1a. EP- Mittlestat and Graham offer states best one-two punch and a very solid supporting cast will make them tough to beat. Only two games into season so some of the reason is for the #1 ranking is based upon historical player performance.
1b. Benilde - Concerns about lack of scoring has been answered through the first five games with Gleekel, Moore, Calengor, Risteau, Moran, Horton, Holmers, and others scoring up front to get BSM off to a 5 and 0 start. Defense and goaltending has done its job allowing just 1.4 goals per game.
2. The 4 and 0 Greyhounds are doing what they need to do to be in top 5 but only a 2-0 win over AV carries some weight in the rankings early on in the season. Altman and Peterson are not surprise with their production but sophomore Worth is among the team leaders in points. Meierhoff carrying a 9.30 is impressive. With Randolf behind the bench this time will only get better.
3. Blaine - The duo in Notterman and Tufte has proven to be too much for their opponents early on which has helped Blaine jump to a convincing 4 and 0 start to the season. With really only one "quality" win (Edina) there is still something for this team to prove but nonetheless the completely dominated the other games which they should have won. Their upcoming schedule will show more of Blaine's position within the rankings and give their goaltending a better test as well.
4. Stillwater - 3 and 0 start with the best win being their first over defending champs LVN. The other two wins were over quality teams in Roseville and Cretin. Sagissor, Manning and Cates brothers leading the way up front. Unfortunately not a lot of opportunities to play other top teams so they will need to win convincingly to stay in top 5.
5. Grand Rapids - their best game of the year may be their only loss when lost to Benilde on an OT short handed goal. Posting 4.5 goals per game and with talented team of forwards and defense this team will be tough to beat. Mattson, Miller, Bischoff, Adams, Stomphohar, Hain etc will give DE a great game and with their depth I would not be surprised to see the Orange playing in early March.
Not in any Order -
Next UP: Edina, Wayzata, Elk River, Bemidji and Prior Lake
Watch List: Centennial, Eastview, Maple Grove, Holy Family, Tartan, Brainerd, St Louis Park
Teams that have an opportunity to improve: Hill Murray, Tonka, Burnsville, Duluth Marshall and St Thomas are not playing up to their historical standards. Quality players on all of these rosters but not translating into W's.
Game of the Week - EP vs. Benilde this coming Friday at 7pm at SLP Rec.
AA Rankings - Top 5
Moderators: Mitch Hawker, east hockey, karl(east)