Class A Rankings 12-29-13

[HShockeywatcher]

It's usually around this point in the season I drop the rankings down to 10 teams. After the top 10 there are many teams one could justify putting in the next 5 spots but nothing really concrete. If something solidifies over the next few weeks, I'll add a few more, but for now it will be 10 with sections to come next week. There's still many teams to be watching for weeks to come.

Feedback and input are always appreciated. Enjoy!

1. Breck (8-2-1)
The Mustangs gave a good effort in the Schwan Cup this week losing to Edina and playing 1 goal games with St Thomas and Duluth East. After having shut out the Green Wave, it is unlikely Breck will be tested more than once or twice the rest of the season before they’re playing at the X.
This week: Idle

2. Mankato West (11-1)
This is a big leap, but after losing to WI’s best team in OT when they didn’t play any MN team throughout the week, they are doing well to have not lost to any MN teams. They are still only one of two teams in the state who can say that. With their next two games probably being their most difficult for the remainder of the season, it’ll be interesting to see how Saturday’s game goes.
This week: Sat vs New Prague

3. East Grand Forks (9-2-1)
The Greens Wave took care of business, only losing to WI’s best team. It’ll be interesting to see how they do against Cathedral on Friday.
This week: Fri vs Cathedral

4. Warroad (9-2-1)
The Warriors picked up another few easy wins this week. With only a handful of challenging games left on their schedule, everyone is looking forward to the section final, regardless of which seed they are.
This week: Fri vs St Cloud Tech, Sat vs Cathedral

5. Duluth Marshall (6-5)
While they only got 1 win over the week, both of their losses were by 1 goal. This week we have two good tests on the docket, we’ll see what results those hold for us.
This week: Thurs vs Hermantown, Sat @ Totino-Grace

6. Hermantown (8-2)
As with most of the games they’ve played this season, the Hawks dominate the bad teams they’ve played and have lost to the good. It will be interesting to see how Thursday’s game goes…
This week: Thurs @ Duluth Marshall, Sat @ International Falls

7. Cathedral (9-2)
While they did drop 2 close games this week, the Crusaders have still been very consistent throughout the beginning of the season. Can they hold up against two good 8A opponents this week?
This week: Fri @ East Grand Forks, Sat @ Warroad

8. New Prague (6-2-2)
With only 1 goal losses to Cathedral and Eagan this season, the Trojans only have up to climb. Can they win on the road in Mankato on Saturday?
This week: Thurs @ Shakopee, Sat @ Mankato West

9. Mahtomedi (5-5)
With their only Class A losses to Breck and St Paul Academy, the Zephyrs have had a difficult schedule and done well with it. They lost to Hill-Murray by 1, how will they do at St Thomas on Saturday?
This week: Sat @ St Thomas Academy

10. Totino-Grace (4-4-1)
With an off week to rest, the Eagles play St Thomas and Duluth Marshall this week, how will they do?
This week: Thurs vs St Thomas Academy, Sat vs Duluth Marshall


Teams to watch:

Alexandria (8-3)
With their only Class A loss to Cathedral by a goal, the Cardinal’s schedule is the main reason they can’t be ranked higher. We will see as the season goes on.
This week: Fri @ Prairie Centre

Luverne (12-0-1)
The only team left undefeated in the state, the Cardinal should cruise through the rest of their schedule. Hopefully they use it to prepare for the X.
This week: Thurs vs Marshall, Sat vs Dodge County

Thief River Falls (7-5)
The Prowlers didn’t prove much last week, but they didn’t lose a game, and they likely don’t prove much this week, but they at least play the Spuds on the road.
This week: Thurs @ Kittson Central, Sat @ Moorhead

Orono (8-4)
The Spartans lost to Rogers this week but shut out both Holy Angels and Chanhassen. They don’t play anyone this week and all but two of their remaining games are within the Wright County Conference.
This week: Idle

Virginia (6-4-1)
The Blue Devils have only lost to Mahtomedi and Warroad in Class A and are undefeated in section play.
This week: Fri vs Albert Lea, Sat vs Rochester Mayo

Hibbing (6-5)
Despite their 5 losses, the only Class A loss the Bluejackets have is to Mahtomedi.
This week: Fri vs Rochester Mayo, Sat vs Albert Lea

[Slapper Al]

SPA should still be ranked or a team to watch. Only losses are to Totino Grace, Blake, and Roseau. Roseau 4-2 after a long bus ride where Alexandria lost 6-0. The next two weeks should be telling though. Duluth Marshall, Breck, and Rochester Lourdes all coming up. Should be a great Class A field to watch over the next couple months.

[elliott70]

.g

[elliott70]

Luverne (12-0-1)
The only team left undefeated in the state, the Cardinal should cruise through the rest of their schedule. Hopefully they use it to prepare for the X.
This week: Thurs vs Marshall, Sat vs Dodge

[elliott70]

Alexandria (8-3)
With their only Class A loss to Cathedral by a goal, the Cardinal’s schedule is the main reason they can’t be ranked higher. We will see as the season goes on.
This week: Fri @ Prairie Centre

[mn miracle man]

4. Warroad (9-2-1)
The Warriors picked up another few easy wins this week. With only a handful of challenging games left on their schedule, everyone is looking forward to the section final, regardless of which seed they are.
This week: Fri vs St Cloud Tech, Sat vs Cathedral

13 games remain -- 9 will be very telling and interesting to see:

St Cloud Tech (6-3)
St Cloud Cathedral (9-2)
Roseau x 2 (7-3)
--Losses to Blaine/GR/TRF
TRF (8-5)
--Losses to Blake/Breck/Totino/Warroad/Hermantown
Moorhead (5-7)
--Losses to Blaine/Roseau/Centennial/Wayzata/Maple Grove/Benilde x2
Duluth Marshall (6-4-1)
EGF (9-2-1)
Bemidji (5-6)
-- Looking to avenge one of their earlier losses

[nungitchida]

1 Breck
2 Hermantown
3 EGF
4 Warroad
5 Duluth Marshal
6 Mankato West
7 Cathedral
7 Mahtomedi
9 New Prague
10 Luverne
thats how I see them mankato low because there only test they lose. Luverne just because there undefeated, Hermantown losses to 2 good AA schools, Breck because they are the best EGF over warroad just because warroad only could tie them,, warroad at 4 because only top team not to lose this weekend

[Dog_Log17]

Respectfully, I am failing to see your logic here. I was at the Hilltopper classic and here are my thoughts:

Mankato West did not "Fail the test." This is a legitimate contender that runs 3 solid lines and moves the puck very well. They opened the tourney against the 7th ranked team in WI. Madison EW and won 6-4. Next in the semis they defeated Appleton WI 8-2, a team that BEAT Duluth Marshall 3-2. (EGF also defeated Appleton 5-1) In the finals in my opinion, MW looked like the better team but failed to convert on their chances. ND's penalty kill and goal tending was outstanding and their power play was good too. MW lost to ND 3-2 in overtime. (This game was outstanding, highly entertaining) ND Academy is a very good hockey team. I would rank them 2 or 3 in the MN class A rankings.

EGF took care of business and looked solid. They are a deep team that plays VERY physical. Their only blemish on the weekend was a 2-0 loss to ND.

DM failed the test. They lost to Appleton 3-2 in a shootout. A team that MW beat 8-2 and EGF beat 5-1. They did bounce back and win the consolation bracket however.

As a result of this past weekend I rank the top 10 as follows.

1. Breck
2. Hermantown
3. Mankato West
4. EGF
5. Warroad
6. Cathedral
7. New Prague
8. Duluth Marshall
9. Mahtomedi
10. Luverne (Yep, they deserve it.)

1 Breck
2 Hermantown
3 EGF
4 Warroad
5 Duluth Marshal
6 Mankato West
7 Cathedral
7 Mahtomedi
9 New Prague
10 Luverne
thats how I see them mankato low because there only test they lose. Luverne just because there undefeated, Hermantown losses to 2 good AA schools, Breck because they are the best EGF over warroad just because warroad only could tie them,, warroad at 4 because only top team not to lose this weekend

[NLHockey]

Respectfully, I am failing to see your logic here. I was at the Hilltopper classic and here are my thoughts:

Mankato West did not "Fail the test." This is a legitimate contender that runs 3 solid lines and moves the puck very well. They opened the tourney against the 7th ranked team in WI. Madison EW and won 6-4. Next in the semis they defeated Appleton WI 8-2, a team that BEAT Duluth Marshall 3-2. (EGF also defeated Appleton 5-1) In the finals in my opinion, MW looked like the better team but failed to convert on their chances. ND's penalty kill and goal tending was outstanding and their power play was good too. MW lost to ND 3-2 in overtime. (This game was outstanding, highly entertaining) ND Academy is a very good hockey team. I would rank them 2 or 3 in the MN class A rankings.

EGF took care of business and looked solid. They are a deep team that plays VERY physical. Their only blemish on the weekend was a 2-0 loss to ND.

DM failed the test. They lost to Appleton 3-2 in a shootout. A team that MW beat 8-2 and EGF beat 5-1. They did bounce back and win the consolation bracket however.

As a result of this past weekend I rank the top 10 as follows.

1. Breck
2. Hermantown
3. Mankato West
4. EGF
5. Warroad
6. Cathedral
7. New Prague
8. Duluth Marshall
9. Mahtomedi
10. Luverne (Yep, they deserve it.)

1 Breck
2 Hermantown
3 EGF
4 Warroad
5 Duluth Marshal
6 Mankato West
7 Cathedral
7 Mahtomedi
9 New Prague
10 Luverne
thats how I see them mankato low because there only test they lose. Luverne just because there undefeated, Hermantown losses to 2 good AA schools, Breck because they are the best EGF over warroad just because warroad only could tie them,, warroad at 4 because only top team not to lose this weekend

HockeyHub has Superior beating Duluth Marshall 2-1 in consolation game?

Having seen my top 7 play this year, I would rank them:

1. Breck - absolutely dominated EGF; respectable loss to Edina

2. Mankato West - one of the best games I have seen against ND at Hilltopper classic. Impressive team. Very physical play.

3/4: East Grand Forks - props for beating Blaine. Probably forgivable loss to Breck after long road trip and emotional game the night before. Potential is definitely there to make their mark at the X; if they can get past Warroad.

Warroad- only 2 losses were pretty close losses to decent AA teams GR and Bemidji. Tied EGF. Bethune, Roth, Sylvester - top 3 in points (all over 40) in MN. EGF, a very formidable challenge, stands in their way.

5/6: Duluth Marshall -even in the loss to Appleton, they put 55 sog and Marshall played their backup goaltender,]: young team - Jan 2 will be telling against Htown - if they can put up a half decent number of sog they should do well.

Hermantown - interesting schedule coming up - out of last 14 games could reasonably lose 4 (Duluth Marshall, Grand Rapids, Bemidji, WBL), suffer mild upsets @ 6 (Denfeld @ Denfeld, New Prague, Poganski less Cathedral, Cloquet, Superior, Brainerd), and should easily take out 4 (IFalls,, Proctor, Totino Grace, and Hibbing). A somewhat more challenging last 2/3 of the season; they definitely have shown some offense, albeit against lesser teams.....will their young D and goaltending hold up?

7/8: Mahtomedi - some interesting wins; one to keep an eye on. I like them and see them moving up in the rankings.

New Prague - because Dog Log says so

9. Cathedral
10. Ok, I will bite......Luverne (for now)

[elliott70]

[quote="Dog_Log17"]I was at the Hilltopper classic and

[Traxler]

I was at the Hilltopper classic and here

So you are a parent....
Or at least a big fan.

So you are biased.
Not that you are wrong, but like HSHW, you are biased.

(We all are biased, some hide it better.)

He does make some good points about how Mankato West did not "fail the test" and anyone who thinks they did should also think that Marshall failed their own test even worse.

[pekyman]

I was at the Hilltopper classic and here

So you are a parent....
Or at least a big fan.

So you are biased.
Not that you are wrong, but like HSHW, you are biased.

(We all are biased, some hide it better.)

Not too hard to see HSHW's bias in these rankings.
Hoping he would let it go with his STA team moving to AA.

[NLHockey]

I was at the Hilltopper classic and here

So you are a parent....
Or at least a big fan.

So you are biased.
Not that you are wrong, but like HSHW, you are biased.

(We all are biased, some hide it better.)

He does make some good points about how Mankato West did not "fail the test" and anyone who thinks they did should also think that Marshall failed their own test even worse.

Agreed. Anyone that saw the MW game would see they didn't fail "the test." Glad we got to see them play up North this weekend. Very entertaining. If you are going to beat that team it will be by putting in the rebounds like ND did in OT.

[HShockeywatcher]

I was at the Hilltopper classic and here

So you are a parent....
Or at least a big fan.

So you are biased.
Not that you are wrong, but like HSHW, you are biased.

(We all are biased, some hide it better.)

Not too hard to see HSHW's bias in these rankings.
Hoping he would let it go with his STA team moving to AA.

What "bias" is that? I can't see anything in my rankings you could argue as being biased aside from maybe West's jump this week, but using common opponents with some of the top teams I definitely think it's justified.

The main things elliot70 has different are Hermantown higher and West lower. Other randoms like Orono and Mahtomedi, which I can understand.
Hermantown has played very close games with unranked teams and West did better in a tournament against like opponents than other top 5 teams. Ultimately it's all speculation, and with the Marshall/Hermantown game this week there won't be speculation there anymore, but it's hard to keep them higher than others doing much better against similar competition.

St Thomas isn't even in Class A, really not sure how you can bring them up at all. I spend hours every week looking over schedules and results. There has to be multiple teams ranked way above teams they've lost to, it's just the nature of the beast this year.

I could understand criticism for only ranking 10 teams, although I do similar almost every year. Beyond Totino there are 15-20 teams that I am keeping an eye on. Most have games against top teams and could end up much higher by the end of the season. The next few weeks should sort a lot out.

As always, I appreciate feedback. I have gotten little that hasn't been positive up to this point, so the criticism is odd, but vague comments don't provide any feedback whatsoever.

[elliott70]

Hoping he would let it go with his STA team moving to AA.

What "bias" is that? I can't see anything in my rankings you could argue as being biased aside from maybe West's jump this week, but using common opponents with some of the top teams I definitely think it's justified.

The main things elliot70 has different are Hermantown higher and West lower. Other randoms like Orono and Mahtomedi, which I can understand.
Hermantown has played very close games with unranked teams and West did better in a tournament against like opponents than other top 5 teams. Ultimately it's all speculation, and with the Marshall/Hermantown game this week there won't be speculation there anymore, but it's hard to keep them higher than others doing much better against similar competition.

St Thomas isn't even in Class A, really not sure how you can bring them up at all. I spend hours every week looking over schedules and results. There has to be multiple teams ranked way above teams they've lost to, it's just the nature of the beast this year.

I could understand criticism for only ranking 10 teams, although I do similar almost every year. Beyond Totino there are 15-20 teams that I am keeping an eye on. Most have games against top teams and could end up much higher by the end of the season. The next few weeks should sort a lot out.

As always, I appreciate feedback. I have gotten little that hasn't been positive up to this point, so the criticism is odd, but vague comments don't provide any feedback whatsoever.

Everyone has bias. Computer rankings have bias.
Your name was used because you prepare a 'human' generated ranking.
Do not say you are not biased because then you sound ignorant.
Karl is definitely biased.

I am. I always cheer for certain teams and boo others. Those in between depends on if the win or loss make my favorites look better, or hated ones look worse, even when they are not directly in the game.

[HShockeywatcher]

Everyone has bias. Computer rankings have bias.
Your name was used because you prepare a 'human' generated ranking.
Do not say you are not biased because then you sound ignorant.
Karl is definitely biased.

I am. I always cheer for certain teams and boo others. Those in between depends on if the win or loss make my favorites look better, or hated ones look worse, even when they are not directly in the game.

Interesting. You sound like me. What you just said is basically what I've always said. There is clearly bias in everything. I have started my rankings the same every year and used as close to the same criteria for ranking the teams every week.
That, however, is not how the average person uses the word in question. I was responding to a specific comment.

Not too hard to see HSHW's bias in these rankings.
Hoping he would let it go with his STA team moving to AA.

I'll rephrase my question, in case you honestly didn't understand what I was asking the first time: What inconsistency or favoritism does pekyman see that he is clearly referring to?
Or simpler: Let what go?

[elliott70]

Those are peky's comments.

He would have to speak to it.

[nungitchida]

I never said they failed the test, what I said there only test this year they lose..they should be able to cruise the rest of the way without another loss.. but with that being said we see year in year out the teams that play the gravy schedule what happens at State..



[quote="Dog_Log17"]Respectfully, I am failing to see your logic here. I was at the Hilltopper classic and here are my thoughts:

Mankato West did not "Fail the test." This is a legitimate contender that runs 3 solid lines and moves the puck very well. They opened the tourney against the 7th ranked team in WI. Madison EW and won 6-4. Next in the semis they defeated Appleton WI 8-2, a team that BEAT Duluth Marshall 3-2. (EGF also defeated Appleton 5-1) In the finals in my opinion, MW looked like the better team but failed to convert on their chances. ND's penalty kill and goal tending was outstanding and their power play was good too. MW lost to ND 3-2 in overtime. (This game was outstanding, highly entertaining) ND Academy is a very good hockey team. I would rank them 2 or 3 in the MN class A rankings.

EGF took care of business and looked solid. They are a deep team that plays VERY physical. Their only blemish on the weekend was a 2-0 loss to ND.

DM failed the test. They lost to Appleton 3-2 in a shootout. A team that MW beat 8-2 and EGF beat 5-1. They did bounce back and win the consolation bracket however.

As a result of this past weekend I rank the top 10 as follows.

1. Breck
2. Hermantown
3. Mankato West
4. EGF
5. Warroad
6. Cathedral
7. New Prague
8. Duluth Marshall
9. Mahtomedi
10. Luverne (Yep, they deserve it.)

[quote="nungitchida"]1 Breck
2 Hermantown
3 EGF
4 Warroad
5 Duluth Marshal
6 Mankato West
7 Cathedral
7 Mahtomedi
9 New Prague
10 Luverne
thats how I see them mankato low because there only test they lose. Luverne just because there undefeated, Hermantown losses to 2 good AA schools, Breck because they are the best EGF over warroad just because warroad only could tie them,, warroad at 4 because only top team not to lose this weekend[/quote][/quote][quote][/quote]

[clean ice]

I Love the fact that Totino -Grace has fallen off the map. They have the toughest Class A schedule and all there losses are against ranked teams. At least they will be prepared to get to state this year.

[Traxler]

I Love the fact that Totino -Grace has fallen off the map. They have the toughest Class A schedule and all there losses are against ranked teams. At least they will be prepared to get to state this year.

HSHW has them ranked 10th. I wouldn't say that qualifies as fallen off the map.

[puckbreath]

I Love the fact that Totino -Grace has fallen off the map. They have the toughest Class A schedule and all there losses are against ranked teams. At least they will be prepared to get to state this year.

Anytime any private school falls off, ok with me

[elliott70]

I was at the Hilltopper classic and here

So you are a parent....
Or at least a big fan.

So you are biased.
Not that you are wrong, but like HSHW, you are biased.

(We all are biased, some hide it better.)

He does make some good points about how Mankato West did not "fail the test" and anyone who thinks they did should also think that Marshall failed their own test even worse.

My thought is it was more of a 'proving ground' for west. The others get more of a chance with their regular schedule.
But still a nice job by MW.

[elliott70]

I think everyone believes Totino is still on the map.
They have a competitive section, but they have a legit shot.
Probably be the 3 seed but not the first to advance from that slot.

[HShockeywatcher]

I think everyone believes Totino is still on the map.
They have a competitive section, but they have a legit shot.
Probably be the 3 seed but not the first to advance from that slot.

You think they'll end up being the odd man out of the 3? I think without a win over a team like Breck with their remaining schedule it will be hard for SPA to not be the 3rd seed in that section. It's A beat B beat C beat A right now and that happened early in the season, so the remainder of the season (and coaches' on ice opinions) will be what matters most.

TG/SPA both play DM and Breck, but with the remaining schedule SPA has if they get more than 3 more losses (DM/Breck) I think it'll likely be hard to put them ahead of either of the other two. Clearly, they could run the table or one of the other two could fall apart, but my guess is that won't happen.

Just curious what don't like about Totino...

[elliott70]

I think everyone believes Totino is still on the map.
They have a competitive section, but they have a legit shot.
Probably be the 3 seed but not the first to advance from that slot.

You think they'll end up being the odd man out of the 3? I think without a win over a team like Breck with their remaining schedule it will be hard for SPA to not be the 3rd seed in that section. It's A beat B beat C beat A right now and that happened early in the season, so the remainder of the season (and coaches' on ice opinions) will be what matters most.

TG/SPA both play DM and Breck, but with the remaining schedule SPA has if they get more than 3 more losses (DM/Breck) I think it'll likely be hard to put them ahead of either of the other two. Clearly, they could run the table or one of the other two could fall apart, but my guess is that won't happen.

Just curious what don't like about Totino...

QRF has them 4th.

My comments would lead a person to believe I like Totino.