockey programs. Every program has ups and downs, but the overall success of these two small towns is unique. They have pushed each other to the top!

I must, however, disagree with the perception that Roseau opted up because they didn't want to have to compete with Warroad in Sectional tourneys. As I already stated, every program has up and down cycles, and I'm sure those who made the decision were quite aware of that, and also knew that Moorhead would be every bit as much of a thorn in their side over the long term.

I was disappointed when the Rams didn't opt up at the beginning, because I viewed the A tourney as an inferior product. I believe the two state titles that have been won since they moved up have been much sweeter than if they would have been won at the Class A level.

There is nothing wrong with competing in Class A, but if you have a program that can play with the best in the state, why not do it.

Welcome "a-bored" is there anyone left in town not on here now?

SiouxRecruit · Post by **SiouxRecruit** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:03 pm

darkdemon wrote:It doesn't matter Warroad is still one of Minnesota's greatest hockey towns

Maybe in ur eyes.....

BIAFP · Post by **BIAFP** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:05 pm

Can't Never Tried wrote:
Welcome "a-bored" is there anyone left in town not on here now?

And along came Polly

Can't Never Tried · Post by **Can't Never Tried** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:06 pm

BIAFP wrote:
Can't Never Tried wrote:
Welcome "a-bored" is there anyone left in town not on here now?
And along came Polly

RYHA_needs_3 · Post by **RYHA_needs_3** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:09 pm

MN Pond Hockey,

95/96 were dinks?? Really, I played against and with a couple of them and they were pretty cool guys. No different than most of the guys from up north...thinking they were better than those of us from the south, but we showed them different. I guess you could say we humbled them. I think you are just jealous that you can't be as big a RATT fan as the 95/96 Warroad team was.

MN Pond Hockey · Post by **MN Pond Hockey** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:35 pm

darkdemon wrote:MN Pond Hockey can go cry a pond we can all play on.

Who said anything about crying. I was giving my opinion. I guess we aren't allowed to say anything bad about Warroad. I grew up playing hockey and other sports against Warroad and they were lacking in sportsmanship at times compared to some of the other section 8 teams I played against. Thats my opinion, and the 95/96 team were very arrogant.

Can't Never Tried · Post by **Can't Never Tried** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:46 pm

MN Pond Hockey wrote: I guess we aren't allowed to say anything bad about Warroad.

As long as you mix a little Roseau and Edina in there... fire away!

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Myth: Warroad tradition

Myth: Warroad tradition

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everyone forgets

1988 Warroad

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