Featured Image Credit:
(Tim Kolehmainen)

The more some things change, the more they remain the same. It may be cliché, but the statement holds true for the Class 1A rankings this week, as the back half of the rankings shuffled significantly, but the top held strong.

The top of the Class 1A rankings remained the same, as the four heavyweights (No. 1 East Grand Forks, No. 2 Breck, No. 3 Hermantown and No. 4 Warroad) posted an impressive eight victories in nine games. Only Warroad’s 5-3 defeat against Class 2A power Grand Rapids broke the streak of victories.

It was in the Nos. 5 through 10 spots where there was significant movement, as a few programs (Blake and Thief River Falls, most notably) suffered through tough weeks and dropped out of the top-10 while a few continued season-long winning streaks (Alexandria and St. Paul Academy) and jumped into the back end of the top-10.

1. East Grand Forks (4-0-0)

Last week: vs. Grand Forks Central (3-0 W), at Grand Forks Red River (5-1 W)

This week: at Crookston (12/10), at Blaine (12/13), at Breck (12/14)

How difficult is it going to be to score against the Green Wave this year? Two neighboring North Dakota schools found out that it will be plenty tough, as Grand Forks Central and Grand Forks Red River combined for just one goal in two games against the East siders. But even that’s impressive. Red River’s lone goal is the only one scored in four games against the Green Wave this year. Garrett Lieberg (2-0-0, 0.00, 1.000) and Josh Weber (2-0-0, 0.50, .955) have split the goaltending duties equally and both are playing like they want to grab the full-time job. It helps when they’re fronted by the best defensive corps in Class 1A — and perhaps the entire state.

2. Breck (4-0-1)

Last week: at Providence Academy (4-2 W), vs. Thief River Falls (9-0 W)

This week: at Holy Angels (12/10), vs. East Grand Forks (12/14)

Breck is rolling and it’s coming at the right time, as a huge showdown against top-ranked East Grand Forks looms on Saturday. The Mustangs put a 9-0 hurting on another highly-regarded Mariucci Conference team (Thief River Falls) to cap last week as Mark Sharp and Will Blake each scored twice. Blake (6-4-10) leads the team in goals while Michael Orke (5-7-12) is the top point getter ahead of Blake and Chase Ellingson (4-6-10). The Mustangs outshot the Prowlers 45-13 with goalie Henry Johnson (3-0-1, 1.68, .936) stopping every one for his first shutout of the season.

3. Hermantown (3-1-0)

Last week: at Hopkins (5-1 W), at Orono (3-2 W)

This week: vs. Thief River Falls (12/13)

The Hawks had an interesting week, easily taking out Lake Conference school Hopkins in its own building on Friday night, then eeking out a victory at Orono the next day, although Hermantown did hold a two-goal lead must of the game. Coach Bruce Plante looks to have a very balanced team, as seven different players have scored two goals each (Ryan Kero, Nate Pionk, Wyatt Aamodt, Kori Ochs, Scott Wasbotten, Cole Koepke and Parker Hawk) and 14 have at least one point. What is unusual to this point is that the Hawks are allowing 3.25 goals per game, a high number for the usually stingy defense. Attribute that to a tough opening week, though, as they gave up six in a loss to Wayzata and four to Princeton. Since then, the Hawks have tightened up in their defensive zone.

4. Warroad (4-1-0)

Last week: vs. Lake of the Woods (12-2 W), vs. Virginia (7-0 W), vs. Grand Rapids (5-3 L)

This week: vs. Bemidji (12/10), at Grand Forks Central (12/13)

The Warriors continued to light the lamp at a seven goals per game pace behind three stars among the state’s scoring leaders: senior Kyle Sylvester (6-14-20) and juniors Jared Bethune (9-12-21) and Kobe Roth (8-10-18). That trio has combined for 23 of the team’s 35 goals and must continue to lead the way as the Warriors develop young depth. Warroad has received offensive contributions from a trio of defensemen, as well, in hard-hitting Blayke Nelson (2-4-6) and brothers Luke Jaycox (3-3-6) and Nick Jaycox (1-1-2). The Warriors did lose their first game to Grand Rapids on Saturday, but they hung tight all game with the big-school powerhouse.

5. Totino-Grace (2-1-1)

Last week: vs. Blake (3-1 W), at Holy Angels (2-2 T)

This week: vs. Mahtomedi (12/10), at Delano (12/12), vs. Holy Family Catholic (12/14)

The Eagles continue to play it close to the vest as coach Mark Loahr figures out from where he’s going to get scoring punch. Last week, that resulted in a low-scoring victory against Blake and a tie with Holy Angels. But it also came with a possible new sniper, as senior Nick Tandeski (4-0-4) tallied two goals in each game. He’s one of only four Totino-Grace players with a goal this season and Brennan Swan (2-0-2) is the only other with multiple goals. Thankfully for Eagles’ fans, Totino has been very strong defensively, anchored by Jason Krych. Dominic Wippler (1-1-0, 1.58, .947) and Jack Lux (1-0-0, 1.00, .941) split time in goal.

6. Mankato West (3-0-0)

Last week: vs. Mankato East (9-1 W), vs. Austin (7-1 W), vs. Winona (10-0 W)

This week: vs. Faribault (12/10), at Owatonna (12/12), at Winona (12/14)

The wait was worth it for Mankato West. One of the last teams to play a game, the Scarlets wasted no time in romping past three opponents by a combined 26-2 score. The scoring burst wasn’t unexpected, as West returned a deep group of scorers that have many predicting a return to St. Paul in March for the program. Derek Frentz (7-8-15) exploded for five goals against Winona and Nick Campbell (4-9-13) and Galt Goettl (2-8-10) are also among the state’s scoring leaders. Cole Filler (4-0-4) chipped in with a hat trick against Austin. West doesn’t have the toughest schedule early on, so it could run off quite a winning streak.

7. St. Cloud Cathedral (4-0-0)

Last week: at New Prague (5-4 W), vs. Rochester Lourdes (3-0 W)

This week: at Little Falls (12/10), at Sartell-St. Stephen (12/12), at Alexandria (12/14)

So much for starting slow. Despite losing numerous key veterans to graduation and early departures, St. Cloud Cathedral and coach Eric Johnson remain one of the top programs in Class 1A. The Crusaders posted two tight victories last week against two of the Section 1A contenders (Rochester Lourdes and New Prague) to remain unbeaten. As expected, veterans Will Hammer (1-6-7) and Dan Bailey (1-5-6) lead the way, although there is a Fritz — or two — thrown into the plans. Junior Matt Fritz (3-2-5) leads the team in goals and junior goaltender Zach Fritz (4-0-0, 1.70, .918) has been solid in net. A big game against Alexandria looms on Saturday. The Crusaders were moved into Section 6A with the Cardinals this past offseason.

8. Delano/Rockford (2-1-1)

Last week: at Chanhassen (2-2 T)

This week: at St. Louis Park (12/10), vs. Totino-Grace (12/12)

Delano rallied late against Chanhassen to earn a tie in its only game last week. Jack Nelson tallied the tying goal with 4:22 to play and keep the Tigers from dropping further in the rankings. It’s tough at the top. While Chanhassen isn’t an offensive powerhouse, the Storm did throw 42 shots on net. Tigers’ fans should give thanks for goaltender Tyler Rizzardi (2-1-1, 2.17, .931), who stopped 40 of them to allow his team to earn a point. Delano has had scoring depth thus far, as through four games, 11 players have already recorded a goal and no one has more than two.

9. Alexandria (3-0-0)

Last week: vs. Brainerd (4-3 W), at Sartell-St. Stephen (4-2 W)

This week: vs. Fergus Falls (12/10), at Willmar (12/12), vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (12/14)

In the preseason, Alexandria was tabbed by a few observers (including this one) as a potential sleeper team in Section 6A. The rest of the state certainly took notice last week, largely on the strength of a surprising 4-3 victory over Class 2A’s Brainerd, which is expected to contend for a state tournament berth. The Cardinals twice rallied from a goal down to tie the Warriors, then sent the visitors packing with a Parker Revering goal just over 3-1/2 minutes into overtime. Alexandria isn’t winning big, but with Sam Goetsch (3-0-0, 1.95, .900) providing a wall in goal, the Cardinals are winning.

10. St. Paul Academy (4-0-0)

Last week: vs. Mahtomedi (3-2 W), vs. Simley (4-2 W)

This week: vs. Blake (12/12), at North St. Paul (12/14)

Another team living by the “just win, baby” motto is St. Paul Academy, which sneaked past a pair of opponents last week to remain unbeaten. Like Alexandria, the Spartans are tough to score against, having allowed only five goals in four games. Goaltender Noah Parker has been stellar on limited shots, with a 1.25 GAA and .935 save percentage through four games. There is offensive talent, as well, anchored by Drew Blackmun (3-6-9) and Jake Westfield (5-4-9). Westfield scored twice in the latest victory over Simley. SPA should be tested further this week, beginning with a Thursday night game against Blake, which just dropped out of the rankings.

Others receiving votes: Blake, Thief River Falls, Duluth Marshall, New Prague, Luverne, Chisago Lakes, Willmar, St. Cloud Apollo, Orono, Hibbing/Chisholm.

The post MHM Boys A Top 10 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Featured Image:
Blake’s Cade Gleekel on the rush against Forest Lake at the 2012 Schwan Cup.
(Photo: Tim Kolehmainen)

Just over a week into the season, and there has already been a shake up in the Class 1A rankings. Not at the top, where the top four positions remain the same, but in the back of the rankings, where Delano/Rockford and Blake leaped into the fray with impressive early results. Delano/Rockford’s only loss on the season is to No. 2 Breck, while Blake fell only to the Tigers in the season-opener and just completed a tough road trip to the northwest with a pair of victories.
But it will be difficult to break through against No. 1 East Grand Forks — which has yet to allow a goal in two games — No. 2 Breck and No. 3 Hermantown, the four-time state runners up.

1. East Grand Forks (2-0-0)
Last week: vs. Park Rapids (5-0 W), vs. Totino-Grace (4-0 W)
This week: vs. Grand Forks Central (12/3), at Grand Forks Red River (12/7)
As expected, defense led the way for the Green Wave in the opening week of the season. In a pair of games, East Grand Forks posted shutouts in each, outscoring Park Rapids and Totino-Grace by a combined 9-0. With all six returning defenseman from last year’s state tournament team, the Green Wave are proving to be very difficult to solve in their own zone. Park Rapids managed just five shots on Garrett Lieberg and Totino-Grace had just 12 shots on Josh Weber. Both goaltenders saw limited time last year and are dueling to take over the main job from graduated Tanner Lindstrom. Grant Loven had a goal in each game, as seven other players tallied one goal in a balanced attack.

2. Breck (2-0-1)
Last week: at Mahtomedi (6-1 W), at Delano (7-4 W), at Holy Family (2-2 T)
This week: at Providence Academy (12/3), vs. Thief River Falls (12/7)
Breck coach Les Larson always challenges his teams with tough schedules and it was no different in the opening week of the season this winter. The Mustangs responded with two wins over top-10 caliber Class 1A teams and a tie against high-powered Holy Family Catholic. As expected, senior goaltender Henry Johnson played all three games — and played well — stopping 90 of 97 shots, including a big 38-save effort against Holy Family. The Mustangs lost several key veterans to graduation, but Chase Ellingson and Michael Orke have come out of the gate on fire and been joined by sophomore Will Blake, who had two-goal games against both Mahtomedi and Delano. The trio already had 10 goals in three games.

3. Hermantown (1-1-0)
Last week: vs. Wayzata (1-6 L), vs. Princeton (6-2 W)
This week: at Hopkins (12/6), at Orono (12/7)
Hermantown recovered from a season-opening humbling against Class 2A power Wayzata by racing past a strong Princeton program, 6-2.  Six different Hawks scored against the Tigers, led by Ryan Kero’s three-point night (one goal, two assists). Hermantown must get that kind of balance this season with the younger players stepping up to the varsity level for coach Bruce Plante. Jace Thomas got the start in goal against Princeton, making 26 saves, but is nominally the backup behind returning All-Stater Adam Smith. The Hawks are still meshing as the newcomers — and Hibbing transfer Eric Gotz — get acclimated to the program, but Hermantown is an annual contender for a good reason: talent and great coaching.

4. Warroad (2-0-0)
Last week: at Mound-Westonka (8-0 W), at Detroit Lakes (5-1 W)
This week: vs. Lake of the Woods (12/3), vs. Virginia (12/6), vs. Grand Rapids (12/7)
One factor argued against a high ranking for Warroad is the top-heavy nature of the Warriors’ attack. True, but when that top line is humming, the Warriors are going to be very difficult to beat. The top trio of Kobe Roth, Jared Bethune and Kyle Sylvester combined for 10 goals and 26 points in a pair of big victories to open the year. Bethune used his rugged physical skills to notch a hat trick in each game. But perhaps the true key to Warroad’s season will come in its own zone, where strong defensemen such as Nick Jaycox, Luke Jaycox and tough-as-nails Blayke Nelson will be supporing new goaltender Alex Burke. Burke has been solid so far, stopping 35-of-36 shots in two games.

5. Delano/Rockford (2-1-0)
Last week: vs. Blake (4-0 W), at Providence Academy (5-0 W), vs. Breck (4-7 L)
This week: at Chanhassen (12/5)
The Tigers were unranked in the preseason poll, but impressed in an opening week that saw them shut out Blake and Providence Academy and lose a high-scoring game to No. 2 ranked Breck. Tyler Rizzardi made 53 saves to win his first two starts in goal — both in shutouts — as the Tigers played tough defensively. Then came a contrasting style, as the game against Breck devolved into firewagon hockey with a combined 11 goals scored. Which style is Delano going to play? That’s to be seen. Justin Oja, Grant Prinsen and Adam Eskola each have two goals scored through three games.

6. Blake (2-1-0)
Last week: at Delano (0-4 L) at Thief River Falls (3-1 W), at Crookston (9-2 W)
This week: at Totino-Grace (12/5), vs. Duluth Marshall (12/7)
After a tough shutout loss at Delano to open the season, Blake rebounded with an impressive northwestern trip with big wins at Thief River Falls and Crookston. Those results jumped the Bears way up in the rankings after they had been unranked in the preseason. It could be that the young Bears have learned how to win after they struggled through a tough winter last year. Many of the key Bears’ forwards, such as Cade Gleekel, Coleman Dressen, Mark Lyman and Johnny Ferguson, returned this year with a chip on their shoulder. Just a sophomore, Gleekel leads the team with three goals and five points.

7. Mankato West (0-0-0)
Last week: none
This week: vs. Mankato East (12/3), vs. Austin (12/5), vs. Winona (12/7)
Nothing new for Mankato West, which hangs onto the No. 7 spot and has yet to play a game. The Scarlets are one of the last teams in the state to play, as they open Tuesday against crosstown rival Mankato East. The early schedule isn’t particularly challenging, but with a veteran team for coach Curtis Doell, West should come out flying. As in the Scarlets’ last trip to state (2008), this year’s team is high-scoring and potent up front, anchored by 38-goal scorer Derek Frentz.

8. Totino-Grace (1-1-0)
Last week: at East Grand Forks (0-4 L), at Thief River Falls (3-1 W)
This week: vs. Blake (12/5), at Holy Angels (12/7)
It was a good news/bad news trip to the northwest corner of the state for Totino-Grace. The Eagles managed to earn a split, beating Thief River Falls but losing to top-ranked East Grand Forks on each team’s home ice. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the Eagles sputtered on offense, scoring just three goals in the two games. After getting just 12 shots at East Grand Forks, the Eagles did pump 28 on the Thief River Falls goal, netting three in the second period. Kai Barber is the only player with more than one point. With graduation and transfers robbing the Eagles of much of its goal-scoring from last winter, it could be a season-long effort to develop more scorers for coach Mark Loahr.

9. Thief River Falls (1-2-0)
Last week: vs. Roseau (3-0 W), vs. Blake (1-3 L), vs. Totino-Grace (1-3 L)
This week: at Tartan (12/6), at Breck (12/7)
The Prowlers looked like world-beaters after they shut out powerful Roseau on opening night, but spiraled downwards against a couple of Twin Cities private schools over the weekend, falling by identical 3-1 scores to Blake and Totino-Grace. Both schools jumped Thief River Falls in the rankings and put the Prowlers in danger of falling out of the top-10. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for coach Tim Bergland and crew, as a trip to the Twin Cities this weekend sees games against Class 2A Tartan and second-ranked Breck. The Prowlers must find scoring outside of Isak Bergland, who has three of the team’s five goals. Tanner Holmes is a great comfort in goal, as he’s stopped 86 of 92 shots in playing every minute so far.

10. St. Cloud Cathedral (2-0-0)
Last week: vs. Duluth Denfeld (3-2 W), at Fergus Falls (3-1 W)
This week: at New Prague (12/3), vs. Rochester Lourdes (12/7)
So much for starting out slowly with a young and inexperienced team. Despite a lineup peppered with varsity newcomers, coach Eric Johnson and the Crusaders battled past a pair of Class 1A teams in tight games. Perhaps not surprisingly, it was the few returning veterans who led the way, as Will Hammer had four assists and Matt Fritz and Dan Bailey combined for five points. Zach Fritz has also been strong in goal in his first two games, making 30 saves on 33 shots. As Cathedral’s youngsters gain experience, the results could be even more impressive. This week the Crusaders get a couple of other young Class 1A teams on the schedule in New Prague and Rochester Lourdes.

Others receiving votes: Duluth Marshall (1-2-0), Mahtomedi (1-2-0), Princeton (1-1-0), Duluth Denfeld (1-2-0), Spring Lake Park (1-0-0), Hibbing/Chisholm (2-1-0), St. Cloud Apollo (2-1-0), St. Paul Academy (2-0-0)

The post MHM Boys A Top 10 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.