7AA Banter between Duluth East and Grand Rapids fans

kniven · Post by **kniven** » Mon Mar 09, 2015 5:18 pm

Thoughts?

PS. I was going to wait to start this annual thread, but I looked at last year. It was odd and coincidental that I started this thread on this exact date last year. So why not start it on the same day again as last year.

It's a nice thread that can be picked up between now through spring, summer, and fall hockey. It looks like its going to be a nice spring up here in the northland finally!

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Mon Mar 09, 2015 6:44 pm

I expect Grand Rapids and Duluth East to be top 5 teams and wouldn't be shocked if they meet in the finals as the #1 and #2 in the state. Elk River will be good. Cloquet should be improved. I have no clue what kind of teams Andover and Forest Lake will have but I don't see either of them. And as I'm writing this it occurs to me, oh yea, Duluth Marshall is in 7AA now. If the 7AA semi-finals are something like Rapids vs Marshall and East vs CEC, holy large crowds batman!

kniven · Post by **kniven** » Mon Mar 09, 2015 7:06 pm

TheHockeyDJ wrote:I expect Grand Rapids and Duluth East to be top 5 teams and wouldn't be shocked if they meet in the finals as the #1 and #2 in the state. Elk River will be good. Cloquet should be improved. I have no clue what kind of teams Andover and Forest Lake will have but I don't see either of them. And as I'm writing this it occurs to me, oh yea, Duluth Marshall is in 7AA now. If the 7AA semi-finals are something like Rapids vs Marshall and East vs CEC, holy large crowds batman!

I totally agree! Those crowds, and that atmosphere would be amazing!! But yea, I think the team from the metro that might prove to be the biggest threat next year would have been STMA. But they are gone from our section now. Elk River always seems to be in the hunt so they are pretty much a given every year ( for me anyway)

Duluth East and Grand Rapids I think its pretty universal will be favorites. But that is why they play the games! My boys from CEC will be looking looking to compete and throw a wrench into the mix....as always =)

north_bear · Post by **north_bear** » Tue Mar 10, 2015 7:49 pm

TheHockeyDJ wrote:I expect Grand Rapids and Duluth East to be top 5 teams and wouldn't be shocked if they meet in the finals as the #1 and #2 in the state. Elk River will be good. Cloquet should be improved. I have no clue what kind of teams Andover and Forest Lake will have but I don't see either of them. And as I'm writing this it occurs to me, oh yea, Duluth Marshall is in 7AA now. If the 7AA semi-finals are something like Rapids vs Marshall and East vs CEC, holy large crowds batman!

I think you're a little too ambitious right away with Rapids and East being 1 and 2 in the state. I think saying top 10 would be adequate and more realistic.(I'm not a huge fan of rankings, they mean nothing when playing the game but are interesting when comparing teams) Next year is bright for Rapids, the BAM line will all be seniors, a promising goalie will make his debut, influx of talented bantams, and a defense that was much improved over the course of the season. The pieces seem to be there especially with the top forwards being seniors but there are a few questions that will remain unanswered until the season starts.

I'm not as optimistic on East as others but certainly not counting them out. They went on a miraculous and unprecedented run this year after barely being ranked all year. They have some young, good players. Randolph was definitely the X factor.

It will be interesting having Marshall in the section. What's their outlook for next year? Nothing like another tough team to through in the 7AA mix.

sanryam · Post by **sanryam** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 12:29 am

TheHockeyDJ wrote:I expect Grand Rapids and Duluth East to be top 5 teams and wouldn't be shocked if they meet in the finals as the #1 and #2 in the state.

.
Whoa. Somebody hold onto this gem of a prediction.

tezer13 · Post by **tezer13** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 4:22 am

Don't forget Elk River.

Elk's Bantam AA's were 48-12-2 in 2013 and 45-7-1 in 2014.
Rapids 39-14-3 and 28-16-0
East 22-23-1 and 23-21-4 (caveat is East's SOS is ridiculous for their Bantam teams - Pit has them playing the best in the state just about every game)

East:
I really liked the way East's 2nd and 3rd lines played down the stretch this year. Only lose 1 D. I think Lemaster has a chance to be East's next stud D-man. I also like Donavan back there. Question is how good Meierhoff going to be. I played JV with his pop so I am pulling for him. I don't see them having to trap next year though.

Rapids:
That first line coming back in tact could be something really special. They will all be seniors, so leadership should be there. Goalie Burt will be a senior and played well when he got a chance. They are basically returning all their scoring and they had a bit of it. Talent is never the question in GR. I honestly don't know what is. I would love to see them #2 in the state next year...Right behind East

Elk River:
You don't replace players like Jaremko and Lutz, but they have skilled guys to fill in. Jax Murray, Zerban, Shwab all put up points. I believe they had Meyers in nets for the Section Finals. Big Question - will Kiersted come back on D.

Cloquet:
I don't know much about them as I uncharacteristically missed a lot of games this year. I do know they have their top 2 scorers returning and a D named Kuhlman. If he has skill like his brother, that bodes well. Both Goalies return.

Marshall:
Hard to say how AA will treat them their first year up. They lose their top 4 scorers and their G. Get #1 scoring D back. St. Thomas didn't exactly tear up in their first year up or their 2nd (thanks to East - hahaha) and they get to draft a team. I know the coaches and they expressed to me that it would be a building process. The only time I watched them was against H-town in the Sectionals and after 10 minutes it was all H-town. Could be some growing pains. But - HATS OFF to them for making the move!

Not trying to knock Andover and any others, I just know nothing about them to say anything. Section 7 seems to get stronger top to bottom just about every year though.

Gonna go out on a limb and say East, ER and GR battle for #1 section seed down to the wire...how's that for bold

Just a note and off topic: Wayzata's Bantams were 51-5-4 in 2013 and 31-7-4 in 2014. Not that Bantam records mean much, but that is pretty impressive.

elliott70 · Post by **elliott70** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 5:53 am

TheHockeyDJ wrote:I expect Grand Rapids and Duluth East to be top 5 teams and wouldn't be shocked if they meet in the finals as the #1 and #2 in the state. Elk River will be good. Cloquet should be improved. I have no clue what kind of teams Andover and Forest Lake will have but I don't see either of them. And as I'm writing this it occurs to me, oh yea, Duluth Marshall is in 7AA now. If the 7AA semi-finals are something like Rapids vs Marshall and East vs CEC, holy large crowds batman!

Perhaps you meant 1 and 2 in the section, not state?

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 6:16 am

elliott70 wrote:
TheHockeyDJ wrote:I expect Grand Rapids and Duluth East to be top 5 teams and wouldn't be shocked if they meet in the finals as the #1 and #2 in the state. Elk River will be good. Cloquet should be improved. I have no clue what kind of teams Andover and Forest Lake will have but I don't see either of them. And as I'm writing this it occurs to me, oh yea, Duluth Marshall is in 7AA now. If the 7AA semi-finals are something like Rapids vs Marshall and East vs CEC, holy large crowds batman!
Perhaps you meant 1 and 2 in the section, not state?

For crying out loud, it wasn't an official prediction, I just said I wouldn't be shocked. Duluth East just took 2nd at state with a bunch of young players including an 8th grader. Rapids will be into the 2nd year of phasing state champion bantam players into the mix while coming back with a very solid D core and the BAM line. They have two goalies on the bantam team that are not just starters, but legit top 10 goalies, Stejskal is probably the best goalie in his class. They might not end up 1 and 2 in the state when they meet, however I predict both will be top 10 and of the two Rapids should be in the top 5 most of the season.

northwoods oldtimer · Post by **northwoods oldtimer** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 6:20 am

sanryam wrote:
TheHockeyDJ wrote:I expect Grand Rapids and Duluth East to be top 5 teams and wouldn't be shocked if they meet in the finals as the #1 and #2 in the state.
.
Whoa. Somebody hold onto this gem of a prediction.

DJ you need to back off the crack pipe!

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 6:30 am

tezer13 wrote:Don't forget Elk River.

Elk's Bantam AA's were 48-12-2 in 2013 and 45-7-1 in 2014.
Rapids 39-14-3 and 28-16-0
East 22-23-1 and 23-21-4 (caveat is East's SOS is ridiculous for their Bantam teams - Pit has them playing the best in the state just about every game)

East:
I really liked the way East's 2nd and 3rd lines played down the stretch this year. Only lose 1 D. I think Lemaster has a chance to be East's next stud D-man. I also like Donavan back there. Question is how good Meierhoff going to be. I played JV with his pop so I am pulling for him. I don't see them having to trap next year though.

Rapids:
That first line coming back in tact could be something really special. They will all be seniors, so leadership should be there. Goalie Burt will be a senior and played well when he got a chance. They are basically returning all their scoring and they had a bit of it. Talent is never the question in GR. I honestly don't know what is. I would love to see them #2 in the state next year...Right behind East

Elk River:
You don't replace players like Jaremko and Lutz, but they have skilled guys to fill in. Jax Murray, Zerban, Shwab all put up points. I believe they had Meyers in nets for the Section Finals. Big Question - will Kiersted come back on D.

Cloquet:
I don't know much about them as I uncharacteristically missed a lot of games this year. I do know they have their top 2 scorers returning and a D named Kuhlman. If he has skill like his brother, that bodes well. Both Goalies return.

Marshall:
Hard to say how AA will treat them their first year up. They lose their top 4 scorers and their G. Get #1 scoring D back. St. Thomas didn't exactly tear up in their first year up or their 2nd (thanks to East - hahaha) and they get to draft a team. I know the coaches and they expressed to me that it would be a building process. The only time I watched them was against H-town in the Sectionals and after 10 minutes it was all H-town. Could be some growing pains. But - HATS OFF to them for making the move!

Not trying to knock Andover and any others, I just know nothing about them to say anything. Section 7 seems to get stronger top to bottom just about every year though.

Gonna go out on a limb and say East, ER and GR battle for #1 section seed down to the wire...how's that for bold

Just a note and off topic: Wayzata's Bantams were 51-5-4 in 2013 and 31-7-4 in 2014. Not that Bantam records mean much, but that is pretty impressive.

Joe Burt if on varsity will be the #3 goalie. Stejskal and Holum will both be 10th graders next year and both will be in the mix to start. No way anyone bumps either of them from 1 and 2 goalies on varsity next year. Last time I checked both had a .920 or higher save percentage. Also, not sure where you get the record for Rapids bantams, but this year they are 49-9-2 (grhockey.com), given they won state last year and are back at state with that record, Rapids fans should have state title expectations.

CreaseMonkey · Post by **CreaseMonkey** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:16 am

TheHockeyDJ wrote: Joe Burt if on varsity will be the #3 goalie. Stejskal and Holum will both be 10th graders next year and both will be in the mix to start. No way anyone bumps either of them from 1 and 2 goalies on varsity next year. Last time I checked both had a .920 or higher save percentage. Also, not sure where you get the record for Rapids bantams, but this year they are 49-9-2 (grhockey.com), given they won state last year and are back at state with that record, Rapids fans should have state title expectations.

Not looking to rain on the parade, but there is a big difference between bantam success, and high school success. Not saying they aren't quality prospects, but I would keep those state title expectations in check until they prove themselves at the next level.

greenway1969 · Post by **greenway1969** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:36 am

Oh boy, here we go again. Rapids is a top 5 team. Until Rapids proves it on the ice, they only belong in the top 20. They will belong in the top ten if they actually can win a game against Edina or Eden Prairie in the Edina Classic. Maybe if they can even be competitive with them that would be a reason to make them a top ten team. I see Rapids as having the same record next year as they had this past year. A very challenging schedule and their inability to improve as much as most teams will make it very difficult to make it past the semis again. They need to play every game with the intensity they did in the 3rd period against Duluth East. The coaching staff has to find a way to motivate the kids and inspire them to play "Rapids" hockey. If they do, then they will be a top ten team.

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:54 am

northwoods oldtimer wrote:
sanryam wrote:
TheHockeyDJ wrote:I expect Grand Rapids and Duluth East to be top 5 teams and wouldn't be shocked if they meet in the finals as the #1 and #2 in the state.
.
Whoa. Somebody hold onto this gem of a prediction.
DJ you need to back off the crack pipe!

Did "your" elks make it to state? "Too easy" you said. Who's on the crack pipe?

tezer13 · Post by **tezer13** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 2:43 pm

TheHockeyDJ wrote:
tezer13 wrote:Don't forget Elk River.

Elk's Bantam AA's were 48-12-2 in 2013 and 45-7-1 in 2014.
Rapids 39-14-3 and 28-16-0
East 22-23-1 and 23-21-4 (caveat is East's SOS is ridiculous for their Bantam teams - Pit has them playing the best in the state just about every game)

.
Joe Burt if on varsity will be the #3 goalie. Stejskal and Holum will both be 10th graders next year and both will be in the mix to start. No way anyone bumps either of them from 1 and 2 goalies on varsity next year. Last time I checked both had a .920 or higher save percentage. Also, not sure where you get the record for Rapids bantams, but this year they are 49-9-2 (grhockey.com), given they won state last year and are back at state with that record, Rapids fans should have state title expectations.

The Bantam records are for 2013 and 2014 or the kids who will be Seniors and Juniors next HS season.

I agree that Bantam success does not mean HS success, but it does indicate some potential.

rainier · Post by **rainier** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 4:27 pm

CreaseMonkey wrote:
TheHockeyDJ wrote: Joe Burt if on varsity will be the #3 goalie. Stejskal and Holum will both be 10th graders next year and both will be in the mix to start. No way anyone bumps either of them from 1 and 2 goalies on varsity next year. Last time I checked both had a .920 or higher save percentage. Also, not sure where you get the record for Rapids bantams, but this year they are 49-9-2 (grhockey.com), given they won state last year and are back at state with that record, Rapids fans should have state title expectations.
Not looking to rain on the parade, but there is a big difference between bantam success, and high school success. Not saying they aren't quality prospects, but I would keep those state title expectations in check until they prove themselves at the next level.

This should be the year they prove themselves. I think a number of people got a little too excited this past season and didn't fully realize that this year's team was, talent-wise, all juniors and sophomores.

Now they should have the maturity and experience to be a top team. There will be enough senior and junior talent that this team won't need to rely on sophomores to win. (Although a couple of them will be good enough to be significant contributors.)

If Rapids can't get by East the next 2-3 years, then they never will. I think they will, at least once.

As for East, the question will be: Who will fill the leadership void? Randolph kept pointing to Bunten and Altman as the "bus drivers" of this year's team. East still seems to have some pretty young players, so someone will have to step up and lead the way again.

East had the "No one believes in us" factor going this year, and that can be a strong motivator. It can be just as hard dealing with the "Everyone believes in us" factor if the right on-ice leadership isn't there. (See: East's shocking tourney loss to Lakeville South.)

ER will be good again, but they lost some serious talent, much more than East or Rapids did, so I'd have them 3rd at this point.

Picking Rapids to finally break the Hounds' streak this year. (Unless the Rapids coach breaks up the BAM line again. What was that crap?)

Houndhockey · Post by **Houndhockey** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 9:30 pm

rainier wrote:
CreaseMonkey wrote:
TheHockeyDJ wrote: Joe Burt if on varsity will be the #3 goalie. Stejskal and Holum will both be 10th graders next year and both will be in the mix to start. No way anyone bumps either of them from 1 and 2 goalies on varsity next year. Last time I checked both had a .920 or higher save percentage. Also, not sure where you get the record for Rapids bantams, but this year they are 49-9-2 (grhockey.com), given they won state last year and are back at state with that record, Rapids fans should have state title expectations.
Not looking to rain on the parade, but there is a big difference between bantam success, and high school success. Not saying they aren't quality prospects, but I would keep those state title expectations in check until they prove themselves at the next level.
This should be the year they prove themselves. I think a number of people got a little too excited this past season and didn't fully realize that this year's team was, talent-wise, all juniors and sophomores.

Now they should have the maturity and experience to be a top team. There will be enough senior and junior talent that this team won't need to rely on sophomores to win. (Although a couple of them will be good enough to be significant contributors.)

If Rapids can't get by East the next 2-3 years, then they never will. I think they will, at least once.

As for East, the question will be: Who will fill the leadership void? Randolph kept pointing to Bunten and Altman as the "bus drivers" of this year's team. East still seems to have some pretty young players, so someone will have to step up and lead the way again.

East had the "No one believes in us" factor going this year, and that can be a strong motivator. It can be just as hard dealing with the "Everyone believes in us" factor if the right on-ice leadership isn't there. (See: East's shocking tourney loss to Lakeville South.)
ER will be good again, but they lost some serious talent, much more than East or Rapids did, so I'd have them 3rd at this point.

Picking Rapids to finally break the Hounds' streak this year. (Unless the Rapids coach breaks up the BAM line again. What was that crap?)

You must be on the crack pipe too. You don't think there was any leadership on that 2012 East team? With Randolph's kid, Toninato, and Olson all playing, there was plenty of leadership. All three of those guys were 3 year varsity producers. It was just a fluke game. It was the 1 in 20 game that they lose to Kloos and Lakeville South.

northwoods oldtimer · Post by **northwoods oldtimer** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:50 am

Elk river will be tough next season, do not overlook them hockey dj

Hope the section games are at Target Center next year!

rainier · Post by **rainier** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:38 am

Houndhockey wrote:
rainier wrote:
CreaseMonkey wrote: Not looking to rain on the parade, but there is a big difference between bantam success, and high school success. Not saying they aren't quality prospects, but I would keep those state title expectations in check until they prove themselves at the next level.
This should be the year they prove themselves. I think a number of people got a little too excited this past season and didn't fully realize that this year's team was, talent-wise, all juniors and sophomores.

Now they should have the maturity and experience to be a top team. There will be enough senior and junior talent that this team won't need to rely on sophomores to win. (Although a couple of them will be good enough to be significant contributors.)

If Rapids can't get by East the next 2-3 years, then they never will. I think they will, at least once.

As for East, the question will be: Who will fill the leadership void? Randolph kept pointing to Bunten and Altman as the "bus drivers" of this year's team. East still seems to have some pretty young players, so someone will have to step up and lead the way again.

East had the "No one believes in us" factor going this year, and that can be a strong motivator. It can be just as hard dealing with the "Everyone believes in us" factor if the right on-ice leadership isn't there. (See: East's shocking tourney loss to Lakeville South.)
ER will be good again, but they lost some serious talent, much more than East or Rapids did, so I'd have them 3rd at this point.

Picking Rapids to finally break the Hounds' streak this year. (Unless the Rapids coach breaks up the BAM line again. What was that crap?)
You must be on the crack pipe too. You don't think there was any leadership on that 2012 East team? With Randolph's kid, Toninato, and Olson all playing, there was plenty of leadership. All three of those guys were 3 year varsity producers. It was just a fluke game. It was the 1 in 20 game that they lose to Kloos and Lakeville South.

I didn't mean there wasn't any leadership on that East team. I meant more that the "nobody believes in us" can really boost a team, especially when they play an "everybody believes in us team". Just like East vs Edina at the tourney this year.

On topic, Rapids always contends in 7AA, but it will be interesting to see what happens the next couple years as they should be the favorite. Although they were young this year, I do think they underachieved. That can't happen next season, as Rothstein must figure out a way to get past the Hounds.

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 10:27 am

northwoods oldtimer wrote:Elk river will be tough next season, do not overlook them hockey dj

Hope the section games are at Target Center next year!

Ha! They are locked in with a long term contract at Amsoil Arena. And Target Center? I've never seen a hockey game there, but almost anyone hockey fan in the Twin Cities I've talked to or read their post online has only said that is a terrible venue for hockey. You may as well embrace Lake Superior and Canal Park.

bemused · Post by **bemused** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 10:29 am

rainier wrote:
Houndhockey wrote:
rainier wrote: This should be the year they prove themselves. I think a number of people got a little too excited this past season and didn't fully realize that this year's team was, talent-wise, all juniors and sophomores.

Now they should have the maturity and experience to be a top team. There will be enough senior and junior talent that this team won't need to rely on sophomores to win. (Although a couple of them will be good enough to be significant contributors.)

If Rapids can't get by East the next 2-3 years, then they never will. I think they will, at least once.

As for East, the question will be: Who will fill the leadership void? Randolph kept pointing to Bunten and Altman as the "bus drivers" of this year's team. East still seems to have some pretty young players, so someone will have to step up and lead the way again.
ER will be good again, but they lost some serious talent, much more than East or Rapids did, so I'd have them 3rd at this point.

Picking Rapids to finally break the Hounds' streak this year. (Unless the Rapids coach breaks up the BAM line again. What was that crap?)
You must be on the crack pipe too. You don't think there was any leadership on that 2012 East team? With Randolph's kid, Toninato, and Olson all playing, there was plenty of leadership. All three of those guys were 3 year varsity producers. It was just a fluke game. It was the 1 in 20 game that they lose to Kloos and Lakeville South.
I didn't mean there wasn't any leadership on that East team. I meant more that the "nobody believes in us" can really boost a team, especially when they play an "everybody believes in us team". Just like East vs Edina at the tourney this year.

On topic, Rapids always contends in 7AA, but it will be interesting to see what happens the next couple years as they should be the favorite. Although they were young this year, I do think they underachieved. That can't happen next season, as Rothstein must figure out a way to get past the Hounds.

Everybody here assuming Mattson will be back? He turned down Ann Arbor once already..

northwoods oldtimer · Thu Mar 12, 2015 10:57 am

TheHockeyDJ wrote:
northwoods oldtimer wrote:Elk river will be tough next season, do not overlook them hockey dj

Hope the section games are at Target Center next year!
Ha! They are locked in with a long term contract at Amsoil Arena. And Target Center? I've never seen a hockey game there, but almost anyone hockey fan in the Twin Cities I've talked to or read their post online has only said that is a terrible venue for hockey. You may as well embrace Lake Superior and Canal Park.

Get on the crack pipe DJ you need a hit! Target Center it is for the future of 7AA semi and finals. Your little Amsoil reign is over.

ZachHalverson · Post by **ZachHalverson** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 11:24 am

My Grand Rapids Thunderhawks are going to represent 7AA next year or else I will become violent.

northwoods oldtimer wrote:Elk river will be tough next season, do not overlook them hockey dj

Hope the section games are at Target Center next year!

I think its a bit too optimistic to think that the inaugural Zach Halverson Section Series Spectacular will happen next year, though I suppose it could happen.

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 11:57 am

northwoods oldtimer wrote:
TheHockeyDJ wrote:
northwoods oldtimer wrote:Elk river will be tough next season, do not overlook them hockey dj

Hope the section games are at Target Center next year!
Ha! They are locked in with a long term contract at Amsoil Arena. And Target Center? I've never seen a hockey game there, but almost anyone hockey fan in the Twin Cities I've talked to or read their post online has only said that is a terrible venue for hockey. You may as well embrace Lake Superior and Canal Park.
Get on the crack pipe DJ you need a hit! Target Center it is for the future of 7AA semi and finals. Your little Amsoil reign is over.

Because it makes sense to send Rapids, East, Cloquet, and Marshall to Minneapolis for the semi-finals.

alcloseshaver · Post by **alcloseshaver** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:56 am

7AA consists of 5 southern teams and 4 northern teams.

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 10:08 am

alcloseshaver wrote:7AA consists of 5 southern teams and 4 northern teams.

Cambridge and St. Francis don't count.