A Rankings for 1/8/23
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 8:07 am
Class A Rankings Week #7 (1/8/2023)
Class A Rankings for this week below as the top 6 teams solidify themselves each picking up at least one big win as the Class A 1 vs 2 battle looms this week, plus the weekly section by section look to see how every team in Class A is doing.
1- Hermantown (7A) (9-0-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 Rosemount, W 6-2 Eden Prairie
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 vs #18 St Cloud Cathedral, 1/14 @ #2 Warroad
The Hawks appeared to be on their way to an easy win to start their week however, as has been a concerning trend with this group, Hermantown let the Irish back in the game. After building a 3-0 lead with under 7 minutes to play the Hawks allowed the Irish to tie it up and needed to score late to survive another self induced scare. They did a nice job ending the week going on the road and taking care of a AA Lake Conference team. The Hawks now head into the big 1 vs 2 Matchup having not lost to a Class A team in the regular season in over 10 years. Their last Class A loss in the regular season was to Cathedral who just happens to be the other team they play this week before the big match up in Warroad.
2- Warroad (8A) (11-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-0 #10 Detroit Lakes, W 10-4 #8 Fergus Falls
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs Roseau, 1/12 vs Crookston, 1/14 vs #1 Hermantown
The Warriors picked up a nice 8A win over Detroit Lakes to start their weekend homestand as they slowly grinded the Lakers away to a nice 5-0 win. They followed that up with another nice win over Fergus Falls to finish the weekend homestand sweep and congrats to Jayson Shaugabay who set the school record for points in the process. Now comes a very important week when the most important game is probably not the match up with the Hawks to the Warriors as they also host their archrival Roseau Rams. Should be a very fun week at the Gardens that wraps up with the 1 vs 2 battle in Class A everyone has been waiting to see.
3- Mahtomedi (4A) (7-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 2-1 St. Thomas Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs Cretin Derham Hall, 1/12 vs Tartan, 1/13 vs Hastings
The Zephyrs picked up their most impressive win of the season when they went on the road this week in their only action taking down AA St. Thomas Academy. In a game they were able to grab the two goal lead after the two periods and then hold on to the very impressive win from there. This week they keep the AA flavor going as they take on three big school teams with the game vs CDH presented another good challenge as they keep prepping for the State Tournament in March.
4- Orono (2A) (10-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-2 Gentry Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Chanhassen, 1/12 vs #7 Delano
The Spartans picked up what may have been their most impressive victory of the year on their Youth Hockey night when they took down AA Gentry Academy. In a chippy game that saw numerous penalties. Goaltender Brock Peyton was the steady influence stopping 35 plus shots and Orono was able to score late to pick up the win. Now the Spartans have a very challenging week as they take on highly rated AA Chanhassen before going toe to toe with their arch rivals Delano in what will be a key Section 2A contest.
5- East Grand Forks (8A) (7-6-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-3 Grand Forks Red River, W 3-1 #17 Thief River Falls, W 3-2 Holy Family
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 @ Fargo Davies
The Greenwave played the number one team in North Dakota very tough the second time around but lost a tough one goal game to start their week. East Grand Forks then hit the road for a very important Section 8A game when they took on Thief River Falls in a penalty filled affair the Greenwave were able to pick up an important section win and strengthen its grip on the #2 seed in the process. They finished the week picking up their best win of the season when they took down a good AA Holy Family team to show they are the clear 5th best team in Class A. This week just one game vs Fargo Davies and the Greenwave will look to continue the improvement they have been showing every week.
6- Northfield (1A) (9-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-2 Rochester John Marshall, W 5-3 #7 Delano
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs Owatonna, 1/13 vs Rochester Century
The Raiders got their second half of the season off to a nice start when they routed Big Nine Conference opponent Rochester John Marshall in a game that they fully controlled. Northfield finished the week with their best win of the season when they took down Delano in a very good hockey game at home. The line of Monson-Kaiser- Geiger is a very good Class A top line and they helped put the Tigers away late. Now the Raiders head back into the Big Nine Conference when they take on Owatonna and Rochester Century this week.
7- Delano (2A) (6-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-1 #11 Litchfield Dassel/Cokato, L 3-5 #6 Northfield
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Breck, 1/12 @ #4 Orono, 1/14 vs Monticello
Delano started their week by picking up a critical Section 2A win at home when they took down ranked Litchfield/Dassel Cokato. The score was closer than the play of the game as Delano dominated stretches of play but LDC hung around before an empty net sealed the big win. The Tiger then hit the road and went to Section 1A favorite Northfield’s rink and played a very entertaining game that they lost late. They seem to be the perfect number 7 ranked team right now having beaten Hibbing, Cathedral, LDC below them and lost to Northfeild, EGF, Warroad and Hermantown above them. This week a huge game with rival Orono looms.
8- Fergus Falls (6A) (6-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 #17 Thief River Falls, L 4-10 #2 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ #20 Little Falls, 1/13 @ Red Lake Falls
The Otters picked up a very nice road win when they went up to Thief River Falls and took down the Prowlers. In a game they never trailed, Fergus Falls got timely goal scoring and very steady goaltending to pick up another very nice win for their resume. They did take a loss to the Warriors the next day but there is no shame in that as so has everyone else in Class A this year. Now they have another big game looming when they head to Little Falls and then they finish up their week at Red Lake Falls to more games they should be favored to win.
9- Hibbing (7A) (9-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 Greenway
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Moose Lake
Hibbing just keeps rolling along up in Section 7A where they are still unbeaten. In their only action of the week they took care of business beating 7A Greenway to complete the season sweep. This week is another light one with only struggling Section 7A Moose Lake on the schedule as Hibbing looks for their 10th win before the big match up with the mighty Hawks looms the following week.
10- Detroit Lakes (8A) (9-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 7-3 #19 Wadena Deer Creek, L 0-5 #2 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 vs Bemidji
The Lakers took care of business in a big Mid-State Conference game against suddenly ranked Wadena Deer Creek. In a game where the Lakers controlled large portions of the game the Wolverines were able to cut it to a 1 goal game in the third period before Detroit Lakes would answer and put the game away. The Lakers went up to Warroad on Friday night and while they were able to hang around for a bit the top end of the Warriors was just too much and Warroad pulled away in the 3rd. Another good test for the Lakers this week when they host an improving and solid AA Bemidji squad.
11- Litchfield Dassel/Cokato (2A) (9-2-1)
Past Week Results: L 1-3 #7 Delano, W 3-1 Hutchinson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Mound Westonka, 1/13 vs Southwest Christian, 1/14 Willmar
The Dragons went on the road and played traditional 2A power Delano, they were unable to ever get a lead and chased the game throughout but did have a chance to tie it up late before losing they will get Delano a 2nd time at home later this month. The Dragons did rebound to pick up a big 2A win over rival Hutchinson and still are having a very nice year and are in the top half of a very tough Section 2A. This week they have two must win Section 2A games before the Cream Cup game with Willmar to end the week.
12- Duluth Denfeld (7A) (8-5-1)
Past Week Results: W 2-0 Proctor, W 4-0 North Shore
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 @ #20 Little Falls, 1/14 @ Northern Lakes
The Hunters hit the road this week in two games within Section 7A they were able to go unbeaten and pick up two more wins on their season. The game with Proctor was tighter than expected but they were able to win before they took care of North Shore to end the week. Now riding a 4 game win streak the Hunters stay on the road when they face two decent squads as they take on Little Falls and Northern Lakes this upcoming week.
13- Providence Academy (2A) (7-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-2 Monticello
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Blake, 1/13 vs #16 Rock Ridge
The Lions restored the roar a bit this week when they hit the road and took down a solid Monticello team. They trailed 1-0 after one period before John Hendrickson took over the game as he had a big 5 point effort to carry Providence Academy to the win. This week the schedule doesn't lighten up as they face a good AA Blake team before taking on a rising Rock Ridge club in a game they really need to win to continue to restore some shaken confidence.
14- Albert Lea (1A) (9-3-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 Winona
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 @ Mankato West, 1/14 @ Red Wing
The Tigers did what they needed to do in their only game of the week when they took down Section 1A Winona. Now having won seven straight games Albert Lea should continue to cruise this week when they take on Section 1A Red Wing who is really struggling this winter and Section 3A Mankato West. This veteran team is one to keep an eye on as they are really starting to put things together to be a very serious contender to win Section 1A this winter.
15- New Ulm (3A) (10-1-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 Marshall, W 7-1 Minnesota River
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs Worthington
The Eagles did not look good in their first game of 2023 as they struggled with Marshall. In a game they actually were trailing after 2 periods the Eagles found a win to get the win but not the kind of performance they were looking for coming off the nice showing up north over the Holiday Break. They did rebound and take care of Minnesota River but this is going to be the challenge for New Ulm to maintain good play while playing poor competition as they close in on the playoffs. This week just struggling 3A Worthington is on the schedule.
16- Rock Ridge (7A) (6-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-3 Minneapolis
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs International Falls, 1/13 @ #13 Providence Academy, 1/14 @ Mound Westonka
The Wolverines had another very good performance this week as they began 2023 on a very good note. They took on a hot Minneapolis team and were able to build a nice lead and then put the dagger in at the end. Now the Wolverines will have a busy week as they take a Section 7A team at home before hitting the road for a weekend trip to the cities. The matchup vs Providence Academy will be a big game for both programs looking for a statement win.
17- Thief River Falls (8A) (5-8-1)
Past Week Results: W 8-0 Crookston, L 1-3 #5 East Grand Forks, L 2-4 #8 Fergus Falls, W 5-2 Northern Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Lake of the Woods
The Prowlers got their busy week off to a good start when they took down Section 8A Crookston with ease on the road. The Prowlers then returned home for 3 straight games in 3 days, not a good scheduling job, but nonetheless they played it and started off by losing a tough tight game to a good East Grand Forks squad. The next night they played a tough Otter team from Fergus Falls and were unable to ever take the lead and dropped a tough one to another ranked team. They did finish the 4 games and 5 days with a solid in over a decent Northern Lakes team to finish the week .500. Only one game this week and it's one they should win vs 8A Lake of the Woods.
18- St Cloud Cathedral (5A) (6-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-0 Mankato East, W 5-2 Mankato East
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Pine City, 1/12 @ #1 Hermantown
The Crusaders are starting to play better in the 2nd half much like they did last year as they have now quietly won four in a row. They played a weird home and home with Mankato East, not sure why, but they did pick up the sweep and moved back about .500 on the year. Now they have a winnable Section 5A game at Pine City this week before a giant test when they head to Hermantown to finish the week. This team based on their roster and overall talent that returned from last year is still the favorite to win Section 5A this winter.
19- Wadena Deer Creek (6A) (8-3-0)
Past Week Results: L 3-7 #11 Detroit Lakes, W 6-5 Lake of the Woods
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 vs Prairie Centre
The Wolverines pushed Detroit Lakes in an important Mid-State Conference game cutting the score to just one goal in the third period but the Lakers eventually pulled away. However, not a terrible loss for Wadena Deer Creek. They then came back on Friday night and were able to hang on to beat Lake of the Woods and the head to head win over Little Falls continues to allow them to hover around the lower portion of these rankings for now. Just one game next week but it's an important Section 6A game they need to win to keep their hopes alive for a top two seed.
20- Little Falls (5A) (5-5-1)
Past Week Results: L 0-5 Bemidji, W 1-0 Hutchinson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs #8 Fergus Falls, 1/12 @ Princeton, 1/13 vs #12 Duluth Denfeld
The Flyers up and down season continued into 2023 as they opened their week getting shut out by Bemidji on the road in a game they were never really in. The Flyers did respond with a gritty shut out road win over a decent Hutchinson group to finish the week at .500. Now the Flyers have an important slate of games taking on two solid ranked teams ahead of them and a hot Section 5A opponent. This team is still looking for consistency as the playoffs get closer and closer.
The Next 5 in Class A Week #7-
Monticello (5A) (5-5-1)- The Moose had a disappointing outing in their big match up vs Providence Academy at home in their only game of the week. They did hold a lead after 1 period but they were no match for the Lions Top line who scored all 6 goals and the Moose were soundly defeated on their home ice.
New Prague (1A) (6-4-0)- The Trojans got off to a slow start in their only game of the week but they were able to get the win over Mankato West. So far they have won the games they should have and lost the game where the result was questionable going in. They look like the 3 seed in Section 1A and will be dangerous in Sections.
Two Rivers (4A) (10-3-1)- The Warriors had a weird week where they suffered their worst loss of the year dropping an OT game to the 10 seed in Section 2A. However, they rebounded with their best outing of the year when they went toe to toe with Hill Murray and lost 1-0 in an even game. The Warriors will need to get some wins again not but they are on track for top 3 seed 4A still as we move forward.
Minneapolis (2A) (5-6-1)- The boys from the 612 went north and ran into a good Rock Ridge team and dug too deep of a hole early and ended up losing after battling back late. They did rebound to shut out North Shore to split on the weekend and continue their trend of better play recently. This week they have two games they will be favored in to move over .500 for the first time this year.
Northern Lakes (6A) (4-4-0)- The Lightning went up to Thief River Falls and ran into a better team as they fell behind early and were never able to really get going. However, they are still a factor in Section 6A and just need to find consistency as they still have a ton of games left, as they have only played 8 games, they just need to find that identity as we get closer to sections.
Class A Rankings for this week below as the top 6 teams solidify themselves each picking up at least one big win as the Class A 1 vs 2 battle looms this week, plus the weekly section by section look to see how every team in Class A is doing.
1- Hermantown (7A) (9-0-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 Rosemount, W 6-2 Eden Prairie
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 vs #18 St Cloud Cathedral, 1/14 @ #2 Warroad
The Hawks appeared to be on their way to an easy win to start their week however, as has been a concerning trend with this group, Hermantown let the Irish back in the game. After building a 3-0 lead with under 7 minutes to play the Hawks allowed the Irish to tie it up and needed to score late to survive another self induced scare. They did a nice job ending the week going on the road and taking care of a AA Lake Conference team. The Hawks now head into the big 1 vs 2 Matchup having not lost to a Class A team in the regular season in over 10 years. Their last Class A loss in the regular season was to Cathedral who just happens to be the other team they play this week before the big match up in Warroad.
2- Warroad (8A) (11-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-0 #10 Detroit Lakes, W 10-4 #8 Fergus Falls
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs Roseau, 1/12 vs Crookston, 1/14 vs #1 Hermantown
The Warriors picked up a nice 8A win over Detroit Lakes to start their weekend homestand as they slowly grinded the Lakers away to a nice 5-0 win. They followed that up with another nice win over Fergus Falls to finish the weekend homestand sweep and congrats to Jayson Shaugabay who set the school record for points in the process. Now comes a very important week when the most important game is probably not the match up with the Hawks to the Warriors as they also host their archrival Roseau Rams. Should be a very fun week at the Gardens that wraps up with the 1 vs 2 battle in Class A everyone has been waiting to see.
3- Mahtomedi (4A) (7-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 2-1 St. Thomas Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs Cretin Derham Hall, 1/12 vs Tartan, 1/13 vs Hastings
The Zephyrs picked up their most impressive win of the season when they went on the road this week in their only action taking down AA St. Thomas Academy. In a game they were able to grab the two goal lead after the two periods and then hold on to the very impressive win from there. This week they keep the AA flavor going as they take on three big school teams with the game vs CDH presented another good challenge as they keep prepping for the State Tournament in March.
4- Orono (2A) (10-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-2 Gentry Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Chanhassen, 1/12 vs #7 Delano
The Spartans picked up what may have been their most impressive victory of the year on their Youth Hockey night when they took down AA Gentry Academy. In a chippy game that saw numerous penalties. Goaltender Brock Peyton was the steady influence stopping 35 plus shots and Orono was able to score late to pick up the win. Now the Spartans have a very challenging week as they take on highly rated AA Chanhassen before going toe to toe with their arch rivals Delano in what will be a key Section 2A contest.
5- East Grand Forks (8A) (7-6-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-3 Grand Forks Red River, W 3-1 #17 Thief River Falls, W 3-2 Holy Family
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 @ Fargo Davies
The Greenwave played the number one team in North Dakota very tough the second time around but lost a tough one goal game to start their week. East Grand Forks then hit the road for a very important Section 8A game when they took on Thief River Falls in a penalty filled affair the Greenwave were able to pick up an important section win and strengthen its grip on the #2 seed in the process. They finished the week picking up their best win of the season when they took down a good AA Holy Family team to show they are the clear 5th best team in Class A. This week just one game vs Fargo Davies and the Greenwave will look to continue the improvement they have been showing every week.
6- Northfield (1A) (9-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-2 Rochester John Marshall, W 5-3 #7 Delano
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs Owatonna, 1/13 vs Rochester Century
The Raiders got their second half of the season off to a nice start when they routed Big Nine Conference opponent Rochester John Marshall in a game that they fully controlled. Northfield finished the week with their best win of the season when they took down Delano in a very good hockey game at home. The line of Monson-Kaiser- Geiger is a very good Class A top line and they helped put the Tigers away late. Now the Raiders head back into the Big Nine Conference when they take on Owatonna and Rochester Century this week.
7- Delano (2A) (6-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-1 #11 Litchfield Dassel/Cokato, L 3-5 #6 Northfield
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Breck, 1/12 @ #4 Orono, 1/14 vs Monticello
Delano started their week by picking up a critical Section 2A win at home when they took down ranked Litchfield/Dassel Cokato. The score was closer than the play of the game as Delano dominated stretches of play but LDC hung around before an empty net sealed the big win. The Tiger then hit the road and went to Section 1A favorite Northfield’s rink and played a very entertaining game that they lost late. They seem to be the perfect number 7 ranked team right now having beaten Hibbing, Cathedral, LDC below them and lost to Northfeild, EGF, Warroad and Hermantown above them. This week a huge game with rival Orono looms.
8- Fergus Falls (6A) (6-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 #17 Thief River Falls, L 4-10 #2 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ #20 Little Falls, 1/13 @ Red Lake Falls
The Otters picked up a very nice road win when they went up to Thief River Falls and took down the Prowlers. In a game they never trailed, Fergus Falls got timely goal scoring and very steady goaltending to pick up another very nice win for their resume. They did take a loss to the Warriors the next day but there is no shame in that as so has everyone else in Class A this year. Now they have another big game looming when they head to Little Falls and then they finish up their week at Red Lake Falls to more games they should be favored to win.
9- Hibbing (7A) (9-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 Greenway
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Moose Lake
Hibbing just keeps rolling along up in Section 7A where they are still unbeaten. In their only action of the week they took care of business beating 7A Greenway to complete the season sweep. This week is another light one with only struggling Section 7A Moose Lake on the schedule as Hibbing looks for their 10th win before the big match up with the mighty Hawks looms the following week.
10- Detroit Lakes (8A) (9-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 7-3 #19 Wadena Deer Creek, L 0-5 #2 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 vs Bemidji
The Lakers took care of business in a big Mid-State Conference game against suddenly ranked Wadena Deer Creek. In a game where the Lakers controlled large portions of the game the Wolverines were able to cut it to a 1 goal game in the third period before Detroit Lakes would answer and put the game away. The Lakers went up to Warroad on Friday night and while they were able to hang around for a bit the top end of the Warriors was just too much and Warroad pulled away in the 3rd. Another good test for the Lakers this week when they host an improving and solid AA Bemidji squad.
11- Litchfield Dassel/Cokato (2A) (9-2-1)
Past Week Results: L 1-3 #7 Delano, W 3-1 Hutchinson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Mound Westonka, 1/13 vs Southwest Christian, 1/14 Willmar
The Dragons went on the road and played traditional 2A power Delano, they were unable to ever get a lead and chased the game throughout but did have a chance to tie it up late before losing they will get Delano a 2nd time at home later this month. The Dragons did rebound to pick up a big 2A win over rival Hutchinson and still are having a very nice year and are in the top half of a very tough Section 2A. This week they have two must win Section 2A games before the Cream Cup game with Willmar to end the week.
12- Duluth Denfeld (7A) (8-5-1)
Past Week Results: W 2-0 Proctor, W 4-0 North Shore
Upcoming Schedule: 1/13 @ #20 Little Falls, 1/14 @ Northern Lakes
The Hunters hit the road this week in two games within Section 7A they were able to go unbeaten and pick up two more wins on their season. The game with Proctor was tighter than expected but they were able to win before they took care of North Shore to end the week. Now riding a 4 game win streak the Hunters stay on the road when they face two decent squads as they take on Little Falls and Northern Lakes this upcoming week.
13- Providence Academy (2A) (7-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-2 Monticello
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Blake, 1/13 vs #16 Rock Ridge
The Lions restored the roar a bit this week when they hit the road and took down a solid Monticello team. They trailed 1-0 after one period before John Hendrickson took over the game as he had a big 5 point effort to carry Providence Academy to the win. This week the schedule doesn't lighten up as they face a good AA Blake team before taking on a rising Rock Ridge club in a game they really need to win to continue to restore some shaken confidence.
14- Albert Lea (1A) (9-3-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 Winona
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 @ Mankato West, 1/14 @ Red Wing
The Tigers did what they needed to do in their only game of the week when they took down Section 1A Winona. Now having won seven straight games Albert Lea should continue to cruise this week when they take on Section 1A Red Wing who is really struggling this winter and Section 3A Mankato West. This veteran team is one to keep an eye on as they are really starting to put things together to be a very serious contender to win Section 1A this winter.
15- New Ulm (3A) (10-1-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 Marshall, W 7-1 Minnesota River
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs Worthington
The Eagles did not look good in their first game of 2023 as they struggled with Marshall. In a game they actually were trailing after 2 periods the Eagles found a win to get the win but not the kind of performance they were looking for coming off the nice showing up north over the Holiday Break. They did rebound and take care of Minnesota River but this is going to be the challenge for New Ulm to maintain good play while playing poor competition as they close in on the playoffs. This week just struggling 3A Worthington is on the schedule.
16- Rock Ridge (7A) (6-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-3 Minneapolis
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs International Falls, 1/13 @ #13 Providence Academy, 1/14 @ Mound Westonka
The Wolverines had another very good performance this week as they began 2023 on a very good note. They took on a hot Minneapolis team and were able to build a nice lead and then put the dagger in at the end. Now the Wolverines will have a busy week as they take a Section 7A team at home before hitting the road for a weekend trip to the cities. The matchup vs Providence Academy will be a big game for both programs looking for a statement win.
17- Thief River Falls (8A) (5-8-1)
Past Week Results: W 8-0 Crookston, L 1-3 #5 East Grand Forks, L 2-4 #8 Fergus Falls, W 5-2 Northern Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Lake of the Woods
The Prowlers got their busy week off to a good start when they took down Section 8A Crookston with ease on the road. The Prowlers then returned home for 3 straight games in 3 days, not a good scheduling job, but nonetheless they played it and started off by losing a tough tight game to a good East Grand Forks squad. The next night they played a tough Otter team from Fergus Falls and were unable to ever take the lead and dropped a tough one to another ranked team. They did finish the 4 games and 5 days with a solid in over a decent Northern Lakes team to finish the week .500. Only one game this week and it's one they should win vs 8A Lake of the Woods.
18- St Cloud Cathedral (5A) (6-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-0 Mankato East, W 5-2 Mankato East
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 @ Pine City, 1/12 @ #1 Hermantown
The Crusaders are starting to play better in the 2nd half much like they did last year as they have now quietly won four in a row. They played a weird home and home with Mankato East, not sure why, but they did pick up the sweep and moved back about .500 on the year. Now they have a winnable Section 5A game at Pine City this week before a giant test when they head to Hermantown to finish the week. This team based on their roster and overall talent that returned from last year is still the favorite to win Section 5A this winter.
19- Wadena Deer Creek (6A) (8-3-0)
Past Week Results: L 3-7 #11 Detroit Lakes, W 6-5 Lake of the Woods
Upcoming Schedule: 1/12 vs Prairie Centre
The Wolverines pushed Detroit Lakes in an important Mid-State Conference game cutting the score to just one goal in the third period but the Lakers eventually pulled away. However, not a terrible loss for Wadena Deer Creek. They then came back on Friday night and were able to hang on to beat Lake of the Woods and the head to head win over Little Falls continues to allow them to hover around the lower portion of these rankings for now. Just one game next week but it's an important Section 6A game they need to win to keep their hopes alive for a top two seed.
20- Little Falls (5A) (5-5-1)
Past Week Results: L 0-5 Bemidji, W 1-0 Hutchinson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/10 vs #8 Fergus Falls, 1/12 @ Princeton, 1/13 vs #12 Duluth Denfeld
The Flyers up and down season continued into 2023 as they opened their week getting shut out by Bemidji on the road in a game they were never really in. The Flyers did respond with a gritty shut out road win over a decent Hutchinson group to finish the week at .500. Now the Flyers have an important slate of games taking on two solid ranked teams ahead of them and a hot Section 5A opponent. This team is still looking for consistency as the playoffs get closer and closer.
The Next 5 in Class A Week #7-
Monticello (5A) (5-5-1)- The Moose had a disappointing outing in their big match up vs Providence Academy at home in their only game of the week. They did hold a lead after 1 period but they were no match for the Lions Top line who scored all 6 goals and the Moose were soundly defeated on their home ice.
New Prague (1A) (6-4-0)- The Trojans got off to a slow start in their only game of the week but they were able to get the win over Mankato West. So far they have won the games they should have and lost the game where the result was questionable going in. They look like the 3 seed in Section 1A and will be dangerous in Sections.
Two Rivers (4A) (10-3-1)- The Warriors had a weird week where they suffered their worst loss of the year dropping an OT game to the 10 seed in Section 2A. However, they rebounded with their best outing of the year when they went toe to toe with Hill Murray and lost 1-0 in an even game. The Warriors will need to get some wins again not but they are on track for top 3 seed 4A still as we move forward.
Minneapolis (2A) (5-6-1)- The boys from the 612 went north and ran into a good Rock Ridge team and dug too deep of a hole early and ended up losing after battling back late. They did rebound to shut out North Shore to split on the weekend and continue their trend of better play recently. This week they have two games they will be favored in to move over .500 for the first time this year.
Northern Lakes (6A) (4-4-0)- The Lightning went up to Thief River Falls and ran into a better team as they fell behind early and were never able to really get going. However, they are still a factor in Section 6A and just need to find consistency as they still have a ton of games left, as they have only played 8 games, they just need to find that identity as we get closer to sections.