AA Tourney Picks
Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2017 2:18 pm
Quarterfinals
#2 St. Thomas Academy v. Lakeville South- STA 7-1
I don't see this one being a close one, certainly the easiest matchup in the quarters. I've seen STA play and overall the speed and defensive responsibility bodes well for the cadets to make a deep run. Kelly's play will help down the line I feel.
#3 Moorhead v. Hill Murray- Hill Murray 4-3
Have not seen either of these two play though I feel Hill Murray gets the edge in the rematch. I think it comes down to experience in this one. Like Tony Scott said in the podcast I also believe Moorhead is a year away from dominating this tournament. Begley is the X- factor (Irony) although Randklev, Stetz, and O'Connell may have something to say about that. This one will be the best matchup of the quarters and has instant classic potential.
#1 Eden Praire v. Wayzata- EP 5-1
Hard to pick an upset here with a team who has won a total of 10 games this season. The returning state champs will hang in there through the first, but after that the depth of EP is simply too much. I expect Mittlestadt and company to have a productive day.
#4 Maple Grove v. #5 Grand Rapids- Rapids 5-3
This one comes down to two things, how well can the big three play (Hain, Miller, Mclaughlin) and how well freshman Ethan Haider can stand up to the pressure of the biggest stage in high school hockey. I think that experience really favors the Thunder hawks and that is what will give them the edge. Maple Grove's play style doesn't favor this matchup. Their run and gun offense I feel will back fire and Rapids will be able to counter and convert more often than the Crimson.
Semi Finals
#2 St. Thomas Academy v. Hill Murray - STA 3-2
Battle of the private schools and Metro East rivals this one really could go either way. Having split the regular season series I think the cadets take the third meeting between the Pios. Both teams have solid goaltending and strong defensive systems although I believe STA has more of a scoring punch. Reim, Stucker, and the Christy's will be the most important players for STA to come away with this one.
#1 Eden Praire v. #5 Grand Rapids - EP 5-4
A shootout at its finest will be the storyline of this matchup between the two most talented top lines in the tourney. The big three will do all they can to carry the scoring for the Thunder hawks but in the end I think depth will be the decider. It's hard to pick against the prodigal son and the Eagles. I feel Jensen and Leivermann will be important in this one as a member of the supporting cast.
Final
#1 Eden Praire v. #2 St. Thomas Academy - EP 3-1
Casey completes his dream of winning a state high school championship with a 3 to 1 win over the cadets. Overall the Eagles have the complete advantage over the whole field in all facets of the game. The experience the Eagles posses having made it to the championship game last year and returning much of that very same squad bodes well to support their victory in the final. The shoring up of their achilles heel in goal this season also solidifies that notion.
3rd place
The Thunder hawks will represent the northland well and come back with the hardware from St. Paul with a 3-1 win over the Pioneers. Hill Murray's roller coaster year will end on a low. Jake Begley will have a great tournament I just think the pioneers scoring depth will be their downfall after the opening round.
Consolation
Moorhead will clean house at Mariucci and win the consolation championship against Wayzata in a 5-2 final score. Maple Grove will continue the struggle of 5AA at the state tournament and under represented 1AA will be handedly dealt with throughout the tournament.
Anyways these are my predictions and analysis, let me know your guys thoughts. Happy Tourney everyone its bound to be a good one!
#2 St. Thomas Academy v. Lakeville South- STA 7-1
I don't see this one being a close one, certainly the easiest matchup in the quarters. I've seen STA play and overall the speed and defensive responsibility bodes well for the cadets to make a deep run. Kelly's play will help down the line I feel.
#3 Moorhead v. Hill Murray- Hill Murray 4-3
Have not seen either of these two play though I feel Hill Murray gets the edge in the rematch. I think it comes down to experience in this one. Like Tony Scott said in the podcast I also believe Moorhead is a year away from dominating this tournament. Begley is the X- factor (Irony) although Randklev, Stetz, and O'Connell may have something to say about that. This one will be the best matchup of the quarters and has instant classic potential.
#1 Eden Praire v. Wayzata- EP 5-1
Hard to pick an upset here with a team who has won a total of 10 games this season. The returning state champs will hang in there through the first, but after that the depth of EP is simply too much. I expect Mittlestadt and company to have a productive day.
#4 Maple Grove v. #5 Grand Rapids- Rapids 5-3
This one comes down to two things, how well can the big three play (Hain, Miller, Mclaughlin) and how well freshman Ethan Haider can stand up to the pressure of the biggest stage in high school hockey. I think that experience really favors the Thunder hawks and that is what will give them the edge. Maple Grove's play style doesn't favor this matchup. Their run and gun offense I feel will back fire and Rapids will be able to counter and convert more often than the Crimson.
Semi Finals
#2 St. Thomas Academy v. Hill Murray - STA 3-2
Battle of the private schools and Metro East rivals this one really could go either way. Having split the regular season series I think the cadets take the third meeting between the Pios. Both teams have solid goaltending and strong defensive systems although I believe STA has more of a scoring punch. Reim, Stucker, and the Christy's will be the most important players for STA to come away with this one.
#1 Eden Praire v. #5 Grand Rapids - EP 5-4
A shootout at its finest will be the storyline of this matchup between the two most talented top lines in the tourney. The big three will do all they can to carry the scoring for the Thunder hawks but in the end I think depth will be the decider. It's hard to pick against the prodigal son and the Eagles. I feel Jensen and Leivermann will be important in this one as a member of the supporting cast.
Final
#1 Eden Praire v. #2 St. Thomas Academy - EP 3-1
Casey completes his dream of winning a state high school championship with a 3 to 1 win over the cadets. Overall the Eagles have the complete advantage over the whole field in all facets of the game. The experience the Eagles posses having made it to the championship game last year and returning much of that very same squad bodes well to support their victory in the final. The shoring up of their achilles heel in goal this season also solidifies that notion.
3rd place
The Thunder hawks will represent the northland well and come back with the hardware from St. Paul with a 3-1 win over the Pioneers. Hill Murray's roller coaster year will end on a low. Jake Begley will have a great tournament I just think the pioneers scoring depth will be their downfall after the opening round.
Consolation
Moorhead will clean house at Mariucci and win the consolation championship against Wayzata in a 5-2 final score. Maple Grove will continue the struggle of 5AA at the state tournament and under represented 1AA will be handedly dealt with throughout the tournament.
Anyways these are my predictions and analysis, let me know your guys thoughts. Happy Tourney everyone its bound to be a good one!
I think it goes either way by 1 goal, possibly overtime. STA 7-1 
I can dream can't I ??