HighSchoolHockeyForums.com

Class A Ranking Week #9 (1/23/2022)

1- Hermantown (7A) (15-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 9-0 Greenway, W 7-0 Hibbing, W 8-0 Superior
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 vs. East Grand Forks, 1/27 vs. Proctor, 1/29 vs Maple Grove
The Hawks had a dominant week that started by crushing Greenway 9-0 as they outshot the Raiders 64-6. Kade Kohanski’s four point night led the way as the Hawks cruised to a win at the Snake Pit. Hermantown continued their Section 7A domination as they blew out Hibbing 7-0 using a big five goal second period. The Plante brothers led the way as they each had three point nights. The Hawks finished their week using another 5 goal 2nd period outburst to rout Wisconsin’s Superior 8-0 Dominic Thomas’s three point night led the way. Another busy week next week for Hermantown with Saturday's matchup against Maple Grove looking like a good one.

2- Warroad (8A) (16-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 9-1 Duluth Denfeld, L 0-3 Wayzata
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 vs Roseau, 1/29 vs Moorhead
The Warriors rolled over a solid Duluth Denfeld team at home to start their weekend. Senior Matt Hard led the way as his four goals helped Warroad blow out a fellow Top 10 Class A Team. The Warriors then ran into the Defensive juggernaut Wayzata and were shut out at home for the 1st home loss of the season. This starts a very tough stretch of games as the Warriors get closer to playoffs. This week doesn’t get any easier as they have a rematch vs their arch rivals Roseau and then wrap up the week vs red hot AA Moorhead.

3- Mahtomedi (4A) (8-7-1)
Past Week Results: W 10-2 Two Rivers
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ Tartan, 1/27 @ Hastings, 1/29 vs Benilde St Margrets
The Zephyrs found their cure again for their lack of potent scoring by playing the lower half of Section 4A. They upped their Section 4A record to (3-0) and they dominated Two Rivers from start to finish. They were led by senior Brent Gulenchyn’s hat trick and even got seldom used back up goaltender Roan Appert some time in the net. This week Mahtmedi has two winnable conference road games before a good test with AA power Benilde on Saturday. We could start to see the Zephyrs gain some momentum as their last nine games don't present the same challenge that the front half of their schedule did.

4- Minneapolis (2A) (12-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 2-1 Delano, W 6-2 St Paul Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/27 vs Breck
Minneapolis picked up a huge Section 2A win over Delano. Will Pankratz and Evan Grimm scored first-period goals as Minneapolis secured a 2-1 upset win over ​​​​​​the Tigers. The win gives Minneapolis the edge for the #1 seed in seeding in Section 2A. Jack Hanson’s three points were all Minneapolis needed as they continued to stay unbeaten vs Class A teams by beating SPA 6-2 to finish another good week for them. Minneapolis can strengthen its grip on the #1 seed in 2A as this week they only have one matchup with a section foe in Breck.

5- Little Falls (5A) (16-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 10-0 Crookston
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 vs Thief River Falls, 1/27 vs Cambridge, 1/29 vs Mound Westonka
The Flyers got back to their winning and scoring ways as they thumped struggling Crookston 10-0 at home for their only game this week. The Flyers got scoring from all three of their forward lines and they dominated the Pirates from start to finish outshooting Crookston an eye popping 31-1 in the first period. Now the Flyers schedule turns tough as they face solid teams the rest of the way. This week they host TRF and then have a huge 5A game vs Cambridge before wrapping up with an always pesky Mound Westonka team. The Flyers have dominated the soft teams on their schedule now we will see how they do vs more of the middle tier of Class A moving forward.

6- Delano (2A) (11-5-0)
Past Week Results: L 1-2 Minneapolis, W 3-0 LDC
Upcoming Schedule: 1/27 vs Holy Family, 1/29 vs Southwest Christian
The Tigers had a slow start in a very big Section 2A game vs. Minneapolis. They fell behind 2-0 in the first period and they were never able to recover. Delano now has two 2A losses vs Minneapolis and Orono making the 1 seed very unlikely. The Tigers were able to rebound from losing out on the #1 seed in 2A by using 3 powerplay goals to get past LDC for a 3-0 win Drew Dorsey was big in the net picking up the shut out. The Tigers now have a big rematch with Holy Family this coming week and another big Section 2A game vs Southwest Christian.

7- Detroit Lakes (8A) (11-4-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-0 Prairie Centre
Upcoming Schedule: 1/27 vs Wadena Deer Creek, 1/28 @ Lake of the Woods
The Lakers blew out Prairie Centre in a Mid-State Conference game. They outshot the North Stars 46-2 and Cole Larson’s five point night was more than enough to lead them to a big victory. This week they have two more winnable games as they took on Mid State Conference foe Wadena Deer Creek before hitting the road and heading way up north to take on Section 8A Lake of the Woods. The Lakers should continue to cruise this week.

8- Alexandria (6A) (8-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 3–1 St Cloud Cathedral, L 5-6 Sartell
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ Willmar, 1/27 @ Sauk Rapids
Alexandria jumped out to 2-0 lead after 1 period at home assistant Cathedral and dominated the game from there. They outshot the Crusaders 43-19 and eventually were able to put the game away in the third period and pick up a nice rebound win after the stinker vs. TG on Saturday. The Cards then showed their flaws again at the end of the week as they gave up six in a loss to Sartell. Inconsistency follows this team and they need to get that need to get that shored up or they won't be playing in St Paul come March. They only stay above Fergus due to head to head win for now. This week they should cruise vs the bottom end of the CLC.

9- Fergus Falls (6A) (11-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 OT Sartell
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ Sauk Rapids, 1/29 @ Wadena Deer Creek
Carter Thielke's overtime game winning goal capped off an incredible 4-3 comeback win over Sartell. The Otters trailed 3-0 after two periods before starting its comeback when Cole Zierden scored a power-play goal with 11 minutes remaining. Fergus Falls then got goals from Isaac Johnson and Michael DeBrito tied the game with 1:17 left in regulation. This week the Otters have two very winnable games on the road. First they travel to CLC foe Sauk Rapids before wrapping up the week with a big Section 6A game vs. Wadena Deer Creek.

10- Duluth Denfeld (7A) (12-5-0)
Past Week Results: L 1-9 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ International Falls, 1/27 vs Rock Ridge, 1/28 vs Gentry Academy
The Hunters were dominated by the #2 ranked Warriors up in Warroad in their lone game of the week. Cooper McClure scored the lone goal in a rout up north. The Hunters stay at 10 for now due to their win over Rock Ridge a team Providence Academy tied but we will learn more about them this week as turn their attention to two important Section 7A games to solidify their #2 seed and then they end their week with a rematch vs Gentry Academy who destroyed them at the start of the season.

11-Providence Academy (2A) (15-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 8-1 SPA, W 12-2 Minnehaha Academy, W 6-1 Armstong/Cooper
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ Blake, 1/29 vs Breck
The Lions got back to their winning and high scoring ways as they blew out some struggling teams starting with SPA.. Louie Wehmann and Johnny Hendrickson led the way as they each had big four point nights. Providence continued its high offensive output as they routed Minnehaha Academy 12-2 and Johnny Hendrickson’s five point night highlighted what was a good night in the stat column for the Lions. They wrapped up their week by winning easily over Armstong/Cooper 6-1. Now they get two tests, first a Blake team that handled them easily a week ago and then a big Section 2A game after that vs. Breck.

12- East Grand Forks (8A) (5-10-0)
Past Week Results: L 1-7 Prior Lake
Upcoming Schedule:1/25 @ Hermantown, 1/27 vs Kittson Central, 1/29 vs Greenway
The Greenwave’s disappointing season was on national TV during Hockey Day. The game was symbolic of their season with no real offense outside of Panzer. A defensive unit that was leaky all day and really poor goaltending as East Grand Forks has given up at least 5 goals in their last 9 games during which they are (1-8-0). I firmly believe they beat all the teams below them. Also, Class A has depth issues; this is where you have to look beyond the record. They are still the #2 seed in 8A and after the Hawks their schedule softens a bit for maybe this group to rediscover some confidence.

13- Northfield (1A) (9-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 7-0 Mankato West, W 7-0 Winona
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 vs Mankato East, 1/27 vs Albert Lea, 1/29 @ Rochester Mayo
Northfield’s offense seems to be back as they feasted upon the bottom tier of the Big Nine this week. Against a struggling Mankato West team the Raiders were led by Cayden Monson’s two goal night and they routed the Scarlets 7-0. The Raiders followed that up by routing fellow Section 1A Winona by the same 7-0 score. Northfield goalie Keaton Walock wrapped up a good week with his second consecutive shutout in the win. Now one of the biggest weeks of the year for Northfield whose stock is rising mainely due to others in Class A faltering of late. They play Section 3A favorite Mankato East then Section 1A primary contender Albert Lea before finishing up with Big 9 Co-Leader Rochester Mayo. This week will tell us a lot about the Raiders as we inch closer to Sectional time.

14- Mankato East (3A) (11-5-0)
Past Week: W 5-0 Mankato West
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ Northfield, 1/29 vs Red Wing
The Cougars won their big Hockey Day showdown on Friday night cross town rivalry showdown. Unfortunately Balley Sports wanted to showcase the two most disappointing teams respectively of class in high school hockey this year instead on Saturday. However, the Mankato community represented well on a chilly Friday night. East jumped out early and never looked back and rode the hot goaltending of Caelin Brueske to a shutout win. This week presents a big game as they have a showdown with 1A favorite and the team that sits right above them in these rankings at Northfield should be a fun game to see where both potential state tournament teams are at this point in the year.

15- Orono (2A) (8-9-1)
Past Week Results: L 0-2 Chaska, W 3-1 Bloomington Jefferson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ New Prague, 1/29 vs Waconia
Orono hung around with Chaska but despite Brock Peyton’s 50 save effort in the net they still eventually were unable to score and lost another game. The Spartans did rebound and picked up a 3-1 win over Bloomington Jefferson and Bradley Walker led the way for a group that struggles generating offense beyond him. Do I like ranking a below .500 and flawed Orono team #15 no, but honestly that's what we're looking at right now in Class A. Orono should get over .500 this week with two winnable games.

16- Cambridge- Isanti (5A) (12-3-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-3 Monticello
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ Princeton, 1/27 @ Little Falls, 1/29 vs Irondale
The Moose snapped Cambridge’s 12-game win streak and dealt freshman goaltender Jaxon Sibell his first varsity loss. Cambridge-Isanti never led in the game but Finn Overby scored two goals to twice get the game tied up. However, it was Monticello who scored late in the third to win the crucial 2nd match up for Section 5A seeding. Cambridge now has two tough 5A games on the road first vs their arch rivals Princeton then vs Section favorite Little Falls. They need these games to avoid falling further down in the 5A seeds. They then wrap up their week at home vs Irondale.

17- Chisago Lakes (4A) (11-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 Princeton, W 18-0 Becker Big Lake
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 vs Pine City, 1/27 @ St Paul Academy
The Wildcats got revenge for their worst loss of the season earlier this year as they dispatched Princeton 4-2. They jumped out to a 4-0 behind Cullen Dorcas’s 2 point night and cruised to victory from there on the road. The Wildcats routed Becker Big Lake by an ugly score for both programs. This week presents a rarity for Chisago Lakes as they are going to play an actual Section 4A team when face of vs. St Paul Academy later on in the week.

18- St. Cloud Cathedral (5A) (9-9-0)
Past week: L 1-3 Alexandria, L 1-5 Dodge County, L 1-7 Holy Angels
Upcoming Schedule: 1/27 @ Monticello, 1/29 vs Rochester Lourdes
The Crusaders appear to be falling apart; they are now (1-6-0) since the start of 2022 and they had a disastrous (0-3-0) week where they were outscored 15-3. It started by being totally outplayed on the road at Alexandria luckily Sophomore goaltender Nick Hansen’s 40 save effort allowed them to hang around in the game but eventually a third period goal dashed any hopes of a win vs. the Cards. They followed that up by struggling surprisingly on the road vs the Wildcats as they were beaten up by Dodge County in a game they never led and lost handily 5-1. They finished up getting thumped by AA Holy Angels at home in a game they were out shot 50 to 8. I will leave them ranked at 18 for now more due to not having a terrible loss besides DC and they do own a win over TRF at 19. The positive is they are still in a good position for the #2 seed in 5A and their schedule softens up again to rattle off wins like they did early this year.

19- Thief River Falls (8A) (7-8-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-4 Northern Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/24 @ Kittson Central, 1/25 @ Little Falls, 1/28 vs Greenway, 1/29 vs Hibbing
Thief River Falls won their lone game this week over Northern Lakes. Tysen Loeffler and Brendan Bottem led the way for the Prowlers again on offense as they have both been putting up nice point totals in their last few games. Yes their record is not pretty but like SCC right above them they have no real bad losses and have played a tough schedule. This week they are busy make up games with 8A Kittson Central and then they have a good test at Little Falls before hosting two traditional Iron Range Powers over the weekend. Be a good week to see how the Prowlers fare moving forward.

20- Simley (4A) (12-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-4 Tartan, Mound Westonka T 2-2
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ Two Rivers, 1/27 vs South St Paul
Simley was able to get back to its winning ways as they dug themselves out of an early 2-0 hole vs. Tartan. Josh Painter led the comeback effort with a nice three point night and the Spartans picked up anice conference home win. The Spartans then tied pesky Mound Westonka which isn't great but again no one in the notable section did anything to make a move so they sit at 20 still for now. Look for them to continue their dominance over Section 4A teams this week with two big section games.

The Next Five Notable Class A Teams-
Southwest Christian (2A) (9-7-1)- The Stars went (1-2-0) this week not very inspiring but they did beat New Ulm for their one win.

Albert Lea (1A)- (12-3-0)- Winning the games they should against the lower portion of the Big Nine. Big one for them this week taking on Northfield.

New Ulm (3A) (12-5-0)- Looked to be gaining momentum with a nice win over New Prague but then dropped a clunker on the road at SWC on Saturday.

Proctor (7A) (12-5-1)- Rails just keep winning games they should as they are now unbeaten in their last 10 games. Now they get the Hawks this week for a big test this coming week.

Rochester Lourdes (1A) (12-5-0)- Up and down team that is hard to get a good read on but they did pick up a nice OT win over Breck for their 12th win of the year on Saturday.

Week of 1/23/22

1- Hermantown
2- Warroad
3- Mahtomedi
4- Little Falls
5- Minneapolis
6- Delano
7- Duluth Denfeld
8- Alexandria
9- Detroit Lakes
10- Fergus Falls
11- Orono
12- Providence Academy
13- East Grand Forks
14- St. Cloud Cathedral
15- Chisago Lakes
16- Mankato East
17- Cambridge-Isanti
18- Northfield
19- Thief River Falls
20- Simley

Class A Sections Breakdown Week #9 (1/23/22)

Section 1A (11 Teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Northfield (13) (9-4-1)
2- Albert Lea (12-3-0)
3- Rochester Lourdes (12-5-0)
4- New Prague (6-8-1)
5- Red Wing (7-10-0)
6- La Crescent (8-5-1)
7- Waseca (4-10-1)
8- Faribault (5-11-0)
9- Winona (3-11-1)
10- Austin (1-10-0)
11- Cotter (0-8-0)

Section 1A Overview- Northfield stock is rising as they are rolling over teams in Section 1A of late. Albert Lea will get its chance this week to knock off the Section favorite. Rochester Lourdes moves up over New Prague who had losses to New Ulm and Kennedy this week to drop their stock. Red Wing still has the upset over the Tigers to stay above La Crescent at the five seed. Waseca owns wins over Faribault & Austin. Winona lost head to head to the Falcons and Cotter is still in search of their first win.

Section 2A (11 Teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Minneapolis (4)- (12-3-1)
2- Orono (15)- (8-9-1)
3- Delano (6)- (11-5-0)
4- Providence Academy (11)- (15-3-1)
5- Southwest Christian- (9-7-1)
6- Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato- (10-6-1)
7- Mound Westonka- (7-9-0)
8- Breck- (4-10-0)
9- Hutchinson- (8-10-0)
10- Bloomington Kennedy- (4-9-1)
11- Waconia- (4-10-0)

Section 2A Overview- This Section 2A is getting more interesting. Minneapolis is the clear 1 with the only Class A blemish a tie to the Dragons. Orono as of now has to be #2 they are (4-1-0) in 2A and beat Delano head to head in their only meeting. Providence Academy has a nice record overall but they are only (2-2-0) in Section 2A play and they don't play the Tigers or Spartans who are ahead of them. Mound Westonka owns a win over the Lions but lost head to head vs. both Southwest Christian and Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato. Breck has an ugly record but they do still own a win over the Dragons. Hutchinson is a dreadful (1-5-0) vs 2A teams and Bloomington Kennedy owns the head to head win over Waconia.

Section 3A (10 Teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Mankato East (14)- (11-5-0)
2- New Ulm- (12-5-0)
3- Luverne- (7-7-0)
4- Windom- (10-8-1)
5- Marshall- (9-9-0)
6- Worthington- (8-6-0)
7- Fairmont- (5-8-0)
8- Minnesota River- (3-12-1)
9- Mankato West- (5-11-0)
10- Redwood Valley-(2-13-0)

Section 3A Overview- Mankato East and New Ulm are the clear favorites here as they are both still undefeated in Section 3A and most likely will finish the year that way due to not playing head to head. Luverne owns the head to head win over Windom and the Eagles own the head to head win over Marshall and the Tigers own the head to head win over Worthington. Fairmont swept Minnesota River and the Bulldogs own the head to head win over Mankato West. Redwood Valley is solid at the bottom. Still plenty of second round conference matchups in the Big South and the Scarletts are the X factor at (0-3) in 3A and a terrible overall record how far they will fall in the seedings.

Section 4A (8 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Mahtomedi (3)- (8-7-1)
2- Simley (20)- (12-6-1)
3- Chisago Lakes (17)- (11-3-1)
4- St Paul Highland Park (4-8-1)
5- Two Rivers- (8-8-0)
6- St Paul Johnson- (5-7-0)
7- South St. Paul - (3-12-0)
8- St Paul Academy (4-11-0)

Section 4A Overview- Mahtomedi is the lock at one seed in the section that's all that is for sure. Simley played the Zephyrs tight and is (7-1-0) in 4A play which should give them the 2 seed. Chisago Lakes is having a nice year but they dont play many Section 4A teams and in a coaches vote that will hurt them. St Paul Highland Park owns the head to head win over Two Rivers. St Paul Johnson beat the Scots, but South St Paul won't the crucial 2nd meeting with the Govs and St Paul Academy owns zero 4A wins, which is my justification for 4-8. Still some important games to come.

Section 5A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Little Falls (5)- (16-1-0)
2- St. Cloud Cathedral (18)- (9-9-0)
3- Monticello- (6-12-0)
4- Cambridge Isanti (16)- (12-3-0)
5- River Lakes- (7-8-0)
6- Princeton (7-11-0)
7- Mora (13-4-2)
8- Sauk Rapids (5-11-0)
9- Pine City (6-13-0)
10- Becker/Big Lake- (2-13-0)

Section 5A Overview- Little Falls is the clear one seed for now they still have some big 5A games left. St Cloud Cathedral is holding on to the 2 seed with (4-1-0) record in 5A play but they have a huge game vs the Moose this week. Monticello owns the crucial 2nd meeting win vs Cambridge and they own wins over the Stars and Tigers for the three seed. Cambridge falls to 4 for now but still have games against the Flyers and Crusaders to move up. The River Lakes, Princeton & Mora arguments will be good due to missing head to head between the Tigers and Stars. Sauk Rapids owns the head to head win over the Moose but no one else. Pine City’s lone Section 5A win is over Becker Big Lake.

Section 6A (8 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Alexandria (8)- (8-6-1)
2- Fergus Falls (9)- (11-5-0)
3- Northern Lakes- (9-7-0)
4- Wadena Deer Creek- (11-7-0)
5- Willmar- (4-10-0)
6- Morris Benson- (8-8-1)
7- Prairie Centre- (4-12-0)
8- Breckenridge/Wahpeton- (0-12-0)

Section 6A Overview- This Section’s top 2 seeds will play out to whoever wins the second meeting of Alexandria and Fergus Falls will get the one seed. Northern Lakes took down Wadena Deer Creek in the crucial 2nd meeting to lock into the three & four seeds. The 5-7 seeds got some added intrigue. Willmar has beat Morris Benson who has beat Prairie Centre but the Northstars have beat the Cards so who knows how that plays out. Breckenridge/Wahpeton is the clear bottom.

Section 7A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Hermantown (1)- (15-1-0)
2- Duluth Denfeld (10)- (12-5-0)
3- Hibbing (7-8-0)
4- Proctor (12-5-1)
5- Greenway- (7-5-0)
6- Rock Ridge- (7-7-1)
7- International Falls- (3-9-0)
8- North Shore- (3-12-0)
9- Ely- (2-13-0)
10- Moose Lake- (1-15-0)

Section 7A Overview- Section 7A is pretty straightforward Hermantown is at one followed by Duluth Denfeld at two. Hibbing owns the head to head over Proctor for the three and four seeds. Greenway owns the head to head win over Rock Ridge for the five and six seed. International Falls plays North Shore this week to clear up that and Ely owns the head to head win over Moose Lake.

Section 8A (10 teams)
Team- (Overall Record)
1- Warroad (2)- (16-2-0)
2- East Grand Forks (12)- (5-10-0)
3- Detroit Lakes (7)- (11-4-0)
4- Thief River Falls (19)- (7-8-0)
5- Red Lake Falls- (10-6-0)
6- Crookston- (2-12-1)
7- Bagley/Fosston- (9-8-1)
8- Park Rapids- (7-8-1)
9- Lake of the Woods (5-8-1)
10- Kittson Central- (3-11-1)

Section 8A Overview- The top four seeds look locked in for now Warroad followed by East Grand Forks and then Detroit Lakes and Thief River Falls. Red Lake Falls is the best of the rest for the five seed. Crookston has a brutal record but their two wins are over Bagley/Fosston and Park Rapids. Lake of the Woods has lost and tied the Panthers to sit below them and Kittson Central is still in search for its first Section 8A win.

Legacy Hockey Class A Poll (1/23/22)
1- Hermantown (7A) 15-1-0 [LW 1]
2- Warroad (8A) 16-2-0 [LW 2]
3- Mahtomedi (4A) 8-7-1 [LW 3]
4- Little Falls (5A) 16-1-0 [LW 4}
5- Minneapolis (2A) 12-3-1 [LW 7]
6- Delano (2A) 11-5-0 [LW 5]
7- Duluth Denfeld (7A) 12-5-0 [LW 6]
8- Detroit Lakes (8A) 11-4-0 [LW 9}
9- Providence Academy (2A) 15-3-1 [LW 11]
10- Alexandria (6A) 8-6-1 [LW 8}
11- Fergus Falls (6A) 11-5-0 [LW 10]
12- East Grand Forks (8A) 5-10-0 [LW 12]
13- Orono (2A) 8-9-1 [LW 14]
14- Cambridge (5A) 12-3-0 [LW 13]
15- Chisago Lakes (4A) 11-3-1 [LW 15]
16- Mankato East (3A) 11-5-0 [LW 16]
17- Northfield (1A) 9-4-1 [LW 18]
18- Simley (4A) 12-6-1 [LW 20]
19- St Cloud Cathedral (5A) 9-9-0 [LW 17]
20- Albert Lea (1A) 12-3-0 [LW19]

PAGESTAT AS OF 1-23-22
1 1 HERMANTOWN 7A 15 1 0 0.938 86 20 22.95
14 2 WARROAD 8A 16 2 0 0.889 111 21 21.10

22 3 MAHTOMEDI 4A 8 7 1 0.531 61 33 19.86
37 4 DULUTH DENFELD 7A 12 5 0 0.706 83 55 18.22

38 5 DELANO 2A 11 5 0 0.688 57 36 17.99
40 6 MINNEAPOLIS 2A 12 3 1 0.781 58 34 17.81

45 7 PROVIDENCE ACADEMY 2A 15 3 1 0.816 111 57 17.25
47 8 LITTLE FALLS 5A 16 1 0 0.941 110 40 17.22

51 9 ALEXANDRIA 6A 8 6 1 0.567 60 47 16.98
54 10 NORTHFIELD 1A 9 4 1 0.679 65 33 16.70

55 11 FERGUS FALLS 6A 11 5 0 0.688 76 44 16.69
57 12 ORONO 2A 8 9 1 0.472 51 50 16.57

58 13 THIEF RIVER FALLS 8A 7 8 0 0.467 54 42 16.51
62 14 EAST GRAND FORKS 8A 5 10 0 0.333 50 66 16.00

64 15 SIMLEY 4A 12 6 1 0.658 78 47 15.84
66 16 SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN/RICHFIELD 2A 9 7 1 0.559 49 45 15.80

67 17 ROCK RIDGE 7A 7 7 1 0.500 52 37 15.75
69 18 CHISAGO LAKES 4A 11 3 1 0.767 86 32 15.71

70 19 DETROIT LAKES 8A 11 4 0 0.733 71 31 15.68
75 20 MANKATO EAST 3A 11 5 0 0.688 68 39 15.54


77 MOUND WESTONKA 2A 7 9 1 0.441 60 65 15.44
78 HIBBING 7A 7 8 0 0.467 51 50 15.30

80 ST CLOUD CATHEDRAL 5A 9 9 0 0.500 58 57 15.27
81 LITCHFIELD 2A 10 6 1 0.618 69 56 15.23

82 CAMBRIDGE 5A 12 3 0 0.800 59 37 14.88
86 NEW PRAGUE 1A 6 8 1 0.433 47 55 14.66

87 RIVER LAKES 5A 7 8 0 0.467 50 36 14.53
88 PROCTOR 7A 12 5 1 0.694 59 44 14.50

89 GREENWAY 7A 7 5 0 0.583 51 42 14.46
91 BRECK_ 2A 4 10 0 0.286 34 52 14.41

93 MONTICELLO 5A 6 12 0 0.333 51 65 14.33
94 RED LAKE FALLS 8A 10 6 0 0.625 93 45 14.02

95 HUTCHINSON 2A 8 10 0 0.444 64 73 13.99
98 BLOOM KENNEDY 2A 4 9 1 0.321 39 61 13.95

99 MORA 5A 13 4 2 0.737 108 52 13.89
100 NORTHERN LAKES 6A 9 7 0 0.563 83 63 13.63

101 NEW ULM 3A 12 5 0 0.706 73 42 13.61
102 ROCHESTER LOURDES 1A 12 5 0 0.706 62 34 13.60

103 TWO RIVERS 4A 8 8 0 0.500 58 57 13.47
104 WACONIA 2A 4 10 0 0.286 50 66 13.46

105 ALBERT LEA 1A 12 3 0 0.800 65 28 13.36
107 PRINCETON 5A 7 11 0 0.389 59 67 13.18

qrf 1-25-2
Rank Team / Record QRF
1 Hermantown (14-1) 111.8
2 Warroad (15-2) 92.4
3 Minneapolis (12-3-1) 79.5
4 Duluth Denfeld (11-5) 79.3
5 Little Falls (16-1) 76.4
6 Providence Academy (15-3-1) 69.8
7 Delano (11-5) 69.3
8 Fergus Falls (11-5) 68.7
9 Cambridge-Isanti (12-3) 62.1
10 Mahtomedi (7-7-1) 61.5
11 Detroit Lakes (11-4) 60.7
12 Proctor (11-5-1) 60.1
12 Southwest Christian/Richfield (9-7-1) 60.1
14 Northfield (9-4-1) 58.7
15 Simley (12-5-1) 58.0
16 Albert Lea (12-3) 57.8
17 Chisago Lakes Area (11-3-1) 57.7
18 Mankato East/Loyola (11-5) 57.6
19 Alexandria (8-6-1) 55.9
20 New Ulm (13-5) 54.6
21 Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (10-6-1) 53.4
22 St. Cloud Cathedral (9-9) 53.1
23 Wadena-Deer Creek (11-7) 52.7
24 Mound Westonka/Watertown-Mayer (7-9-1) 52.2
25 Rochester Lourdes/Dover-Eyota (12-5) 51.6

Tuesday Night (1/25/22) Class A Recap-

Class A Games of the Night-
#1 Hermantown 6 #12 East Grand Forks 2
The Hawks jumped out a 5-0 lead over East Grand Forks midway through the 2nd period and never looked back after that as they cruised to a home victory. Max Plante had two goals in the winning effort while brother Zam Plante had three assists to lead the way.

Roseau 4 #2 Warroad 3
The Warriors lost the rematch with their long rival neighbors Roseau 3-4 in a game that they never led. Jayson Shaugabay and Daimon Gardner each scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game but it was Roseau who would score late in the third to take the win and split the season series

#5 Little Falls 4 #19 Thief River Falls 3
The Flyers jumped out to 4-1 lead over the Prowlers only to see TRF claw their way back into the game after that. Thief River Falls was able to get on the power play down 1 with about a minute to go in the game but they were not able to find the equalizer and the Flyers escaped with a one goal win.

#13 Northfield 4 # 14 Mankato East 3 OT
Northfield was able to outlast Mankato East in a great Southern Class A hockey match up. Both teams made impressive pushes as the Cougars took a 2-1 lead in the third only to fall behind 2-3 before tying it up and sending it to overtime. It was Northfield’s Kamden Kaiser who played the hero as his second goal of the night was the OT winner for the Raiders.

Other Notable Class A Games
#8 Alexandria 8 Willmar 3- Alexandria slept walked through the first period at Willmar and found themselves down shockingly 0-3 after 1 period. Luckily it was against Willmar and they were able to rattled off eight straight goals behind Brycen Berg’s 4 point night to get the win.

#9 Fergus Falls 4 Sauk Rapids 2- The Otters were able to jump out to 3-0 lead over Sauk Rapids and never relinquished the lead as they beat the Storm 4-2. Isaac Johnson’s two point night was enough to help lead the Otters to the win.

#10 Duluth Denfeld 7 International Falls 2- The Hunters were dominant as they used a big four goal second period effort to pull away from fellow 7A International Falls 7-2. Simon Davidson’s two goal effort led the big offensive night for Denfeld as they secured another 7A win.

Blake 5 #11 Providence Academy 3- The Lions were swept in conference play by Blake however, they did put up a better fight this time around Johnny Hendrickson’s goal in the second period actually gave Providence a brief 3-2 lead. After that though it was all Blake as they scored 3 unanswered goals to pull away for the win.

#15 Orono 7 New Prague 2 - Orono got back to .500 as they torched a New Prague team that they struggled to tie early this winter. Connor Lang’s three pint night helped get the Spartans so much needed offensive life as they rolled on the road to a win.

#16 Cambridge 6 Princeton 1- Cambridge swept their Section 5A neighbors with ease to claim the bragging rights in the “Rusty Skates” rivalry. The Blue jackets broke up a 2-1 game with a big third period effort to get the road win.

#17 Chisago Lakes 10 Pine City 4- The Wildcats kept their offensive engine running as they routed Pine City at home 10-4. Nicholas Helland & Ryan Schmidt each had six points in Chisago Lakes big home ice win. .

#20 Simley 5 Two Rivers 2- Simley continued its dominance in Section 4A play as they beat Two Rivers 5-2 behind Casey Seidl’s two goal night to carry the Spartans to another Section 4A win.

Let's Play Hockey 1-26-22

1. Hermantown 16-1--0 1
2. Warroad 16-3-0 2
3. Mahtomedi 9-7-1 3
4. Minneapolis 12-3-1 6
5. Little Falls 17-1-0 3

6. Duluth Denfeld 13-5-0 4
7. Delano/Rockford 11-5-0 7
8. Fergus Falls 12-5-0 9
9. Detroit Lakes 11-4-0 10
10. Providence Academy 15-4-1 12

11. Alexandria 9-6-1 8
12. Simley 13-6-1 11
13. Chisago Lakes 12-3-1 17
14. Albert Lea 13-3-0 18
15. Southwest Christian/Richfield 9-7-1 16

16. Northfield 10-4-1 NR
17. New Ulm 14-5-0 NR
18. Mankato East/Loyola 11-6-0 19
19. Orono 9-9-1 15
20. Cambridge-Isanti 13-3-0 20

Other teams receiving votes:
Monticello, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, Proctor, Wadena-Deer Creek,
Thief River Falls, Rock Ridge, East Grand Forks, St. Cloud Cathedral, Red Lake Falls.

I wonder when was the last time Red Lake Falls made this list (before this season)? Pretty cool.

Lee

How is Cambridge a Class A school? They have a larger enrollment than Duluth East.

rainier2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 9:29 am How is Cambridge a Class A school? They have a larger enrollment than Duluth East.

They are AA by definition BUT
schools can apply to play down. Hockey is good for allowing play-downs.

elliott70 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 10:15 am

rainier2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 9:29 am How is Cambridge a Class A school? They have a larger enrollment than Duluth East.

They are AA by definition BUT
schools can apply to play down. Hockey is good for allowing play-downs.

Interesting. Is it known what the criteria are for being allowed to play down? And do they have to re-apply every two years?

rainier2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 10:32 am

elliott70 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 10:15 am

rainier2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 9:29 am How is Cambridge a Class A school? They have a larger enrollment than Duluth East.

They are AA by definition BUT
schools can apply to play down. Hockey is good for allowing play-downs.

Interesting. Is it known what the criteria are for being allowed to play down? And do they have to re-apply every two years?

As they say, politics permeates hockey.
I have no evidence of such and do not know the rules - the form is not readily available on the MSHSL site.
But CI population is 1400+ and AA cutoff is 1299.

Good move on CI part as they have a shot at state now but against Andover and Grand Rapids probably not likely.

rainier2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 9:29 am How is Cambridge a Class A school? They have a larger enrollment than Duluth East.

Yeah they were in 7AA sections as recently as the 2018/2019 season. Must have opted down for a cycle.

elliott70 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 10:56 am Good move on CI part as they have a shot at state now but against Andover and Grand Rapids probably not likely.

I'm torn on whether it's a good idea to allow opt-downs. On one hand, I like the idea of letting a program gain some momentum down in A, but on the other hand, it feels a bit like they are being "rewarded" for not having a very good program.

I guess it depends on how long teams opt down for, and what happens when they start to have high-level success in A. I'd hope if C-I gets to state a couple times, then at some point their application would be denied. (assuming it's the same two year application process like opting up)

Either way, the MSHSL has now taken it on themselves to decide what level of competition is appropriate for teams, regardless of enrollment, and it does beg the question whether this new-found ability to judge will at some point be directed towards teams that dominate in Class A.

rainier2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 11:36 am

elliott70 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 10:56 am Good move on CI part as they have a shot at state now but against Andover and Grand Rapids probably not likely.

I'm torn on whether it's a good idea to allow opt-downs. On one hand, I like the idea of letting a program gain some momentum down in A, but on the other hand, it feels a bit like they are being "rewarded" for not having a very good program.

I guess it depends on how long teams opt down for, and what happens when they start to have high-level success in A. I'd hope if C-I gets to state a couple times, then at some point their application would be denied. (assuming it's the same two year application process like opting up)

Either way, the MSHSL has now taken it on themselves to decide what level of competition is appropriate for teams, regardless of enrollment, and it does beg the question whether this new-found ability to judge will at some point be directed towards teams that dominate in Class A.

Really good thoughts given. I am also torn because in reality this all got started due to that embarrassing 2004 Section 8AA Playoff OF Game in which Moorhead famously beat Monticello 27-0. It made national news for all the wrong reasons. A few years after that Coach Sheldon Weston came along and used that specific game as rational in a appeal to the high school league to be allowed to opt-down. The moment the MSHSL allowed this they opened a can of worms. Famously the Moose used this to their benefit and went to multiple State Tournaments as by far the largest school in Section 5A. Now they are in Class A because they have had to drop co-opts because so many people complained.

Again, no one really cared that Dodge County was allowed in to Class A until well last year when they got to state. Just as today no one cares that Becker Big Lake or River Lakes are allowed to opt down but we are now noticing Cambridge who has been down before this year mind you why because they are doing well. Its an odd situation. I dont know the right answer. Minneapolis is another one I am surprised no one is chirping about due their success this year.

Class A vs AA was based on enrollment to get away from the awful experiment that was Tier 1 vs Tie 2 in 92,93... However, now it seems like we kind of want that back when you get good move up dont stay down. But still the Largest schools are dominate this year Northfield and Mahtomedi are both right on that line of being AA, If Cambridge and Minneapolis make it would be another 2 AA enrollments. Alexandria in 6A is the biggest school by far they are AA in girls. Mankato's in 3A are by far the biggest. SO I guess I dunno then there is Hermantown and Warroad who people say shoudl move up but their enrollemnt is no where near the line.

I dont have the answers but if in the future school like Cloquet and Bemidji drop down would that be good? They both can and have discussed I hear the Lumberjacks are closer every year to doing so.

Great discussion points I dont have the right answer just pointing out many of largest will be at State this year again.
1A- Northfield (Biggest in Section or NP)
2A- Minneapolis (AA Enrollement)
3A- Mankato East (2nd Biggest in Section behind Mankato West) .... Well Minnesota River is AA but they are not good so no one cares
4A- Mahtomedi (By far the biggest in Section)
5A- Cambridge (AA Enrollement)
6A- Alexandria (Very close to AA Enrollment)
7A- Hermantown.... No comment
8A- Warroad (Hockeytown USA is where they belong)

Then we could dive into the Private School debate next haha. Once we get the right answer on enrollment.

ClassAGuy wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 11:58 am

rainier2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 11:36 am

elliott70 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 10:56 am Good move on CI part as they have a shot at state now but against Andover and Grand Rapids probably not likely.

I'm torn on whether it's a good idea to allow opt-downs. On one hand, I like the idea of letting a program gain some momentum down in A, but on the other hand, it feels a bit like they are being "rewarded" for not having a very good program.

I guess it depends on how long teams opt down for, and what happens when they start to have high-level success in A. I'd hope if C-I gets to state a couple times, then at some point their application would be denied. (assuming it's the same two year application process like opting up)

Either way, the MSHSL has now taken it on themselves to decide what level of competition is appropriate for teams, regardless of enrollment, and it does beg the question whether this new-found ability to judge will at some point be directed towards teams that dominate in Class A.

Really good thoughts given. I am also torn because in reality this all got started due to that embarrassing 2004 Section 8AA Playoff OF Game in which Moorhead famously beat Monticello 27-0. It made national news for all the wrong reasons. A few years after that Coach Sheldon Weston came along and used that specific game as rational in a appeal to the high school league to be allowed to opt-down. The moment the MSHSL allowed this they opened a can of worms. Famously the Moose used this to their benefit and went to multiple State Tournaments as by far the largest school in Section 5A. Now they are in Class A because they have had to drop co-opts because so many people complained.

Again, no one really cared that Dodge County was allowed in to Class A until well last year when they got to state. Just as today no one cares that Becker Big Lake or River Lakes are allowed to opt down but we are now noticing Cambridge who has been down before this year mind you why because they are doing well. Its an odd situation. I dont know the right answer. Minneapolis is another one I am surprised no one is chirping about due their success this year.

Class A vs AA was based on enrollment to get away from the awful experiment that was Tier 1 vs Tie 2 in 92,93... However, now it seems like we kind of want that back when you get good move up dont stay down. But still the Largest schools are dominate this year Northfield and Mahtomedi are both right on that line of being AA, If Cambridge and Minneapolis make it would be another 2 AA enrollments. Alexandria in 6A is the biggest school by far they are AA in girls. Mankato's in 3A are by far the biggest. SO I guess I dunno then there is Hermantown and Warroad who people say shoudl move up but their enrollemnt is no where near the line.

I dont have the answers but if in the future school like Cloquet and Bemidji drop down would that be good? They both can and have discussed I hear the Lumberjacks are closer every year to doing so.

Great discussion points I dont have the right answer just pointing out many of largest will be at State this year again.
1A- Northfield (Biggest in Section or NP)
2A- Minneapolis (AA Enrollement)
3A- Mankato East (2nd Biggest in Section behind Mankato West) .... Well Minnesota River is AA but they are not good so no one cares
4A- Mahtomedi (By far the biggest in Section)
5A- Cambridge (AA Enrollement)
6A- Alexandria (Very close to AA Enrollment)
7A- Hermantown.... No comment
8A- Warroad (Hockeytown USA is where they belong)

Appreciate your thoughts. To me, it just comes down to the MSHSL has now decided that they have the ability to judge who should be in A or AA, regardless of enrollment. I'm just wondering if they will ever see fit to exercise that power in the opposite direction. The can of worms has indeed been opened.

Thursday Night (1/27/22) Class A Recap-

Games of the Night-
#1 Hermantown 8 Proctor 0
The Hawks kept rolling through section 7A teams as they routed the Rails at home easily and were led by Ty Hanson’s two goal night from the blue line.

Hastings 4 #3 Mahtomedi 3
The Zephyrs let one slip away against Hastings as they were able to grab a 3-2 lead with a big 2nd period but Hastings came storming back though in the third to lose. Hastings is a nice AA team but one I would think Mahatomedi expected to beat and they had the lead entering third usually with Dardis that means shut down time but that wasn’t the case in this one.

#16 Cambridge 4 #5 Little Falls 3 OT
Cambridge stunned Section 5A favorite Little Falls on the road. Things looked bleak as they were down 2-3 with 1:50 to go the Bluejackets committed a penalty and were without the services of Freshman star netminder Sibell who left with an injury. Yet Cambridge found a way to win on the road behind Will O'Donovan shorthanded goal to tie and Finn Overby’s OT GWG and now Cambridge is in the driver seat for the #1 seed in 5A.

Holy Family 5 #6 Delano 2
The Tigers' historic struggles against Holy Family continued as they were swept by the Fire on home ice. The Fire used a big three goal 2nd period to pull away and claim the Conference Title most likely with the sweep.

Other Notable Class A Games
#7 Detroit Lakes 5 Wadena Deer Creek 1- The Lakers used a big three goal first period to jump out ahead of Wadena Deer Creek and never look back as they were able to stay unbeaten in the Mid-State Conference and got help from Cooper Moore’s four point night.

#8 Alexandria 1 Sauk Rapids 1- The Cards continued the uninspired play from Willmar game as they barely scraped by struggling Sauk Rapids 2-1 as Brycen Berg again had 2 critical points to help save Alexandria from an embarrassing road loss.

#12 East Grand Forks 9 Kittson Central 2- The Greenwave finally got back into the win column as they thumped 8A Kittson Central behind Jaksen Panzer’s 7 point night.

#13 Northfield 9 Albert Lea 4- Northfield held off Section 1A contender Albert Leas in a wild game where they scored the go ahead goal with 1 second remaining in the second period to put them ahead 5-4. They did not look back from there and used a big third period effort to put the game away behind Spencer Klotz’s seven point night.

#17 Chisago Lakes 4 St Paul Academy 1- The Wildcats used a big three goal first period to jump out to a nice lead over SPA they were able to take care of business from there and pick up a much needed Section 4A win.

#18 St. Cloud Cathedral 4 Monticello 1- The Crusaders picked up a critical Section 5A win over Monticello to allow them to still control their destiny for the #1 seed in 5A. The game featured a few momentum swings but in the end the Crusaders assured themselves of top three seed and maybe even better come section time.

#20 Simley 4 South St Paul 1- The Spartans continued to pick up wins over Section 4A teams as they were able to sneak past South St Paul 4-1. The game was 2-1 until the Spatans used two goals in the last minute to ice the game and pick up another big section win.

UPSETS OF THE NIGHT
Breck 4 #4 Minneapolis 3
Minneapolis suffered one of the bigger upsets of the year vs a Section 2A game when they dropped a clunker to struggling Breck at home. Breck scored with 1:34 remaining to lift Breck to a 4-3a huge upset over Minneapolis in a game that is sure to clutter up the Section 2A Seeds. Minneapolis jumped out early and was leading until late in the third when Breck staged their big comeback.

Rock Ridge 6 #10 Duluth Denfeld 2
The Hunters surprised and shocked on home ice as they were soundly defeated by an improving Section 7A Rock Ridge. The Wolverines scored two goals in each period and were able to come away with the big 7A wn.

4A- Mahtomedi (By far the biggest in Section)


Maybe I'm having a massive brain fart...but there's no way Mahtomedi is by far the biggest school in section 4A. I'm pretty sure they're not even in the top 3 or 4 largest schools in the section. My guess is that St Paul Johnson, Simley, Two Rivers, SSP and Tartan are all at or above Mahtomedi for student size. Maybe I'm getting my teams in the section messed up though....

BlueLineSpecial wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 2:41 pm 4A- Mahtomedi (By far the biggest in Section)


Maybe I'm having a massive brain fart...but there's no way Mahtomedi is by far the biggest school in section 4A. I'm pretty sure they're not even in the top 3 or 4 largest schools in the section. My guess is that St Paul Johnson, Simley, Two Rivers, and Tartan are all at or above Mahtomedi for student size. Maybe I'm getting my teams in the section messed up though....

Good Catch BlueLine...
Tartan is AA.
SPA 426
Simley 984
St Paul Johnson 876
South St Paul 747
Two Rivers is 1209 I keep for getting they are in Class A now
St Paul Highland Park 1139
Chisago Lakes 1033

Mahtomedi is 1129 at one time was the biggest my mistake

east hockey wrote: ↑Thu Jan 27, 2022 1:12 pm I wonder when was the last time Red Lake Falls made this list (before this season)? Pretty cool.

Lee

I am thinking, never.

BlueLineSpecial wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 2:41 pm 4A- Mahtomedi (By far the biggest in Section)


Maybe I'm having a massive brain fart...but there's no way Mahtomedi is by far the biggest school in section 4A. I'm pretty sure they're not even in the top 3 or 4 largest schools in the section. My guess is that St Paul Johnson, Simley, Two Rivers, SSP and Tartan are all at or above Mahtomedi for student size. Maybe I'm getting my teams in the section messed up though....

This is what I found
Chisago 1033
Two Rivers ???
Mahtomedi 1129
Simley 984
So St Paul 747
St paul Acad 426
Highland 1139
Johnson 876

elliott70 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 3:03 pm

BlueLineSpecial wrote: ↑Fri Jan 28, 2022 2:41 pm 4A- Mahtomedi (By far the biggest in Section)


Maybe I'm having a massive brain fart...but there's no way Mahtomedi is by far the biggest school in section 4A. I'm pretty sure they're not even in the top 3 or 4 largest schools in the section. My guess is that St Paul Johnson, Simley, Two Rivers, SSP and Tartan are all at or above Mahtomedi for student size. Maybe I'm getting my teams in the section messed up though....

This is what I found
Chisago 1033
Two Rivers ???
Mahtomedi 1129
Simley 984
So St Paul 747
St paul Acad 426
Highland 1139
Johnson 876

Two Rivers is 1209 Formerly Henry Sibley

I was wrong on Mahtomedi but again I dont think we are talking apples to apples when looking at the demographics of St Paul Public HS vs Mahtomedi in terms of hockey. But a different discussion....