Featured Image:
St. Cloud Cathedral coach Eric Johnson instructs his young team during preseason scrimmages in Moorhead in late November.
(Photo / Tim Kolehmainen)

The final 2013-14 MHM Class 1A top 10 rankings see a bit of shifting between the programs, but no new teams managed to crack high school hockey’s version of the G10. East Grand Forks retained its top ranking again, but western suburban private school power Breck has surged into the No. 2 spot.

Class A rankings

1. East Grand Forks (22-2-1)

Last week: vs. Thief River Falls (W 6-1)

This week: Section 8A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/20)

Ending the season on a 14-game winning streak, East Grand Forks earned the top seed in the tough Section 8A playoffs — and the top ranking in our final Class 1A poll of the season. The Green Wave continued their withering defensive efforts, allowing a single goal to rival Thief River Falls. Only two teams all season have scored more than two goals against East Grand Forks (Breck in a 6-0 victory on Dec. 14 and Roseau in an 8-3 loss on Jan. 14). They’ve posted seven shutouts and another 11 games in which they’ve allowed just one goal. If the cliché holds that defense wins championships, the title is certainly going to go through East Grand Forks this winter.

2. Breck (19-5-1)

Last week: vs. Minnehaha Academy (W 9-0), at Blake (W 5-1)

This week: Section 2A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/21)

Breck claimed the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Section 2A quarterfinals and hopes to continue its run of state tournament berths. The only Minnesota-based team to defeat East Grand Forks this year, Breck has won eight straight since a mid-season struggle. In a nine-game span from Dec. 26 through Jan. 21, the Mustangs went 4-5-0. But their offense has responded in the final month of the regular season, paced by Michael Orke (23-25-48) and Chase Ellingson (20-28-48). Breck also has the comfort of playing in front of playoff-tested goaltender Henry Johnson (15-5-1, 2.06, .915).

3. Warroad (20-4-1)

Last week: at Lake of the Woods (W 10-0)

This week: Section 8A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/20)

Warroad claimed the No. 2 seed in the Section 8A playoffs but is a dangerous team, even though the Warriors lost and tied top-ranked and top-seeded East Grand Forks in their two meetings. A potential rematch in the section final could set up as the state’s best defense against its top line in Warroad’s Kyle Sylvester (36-47-83), Kobe Roth (40-45-85) and Jared Bethune (31-53-84). No other top line has the firepower of the Warriors’ unit, but is there enough depth to make a deep playoff run and get to the X? Warroad’s next top three scorers are all defensemen: Luke Jaycox (3-20-23), Nick Jaycox (7-13-20) and Blayke Nelson (5-11-16). Only three other skaters have more than a single goal.

4. Hermantown (19-4-2)

Last week: vs. Superior, WI (T 2-2), vs. Hibbing/Chisholm (W 5-2)

This week: Section 7A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/20)

Hermantown, shifted back with its neighbors in the northeast in Section 7A, captured the top seed for the playoffs. But the Hawks aren’t flying high entering the playoffs, as they finished 2-1-2 in their last five games, including a tie with potential section foe Duluth Denfeld on Feb. 3. Hermantown, the four-time state Class 1A runner-up, does have the benefit of plenty of playoff experience as well as a balanced and deep lineup. Ryan Kero (18-23-41) leads six players with double-digit goals and an even dozen with double-figure points.

5. Mankato West (23-2-0)

Last week: vs. Albert Lea (W 3-0), vs. Rochester Century (W 4-2)

This week: Section 1A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/20)

Despite losing only two games all season, Mankato West was dropped to the No. 2 seed in the Section 1A playoffs due to a 2-1 loss to New Prague, the top seed. Since that loss on Jan. 4, the Scarlets have won 12 straight games, allowing more than two goals just once (a 6-3 win over Rochester Mayo on Feb. 8) and with three shutouts. West draws plenty of notice for its offense, anchored by Derek Frentz (22-45-67) and Nick Campbell (21-29-50), but its defensively where the Scarlets have been equally impressive — and where they’ll make hay in the playoffs. Goaltenders Conor Wollenzien (14-1-0, 1.13, .930) and Jake Spiess (9-1-0, 1.49, .903) have combined for eight shutouts on the year.

6. Luverne (24-0-1)

Last week: at Providence Academy (W 6-2)

This week: Section 3A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/20)

The Cardinals capped the only unbeaten season in the state with a victory at Providence Academy. They also earned the No. 1 seed in the Section 3A playoffs and should be considered a heavy favorite to reach their first-ever state tournament. Luverne is the top scoring team in the state and the stingiest defensive team. What more could detractors want? Perhaps a tougher schedule? But more importantly, a first state tournament berth. Led by freshman Chaz Smedsrud (35-45-80), the Cardinals hope this is the year they make that breakthrough.

7. Duluth Marshall (16-8-1)

Last week: at Greenway (W 8-0), vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (W 5-1)

This week: Section 7A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/20)

The two-time defending Section 7A champions were awarded the No. 2 seed this winter, as they slipped behind Hermantown, which came over from Section 5A after four straight state runner-up finishes. That No. 2 seed is no knock on Marshall and its’ talent, but the Hilltoppers did lose to both Hermantown and fourth-seeded Duluth Denfeld during the regular season. Senior leading scorer Luke Pavelich (20-18-38) has been on fire recently, posting six goals in his last three games. Junior goaltender Alex Murray (15-7-0, 2.18, .906) has also been key, allowing only two goals in his last four starts.

8. New Prague (18-4-3)

Last week: vs. Red Wing (W 4-1), at Northfield (W 6-3)

This week: Section 1A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/20)

New Prague earned the top seed in the upcoming Section 1A playoffs, courtesy of a 2-1 regular season victory over second-seeded Mankato West. The Trojans are seeking their first-ever state tournament bid, something that has died at the hands of powerful Rochester Lourdes the past five years. But Lourdes was rebuilding this year, setting up what looks like a showdown between New Prague and West in the final. It could be a doozy, as New Prague has played a host of close games — three times, three single-goal losses, and six one-goal victories. That’s nearly half of the games coming down to the bitter end. Senior Augie Isaacson (23-29-52) is completing his final season with a flourish, scoring seven goals in his last six games.

9. St. Cloud Cathedral (17-7-1)

Last week: at Orono (T 2-2), vs. Delano (W 4-1), at Duluth Marshall (L 5-1)

This week: Section 6A quarterfinals vs. Little Falls (2/18)

In its first season in Section 6A, St. Cloud Cathedral captured the top seed in the upcoming playoffs, despite a 1-1-1 record in the final week. But it can be argued that no one in the section played a tougher schedule than the Crusaders. Their seven losses included ones to teams ranked No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 in the final Class 1A poll. But for other Section 6A teams looking for hope, there was a pair of one-goal losses to section rivals Sauk Rapids-Rice and Sartell-St. Stephen at midseason. Should Cathedral beat Little Falls in the Nos. 1-8 seeding game, they’d face the winner between those teams in the semifinals. Cathedral hasn’t had much scoring balance, although sophomore Logan Neu (16-15-31) has goals in eight of his last 10 games.

10. Totino-Grace (14-10-1)

Last week: at Wayzata (L 9-0), vs. Robbinsdale Cooper (W 7-3), at Rochester Lourdes (W 6-1), vs. Roseville (L 4-1)

This week: Section 4A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/20)

Totino-Grace surged into the top seed in the Section 4A playoffs, which is missing a familiar face after three-time Class 1A state champion St. Thomas Academy left the section for Class 2A. The Eagles won’t miss the Cadets, nor will the other teams in 4A such as second-seeded Mahtomedi. While the Eagles are the favorite, they did lost to Mahtomedi way back on Dec. 10, 4-3. But that was before Nick Tandeski (15-14-29) and Kai Barber (15-11-26) began to carry the offense.  Barber hasn’t scored since a hat trick against Benilde on Feb. 4 (five games), while Tandeski has just two in that span.

Others receiving votes:

Duluth Denfeld, Mahtomedi, Thief River Falls, Alexandria, Virginia/MIB, Blake, St. Paul Academy.

The post MHM Class A Top Ten (Final) appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

The answers are below.

Class A rankings

1. East Grand Forks (21-2-1)

Last week: at Bemidji (3-0 W), vs. Roseau (6-2 W)

This week: vs. Thief River Falls (2/11)

The top spot in the rankings again goes to East Grand Forks, which has proven to be consistent and dependable. The Green Wave beat a pair of Class 2A teams last week by decent margins to stretch their winning streak to 13 games and in doing so, actually lowered their goals against average to 1.15 per game — the second-best in the state. Only twice all year has East Grand Forks allowed more than two goals in a game and it has seven shutouts. The Green Wave don’t even allow many shots to reach goaltender Josh Weber (17-1-1, 1.22, .920). He’s facing an average of just 14.3 shots per game. Offensively, East Grand Forks has been buoyed by the return of Dixon Bowen (13-11-24) from an injury that forced him to miss 10 games. The junior is averaging almost a goal and two points per game, including eight combined points in his last three games. East Grand Forks will wrap up the top seed in Section 8A with a victory over Thief River Falls this week — and likely have done so even with a loss.

2. Hermantown (18-4-1)

Last week: at Duluth Denfeld (4-4 T), at Grand Rapids (5-3 L), at Brainerd (3-1 W)

This week: vs. Superior, WI (2/11), vs. Hibbing/Chisholm (2/14)

The four-time Class 1A state runners-up weren’t on top of their game last week, but the Hawks retain their No. 2 spot in the rankings. Hermantown tied Duluth Denfeld Monday night and then lost to Class 2A Grand Rapids Wednesday night before righting the ship over Brainerd. The Denfeld tie signaled that the Section 7A race may not be as cut-and-dried as it once seemed., although Bruce Plante’s club remains the favorite. Few Class 1A teams have the depth of talent the Hawks have, with six players in double-digit goals and another six with at least 10 points overall. Sophomore Cole Koepke (17-10-27) leads the team in goals, while Ryan Kero (16-23-39) is tops in points and has seven power play goals. Hermantown’s power play clicks at a 37.0 percent rate, a formidable weapon for a deep playoff run. But will a goaltender emerge as key to that run? Last year it was Adam Smith (9-3-0, 2.71, .894), but he’s split time with Jace Thomas (9-1-1, 1.67, .923) much of the season.

3. Warroad (19-4-1)

Last week: at Thief River Falls (2-1 L), at Bemidji (3-2 W)

This week: at Lake of the Woods (2/11)

Is the grinding workload for Warroad’s top line starting to wear it down? All year long, the trio of senior Kyle Sylvester (34-44-78) and juniors Jared Bethune (30-52-82) and Kobe Roth (36-42-78) have carried the Warriors offensively. They’re the top three scorers in the state and clearly the engine that makes the Warriors’ machine go. Their combined 100 goals is nearly 76 percent of the team’s total of 132. Equally effective on the power play (11 goals) as on the penalty kill (nine goals), that line is dangerous in all three zones. But because of all those factors, they’ve also logged a ton of minutes. In the last three games, Warroad has gone just 1-2-0 and scored a total of five goals — three by Sylvester. Will the playoffs recharge their offense? One detail that goes overlooked is that Warroad has been very good defensively. Alex Burke (19-4-1, 2.02, .910) has played nearly every minute in goal and defensemen Luke Jaycox (3-17-20), Nick Jaycox (7-10-17) and Blayke Nelson (5-11-16) are strong.

4. Breck (17-5-1)

Last week: St. Paul Academy (5-1 W), at St. Paul Johnson (4-1 W)

This week: vs. Minnehaha Academy (2/11), at Blake (2/15)

Watch out for Breck. Coach Les Larson has his team hitting on all cylinders as the playoffs approach. Since an upset loss to Totino-Grace on Jan. 21, the Mustangs have run off six consecutive victories by a combined 36-8 score — and that’s including an impressive 6-3 win over Class 2A St. Thomas Academy in which Michael Orke (19-22-41) exploded for a hat trick and Henry Johnson (13-5-1, 2.23, .911) stood on his head with 35 saves on 38 shots. Those are two of the key senior leaders for the Mustangs, who before St. Thomas Academy’s state title three-peat, was the big bully on the Class 1A block with championships in 2009 and 2010. The Mustangs are the clear favorite in Section 2A to make their sixth straight state tournament appearance, although there are a cluster of good teams chasing them, including this Saturday’s opponent, Blake.

5. Mankato West (21-2-0)

Last week: at Austin (10-0 W), Rochester Mayo (6-3 W)

This week: vs. Albert Lea (2/11), vs. Rochester Century (2/13)

West has won 10 straight games since a two-game losing streak at the turn of the year — and the Scarlets have rarely even been challenged. They’re outscoring the opposition by 5.0 goals per game (6.3 versus 1.3), the second-largest margin in the state. During the 10-game winning streak, they’ve allowed more than two goals just once (their most recent 6-3 victory over Class 2A Rochester Mayo) and have scored eight or more four times. Junior Conor Wollenzien (14-1-0, 1.13, .925) has started eight of those 10 games in goal and appears to have taken on a full-time role after splitting with Jake Spiess (7-1-0, 1.61, .898) for the first two months of the season. Derek Frentz (22-38-60) leads a potent Scarlets’ offense that has nine players with at least eight goals and a dozen with at least 12 points.

6. Luverne (23-0-1)

Last week: at Windom Area (10-2 W), at Hutchinson (7-1 W), vs. Breckenridge/Wahpeton (8-0 W)

This week: at Providence Academy (2/14)

And here’s the team with the largest goal differential in the state, as the Cardinals score a state-best 7.38 goals per game and allow only 1.12 goals per game, also the best in the state. They’re also the only unbeaten team (23-0-1) heading into their regular season finale at Providence Academy on Valentine’s night. Luverne has accomplished everything set in front of it save one — qualifying for the program’s first-ever state tournament. That’s the only goal the Cardinals have after being upset in last year’s Section 3A tournament. Sophomore Chaz Smedsrud (32-44-76) has a nose for the net, already recording a five-goal game (Dec. 14 against Morris/Benson Area) and two four-goal outbursts. He’s part of the “Kiddie Corps” line with eighth-grader Jaxon Nelson (26-33-59), who opened his first varsity campaign with six multi-goal efforts in his first nine games.

7. St. Cloud Cathedral (16-6-0)

Last week: vs. Achiever Academy (4-1 W), vs. St. Cloud Apollo (6-3 W)

This week: at Orono (2/11), vs. Delano (2/13), at Duluth Marshall (2/15)

Here come the Crusaders. St. Cloud Cathedral coach Eric Johnson has a young team loaded with sophomores, but he challenged them with an intense January schedule that included the top four ranked teams in Class 1A (East Grand Forks, Hermantown, Warroad and Breck) all on the road. Perhaps not unexpectedly, the Crusaders lost all four while only scoring two goals. But since that dip, Cathedral has won seven straight to regain the favorite’s role in Section 6A. Senior Will Hammer (20-22-42) certainly has done his part, carrying the offense over those seven contests with 13 goals and 21 points — scoring at least two points in every one. He’ll need help, and a season-ending tilt at No. 8 Duluth Marshall should provide insight as to whether Cathedral is ready to make a big playoff push.

8. Duluth Marshall (14-8-1)

Last week: at Virginia/MIB (5-0 W)

This week: at Greenway (2/11), vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (2/15)

It’s tough to know what to make of Duluth Marshall this year. The Hilltoppers have talent and it’s shown in some impressive results, such as one-goal victories over Totino-Grace and Breck and a win over Class 2A Grand Rapids. But they’ve also stumbled against some of the better Class 1A teams since the turn of the year, losing 6-2 to Hermantown, 5-2 to Warroad and 3-2 to Section 7A rival Duluth Denfeld. In the past seven games, the ‘Toppers are 4-3-0. They did win a big section seeding contest at Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl last Thursday, 5-0 behind a hat trick from leading scorer Luke Pavelich (17-18-35) and a 23-save shutout from junior goaltender Alex Murray (13-7-0, 2.35, .903). Perhaps that result signaled Marshall’s readiness for a deep playoff run.

9. New Prague (16-4-3)

Last week: at Holy Angels (6-4 W), Rochester Lourdes (4-0 W)

This week: vs. Red Wing (2/11), at Northfield (2/15)

The Trojans responded to their first losing streak of the year by winning three straight games to hang in the top 10 rankings, although the games were unusual. New Prague posted a total of 19 goals in the three games, a much-higher output than their 4.37 goals per game average. And even including a 4-0 shutout of Rochester Lourdes last Saturday, their defense has allowed 20 goals in the last five games. Coach Chris Lonke’s team built its resume earlier this year on low-scoring, tight-checking victories, so the sudden outburst of goals is odd. Sophomore Alex Gregor (18-19-37) has scored in four straight games and is second to Augie Isaacson (20-28-48) in goals and third behind Isaacson and Seth Kriha (11-31-42) in points.

10. Totino-Grace (12-8-1)

Last week: vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s (6-4 W), vs. Irondale (2-0 W)

This week: at Wayzata (2/11), vs. Robbinsdale Cooper (2/13), at Rochester Lourdes (2/15), vs. Roseville (2/17)

It has become impossible to ignore what Totino-Grace has done in recent weeks, as the Eagles surge into the top-10 rankings for the first time since early December.  Since losing to Duluth Marshall on Jan. 4, the Eagles are 8-2-0 (losing only to St. Cloud Cathedral and Hermantown) and have beaten both Breck and Class 2A power Benilde-St. Margaret’s. After struggling to score earlier this year, the Eagles have broken out in recent games behind Nick Tandeski (14-12-26) and Kai Barber (15-10-25). Coach Mark Loahr also won his 500^th career game in the 3-1 victory over Breck on Jan. 21.

Others receiving votes:

Virginia/MIB, Alexandria, Thief River Falls, St. Paul Academy, Delano, Orono, Duluth Denfeld, Blake.

The post MHM Class A Top Ten 2/10/2014 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.