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We have 6 teams that are clearly better than the rest, a handful below them who are likely in the next tier, then probably over a dozen teams who could justify being right outside the Top 10 to give us 4 undefeated teams in the top 7. Lots of good teams playing each other, lots of mediocre teams beating everyone on their schedule and many teams without much comparison to other teams.
If you get out to see teams play, let us know how they look and what you think relative to other teams you've seen.

1. [1] East Grand Forks (5-1)
The Green Wave seem to have overlooked a Red River team they beat handily twice last year by starting their back up and not scoring a goal. They, however, followed that up with a win over Breck. With only one game this week, not much will be learned, but they do have 4 quality opponents left this month; hopefully they don't look past any more games.
This week: Tues vs Crookston

2. [3] Duluth Marshall (5-0)
The Hilltoppers haven't played on the road yet and they haven't lost yet. They beat a shut out a Breck team who is still trying to find their feet below them and have a good test this week in their road trip north.
This week: Fri @ Grand Rapids, Sat @ International Falls

3. [4] Warroad (5-0)
The Warriors are coming off a road win in Grand Rapids but haven't played anyone else of significance. To make it to 8-0, they will have to beat a team who just shut out EGF.
This week: Tues @ Bemidji, Fri vs Kittson Central, Sat vs Grand Forks Red River

4. [2] Hermantown (3-2)
The Hawks two losses are to AA teams with a combined 10-2-1 record, so it's hard to hold them against them too much. They play two good Class A teams on the road this week.
This week: Thurs @ Denfeld, Sat @ Thief River Falls

5. [5] Breck (3-2)
The Mustangs have 2 losses, but they are to the top 2 teams at the moment so it's possible this ranking is actually too low. Can they give the Zephys their first loss this week?
This week: Tues @ Mahtomedi, Thurs @ Chanhassen

6. [6] Mahtomedi (3-0)
The Zephyrs are still undefeated, but that will likely change this week; can they make it to 5-0 before playing the Pioneers?
This week: Tues @ Breck, Thurs vs North St Paul, Sat @ Hill-Murray

7. [7] New Prague (4-0)
Only 4 games in, the Trojans have realistically locked up the top seed in the section. Now it's on to conquer their conference. Can they win in Victoria and stay undefeated?
This week: Tues @ Holy Family, Thurs vs Lourdes

8. [10] Thief River Falls (3-2)
The Prowlers just lost by 1 to Breck showing they are definitely a team to beat this year. With their next 3 games at home, 2 of their next 3 are against top teams.
This week: Thurs vs Bemidji, Sat vs Hermantown

9. [14] St. Paul Academy (4-1)
The Spartans went on the road and lost a close one to Mahtomedi then beat Luverne and now are idle. It'll be a couple weeks until they play anyone of significance.
This week: Idle

10. [13] Delano (4-1)
The Tigers beat Kennedy but haven't proved much else from their wins. They should win their next 3 and hopefully they can get at least a win in the holiday tournament.
This week: Tues @ Buffalo

11. [9] Orono (0-3)
The Spartans are floating here for now with not a lot to be learned from their body of work just yet. With 5 games in the next two weeks, more should be known 8 games in.
This week: Thurs vs Blake, Sat @ Cathedral

12. [18] Alexandria (2-0-1)
The Cardinals haven't lost yet but it is a different schedule than many of the metro teams. If they can get through next week without a loss, this ranking will hold up.
This week: Tues @ Fergus Falls, Thurs vs St Cloud Tech

13. [20] St Cloud Apollo (1-0-2)
The Eagles came from behind to tie Alexandria on the road this week. This week will be a big section test for them.
This week: Tues vs Cathedral, Thurs @ Fergus Falls

14. [11] Luverne (4-1)
The Cardinals didn't make it to 5-0, but they lost to a good team and managed to score a couple goals in the process. They will likely win their next 5 before hosting Totino-Grace in what will be the last game anyone would predict they could lose.
This week: Tues @ Fairmont, Sat vs Waseca

15. [8] St. Cloud Cathedral (1-3)
The Crusaders are tumbling far, but is it fair? Sure, they're 1-3, but all their losses are to top teams. They can start to right the ship this week with two teams ranked higher than them on their schedule.
This week: Tues @ Apollo, Sat Orono

16. [12] Totino-Grace (1-3)
The Eagles are another group falling early because of who they play early in their schedule. They can right some of that this week by getting up to .500.
This week: Tues @ Minnetonka, Thurs vs Osseo

17. [-] Sartell-St. Stephen (4-0)
The Sabres are 1 of 4 teams currently undefeated in their section.
This week: Tues vs Northern Lakes, Thurs @ Wilmar

18. [-] Fergus Falls (4-0)
The Otters are the 6A team that no one is talking about and they play two section games this week.
This week: Tues vs Alexandria, Thurs vs Apollo, Sat @ Breckenridge

19. [17] Duluth Denfeld (3-1)
The Hunters have 2 section games at home this week. They played Hermantown to OT twice last season; can they manage a win this season?
This week: Tues Virgina, Thurs vs Hermantown, Sat @ St Francis

20. [15] Blake (1-3)
The bears lose another game to a good team and they play another good team this week.
This week: Thurs @ Orono

Teams to watch

Northfield (4-1)
The Raiders have 4 wins along with a 1 goal loss to New Prague. If they keep winning, they will be West was last year; lots of wins over a terrible schedule; how good are they?
This week: Tues @ Mankato West, Thurs vs Mankato East

Minneapolis (3-1)
The Novas' best goalie from last year was a sophomore and he's back. They will likely pass their 8 wins from last season by the end of this calendar year.
This week: Thurs vs St Louis Park, Sat vs Dodge County

Hutchinson (4-0)
In the Wright County, their winning will stop at some point, but it's cool to see while it lasts.
This week: Tues @ Chaska, Fri @ New Ulm

Chaska (4-0)
If the Hawk can get past Hutchinson on Tuesday, their next opponent with a winning record is at Minneapolis on Jan 3.
This week: Tues vs Chaska, Thurs @ Waconia, Fri @ St Paul Highland Park

St Paul Como Park (4-0)
While we probably won't see the Cougars ranked this season, they do have two shut outs already and a schedule that will help them win quite a bit this season.
This week: Wed @ St Paul Highland Park, Thurs vs Richfield, Sat @ Coon Rapids

South St Paul (2-0)
It's always nice to see the Packers do well and it looks like they could make it to 6-0 before they play Hill-Murray.
This week: Tues vs Rochest John Marshall, Thurs vs Tartan, Sat vs Simley

St Paul Johnson (4-0-1)
The Governors could make it out of this week without losing before meeting up with Minneapolis next week.
This week: Tues @ North St Paul, Sat vs Minnehaha Academy

Uh, no.

Uh, no.

I would keep them number 1 until they lose to a North Dakota team!
WOW!

I think EGF's loss to a N.D. team should be much more impactful on rankings once we see how Warroad does against them. Does anybody really have any inside on the skill level of Red River this year anyway?

Windmill31 wrote:I think EGF's loss to a N.D. team should be much more impactful on rankings once we see how Warroad does against them. Does anybody really have any inside on the skill level of Red River this year anyway?

I agree.
EGF is my team, but right now, it looks to me that Duluth Marshall, Mahtomedi, and Warroad are playing better.

TTpuckster wrote:

Windmill31 wrote:I think EGF's loss to a N.D. team should be much more impactful on rankings once we see how Warroad does against them. Does anybody really have any inside on the skill level of Red River this year anyway?

I agree.
EGF is my team, but right now, it looks to me that Duluth Marshall, Mahtomedi, and Warroad are playing better.

I also think Mahtomedi is a top 3 Class A team. I like how HShockeywatcher doesnt knee jerk to change rankings, but I think in the Mahtomedi will prove to be very highly ranked.

I also think Sartell is underrated.

Love the rankings and Discussion. Thanks

Thanks for the rankings week by week! Such a fun read every sunday. I think that Mahtomedi is a little underrated but that the Breck game on Tuesday will show a lot to where they are. I think Apollo will prove to be a little overrated but I understand putting them where they are based on the last few games. I think Sartell is better than the 4th best team in their section and will probably be 7-0 before a matchup with Alexandria.

Windmill31 wrote:I think EGF's loss to a N.D. team should be much more impactful on rankings once we see how Warroad does against them. Does anybody really have any inside on the skill level of Red River this year anyway?

I live in Grand Forks, ND. I've seen Red River play a couple times. They're not a bad group of skaters. A 5-0 win against EGF is a little surprising, but Red River would be a pretty competitive Class A team. I think EGF just got down and couldn't recover...

Roy01 wrote:

Windmill31 wrote:I think EGF's loss to a N.D. team should be much more impactful on rankings once we see how Warroad does against them. Does anybody really have any inside on the skill level of Red River this year anyway?

I live in Grand Forks, ND. I've seen Red River play a couple times. They're not a bad group of skaters. A 5-0 win against EGF is a little surprising, but Red River would be a pretty competitive Class A team. I think EGF just got down and couldn't recover...

Ageed, the GF teams are always good and would compete well in MN year after year.
You add in the fact the the GF schools and EGF are big rivalry games and, as usual, in any given year, anything can happen.

EGF is very good, but no matter how good you will face a goalie who stands on his head. To people who don't watch them regularly might be surprised that they have little experience on the blue-line. They will not stay at the top if they continue to average almost 15 penalty minutes per game. Against Red River, they spent 9 minutes in the Box in the 3rd period alone. Averaging 2-1 penalty Minutes per game to opponents. They have taken several majors and against Red River they had 2 extended 5:3's. They better hope that Defense grows up fast and if they don't start playing smarter hockey they are going to lose 4-5 games this year. That said, it will probably be a much better team in March.

Now Luverne will beat up on a bunch of bad teams and look good.
Bad decisions in the defensive zone and the errors made by Luverne is what separates the good from the just above average teams. Black and white!
Hang in there Luverne next real challenge at state!

grandmeadowhockeyfan wrote:Now Luverne will beat up on a bunch of bad teams and look good.
Bad decisions in the defensive zone and the errors made by Luverne is what separates the good from the just above average teams. Black and white!
Hang in there Luverne next real challenge at state!

Not a Totino fan eh?

Will anyone be streaming the Holy Family vs New Prague game tonight?

TTpuckster wrote:

Roy01 wrote:

Windmill31 wrote:I think EGF's loss to a N.D. team should be much more impactful on rankings once we see how Warroad does against them. Does anybody really have any inside on the skill level of Red River this year anyway?

I live in Grand Forks, ND. I've seen Red River play a couple times. They're not a bad group of skaters. A 5-0 win against EGF is a little surprising, but Red River would be a pretty competitive Class A team. I think EGF just got down and couldn't recover...

Ageed, the GF teams are always good and would compete well in MN year after year.
You add in the fact the the GF schools and EGF are big rivalry games and, as usual, in any given year, anything can happen.

Mahtomedi 3 to 1 over Breck

It looks like Mahtomedi is the team to beat.

Warroad just got shut out by a Bemidji team Apollo tied...

Alexandria beats Fergus Falls 4-3 giving the Otters their first loss of the season...

Cathedral beats Apollo 2-1...

TTpuckster wrote:

TTpuckster wrote:

Roy01 wrote: I live in Grand Forks, ND. I've seen Red River play a couple times. They're not a bad group of skaters. A 5-0 win against EGF is a little surprising, but Red River would be a pretty competitive Class A team. I think EGF just got down and couldn't recover...

Ageed, the GF teams are always good and would compete well in MN year after year.
You add in the fact the the GF schools and EGF are big rivalry games and, as usual, in any given year, anything can happen.

Mahtomedi 3 to 1 over Breck

It looks like Mahtomedi is the team to beat.

They very well may be, but I'd say last night's game isn't enough on its own to show that.

DM 2-0 Breck
EGF 4-1 Breck
Maht 3-1 Breck

On paper, they are the least impressive of the 3. Having watched the game, I'd say it could've gone either way and Mahtomedi capitalized on the chances they had.

Unfortunately EGF and Mahtomedi won't play during the regular season, but EGF could play Marshall in the holiday tournament and Marshall and Mahtomedi play Jan 6.

Hermantown also plays in the Hilltopper classic so games with EGF or DM are possible (both; anyone have a bracket?) but they don't play Warroad or Mahtomedi.

Hilltopper Tournament Schedule:

Marshall Hilltopper Holiday Tournament (Dec. 29-31)


All Games at Mars Lakeview Arena, Duluth

Monday, Dec. 29
1. Superior (Wis.) vs. Mankato West, 1 p.m.
2. Delano vs. East Grand Forks, 3:15 p.m.
3. Duluth Marshall vs. Edgewood (Wis.), 5:45 p.m.
4. Hermantown vs. Notre Dame Academy (Wis.), 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30
Consolation Semifinal: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 1 p.m.
Consolation Semifinal: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 3:15 p.m.
Semifinal: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:45 p.m.
Semifinal: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 31
Seventh Place: Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 7, 8:30 a.m.
Consolation Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 7, 10:45 a.m.
Third Place: Loser Game 6 vs. Loser Game 8, 1:15 p.m.
Championship: Winner Game 6 vs. Winner Game 8, 3:30 p.m.

No slouches here.
Superior always has a very good team and Notre Dame Academy is almost always the #1 team in Wisconsin, (they beat EGF 2 - 0 in last year's tournament.)

Between now and then, EGF will play Brrrrrrrrrrmidgi and Warroad.

TTpuckster wrote:Hilltopper Tournament Schedule:

Marshall Hilltopper Holiday Tournament (Dec. 29-31)


All Games at Mars Lakeview Arena, Duluth

Monday, Dec. 29
1. Superior (Wis.) vs. Mankato West, 1 p.m.
2. Delano vs. East Grand Forks, 3:15 p.m.
3. Duluth Marshall vs. Edgewood (Wis.), 5:45 p.m.
4. Hermantown vs. Notre Dame Academy (Wis.), 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30
Consolation Semifinal: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 1 p.m.
Consolation Semifinal: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 3:15 p.m.
Semifinal: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:45 p.m.
Semifinal: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 31
Seventh Place: Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 7, 8:30 a.m.
Consolation Championship: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 7, 10:45 a.m.
Third Place: Loser Game 6 vs. Loser Game 8, 1:15 p.m.
Championship: Winner Game 6 vs. Winner Game 8, 3:30 p.m.

No slouches here.
Superior always has a very good team and Notre Dame Academy is almost always the #1 team in Wisconsin, (they beat EGF 2 - 0 in last year's tournament.)

Between now and then, EGF will play Brrrrrrrrrrmidgi and Warroad.

Looks like a good chance for state tourney rematch in the championship game.

today I would put them something like this:
1. East Grand Forks
2. Duluth Marshall
3. Hermantown
4. Mahtomedi
5. Warroad
6. New Prague
7. Breck
8. Thief River Falls
9. Delano
10. Alexandria
11. Fergus Falls
12. St. Paul Academy
13. Sartell
14. St Cloud Cathedral
15. Luverne
16. Hutchinson
17. Totino
18. St Cloud Apollo
19. Duluth Denfeld
20. Northfield

elliott70 wrote:today I would put them something like this:
1. East Grand Forks
2. Duluth Marshall
3. Hermantown
4. Mahtomedi
5. Warroad
6. New Prague
7. Breck
8. Thief River Falls
9. Delano
10. Alexandria
11. Fergus Falls
12. St. Paul Academy
13. Sartell
14. St Cloud Cathedral
15. Luverne
16. Hutchinson
17. Totino
18. St Cloud Apollo
19. Duluth Denfeld
20. Northfield

Nawwwww....
Ya need to move Warroad way down after that embarrasing loss

elliott70 wrote:today I would put them something like this:
1. East Grand Forks
2. Duluth Marshall
3. Hermantown
4. Mahtomedi
5. Warroad
6. New Prague
7. Breck
8. Thief River Falls
9. Delano
10. Alexandria
11. Fergus Falls
12. St. Paul Academy
13. Sartell
14. St Cloud Cathedral
15. Luverne
16. Hutchinson
17. Totino
18. St Cloud Apollo
19. Duluth Denfeld
20. Northfield

Switch Warroad and Hermantown and I think you have the top ones right.

TTpuckster wrote:

elliott70 wrote:today I would put them something like this:
1. East Grand Forks
2. Duluth Marshall
3. Hermantown
4. Mahtomedi
5. Warroad
6. New Prague
7. Breck
8. Thief River Falls
9. Delano
10. Alexandria
11. Fergus Falls
12. St. Paul Academy
13. Sartell
14. St Cloud Cathedral
15. Luverne
16. Hutchinson
17. Totino
18. St Cloud Apollo
19. Duluth Denfeld
20. Northfield

Nawwwww....
Ya need to move Warroad way down after that embarrasing loss

An A team losing to the best AA team in the state is not embarrassing.

Mouse in the corner wrote:

elliott70 wrote:today I would put them something like this:
1. East Grand Forks
2. Duluth Marshall
3. Hermantown
4. Mahtomedi
5. Warroad
6. New Prague
7. Breck
8. Thief River Falls
9. Delano
10. Alexandria
11. Fergus Falls
12. St. Paul Academy
13. Sartell
14. St Cloud Cathedral
15. Luverne
16. Hutchinson
17. Totino
18. St Cloud Apollo
19. Duluth Denfeld
20. Northfield

Switch Warroad and luverne and I think you have the top ones right.

Really?

Mouse in the corner wrote:

elliott70 wrote:today I would put them something like this:
1. East Grand Forks
2. Duluth Marshall
3. Hermantown
4. Mahtomedi
5. Warroad
6. New Prague
7. Breck
8. Thief River Falls
9. Delano
10. Alexandria
11. Fergus Falls
12. St. Paul Academy
13. Sartell
14. St Cloud Cathedral
15. Luverne
16. Hutchinson
17. Totino
18. St Cloud Apollo
19. Duluth Denfeld
20. Northfield

Switch Warroad and Hermantown and I think you have the top ones right.

New Prague is better than we thought after losing top line and 9 other seniors from last years tourney team. Still early but nice win over a overrated Holy Family squad!

elliott70 wrote:

Mouse in the corner wrote:

elliott70 wrote:today I would put them something like this:
1. East Grand Forks
2. Duluth Marshall
3. Hermantown
4. Mahtomedi
5. Warroad
6. New Prague
7. Breck
8. Thief River Falls
9. Delano
10. Alexandria
11. Fergus Falls
12. St. Paul Academy
13. Sartell
14. St Cloud Cathedral
15. Luverne
16. Hutchinson
17. Totino
18. St Cloud Apollo
19. Duluth Denfeld
20. Northfield

Switch Warroad and luverne and I think you have the top ones right.

Really?

Quite devious, Elliott.