A Rankings for 1/9/22
Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2022 8:39 am
Class A Ranking Week #7 (1/9/2022)
1- Hermantown (7A) (10-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-1 Duluth Denfeld, W 5-2 Eden Prairie
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ St Cloud Cathedral, 1/15 vs Warroad
The Hawks showed they are still the giant in Section 7A as they dismantled the Hunters minus Zam 6-1. The other Plante, Max, continued his strong play of late in absence of his brother as he led the way with 4 points. The Hawks finished the week with a solid game and very nice win over the defending AA Champs. This week they have a quick venture south to SCC before the Game of the Year in Class A as they face the Warrior at home next Saturday for what is sure to be an epic #1 vs #2 game and a treat for all Class A puck lovers.
2- Warroad (8A) (14-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-0 Roseau, W 9-0 Fergus Falls, W 3-0 Detroit Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ Crookston, 1/15 @ Hermantown
The Warriors got their week off to an outstanding start winning “The Game” over the #1 AA Rams by a wide 5-0 margin. The game was tight until halfway through when star sophomore defenseman Ryan Lund found himself on a shorthanded breakaway he buried the puck and Warriors buried their long rivals from there. They went on to destroy a solid Fergus Falls club 9-0 on the Otters home ice. The State’s most dangerous duo Gardner & Shaugabay led the way with each having four point nights in the rout. They capped off the week with a nice win vs a fully rested Laker team on their home ice scoring a goal in each period and controlling the pace of play and Hampton Slukynsky picked up his 3rd shutout of the week. Now all eyes are set for next Saturday as the looming 1 vs 2 and potential State Title Game preview vs. the Hawks will be a treat for everyone.
3- Little Falls (5A) (14-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-0 Bemidji, W 6-3 Hutchinson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 @ Princeton, 1/15 @ Fergus Falls
The Flyers picked up one of their most impressive wins of the year over a tough Bemidji bunch. While the scoring has been great all year this game showed they appear to have solved the goaltender question as Junior Richie Varriano stopped 44 of 45 shots to continue his recent strong play since taking over the starting role over the holidays. Then the Flyers showed their strength the next game as the State’s leading scorer Junior Matt Filippi stole the show against Hutchinson as his impressive 5 point night carried the Flyers to their 14th straight win. This week the Flyers have two tough road tests as they head to Princeton where they have never played well and then a big rematch of the epic OT Section Final with the Otters on Saturday.
4- Mahtomedi (4A) (6-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 9-1 St Paul Highland Park, L 1-3 St Thomas Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Simley, 1/15 vs Hill Murray
The Zephyrs figured out one way to solve their scoring issues of late by playing an actual Section 4A team. They dominated from start to finish against St Paul Highland Park and they were led by the other Dardis, Grant, who had a solid 3 point night. In the rematch with STA however the goal scoring issue continued they hung around throughout but you are not going to win many games only scoring 1 goal a theme of late for this group when playing better teams. This week is presents a big road game vs presumed #2 seed in Section 4A Simley and then another very tough test vs. Hill Murray.
5- Delano (2A) (9-3-0)
Past Week Results: W 2-1 Rosemount, W 5-2 St Cloud Cathedral
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Holy Family, 1/13 @ Hutchinson
The Tigers picked up one of their most impressive wins of the season on the roast at AA Rosemount. Gunnar Paulson scored the game winning goal and the Tigers did what they do best once they captured the lead they played structured and defended and Junior Drew Dorsey stopped 31 of 32 for the nice road win. They followed that up with a nice victory over SCC in a game in which they outshot the Crusaders 45-15 and pulled away in the third period for the win and to finish a very good week. Now they face some WCC teams this week and they should continue to roll in both games.
6- Duluth Denfeld (7A) (11-3-0)
Past Week Results: L 1-6 Hermantown, W 3-2 OT Superior, W 10-0 North Shore
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 vs Grand Rapids, 1/14 vs Dodge County
The Hunter's eight game winning streak came to a crashing halt when they visited the Hawk Nest to start the week. The Hunters did score first but it was all Hermantown after that to show the gap in 7A appears to be as steep as ever. Sophomore Brady McGinn’s overtime power play goal allowed the Hunters to get back in the win column and escape the upset bid posed by Wisconsin’s Superior. Connor McClure’s 5 points were more than enough as the Hunter finished their week by beating up 7A North Shore. This week they have back to back home games that will offer more good tests as they have AA Grand Rapids and Dodge County coming to visit.
7- Minneapolis (2A) (9-3-1)
Past Week Results: T 3-3 Litchfield Dassel Cokato, W 3-2 Rock Ridge
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Osseo, 1/13 @ Orono
Minneapolis got all they could handle from the Section 2A Dragons of LDC on the road. In a game that was very even and back and forth it ended up not tied only on the scoreboard at 3-3 but in the shot category as well as each team had 31 very surprising outcoming. They followed that up by getting a good win over an improving Rock Ridge team. Next up this week is a huge Section 2A game at Orono on Thursday that could do some major shake up to this poll.
8- Providence Academy (2A) (12-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-3 St Paul Academy, W 4-1 Monticello, W 6-5 Duluth Marshall
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 vs Blake, 1/15 @ Rock Ridge
The Lions got their week off to a good beginning as they scored 8 goals to go along with their 8 game win streak in their rout over SPA. A few days later Sophomore Sammy Lewis’s 2 goal night kept the Lions win streak going in a nice 3 goal victory over the Moose. The Lions then had a closer then expected game with Duluth Marshall but they have now won ten in a row overall since getting blown up by Minneapolis and will get a good test on Thursday this coming week when they host Blake.
9- Alexandria (6A) (6-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 8-2 Monticello, W 5-2 Fergus Falls, W 4-2 Bemidji
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Brainerd, 1/15 vs. Totino Grace
The Cards started their challenging week in style as they blew out the Moose 8-2 behind Joe Lamski’s 4 goal night. Junior Nicholas Petersn had 2 goals to lead the way as the Cardinals dominated their 6A Rival Fergus Falls to show they are clearly rounding into form as a legitimate Class A Top 10 Team. Alex outshot the Otters 38-22 and controlled the pace of play throughout a major statement win from them in 6A. They were able to wrap up their week with a tough win over Bemidji in a penalty-filled game. Alexandria now has established itself as a top 10 team in Class A and this week they face two AA teams both games they should have a good chance to win and continue to build on their good recent stretch of play.
10- East Grand Forks (8A) (5-7-0)
Past Week Results: L 3-5 Grand Forks Red River, W 6-5 Thief River Falls, L 2-5 Gentry Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Moorhead, 1/13 vs Fargo Davies
The Greenwave’s disastrous 3rd period cost them a big rivalry game to start the week. They allowed 5 third period goals and watched a two goal lead evaporate into another disappointing loss. They were able to rebound as sophomore Brock Schultz’s big 3 point night help carry the Greenwave to a much needed wild 6-5 win over TRF to help them keep their firm grip on the #2 seed in Section 8A. They fizzled in the week’s final game as they gave up 5 goals again to lose to Gentry. I know I should move them down but no one below is deserving at this point. They own wins over all teams below them and all 7 losses are to high quality teams so for now they stay showing how big of a gap there is in Class A between the Elite and the rest. Doesn't get any easier this week with a MN AA Power and rising North Dakota program this week.
11- Detroit Lakes (8A) (9-4-0)
Past Week Results: L 0-3 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 vs. Thief River Falls
The Lakers played hard in their only game this week vs Warroad at home. They stuck around in a game where they were outplayed by the Warriors whose superior skill set was evident but they rode the hot hand of goaltender Elijah Blow who had a phenomenal effort and finished with 35 saves. Now the Lakers not only still sit outside the top 10 but they have their most important game of the year this week. They host TRF for who will be the #3 seed in Section 8A. If the Lakers lose they will be locked into the #4 seed and semifinal date with Warroad and they dont want that so it's a big game for them on their home ice.
12- Orono (2A) (6-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 7-0 Mankato West, W 2-0 St. Cloud Cathedral
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 vs. Chanhassen, 1/13 vs. Minneapolis, 1/15 @ Bloomington Kenneday
Orono throttled a struggling Mankato West team 7-0 in a nice win to start 2022. Ryan Schultz and Easton Sankey each had two goal nights in the Spartan’s blowout win. Orono then was able to pick up another quality Class A win of late as Bradley Walker’s 2 point night and Brock Peyton’s shut out allowed the Spartans to secure a good win over SCC. Now they have a big week coming up as they face two Section 2A teams, the big game being a showdown with Minneapolis at home on Thursday. Orono can still get the #1 seed in 2A despite their .500 record.
13- Fergus Falls (6A) (9-5-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-5 Alexandria, L 0-9 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/15 vs. Little Falls
Fergus Falls has fallen on hard times after a breakout year last year and returning nearly every key piece this season expectations were sky high but after a hot start something seems to be missing from this 2022 version. This past week their losing streak rose to three straight as they dropped a critical Section 6A game vs Alexandria and then were routed at home by a very good Warroad club. All is not lost for this team as there is still talent and a big home game vs Little Falls awaits this week the team who ended their magical run last year. The perfect game and way to switch a momentum within your season would be to end the Flyers unbeaten season.
14- St. Cloud Cathedral (5A) (8-5-0)
Past week: L 0-2 Orono, L 2-5 Delano
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 vs. Pine City, 1/14 vs. Hermantown
The Crusaders were another team that saw its stock take a hit this week. We knew their schedule would turn more real come 2022 and they ended up 0-2 in their first real tests since the pounding they took from EGF. This team is hard to read. They are definitely a top 20 but their youth may make them still a year away from being a true top 10 team. Still they don’t own any bad losses and they should be able to get a win vs Pine City this week before the big bad Hawks come to town on Friday.
15- Cambridge- Isanti (5A) (9-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 Sauk Rapids, W 3-2 OT Chisago Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Becker Big Lake, 1/12 @ Northern Edge, 1/14 vs Pine City
Cambridge won an important 5A road game over the Storm. In a game where they were surprisingly tied 2-2 after two periods of play, a big third period allowed the Blue Jackets to continue their win streak.. The Bluejackets followed that up by picking up maybe their most impressive win of their 9 game win streak when they knocked off Chisago Lakes at home in overtime. They have found a formula of timely scoring, Sophomore Will O'Donovan played the hero with GW OT goal, and then riding the State’s Top Freshman Goaltender in Phenom Jaxon Sibell. Three more winnable games on the docket this week for Cambridge to keep their magical run moving.
16- Mankato East (3A) (9-4-0)
Past Week: W 6-4 Hutchinson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Dodge County, 1/13 @ Rochester Mayo
The Cougars won their only game of the week. In a weird game of momentum pushes it was Mankato East’s 5 straight unanswered goals that proved to be too much to overcome for Hutch. Junior Brayden Borgmeier’s 2 goal night led the way as the Cougars secured their 9th win of the year. The Cougars will now see an uptick in their opponent strength as they take on two good AA southern teams this week first the rematch with Dodge County we never got to see at the end of last year due to COVID and then a tough road matchup with a solid AA Mayo squad should help us learn more about the 3A Favorites.
17- Simley (4A) (11-3-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-0 Two Rivers, W 7-1 St Paul Johnson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 vs Mahtomedi, 1/13 vs Hill Murray, 1/15 @ Hastings.
Simley continued its domination of Section 4A teams as they blew out Two Rivers 8-0 behind senior Jayar Luedke’s hat trick. After the win over Two Rivers they went on to blow out 4A St Paul Johnson to strengthen its resume for the Section #2 seed. Now things get real in a hurry for Simley as they play the three toughest games of the year in row next week. None bigger than hosting Mahtomedi on Tuesday can Simley hang with the Section’s best team?
18- Chisago Lakes (4A) (7-3-1)
Past Week Results: L 2-3 OT Cambridge
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 vs. Northern Edge, 1/14 vs. Monticello
Another one game week and another tough one goal loss for the Wildcats on the road this past week. They hung tough with Cambridge in a very even and back and forth game but they haven't been able to find a way to win these tight games of late. This week they need to get back to their winning ways as Simley has slowly jumped pass them with their own win streak of late for the #2 seed in 4A. It will be interesting to see if the Wildcats can get back on track this week vs Mississippi 8 Conference teams Northern Edge and Monitcello.
19- Northfield (1A) (5-4-1)
Past Week Results: T 3-3 Rochester Mayo, L 2-6 Hastings
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 @ Owatonna, 1/15 @ Rochester Century
Northfield’s downward spiral of late continued as they had a back and forth game with Rochester Mayo which ended up tied. The Raiders are searching for the secondary scoring Spencer Koltz’s 3 points were not enough to secure a win. They were then beaten up by a solid AA Hastings team to end the week. This week they have two games they really need to win to get back on track and re-establish themselves as the team to beat in Section 1A.
20- Albert Lea (1A) (9-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-2 Windom, W 6-2 Winona
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 vs Mankato West, 1/15 vs Red Wing
Albert Lea started their tenure in the rankings playing very shaky. They found themselves in a battle with Windom down 2-1 in the third period however they were able to scrap two goals together to get the win late. Junior Tim Chalmers big four point night helped Albert Lea win its 7th game in a row as they dominated Winona. Looking at the week ahead its two more less than talented teams and I will keep Albert Lea ranked for now as they should continue to rack up wins and pursuit of the #1 seed in 1A.
The Next Five Notable Class A Teams-
Southwest Christian (2A) (6-4-1)- The Stars picked up two Section 2A wins over the lower tier group as they try to salvage a decent seed. I am tempted to rank SWC again but let's see how this week goes.
Thief River Falls (8A)- (4-7-0)- Lost a tough one to EGF but this week the game vs DL is huge as it will help answer a lot of questions I have about both teams and where they really sit in Class A.
New Ulm (3A) (10-3-0)- The Eagles picked up three more wins in the Big South. They were not that impressive in doing so but wins are wins and they look to be the clear 2 seed in 3A.
Mound Westonka (2A) (6-7-0)- The White Hawks got pounded by Holy Family and they honestly are barely hanging on to even being mentioned anymore much like the Trojans below them. .
New Prague (1A) (4-5-1)- The Trojans had a very bad week. They were hammered by Shakopee who they played tight early in the year and then they dropped one to Hopkins to almost drop them out of even being mentioned.
1- Hermantown (7A) (10-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-1 Duluth Denfeld, W 5-2 Eden Prairie
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ St Cloud Cathedral, 1/15 vs Warroad
The Hawks showed they are still the giant in Section 7A as they dismantled the Hunters minus Zam 6-1. The other Plante, Max, continued his strong play of late in absence of his brother as he led the way with 4 points. The Hawks finished the week with a solid game and very nice win over the defending AA Champs. This week they have a quick venture south to SCC before the Game of the Year in Class A as they face the Warrior at home next Saturday for what is sure to be an epic #1 vs #2 game and a treat for all Class A puck lovers.
2- Warroad (8A) (14-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-0 Roseau, W 9-0 Fergus Falls, W 3-0 Detroit Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ Crookston, 1/15 @ Hermantown
The Warriors got their week off to an outstanding start winning “The Game” over the #1 AA Rams by a wide 5-0 margin. The game was tight until halfway through when star sophomore defenseman Ryan Lund found himself on a shorthanded breakaway he buried the puck and Warriors buried their long rivals from there. They went on to destroy a solid Fergus Falls club 9-0 on the Otters home ice. The State’s most dangerous duo Gardner & Shaugabay led the way with each having four point nights in the rout. They capped off the week with a nice win vs a fully rested Laker team on their home ice scoring a goal in each period and controlling the pace of play and Hampton Slukynsky picked up his 3rd shutout of the week. Now all eyes are set for next Saturday as the looming 1 vs 2 and potential State Title Game preview vs. the Hawks will be a treat for everyone.
3- Little Falls (5A) (14-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-0 Bemidji, W 6-3 Hutchinson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 @ Princeton, 1/15 @ Fergus Falls
The Flyers picked up one of their most impressive wins of the year over a tough Bemidji bunch. While the scoring has been great all year this game showed they appear to have solved the goaltender question as Junior Richie Varriano stopped 44 of 45 shots to continue his recent strong play since taking over the starting role over the holidays. Then the Flyers showed their strength the next game as the State’s leading scorer Junior Matt Filippi stole the show against Hutchinson as his impressive 5 point night carried the Flyers to their 14th straight win. This week the Flyers have two tough road tests as they head to Princeton where they have never played well and then a big rematch of the epic OT Section Final with the Otters on Saturday.
4- Mahtomedi (4A) (6-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 9-1 St Paul Highland Park, L 1-3 St Thomas Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Simley, 1/15 vs Hill Murray
The Zephyrs figured out one way to solve their scoring issues of late by playing an actual Section 4A team. They dominated from start to finish against St Paul Highland Park and they were led by the other Dardis, Grant, who had a solid 3 point night. In the rematch with STA however the goal scoring issue continued they hung around throughout but you are not going to win many games only scoring 1 goal a theme of late for this group when playing better teams. This week is presents a big road game vs presumed #2 seed in Section 4A Simley and then another very tough test vs. Hill Murray.
5- Delano (2A) (9-3-0)
Past Week Results: W 2-1 Rosemount, W 5-2 St Cloud Cathedral
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Holy Family, 1/13 @ Hutchinson
The Tigers picked up one of their most impressive wins of the season on the roast at AA Rosemount. Gunnar Paulson scored the game winning goal and the Tigers did what they do best once they captured the lead they played structured and defended and Junior Drew Dorsey stopped 31 of 32 for the nice road win. They followed that up with a nice victory over SCC in a game in which they outshot the Crusaders 45-15 and pulled away in the third period for the win and to finish a very good week. Now they face some WCC teams this week and they should continue to roll in both games.
6- Duluth Denfeld (7A) (11-3-0)
Past Week Results: L 1-6 Hermantown, W 3-2 OT Superior, W 10-0 North Shore
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 vs Grand Rapids, 1/14 vs Dodge County
The Hunter's eight game winning streak came to a crashing halt when they visited the Hawk Nest to start the week. The Hunters did score first but it was all Hermantown after that to show the gap in 7A appears to be as steep as ever. Sophomore Brady McGinn’s overtime power play goal allowed the Hunters to get back in the win column and escape the upset bid posed by Wisconsin’s Superior. Connor McClure’s 5 points were more than enough as the Hunter finished their week by beating up 7A North Shore. This week they have back to back home games that will offer more good tests as they have AA Grand Rapids and Dodge County coming to visit.
7- Minneapolis (2A) (9-3-1)
Past Week Results: T 3-3 Litchfield Dassel Cokato, W 3-2 Rock Ridge
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Osseo, 1/13 @ Orono
Minneapolis got all they could handle from the Section 2A Dragons of LDC on the road. In a game that was very even and back and forth it ended up not tied only on the scoreboard at 3-3 but in the shot category as well as each team had 31 very surprising outcoming. They followed that up by getting a good win over an improving Rock Ridge team. Next up this week is a huge Section 2A game at Orono on Thursday that could do some major shake up to this poll.
8- Providence Academy (2A) (12-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-3 St Paul Academy, W 4-1 Monticello, W 6-5 Duluth Marshall
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 vs Blake, 1/15 @ Rock Ridge
The Lions got their week off to a good beginning as they scored 8 goals to go along with their 8 game win streak in their rout over SPA. A few days later Sophomore Sammy Lewis’s 2 goal night kept the Lions win streak going in a nice 3 goal victory over the Moose. The Lions then had a closer then expected game with Duluth Marshall but they have now won ten in a row overall since getting blown up by Minneapolis and will get a good test on Thursday this coming week when they host Blake.
9- Alexandria (6A) (6-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 8-2 Monticello, W 5-2 Fergus Falls, W 4-2 Bemidji
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Brainerd, 1/15 vs. Totino Grace
The Cards started their challenging week in style as they blew out the Moose 8-2 behind Joe Lamski’s 4 goal night. Junior Nicholas Petersn had 2 goals to lead the way as the Cardinals dominated their 6A Rival Fergus Falls to show they are clearly rounding into form as a legitimate Class A Top 10 Team. Alex outshot the Otters 38-22 and controlled the pace of play throughout a major statement win from them in 6A. They were able to wrap up their week with a tough win over Bemidji in a penalty-filled game. Alexandria now has established itself as a top 10 team in Class A and this week they face two AA teams both games they should have a good chance to win and continue to build on their good recent stretch of play.
10- East Grand Forks (8A) (5-7-0)
Past Week Results: L 3-5 Grand Forks Red River, W 6-5 Thief River Falls, L 2-5 Gentry Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Moorhead, 1/13 vs Fargo Davies
The Greenwave’s disastrous 3rd period cost them a big rivalry game to start the week. They allowed 5 third period goals and watched a two goal lead evaporate into another disappointing loss. They were able to rebound as sophomore Brock Schultz’s big 3 point night help carry the Greenwave to a much needed wild 6-5 win over TRF to help them keep their firm grip on the #2 seed in Section 8A. They fizzled in the week’s final game as they gave up 5 goals again to lose to Gentry. I know I should move them down but no one below is deserving at this point. They own wins over all teams below them and all 7 losses are to high quality teams so for now they stay showing how big of a gap there is in Class A between the Elite and the rest. Doesn't get any easier this week with a MN AA Power and rising North Dakota program this week.
11- Detroit Lakes (8A) (9-4-0)
Past Week Results: L 0-3 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 vs. Thief River Falls
The Lakers played hard in their only game this week vs Warroad at home. They stuck around in a game where they were outplayed by the Warriors whose superior skill set was evident but they rode the hot hand of goaltender Elijah Blow who had a phenomenal effort and finished with 35 saves. Now the Lakers not only still sit outside the top 10 but they have their most important game of the year this week. They host TRF for who will be the #3 seed in Section 8A. If the Lakers lose they will be locked into the #4 seed and semifinal date with Warroad and they dont want that so it's a big game for them on their home ice.
12- Orono (2A) (6-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 7-0 Mankato West, W 2-0 St. Cloud Cathedral
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 vs. Chanhassen, 1/13 vs. Minneapolis, 1/15 @ Bloomington Kenneday
Orono throttled a struggling Mankato West team 7-0 in a nice win to start 2022. Ryan Schultz and Easton Sankey each had two goal nights in the Spartan’s blowout win. Orono then was able to pick up another quality Class A win of late as Bradley Walker’s 2 point night and Brock Peyton’s shut out allowed the Spartans to secure a good win over SCC. Now they have a big week coming up as they face two Section 2A teams, the big game being a showdown with Minneapolis at home on Thursday. Orono can still get the #1 seed in 2A despite their .500 record.
13- Fergus Falls (6A) (9-5-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-5 Alexandria, L 0-9 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/15 vs. Little Falls
Fergus Falls has fallen on hard times after a breakout year last year and returning nearly every key piece this season expectations were sky high but after a hot start something seems to be missing from this 2022 version. This past week their losing streak rose to three straight as they dropped a critical Section 6A game vs Alexandria and then were routed at home by a very good Warroad club. All is not lost for this team as there is still talent and a big home game vs Little Falls awaits this week the team who ended their magical run last year. The perfect game and way to switch a momentum within your season would be to end the Flyers unbeaten season.
14- St. Cloud Cathedral (5A) (8-5-0)
Past week: L 0-2 Orono, L 2-5 Delano
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 vs. Pine City, 1/14 vs. Hermantown
The Crusaders were another team that saw its stock take a hit this week. We knew their schedule would turn more real come 2022 and they ended up 0-2 in their first real tests since the pounding they took from EGF. This team is hard to read. They are definitely a top 20 but their youth may make them still a year away from being a true top 10 team. Still they don’t own any bad losses and they should be able to get a win vs Pine City this week before the big bad Hawks come to town on Friday.
15- Cambridge- Isanti (5A) (9-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 Sauk Rapids, W 3-2 OT Chisago Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Becker Big Lake, 1/12 @ Northern Edge, 1/14 vs Pine City
Cambridge won an important 5A road game over the Storm. In a game where they were surprisingly tied 2-2 after two periods of play, a big third period allowed the Blue Jackets to continue their win streak.. The Bluejackets followed that up by picking up maybe their most impressive win of their 9 game win streak when they knocked off Chisago Lakes at home in overtime. They have found a formula of timely scoring, Sophomore Will O'Donovan played the hero with GW OT goal, and then riding the State’s Top Freshman Goaltender in Phenom Jaxon Sibell. Three more winnable games on the docket this week for Cambridge to keep their magical run moving.
16- Mankato East (3A) (9-4-0)
Past Week: W 6-4 Hutchinson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 @ Dodge County, 1/13 @ Rochester Mayo
The Cougars won their only game of the week. In a weird game of momentum pushes it was Mankato East’s 5 straight unanswered goals that proved to be too much to overcome for Hutch. Junior Brayden Borgmeier’s 2 goal night led the way as the Cougars secured their 9th win of the year. The Cougars will now see an uptick in their opponent strength as they take on two good AA southern teams this week first the rematch with Dodge County we never got to see at the end of last year due to COVID and then a tough road matchup with a solid AA Mayo squad should help us learn more about the 3A Favorites.
17- Simley (4A) (11-3-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-0 Two Rivers, W 7-1 St Paul Johnson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 vs Mahtomedi, 1/13 vs Hill Murray, 1/15 @ Hastings.
Simley continued its domination of Section 4A teams as they blew out Two Rivers 8-0 behind senior Jayar Luedke’s hat trick. After the win over Two Rivers they went on to blow out 4A St Paul Johnson to strengthen its resume for the Section #2 seed. Now things get real in a hurry for Simley as they play the three toughest games of the year in row next week. None bigger than hosting Mahtomedi on Tuesday can Simley hang with the Section’s best team?
18- Chisago Lakes (4A) (7-3-1)
Past Week Results: L 2-3 OT Cambridge
Upcoming Schedule: 1/11 vs. Northern Edge, 1/14 vs. Monticello
Another one game week and another tough one goal loss for the Wildcats on the road this past week. They hung tough with Cambridge in a very even and back and forth game but they haven't been able to find a way to win these tight games of late. This week they need to get back to their winning ways as Simley has slowly jumped pass them with their own win streak of late for the #2 seed in 4A. It will be interesting to see if the Wildcats can get back on track this week vs Mississippi 8 Conference teams Northern Edge and Monitcello.
19- Northfield (1A) (5-4-1)
Past Week Results: T 3-3 Rochester Mayo, L 2-6 Hastings
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 @ Owatonna, 1/15 @ Rochester Century
Northfield’s downward spiral of late continued as they had a back and forth game with Rochester Mayo which ended up tied. The Raiders are searching for the secondary scoring Spencer Koltz’s 3 points were not enough to secure a win. They were then beaten up by a solid AA Hastings team to end the week. This week they have two games they really need to win to get back on track and re-establish themselves as the team to beat in Section 1A.
20- Albert Lea (1A) (9-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-2 Windom, W 6-2 Winona
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 vs Mankato West, 1/15 vs Red Wing
Albert Lea started their tenure in the rankings playing very shaky. They found themselves in a battle with Windom down 2-1 in the third period however they were able to scrap two goals together to get the win late. Junior Tim Chalmers big four point night helped Albert Lea win its 7th game in a row as they dominated Winona. Looking at the week ahead its two more less than talented teams and I will keep Albert Lea ranked for now as they should continue to rack up wins and pursuit of the #1 seed in 1A.
The Next Five Notable Class A Teams-
Southwest Christian (2A) (6-4-1)- The Stars picked up two Section 2A wins over the lower tier group as they try to salvage a decent seed. I am tempted to rank SWC again but let's see how this week goes.
Thief River Falls (8A)- (4-7-0)- Lost a tough one to EGF but this week the game vs DL is huge as it will help answer a lot of questions I have about both teams and where they really sit in Class A.
New Ulm (3A) (10-3-0)- The Eagles picked up three more wins in the Big South. They were not that impressive in doing so but wins are wins and they look to be the clear 2 seed in 3A.
Mound Westonka (2A) (6-7-0)- The White Hawks got pounded by Holy Family and they honestly are barely hanging on to even being mentioned anymore much like the Trojans below them. .
New Prague (1A) (4-5-1)- The Trojans had a very bad week. They were hammered by Shakopee who they played tight early in the year and then they dropped one to Hopkins to almost drop them out of even being mentioned.