Week 5 Rankings
Sorry, a bit behind schedule again this week. Being half-Jewish makes December particularly challenging
We still have a clear top five with a separation between them and the rest of the teams. The bottom portion of the rankings are sort of a revolving door, with teams shuffling in and out. The holiday tournaments will match up a few of the ranked teams, but otherwise it will be pretty quiet until early January.
1. Hermantown (5-2-0) (LW 1)
W 4-1 vs Totino-Grace
Eased past TG, their first Class A opposition, in a chippy game that was much more lopsided than the score indicated. The Hawks had a 46-12 shot advantage and held TG to a mere four shots over the first two periods. Next up is the Hilltopper Holiday Classic with a first round matchup against Blake.
2. St. Cloud Cathedral (9-0-0) (LW 2)
W 9-0 vs Chisago, 8-1 @ Luverne
The Crusaders did unspeakable things to two decent single A teams, including outshooting Luverne by a 69 (nice) to 10 count. Warner still has not returned to the lineup, but they should cruise through the Granite City Showcase and remain undefeated heading into the big Hermantown showdown.
3. East Grand Forks (10-1-0) (LW 3)
W 6-2 @ Bemidji, W 2-1 vs Warroad
Roared past the Jacks with surprising ease, then solidified their place as top dog in 8A with a close win over Warroad. Chillin’ like villains through the holidays after becoming the state’s first ten win team.
4. Alexandria (7-2-0) (LW 4)
W 7-2 @ Fergus Falls, W 4-1 @ Brainerd
The Cardinals bounced back nicely after the ugly EGF loss by thumping FF and picking off one of the better AA teams. Head up to da Range dis week to face off against the likes of Greenway and Virginia.
5. Mahtomedi (6-1-0) (LW 5)
W 6-0 vs SSP, W 7-1 vs Northfield
The Zephyrs romped over two sectional opponents and are establishing themselves as the clear favorite in 4A. Also heading up to da Range to face off against the likes of Greenway and Virginia.
6. Thief River Falls (6-3-2) (LW 6)
W 3-1 @ Crookston
The Prowlers continued their low scoring ways, sneaking by Crookston in a tight affair. Still, they keep on winning, even if it isn’t aesthetically pleasing. Should be tested in hosting Eveleth and Fargo North this coming weekend.
7. Sartell-St. Stephen (5-1-0) (LW 7)
Idle
No action this week for the Sabres, and no change in their ranking. Have two solid opponents, Mankato East and Monticello, on tap in the Granite City Showcase.
8. Greenway (3-6-0) (LW 12)
W 8-0 @ Eveleth, L 1-4 vs Moorhead
We’re starting to see the Greenway squad that was expected to be a title contender, as they hammered Eveleth and gave Moorhead a tussle before ultimately succumbing. The death march schedule continues as they host Alex and Mahtomedi in the Iron Range Invitational.
9. Orono (5-4-0) [LW 8]
L 0-8 vs Holy Family, W 5-0 @ Kennedy
It was basically a repeat performance of last week as Orono was thrashed by a AA team, then returned the favor against a sectional foe. The Spartans are off through the holidays, with Greenway and Virginia coming to town in early January.
10. Warroad (3-5-0) (LW 10)
L 1-2 @ EGF
I can basically copy and paste from last week: The Warriors dropped their only game of the week, an important 8A contest against EGF. Still, it was a valiant effort, and while the record isn’t pretty, the schedule has been brutal. Three winnable games coming up in their holiday tournament.
11. Totino-Grace (6-3-0) (LW 9)
W 5-1 @ Osseo, L 1-4 @ Hermantown
Thumped Osseo, then took an ugly loss against Hermantown, but that probably says more about the Hawks than it does the Eagles. Next up is the Schwan’s Cup Bronze Division.
12. Monticello (6-3-1) (LW NR)
W 9-2 @ Becker-Big Lake, W 6-3 vs Delano
The Moose are starting to reassert themselves as the frontrunner in the messy 5A race. Two challenging games coming up against Sartell and Mankato East in the Granite City Showcase.
13. North Branch (7-2-1) (LW NR)
W 4-1 vs Sauk Rapids, W 4-3 (OT) vs STMA
The Vikings return to the land of the ranked after an upset win over STMA, thanks in large part to a heroic effort from their goaltender (where do they find these guys?). Little Falls is the only competition coming up over the holidays.
14. Duluth Denfeld (4-2-1) (LW 14)
L 4-5 @ Superior
Furious final period comeback fell just short against a solid Superior squad. Schedule remains light, as only Irondale is on the slate this coming week.
15. Marshall (6-1-0) (LW 15)
W 6-0 @ Fairmont
Ho hum. Another week, another beat down of an overmatched 3A opponent. Kick off the Schwan’s Cup Saturday with a rapidly improving Princeton team.
Out: Eveleth-Gilbert (LW 11), Mankato East (LW 13)
Honorable mentions (alphabetical order):
Detroit Lakes (7-0-0)
Idle
Eveleth-Gilbert (7-4-0)
L 0-8 vs Greenway, W 6-2 @ Proctor
Mankato East (6-3-1) (LW 11)
L 3-4 @ Albert Lea, W 5-4 (OT) vs Hutchinson, W 4-3 @ Minn River
Mound Westonka (9-2-0)
W 4-1 vs LDC, W 3-1 @ Minneapolis
Princeton (7-2-0)
W 4-2 vs Chisago , W 6-4 vs North Shore
A few notes:
- Chisago Lakes, Minnesota River, and Northfield all fall out completely after two-loss weeks
- Northfield has been particularly disappointing after I had high preseason expectations, and they don’t have many chances left for redemption remaining outside of the Big 9 schedule
- 1A teams were not impressive this week, including some poor results against 3A opposition
- The Iron Range Invitational will have some outstanding contests, as should the Granite City Showcase
