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I don't usually comment on Class A teams, because, well, they are Class A. I have this image of Warroad as the big bad boys from up north that come down to the cities and beat up on the other Class A teams each year. They play a rough tough style that is drilled into them by their hard nose coach. They are accused of brining in players from all around the world, give their parents jobs at Marvin Windows, just to add another bullet to their already loaded gun. As I settled in to watch the game yesterday, I expected Warroad to come out and start hitting anything that moved (ya know, coach Eades keeps stats on those things). I expected Warroad to send a message to the city boys that they were back in town and were about to take control on the city. For about the first half of the 1st period, it looked like what I expected. Warroad beating Orono to every loose puck. Playing the body. Keeping Orono for breaking out of thier own end. Then eventually they scored to begin their onslaught of goals. But a funny thing happend along the way. Orono withstood the barage from Warroad and actually fought back..they "stood up to the Bully". Warraod appeared shocked by this and didn't know what to do. Nobody had ever stood up to the "Bully" before. Orono threw punches...Warroad realized it was in a fight, and began to throw back. Then in overtime, Orono landed the sweeping left hand (literally) and knocked the champion out. "They shook up the world". But my amazement did not end there. This leader of the pack, coach Eades, know for his in your face, kick ass & take names style, showed a different side. When the penalty was called in overtime, I expect him to blow a gasket on the officials. He blew alright, but not on them. He was yelling at his players to stop arguing with the ref and to "play the game". Then after the game, I expect some back hand comments about the refs screwing his team, blah...blah...blah. But no, he compliments Orono on their victory and once again shows class. What's up with that? How are people gonna be able to look at Warroad the same way and be able to keep slinging comments when the "Bully" comes into their town? As a hockey fan, I was entertained with the game, happy for Orono, and impressed with Warroad's class. Warroad may have gained more in losing than had they won. Congrats to both. <p></p><i></i>

Its nice to hear all these things and I do agree maybe this was a good loss for Warroad in the fact people got to see live and on TV that Warroad isn't a bad program, never has been. Coach handing the kid the puck that won the game in the hand shakes is something hes done before but its never talked about because its never happened at this level. Orono was great last night and coach knows that they didn't play as well as they can. I just hope that people will remember this now and know that Warroad isn't just a bunch of "bully's" They are good kids too! <p></p><i></i>

I agree I always have viewed Warroad has a hard nosed team, and they still are. I think Warroad was just taken by surprise and couldnt get out of it alive. Orono played one hell of a game and say good luck to them, hopefully they will win state. I think this game has been one of the best I've have seen in years. <p></p><i></i>

ORONO SHOWED THAT THEY ARE A TEAM,THAT COULD WIN THE CLASS A TOURNEY. BOTH GOALS WERE SCORED ON THE POWERPLAY,WHICH WARROAD IS THE BEST AT KILLING PENALTYS. COACH EADES DID SHOW SOME CLASS BY GIVING THE GAME PUCK TO THE PLAYER THAT SCORED. WARROAD WILL COME BACK AND WIN CONSOLATION. <p></p><i></i>

Way to go Warroad, you had a great season, and showed real class. Everyone I was watching with thought 16 from Orono kicked the goalie on purpose. That kid was playing cheap all night, yeah, I know he's the best player on the team, but come on, kid, we were all disappointed to see how you use your stick. Try and use your hockey skills in the next game. <p></p><i></i>

I thought both teams played with a lot of class, but Warroad just did not appear to be on their game. Either that, or Orono played to Warroad's weaknesses. I also expected Warroad to blow through the first period and post three or four goals. Not to be.<br><br>In watching the replay of the hit on the Warroad goalie, it was hard to discern whether it was intentional or not. But having the goalie get hit three times is a bit much. One other question was whether the goalies mask was properly secured as it sure came off easy.<br><br>Given that the game had been fast-paced and hard hitting I was surprised by the penalty call. Don't think it was necessary at that point of the game. If you don't call the hook, how do you call the slash.<br><br>Coach Eades displayed a high level of class both in handing the puck to Ylitalo and in the way he discussed the loss. I would guess that his stock just continues to rise regarding various jobs that may come open this spring. Continued success to him, whether he stays in Warroad or pursues other options. <p></p><i></i>