Going back to 2007 Minnetonka is 47-2-3 at Pagel. Interestingly 1 of their 2 losses was to BSM by a score of 4-3 three years ago today. This is Benilde's first time returning to Pagel since. I'll take the Skippers in this one, 5-2.
Sat through 1 1/2 periods of BSM/SprLkPk (my alma mater) tonight and it appeared to me that BSM took the opportunity to practicing trapping - often setting all five skaters at center ice, waiting for the puck. Made for an absolutely miserable watching experience unless you happen to like blowouts!
BSM will be down 2 D which will not help. Glover is playing for team USA in the junior Olympics and Collins is still out. Tonka should be able to take advantage. Also, it will be interesting if this will be a standard Tonka BSM game with alot of hits or if it will be more like the recent games with basically no checking.
I think Tonka wins. They only lose in 6AA IMO if they beat themselves..EP, Wayzata and BSM all are quality clubs but if they all play their best - not as good as 'Trucks'..
I think this will be like the 2007-2008 season. the winner of this game will not move on to state. Benilde may win tonight, but if the win tonight I find it hard to think they will be able to beat Minnetonka twice
My Tonka friends will never forgive Pauly for jumping ship to coach BSM, although his former assistant coach Urick is probably OK with it!
Tonka will go all out to avoid a coach Pauly to win at Pagel. He deserves a running time humiliation (with Tonka's top line scoring right to the end!!!) but I'll settle for a Tonka win.
I agree. All three of Tonka's lines have been playing phenomenal these past few games. I especially love their chances at Pagel when there will for sure be a packed crowd for this big Section Preview game.
If Tonka didn't whiff on the open net shot, I would have been right. Tonka wins 5-3 in a very exciting, close game. Penalties killed both teams as well as a few defensive breakdowns. Overall, it was a very exciting match up as always and Benilde will be out to get Tonka come sections.
Wow! Great game! Packed house and loud. BSM was really good in the offensive zone - missed some really golden chances in the 2nd period. The game got pretty physical in the 3rd. Besse skated to the bench with 2-3 minutes left after a BIG center ice check and didn't return until the handshake. I hope he's OK, he is something special with the puck.
Since the whole Pauly thing this has turned into a great rivalry! It was great tonight to see both sides compete. Even game with tonka having a slight advantage at home ice.
Great game. BSM continues to fine tune. Tonka had the D advantage last night, but that will change once Glover and Collins return. Benilde will be fun to watch in the coming weeks. They continue to play better and better with every game. The battle will continue come section time.