AA Rankings for 1/18

[karl(east)]

Here are my latest rankings for AA. I hope everyone had a lovely Hockey Day in Minnesota! There aren't very many top 15 matchups this week, but there are some interesting games to keep an eye on nonetheless.

1. Edina
-A pair of very strong wins over ranked opponents this past week. The win over EP despite being a bit shorthanded was most impressive. They're playing like champions right now.
This week: Thurs at #8 Wayzata, Sat at Hopkins
2. Bloomington Jefferson
-Followed up an iffy win over Lakeville with a solid win over Burnsville. The results offer no reason to suggest they are not correctly ranked.
This week: Tues vs Rosemount, Sat at Chaska
3. Blaine
-Big win over Maple Grove, then came back to tie Centennial. Don't read too much into my putting them over Centennial; it's essentially a wash. I put Blaine first because 1) their loss is to a better team, and 2) they've looked a little better against good common opponents (namely MG and DE)
This week: Thurs vs. Andover, Sat vs. Coon Rapids
4. Centennial
-Tie with Blaine sets up a great 2-team race down the stretch. They're very happy to have Pitlick back.
This week: Tues vs. Champlin Park, Thurs at Osseo
5. Eden Prairie
-Once again played Edina very well but came out on the short end. The most recent loss was the sort that does not affect a team in the rankings much. Rebounded well with a big win over Apple Valley.
This week: Tues at Eagan, Sat at Bloomington Kennedy
6. Duluth East
-Followed an ugly win over Denfeld with a sound one over White Bear Lake. It's essentially a coast into sections from here on out.
This week: Fri vs. Rochester Mayo, Sat vs. Rochester Century
7. Minnetonka
-Had a huge week with 3 very good wins over 3 teams in last week's top 15, including the upset of Holy Angels. A very, very dangerous team. Finally get a bit of a respite this week from their brutal schedule.
This week: Thurs vs. Hopkins, Sat at Robbinsdale Armstrong
8. Wayzata
-Streaking team getting ready for some big matchups over the next few weeks. Edina had better not take them lightly on Thursday.
This week: Tues vs. Burnsville, Thurs vs. #1 Edina
9. Holy Angels
-Did well in wins over Hill and Mount St. Charles, but the loss to Minnetonka hurts them. Fading behind Edina and Jefferson a bit, at least for now. Schedule makes them a bit more difficult to judge than some of the other notable teams.
This week: Tues at Shakopee, Fri vs. Farmington
10. Woodbury
-Were sailing along until they somehow came up with that tie against Forest Lake at home. Still a very good team, but performances like that leave questions about viability on a statewide level. Get another crack at Flake this Saturday.
This week: Thurs vs. Eastview, Sat at Forest Lake
11. Benilde-St. Margaret's
-Did not hang with Edina, but got back on track with the win over Duluth Marshall. Still a serious problem for anyone trying to get out of Section 6AA.
This week: Tues vs. #12 Hill-Murray, Thurs at Totino-Grace
--note: At this point in the rankings, I see a significant dropoff. Any of the above teams could conceivably beat any other under the right conditions. I do not feel that is the case with the teams that fall below, most of which are in a jumbled mess.--
12. Hill-Murray
-The loss to Holy Angels was some sort of gague, but it's still difficult to figure out where this team falls after the recent shake-up. They're getting the benefit of the doubt by staying here, and Tuesday should give us a much better idea.
This week: Tues at #11 Benilde-St. Margaret's, Sat vs. Henry Sibley
13. Maple Grove
-Did not stick with Blaine on Thursday. Still a good team with an outside shot come sections, but it's looking like a 2-horse race in 5AA right now; they picked a rather bad year to become a contender in this section. Still have a chance to play their way back into the race, though.
This week: Tues at Coon Rapids, Sat vs. Anoka
14. Elk River
-Have not done a whole lot to earn this, but at least all of their losses have been relatively close games to higher-ranked teams, which is more than you can say for just about anyone else vying for this spot.
This week: Thurs at Champlin Park, Sat vs. North Metro Stars
15. Stillwater
-The messiness of this part of the rankings become apparent: they held this spot last week, lost badly to Minnetonka, yet I still can find no one worthy of moving ahead of the Ponies. The Roseville game is a big one for them this week.
This week: Thurs vs. Roseville, Sat vs. Hastings

Also of note:
-White Bear Lake. They got a nice win over CDH, and even the loss to East doesn't hurt that much, but have still shown way too much inconsistency to merit ranking.
-Roseville. Have played their way into the 4AA picture, somehow. Beat WBL, lost to CDH.
-Cretin-Derham Hall. Beat Roseville, lost to WBL. These three are in a bit of a conundrum.
-Moorhead. Their slide has continued so badly that Section 8AA now looks like a bit of a joke this year. Luckily for them, Roseau has given no signs of putting up any competition.

An odd trend this year is the odd split we have between the section races. We have three great ones (2,5,6), two that are essentially done and will require monumental upsets to be changed (3,7), and three that are messy and not that good (1,4,8).

If anyone has any detailed insight on Section 1, that would be nice to see. We haven't heard much about it on here, and although none of its teams are near the top 15, one of them does have to go to state, so it would be nice to have an idea of what's going on down south.

[karl(east)]

Speak of the devil; someone went and started a 1AA thread while I was compiling this. I look forward to some section race analysis on there.

[DoubleDeuce]

This is great, as I have said beore! But to wake up on a Sunday morning, get a cup of Coffee and hop on the puter to see these already? My day has started out good so far! I know some people don't put much into rankings and I can understand why, but I enjoy them and look forward to them. Especially since my two teams, Centennial and Blaine are right up there! Now I just have to wait until Thursday to see the LPH ranking! But I still put these above those as they are very accurate and with the write up bit following makes it more enjoyable! Thanks Again!

[SECBLUES]

I am new to actually posting, but have been viewing for a couple of years. this is the most subjecive ranking sceme that i have encountered on the web. I look forward to viewing the new outlooks weekly with the commentary that follows. There are a number of teams that fall with in the same section though. I would like to see you set up another ranking that breaks down the current rankings with who you see getting to the X, and how the Elite 8 will be ranked at the tourney. Great job so far on breaking down the season. looking forward to next weeks ranking.

[SECBLUES]

I am new to actually posting, but have been viewing for a couple of years. this is the most subjecive ranking sceme that i have encountered on the web. I look forward to viewing the new outlooks weekly with the commentary that follows. There are a number of teams that fall with in the same section though. I would like to see you set up another ranking that breaks down the current rankings with who you see getting to the X, and how the Elite 8 will be ranked at the tourney. Great job so far on breaking down the season. looking forward to next weeks ranking.

[elliott70]

I am new to actually posting, but have been viewing for a couple of years. this is the most subjecive ranking sceme that i have encountered on the web. I look forward to viewing the new outlooks weekly with the commentary that follows. There are a number of teams that fall with in the same section though. I would like to see you set up another ranking that breaks down the current rankings with who you see getting to the X, and how the Elite 8 will be ranked at the tourney. Great job so far on breaking down the season. looking forward to next weeks ranking.

Since you are new, we will give you a break, but perhpas you should delete one of the double posts.

[SECBLUES]

Sorry for the fat finger on the mouse! won't happen again. becides i have a long way to go to catch up to your posting.

[karl(east)]

I am new to actually posting, but have been viewing for a couple of years. this is the most subjecive ranking sceme that i have encountered on the web. I look forward to viewing the new outlooks weekly with the commentary that follows. There are a number of teams that fall with in the same section though. I would like to see you set up another ranking that breaks down the current rankings with who you see getting to the X, and how the Elite 8 will be ranked at the tourney. Great job so far on breaking down the season. looking forward to next weeks ranking.

Thank you for the very nice words.

As for some section-by-section outlooks, I hope to do something like that later this week or as part of next week's rankings. But as I am in DC, my life is going to be a bit hectic the next few days (ie. 3 people sleeping on the floor in my room), so it'll have to wait a little bit.

I can say a few things quickly on rankings, though. They only rank the top 4 teams, and I see no way in which anyone from section 1, 4, or 8 ends up with a ranking. So if we stick with what we have and assume no major upsets, it would leave us with:

1. Edina/Jefferson
2. Blaine/Centennial
3. EP, if they win 6AA. If not, Duluth East.
4. Duluth East/winner of 6AA other than EP/Woodbury

I most likely see Woodbury being the odd team out in this setup, meaning one unlucky team in the top 4 would draw them in the first round.

[A Bruegaard]

I am new to actually posting, but have been viewing for a couple of years. this is the most subjecive ranking sceme that i have encountered on the web. I look forward to viewing the new outlooks weekly with the commentary that follows. There are a number of teams that fall with in the same section though. I would like to see you set up another ranking that breaks down the current rankings with who you see getting to the X, and how the Elite 8 will be ranked at the tourney. Great job so far on breaking down the season. looking forward to next weeks ranking.

Thank you for the very nice words.

As for some section-by-section outlooks, I hope to do something like that later this week or as part of next week's rankings. But as I am in DC, my life is going to be a bit hectic the next few days (ie. 3 people sleeping on the floor in my room), so it'll have to wait a little bit.

I can say a few things quickly on rankings, though. They only rank the top 4 teams, and I see no way in which anyone from section 1, 4, or 8 ends up with a ranking. So if we stick with what we have and assume no major upsets, it would leave us with:

1. Edina/Jefferson
2. Blaine/Centennial
3. EP, if they win 6AA. If not, Duluth East.
4. Duluth East/winner of 6AA other than EP/Woodbury

I most likely see Woodbury being the odd team out in this setup, meaning one unlucky team in the top 4 would draw them in the first round.

I like the current break down of your top four, but don't see the Duluth East team out shining Woodbury in the top four ranking. I think that section is a little weak this year. if the teams you are speculating make it to the dance, I will have to agree that the team who draws Woodbury might as well have not drawn a ranked position for bracketing purposes. I think think we could smell a first round upset. they are 3 and three in the tourney the last two years and posted wins against Hill Murray, Cloquet, and Blaine.

[Hockey_High09]

I am new to actually posting, but have been viewing for a couple of years. this is the most subjecive ranking sceme that i have encountered on the web. I look forward to viewing the new outlooks weekly with the commentary that follows. There are a number of teams that fall with in the same section though. I would like to see you set up another ranking that breaks down the current rankings with who you see getting to the X, and how the Elite 8 will be ranked at the tourney. Great job so far on breaking down the season. looking forward to next weeks ranking.

Thank you for the very nice words.

As for some section-by-section outlooks, I hope to do something like that later this week or as part of next week's rankings. But as I am in DC, my life is going to be a bit hectic the next few days (ie. 3 people sleeping on the floor in my room), so it'll have to wait a little bit.

I can say a few things quickly on rankings, though. They only rank the top 4 teams, and I see no way in which anyone from section 1, 4, or 8 ends up with a ranking. So if we stick with what we have and assume no major upsets, it would leave us with:

1. Edina/Jefferson
2. Blaine/Centennial
3. EP, if they win 6AA. If not, Duluth East.
4. Duluth East/winner of 6AA other than EP/Woodbury

I most likely see Woodbury being the odd team out in this setup, meaning one unlucky team in the top 4 would draw them in the first round.

I like the current break down of your top four, but don't see the Duluth East team out shining Woodbury in the top four ranking. I think that section is a little weak this year. if the teams you are speculating make it to the dance, I will have to agree that the team who draws Woodbury might as well have not drawn a ranked position for bracketing purposes. I think think we could smell a first round upset. they are 3 and three in the tourney the last two years and posted wins against Hill Murray, Cloquet, and Blaine.

I don't understand why Jefferson does not receive the #1 overall ranking. They're undefeated. I respect and appreciate your list, but what else do these kids have to do? If a team is undefeated - with no ties - they deserve a #1 ranking in my book. Please explain or argue/discuss, whatever. I believe they are due a #1 ranking.

[O-townClown]

I don't understand why Jefferson does not receive the #1 overall ranking. They're undefeated. I respect and appreciate your list, but what else do these kids have to do? If a team is undefeated - with no ties - they deserve a #1 ranking in my book. Please explain or argue/discuss, whatever. I believe they are due a #1 ranking.

Uh, play Edina's schedule?

Jefferson's obviously very good. Reasonable people can disagree on what's more impressive. Edina's beaten half of the state's top twenty.

[karl(east)]

I don't understand why Jefferson does not receive the #1 overall ranking. They're undefeated. I respect and appreciate your list, but what else do these kids have to do? If a team is undefeated - with no ties - they deserve a #1 ranking in my book. Please explain or argue/discuss, whatever. I believe they are due a #1 ranking.

Here's why, in my book.

Edina, vs. top 15 teams:
#8 Wayzata 4-1 W
#12 Hill 3-1 L
#10 Woodbury 5-2 W
#14 Elk River 3-1 W
#5 Eden Prairie 3-2 W
#4 Blaine 8-4 W
#7 Minnetonka 4-2 W
#9 Holy Angels 5-2 W
#11 Benilde 6-2 W
#5 Eden Prairie 2-1 W

That's a 9-1 record against top 15 teams, and 10 of 15 games against elite competition. This doesn't even include Moorhead, which was a consensus top-15 team at the time they played. The other 4 games have not been close. The loss also deserves an asterisk, because the Hill-Murray team they played at that time was very different from the product they've got on the ice right now.

Contrasted with Bloomington Jefferson:
Wayzata 3-2 W
Eden Prairie 2-1 W

These are very nice wins, of course, and it's not Jefferson's fault the Lake is down this year and their schedule isn't very strong. But the fact remains that Edina has done a much better job of proving itself with its relentless march through a ridiculous schedule...9-1 just impresses me a lot more than 2-0. The MSHSL's score info on Jefferson is shoddy, but I do know they had at least one close call against a poorer team (Lakeville North this past week). Having a weaker schedule means a team must take advantage of its opportunities to prove itself, and Jefferson's wins over Wayzata and EP are no more impressive than Edina's. I think they are a very good team and no one challenges them for #2. But right now, they haven't done enough for me to justify #1, undefeated record and all.

[breakout]

Solid rankings, I can understand why people would argue for the Jags in the #1 spot. Frankly, I think they can beat Edina. The Jags are a deeper team. Stop Edina's number one line, you stop their team. That is how Hill beat them.

Elk River, not sure I understand that one.

[karl(east)]

Solid rankings, I can understand why people would argue for the Jags in the #1 spot. Frankly, I think they can beat Edina. The Jags are a deeper team. Stop Edina's number one line, you stop their team. That is how Hill beat them.

Elk River, not sure I understand that one.

Though the game could certainly go either way, I'd pick Edina over Jefferson. Back when Hill beat Edina, they had Lee and Everson on different lines. I think they're stronger with them on one now, and having seen them play a few times on TV/internet, their 2nd and 3rd lines seem a lot more potent than last year...I was very impressed by the effort against AHA in particular. I try not to use that element too much in the rankings, though, as I have seen Edina play several times and know their top players pretty well, and have not seen Jefferson.

It's weird to see Elk River there, I agree. But they don't have any bad losses, and their losses (3-1 Blaine, 4-2 Eden Prairie, 3-1 Edina, 4-1 Maple Grove, 2-1 Centennial, 5-3 Duluth East) are all relatively close ones to good teams.

[breakout]

Solid rankings, I can understand why people would argue for the Jags in the #1 spot. Frankly, I think they can beat Edina. The Jags are a deeper team. Stop Edina's number one line, you stop their team. That is how Hill beat them.

Elk River, not sure I understand that one.

Though the game could certainly go either way, I'd pick Edina over Jefferson. Back when Hill beat Edina, they had Lee and Everson on different lines. I think they're stronger with them on one now, and having seen them play a few times on TV/internet, their 2nd and 3rd lines seem a lot more potent than last year...I was very impressed by the effort against AHA in particular. I try not to use that element too much in the rankings, though, as I have seen Edina play several times and know their top players pretty well, and have not seen Jefferson.

It's weird to see Elk River there, I agree. But they don't have any bad losses, and their losses (3-1 Blaine, 4-2 Eden Prairie, 3-1 Edina, 4-1 Maple Grove, 2-1 Centennial, 5-3 Duluth East) are all relatively close ones to good teams.

Maybe we will see them in Sections. Looks like it could head that way. I still believe that if you stop the number one line you stop the team. Not sure the other lines can contribute much on the score board against top teams. That is the chance Giles is taking by putting Everson, Gaarder and Lee together. Young Taft is a talented player that could benefit by having a stronger player or two with him.

As for ER, they play ugly effective Sarsland, cowboy boot wearing hockey.
They clog up the middle efficiently.

[WBLHockeyfan04]

The rankings are great Karl. You do a great job, and I hope you continue to do so at a week to week basis. Your imput clearly points out what state teams to look forward to, and what section championships games are a must see. Like the ones from 2AA, 6AA, and 5AA. Which like years past 2AA, and 6AA are on the same day, in the same venue, which is Mariucci. I was there last year, and saw two great OT thrillers! Also, 5AA and 4AA likely will be on a Friday night at the State Fair grounds. I'm already starting to look forward to the end of February, early March.

Anyways, I wanted to make a point out to why Edina should be #1 over Jefferson. Edina has had a brutally tough schedule, arguable the toughest in the state. Which unlike Jefferson, who doesn't really have a difficult schedule, leaving them a little more of a question mark. Plus, if Edina had that Hill game now, instead of earlier this year. Edina likely would still be undefeated, because Hill is not the same team since the "incident". Assuming these two teams don't get upset in the semifinals. Jefferson will get there chance to prove they're #1, when they play Edina for the section championship. Which could end up being the must see game of this year.

[dynamicD]

I would have to imagine that if the Jags and Edina meet in the section championship and both of them winout or or maybe lose one game all year...that it would probably be one of the most highly attended games in recent history

[The51]

Here are my latest rankings for AA. I hope everyone had a lovely Hockey Day in Minnesota! There aren't very many top 15 matchups this week, but there are some interesting games to keep an eye on nonetheless.

1. Edina
-A pair of very strong wins over ranked opponents this past week. The win over EP despite being a bit shorthanded was most impressive. They're playing like champions right now.
This week: Thurs at #8 Wayzata, Sat at Hopkins
2. Bloomington Jefferson
-Followed up an iffy win over Lakeville with a solid win over Burnsville. The results offer no reason to suggest they are not correctly ranked.
This week: Tues vs Rosemount, Sat at Chaska
3. Blaine
-Big win over Maple Grove, then came back to tie Centennial. Don't read too much into my putting them over Centennial; it's essentially a wash. I put Blaine first because 1) their loss is to a better team, and 2) they've looked a little better against good common opponents (namely MG and DE)
This week: Thurs vs. Andover, Sat vs. Coon Rapids
4. Centennial
-Tie with Blaine sets up a great 2-team race down the stretch. They're very happy to have Pitlick back.
This week: Tues vs. Champlin Park, Thurs at Osseo
5. Eden Prairie
-Once again played Edina very well but came out on the short end. The most recent loss was the sort that does not affect a team in the rankings much. Rebounded well with a big win over Apple Valley.
This week: Tues at Eagan, Sat at Bloomington Kennedy
6. Duluth East
-Followed an ugly win over Denfeld with a sound one over White Bear Lake. It's essentially a coast into sections from here on out.
This week: Fri vs. Rochester Mayo, Sat vs. Rochester Century
7. Minnetonka
-Had a huge week with 3 very good wins over 3 teams in last week's top 15, including the upset of Holy Angels. A very, very dangerous team. Finally get a bit of a respite this week from their brutal schedule.
This week: Thurs vs. Hopkins, Sat at Robbinsdale Armstrong
8. Wayzata
-Streaking team getting ready for some big matchups over the next few weeks. Edina had better not take them lightly on Thursday.
This week: Tues vs. Burnsville, Thurs vs. #1 Edina
9. Holy Angels
-Did well in wins over Hill and Mount St. Charles, but the loss to Minnetonka hurts them. Fading behind Edina and Jefferson a bit, at least for now. Schedule makes them a bit more difficult to judge than some of the other notable teams.
This week: Tues at Shakopee, Fri vs. Farmington
10. Woodbury
-Were sailing along until they somehow came up with that tie against Forest Lake at home. Still a very good team, but performances like that leave questions about viability on a statewide level. Get another crack at Flake this Saturday.
This week: Thurs vs. Eastview, Sat at Forest Lake
11. Benilde-St. Margaret's
-Did not hang with Edina, but got back on track with the win over Duluth Marshall. Still a serious problem for anyone trying to get out of Section 6AA.
This week: Tues vs. #12 Hill-Murray, Thurs at Totino-Grace
--note: At this point in the rankings, I see a significant dropoff. Any of the above teams could conceivably beat any other under the right conditions. I do not feel that is the case with the teams that fall below, most of which are in a jumbled mess.--
12. Hill-Murray
-The loss to Holy Angels was some sort of gague, but it's still difficult to figure out where this team falls after the recent shake-up. They're getting the benefit of the doubt by staying here, and Tuesday should give us a much better idea.
This week: Tues at #11 Benilde-St. Margaret's, Sat vs. Henry Sibley
13. Maple Grove
-Did not stick with Blaine on Thursday. Still a good team with an outside shot come sections, but it's looking like a 2-horse race in 5AA right now; they picked a rather bad year to become a contender in this section. Still have a chance to play their way back into the race, though.
This week: Tues at Coon Rapids, Sat vs. Anoka
14. Elk River
-Have not done a whole lot to earn this, but at least all of their losses have been relatively close games to higher-ranked teams, which is more than you can say for just about anyone else vying for this spot.
This week: Thurs at Champlin Park, Sat vs. North Metro Stars
15. Stillwater
-The messiness of this part of the rankings become apparent: they held this spot last week, lost badly to Minnetonka, yet I still can find no one worthy of moving ahead of the Ponies. The Roseville game is a big one for them this week.
This week: Thurs vs. Roseville, Sat vs. Hastings

Also of note:
-White Bear Lake. They got a nice win over CDH, and even the loss to East doesn't hurt that much, but have still shown way too much inconsistency to merit ranking.
-Roseville. Have played their way into the 4AA picture, somehow. Beat WBL, lost to CDH.
-Cretin-Derham Hall. Beat Roseville, lost to WBL. These three are in a bit of a conundrum.
-Moorhead. Their slide has continued so badly that Section 8AA now looks like a bit of a joke this year. Luckily for them, Roseau has given no signs of putting up any competition.

An odd trend this year is the odd split we have between the section races. We have three great ones (2,5,6), two that are essentially done and will require monumental upsets to be changed (3,7), and three that are messy and not that good (1,4,8).

If anyone has any detailed insight on Section 1, that would be nice to see. We haven't heard much about it on here, and although none of its teams are near the top 15, one of them does have to go to state, so it would be nice to have an idea of what's going on down south.

where you at the game? the game was closer than the score was

[The51]

Solid rankings, I can understand why people would argue for the Jags in the #1 spot. Frankly, I think they can beat Edina. The Jags are a deeper team. Stop Edina's number one line, you stop their team. That is how Hill beat them.

Elk River, not sure I understand that one.

yeah but stop jeffersons one line and you stop them and thats a lot easier to do than to stop lee, gaarder and everson

[theoneandonly1]

Solid rankings, I can understand why people would argue for the Jags in the #1 spot. Frankly, I think they can beat Edina. The Jags are a deeper team. Stop Edina's number one line, you stop their team. That is how Hill beat them.

Elk River, not sure I understand that one.

yeah but stop jeffersons one line and you stop them and thats a lot easier to do than to stop lee, gaarder and everson

Yeah, but you also got to stop their defensemen who seem to be quite a scoring threat. Stop hating on the Jags.

[redfirehockey1]

Solid rankings, I can understand why people would argue for the Jags in the #1 spot. Frankly, I think they can beat Edina. The Jags are a deeper team. Stop Edina's number one line, you stop their team. That is how Hill beat them.

Elk River, not sure I understand that one.

yeah but stop jeffersons one line and you stop them and thats a lot easier to do than to stop lee, gaarder and everson

Tyler Dietzler, Caleb Herbert and Zach Knight
Bjorn Knutson, AJ Siiro and TJ Gallus

two

[karl(east)]

where you at the game? the game was closer than the score was

No, I have a bit of a geographical limitation on the amount of HS hockey that I can see. I will probably be back for the State Tournament, but that's it.

That said, though, Edina scored 5 goals before BSM had one, and was up 3-0 after one. They had over 40 shots on goal. Sorry, that does not count as hanging with a team in my book.

[Shovel Shot]

Karl thanks for taking the time to share your rankings and your insight. Most of us appreciate the time you take to research and breakdown the AA High School rankings. I love it because it gives us all a chance to see how the top AA teams are doing throughout the state and who there upcoming opponents are.

As for the Bloomington Jefferson faithful you would think that they would something better to do than to complain about not being ranked #1 by Karl (east). Really who the hell does this Karl (east) guy think he is? A professional sports writer!!!

Sure your undefeated and having a great year and were happy for you. LPH has rated #1 as do the PS2 rankings http://www.minnhock.com isn't that good enough.

Sorry Karl (east) for chiming in on your behalf but it's been a slow day at the office.

[karl(east)]

Karl thanks for taking the time to share your rankings and your insight. Most of us appreciate the time you take to research and breakdown the AA High School rankings. I love it because it gives us all a chance to see how the top AA teams are doing throughout the state and who there upcoming opponents are.

As for the Bloomington Jefferson faithful you would think that they would something better to do than to complain about not being ranked #1 by Karl (east). Really who the hell does this Karl (east) guy think he is? A professional sports writer!!!

Sure your undefeated and having a great year and were happy for you. LPH has rated #1 as do the PS2 rankings http://www.minnhock.com isn't that good enough.

Sorry Karl (east) for chiming in on your behalf but it's been a slow day at the office.

Thanks for the kind words.

I don't mind the complaints too much, though. It can stimulate some good discussion and lets me elaborate a bit. There's even a chance my opinion will be swayed if someone shows me something I've overlooked, which is possible.

And if I may say so, one distinct advantage my ratings have is that people can actually have a dialogue with the ranker, as opposed to something like LPH, which is very anonymous. I'm not afraid to back up these rankings, provided I have the time to do so.

[MNHockey75]

1/19

1. Edina 14-1
2. Bloomington Jefferson 14-0
3. Eden Prairie 11-3
4. Blaine 13-1-1
5. Centennial 10-1-2
6. Duluth East 11-2-1
7. Wayzata 11-3-1
8. Benilde-St. Margaret’s 11-3
9. Minnetonka 11-5
10. Academy of Holy Angels 9-3-1
11. Woodbury 13-1-2
12. Maple Grove 11-2-2
13. Hill-Murray 10-4-1
14t. White Bear Lake 8-8-1
14t. Cretin-Derham Hall 9-6-1
14t. Roseville 8-6-1