Matthew Davis writes about all of the family connections within Luverne girls’ hockey.

This story was originally published in the MHM 2024-25 High School Preview issue.

The post A Family Affair appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Late goal gives St. Paul Johnson dramatic 6-5 Hockey Day Minnesota win over Luverne

ST. PAUL — In its 101st year, as one of the most storied programs in state history, the St. Paul Johnson hockey program has appeared in three Hockey Day Minnesota match ups. But the Governors’ 2015 Hockey Day Minnesota victory may be their best yet.

The Governors outlasted the Luverne Cardinals, 6-5, with a game winning goal in the final minute at Holman Field Saturday morning for the first Hockey Day Minnesota matchup of the day. St. Paul Johnson improved to 11-5-1 while Luverne suffered just it’s third loss on the season, moving to 16-3.

SPJ head coach Moose Younghans has coached in all three of Johnson’s Hockey Day Minnesota appearances, but the combination of the victory and experience at Holman Field will make Saturday morning one to remember for the bench boss.

“They’re all huge, but probably this one [ranks the highest on our list] especially because of this setting with all the military stuff and the beautiful venue,” Younghans said. “We can go to Payne Avenue, Arcade [Avenue] tonight since people are going to be smiling down their tonight.”

Freshman defenseman Karl Fish played a key role in making the game against Luverne one to remember, scoring the deciding goal from the point in the final minute. While he halted Luverne’s hopes of coming from behind, Fish also accomplished a personal aspiration with the game-winner.

“I always dreamed about it and when they said we were going to play on Hockey Day, I thought it might come true, and here it is,” Fish said.

After a scoreless first period with strong defense from both teams, there was no shortage of offense in the second.

Luverne started off the scoring run with a goal 15 seconds into the period. But, before the Cardinals could finish celebrating their goal, the Governors tied the score 13 seconds later. And 1:02 into the second period, St. Paul Johnson extended its lead to 2-1.

The Governors continued their run with a top-shelf goal from Fish and a power play goal with 6:05 left in the first period, the Governers looked to be running away with the game before the second period was over.

But the Cardinals weren’t about to call it a game.

Luverne scored a power play goal of its own shortly after, off the stick of sophomore forward Nick Behrend. With two more goals before the end of the period, the Cardinals were right back in the game down 5-4.

“We played pretty bad the first half [of the second],” Luverne head coach Derrick Brown said.  “I think the guys just kind of loosened up a little bit — I think it got a little ragged on both sides — and after the second period everybody said let’s get back playing the way we’re supposed to play. It was a good battle.”

The Cardinals held the momentum going into the second intermission. Yet Younghans and his team weren’t about to lose their composure.

“We said ‘hey we’re OK, we’ve got the lead.’” Younghans said.

Luverne tied the score up with 4:04 left in the third. But Fish’s goal in the final minute ultimately gave the Governors a victory they can build off of.

“We’re going to use this as a springboard and we want to contend for the section, and maybe someday get back downtown again,” Younghans said. “Who knows, this could be that special magic here for us.”

The post Govs veto Cards’ comeback bid appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Elk River and its Handke Pit may be a tough act to follow but St. Paul and its Holman Field Airport  are going to give it their best shot.

The city’s skyline will provide the backdrop for Hockey Day Minnesota 2015, presented by Wells Fargo as the capital city has been named as host of the event for a second time (2009).The ninth annual statewide celebration of hockey is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 just across the Mississippi River from downtown. Proceeds of the event will benefit Saint Paul Youth Hockey and Serving Our Troops.

The site of HDM 2015 with the St. Paul skyline in the distance. (Photo: Zach Halverson)

The Minnesota Wild, along with FOX Sports North and Minnesota Hockey, revealed the selection today at  the airport which was named the site of the outdoor high school games, Hockey Day Minnesota’s signature event. Previous sites for outdoor games include Baudette Bay (2007-08), St. Paul (2009), Hermantown (2010), Moorhead (2011), Lake Minnetonka/Excelsior (2012), Grand Rapids (2013) and Elk River (2014).

“We are thrilled to bring Wells Fargo Hockey Day Minnesota 2015 to Saint Paul’s Holman Field,” said Wild Vice President of Brand Content and Communications John Maher. “This is the perfect way to commemorate prep hockey’s second century in Saint Paul. It will be a day of celebration, from puck drop of the first high school game until the final horn sounds at that night’s Wild game.”

“Saint Paul is known for being both the capital of the State of Hockey and for supporting our service members and their families,” said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “I can’t think of a better way to combine these two qualities than by celebrating Hockey Day Minnesota at Holman Field. The Minnesota Wild has always been a great partner and this is just the latest example of their commitment to Saint Paul, our service members, and their families.”

Legendary East-Side power, St. Paul Johnson will face off against a Luverne team coming off of its first MSHSL State Tournament appearance in 2014. Hill-Murray is set to take on perennial rival St. Thomas Academy while Cretin-Derham Hall and the Duluth Northern Stars girls are featured in the final game at Holman Field.

The Wild greet the newly-branded Arizona Coyotes at Xcel Energy Center to cap off the day. A college game was referenced at the press conference but the University of Minnesota was not specifically mentioned. The Gopher men are typically involved in the event and do host Wisconsin that evening, but with that being a Big Ten conference game Fox Sports North may be prohibited from including it. Details of the 2014-15 Gopher television schedule have yet to be finalized.

Johnson (2007 and 2009) and Hill-Murray (2008 and 2011) are each making their third Hockey Day appearance while it’s St. Thomas Academy’s second (2008, also vs. Hill-Murray) and Luverne is making its HDM debut. It will be the inaugural appearance for both girls teams as well.

Photo: Zach Halverson

Events surrounding Hockey Day Minnesota will honor family members and soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard 34th Combat Aviation Brigade and 2-147th Assault Helicopter Battalion, based at Holman Field, who recently deployed to Kuwait.

“Hockey fans have been eagerly anticipating news regarding our ninth annual Hockey Day Minnesota event,” said Mike Dimond, FOX Sports North Senior Vice President and General Manager. “We are excited to bring the outdoor games back to St. Paul and especially proud to pay tribute to the men and women who serve our country by showcasing the Minnesota National Guard at Holman Field and with special features from Kuwait. This should be a special year.”

“The Minnesota National Guard is pleased to be a part of Hockey Day Minnesota 2015,” said Col. Kevin Olson, Director of Communications. “This event showcases how Minnesotans statewide connect to our military service members and families through hockey. Holman Field is a unique venue that will allow hockey fans to meet in person National Guard soldiers and airmen who serve our nation, state and communities.”

Hockey Day Minnesota is partnering with Serving Our Troops for this historic event, linking hockey in Minnesota to our soldiers and families. Since 2004, Serving Our Troops has been providing a special message from home for our Minnesota National Guard in the form of dinner with the their families, completing 10 projects and serving nearly 80,000 meals around the globe. Hockey Day Minnesota will include unique interactions with our soldiers and families as our communities drop the puck for a truly special message from home.

Other in-state hockey action on Hockey Day includes Minnesota Duluth hosting Western Michigan at 7 p.m. but St. Cloud State, Minnesota State and Bemidji State will, unfortunately, be on the road at Denver, Ferris State and Lake Superior State, respectively.

Wells Fargo Hockey Day Minnesota 2015 on FOX Sports North will include a full day of hockey-related programming designed as a celebration of the game from peewees to pros. Ticket information for Hockey Day Minnesota 2015 will be announced at a later date.

The post From “The Pit” to The ‘Port appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

BOXSCORE | GAME LIVE

St. Paul, MN – One hour prior to the gates opening at the Xcel Energy Center, there was a buzz in the lobby of the home for the 2014 Minnesota State High School Hockey tournament.  Visible to the eye was a sea of red as fans from Luverne packed the lobby in anticipation of their team’s first appearance at the legendary tournament.

The Cardinals entered the tournament  27-0-1 and outscored their opponents by a combined 206-32 margin this season and were tasked with the number two seeded Hermantown Hawks, veterans of five straight state tournament appearances with the previous four resulting in runner up finishes.

Regardless of the energy provided, the tournament experience of the Hawks shone through early in the game and Nate Pionk scored just :27 into the first period.  The Cardinals have not been forced to play in their defensive zone much this season, or last year for that matter, and were forced to focus their coverage on the swooping Hawks.

“It’s nice to get the first goal,” Hawks coach Bruce Plante said.  We had a couple of other chances and they tied us up and that put a little fear into our boys.”

Eventually, the Cardinals worked their way back in the game and tied the score at a one on Gunnar Olson’s first of two goals on the season at 9:01 of the first period.  Tnner Kimball responded just three minutes later to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead and one they would never relinquish.

Cole Koepke scored for the Hawks to deliver the two-goal lead at 3:57 of the second period yet Olson struck again with the man advantage at 7:04.  The Cardinals skill and ability to attack on their offensive zone entry was evident and the Hawks knew the could not allow Luverne much space to operate.

As the Hawks began to wrestle the territorial game from the offensive zone, they scored late in the second period on Luke Jacques goal that beat Cardinal goaltender Kendall Meyer for some much needed breathing room and a 4-2 lead at  the second intermission.

“The period that I was kind of disappointed with was the second.” Plante reflected.  “I thought we really backed off and I didn’t like that.  It is just so uncharacteristic of our team.  We usually try to play a more aggressive attacking in your face kind of game.”

A fifth and back breaking goal by the Hawks was scored early in the third period by  at Kyle Amundson just :42 into the game .  It didn’t deter the heart of the Cardinals who pressed on and Meyer made some steady saves in the game.

A late goal by Andrew Verhey at 11:54 pulled the Cardinals within two at 5-3.  A few mad scrambles and some high caliber scoring chances were snuffed out by Hawks goalie Adam Smith who made 23 saves in the game.

“They expect us to go out there and play our game and for the most part, we go out and play our game as much as we can,” Pionk said.  He had who had a pair of goals including the empty net tally to finish the game for the Hawks and was discussing his team’s ability to play their game regardless of the challenge before them.

For a Section that was largely mocked by fans and hockey pundits for the past few years, the Cardinals wanted lay to rest that hockey in Southwestern Minnesota is subpar.  They went toe to toe with a State Class A power and put not only Luverne hockey on the map but the Section 3A.

“I am just so proud of these guys,” Cardinal coach Derrick Brown said. “We came up here and obviously a lot of people have not talked very highly of our section or area of the state that we play.  I felt that we came and showed some people that just because we are in the corner of the state that is historically basketball country that we can play hockey too.”

Plante added at the end of the press conference that he was impressed with the Cardinal effort and said, “A lot of what happened today was the other team was pretty good.  They have some really attacking players. They transitioned the puck great, attacked us hard and they had some really skilled guys that made some good plays.  They are a skilled team, they are probably not as deep as us but they sure play.”

The Hawks (23-4-2) advance to the semifinals that will play out on Friday morning and can be heard live on Sports Radio 105 The Ticket.  The Cardinals (27-1-1) head to Mariucci Arena to face off in the consolation semifinals Thursday morning.

The post Hawks Spoil Cardinal Debut appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

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The post State Tourney Gallery: Hermantown vs. Luverne appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Road to State:
Red Wing 2-0
Northfield 3-0
Mankato West 3-2

Top 5 Scoring Leaders:
Player                         GP    G    A    Pts

Augie Isaacson        28    23    29    52
Seth Kriha                28    11    35    46
Alex Gregor             28    19    22    41
Austin Kilian           28    21    13    33
Casey Busch            28    11    16    27

Goaltending Leaders:
Player                         W    L    T    GAA        Sv%        Sho

Conner Wagner              18    4    3    2.47        .895            3

What to expect:  
The Trojans make their state tournament debut this year and are the first team other than Rochester Lourdes to represent Section 1A in five seasons.  But it wasn’t easy, as they had to earn their berth by topping a solid Mankato West team in the section final, 3-2.  A three-pronged offensive attack in Augie Isaacson, Seth Kriha, and Alex Gregor leads the way for New Prague. The Trojans enter the tournament on an eight-game winning streak and have outscored their opponents 38-13 in those games.  As the No. 3 seed, the Trojans have a tough first round opponent in Chisago Lakes.

Orono Spartans  (19-8-1, 8-4-0)
Head Coach:  Kasey Yoder (1st season, 19-8-1)
Section:  2A
Conference:  Wright County Conference, 2nd place
State Tournament appearances:  (7) 1992, 93, 2002, 03, 04, 06, 07
State Titles: None

Road to State:
Chaska 6-2
Bloomington Kennedy 2-1 (ot)
Breck 2-1

Top 5 Scoring Leaders:
Player                        GP    G    A    Pts

Joey Luedtke            28    12    22    34
Jake Flemmer           28    14    17    31
Sam Challgren           28    6    18    24
David McCuskey       28    11    9    20
Tripp Renard             28    9    10    19

Goaltending Leaders:
Player                           W    L    T    GAA        Sv%        Sho

Jonathon Flakne             15    7    1       2.03        .911          6
Grant Mathiason              1    1    0       2.50        .898        0

What to expect:  
The Orono Spartans snapped Breck’s stronghold of five straight seasons as Section 2A champions by knocking the Mustangs out in the final game — much to the delight of a rabid student section.  This is the Spartans’ first trip back to the state tournament since 2009, and in Kasey Yoder’s first year as coach, they are playing the necessary game to succeed in the post season by winning a pair of 2-1 tight checking games for the section title.  The Spartans are 3-4-0 against Class AA teams and have a schedule that benefits them for the stretch run.  Their first round opponent could challenge for the Class AA title in East Grand Forks, who is tough to score on. The Spartans will have to be in full shutdown mode to advance.

Luverne Cardinals  (27-0-1, 10-0-0)
Head Coach:  Derrick Brown (5th season, 98-29-5)
Section:  3A
Conference:  Southwest Conference, 1st place
State Tournament appearances:  (1) 2014
State Titles: None

Road to State:
Morris Benson 13-2
Hutchinson 4-0
New Ulm 6-1

Top 5 Scoring Leaders:
Player                           GP    G    A    Pts

Chaz Smedsrud              28    38    49    87
Logan Norman               28    22    48    70
Jaxon Nelson                 28    30    40    70
Gunnar Olson                26    38    28    66
Toby Sengvongxay       28    20    32    50

Goaltending Leaders:
Player                       W    L    T    GAA        Sv%        Sho

Kendall Meyer            18    0    1    1.16           .949            6
Connor Crabtree        6    0    0    1.26           .896             2

What to expect:  
The Cardinals are the only unbeaten team in high school hockey.  Naysayers suggest that the Cardinals’ schedule is not tough enough.  Those that look closer will first note that this team is 49-4-2 over the last two seasons — beating the teams they are “supposed to” beat.  This year, they won the Schwan Cup Open division and are 4-0-1 against teams from the Metro area.  They outscored their opponents 206-32 on the season and as evidenced, weren’t squeaking by the competition.  Their offensive balance includes senior players such as Gunnar Olson and Logan Norman all the way to eighth-grade sensation Jaxon Nelson.  Coach Derrick Brown has depth to rely on yet their biggest challenge and toughest opponent of the season is on deck with the Hermantown Hawks who are state tournament tested.

Totino-Grace Eagles (17-10-1, 8-0-0)
Head Coach:  Mark Loahr (33rd season, 508-286-26)
Section:  4A
Conference:  North Suburban Conference, 1st place
State Tournament appearances:  (5) 1993, 95, 2002, 05, 14
State Titles: (1) 2002

Road to State:
St. Paul Como Park 7-1
South St. Paul 1-0
Mahtomedi 5-4 (ot)

Top 5 Scoring Leaders:
Player                GP    G    A    Pts

Kai Barber            28    19    12    31
Nick Tandeski            28    15    14    29
Ben Henderson         28    10    13    23
Bandon Hilliard        28    7    15    22
Blake Vagle            28    5    16    21

Goaltending Leaders:
Player                         W    L    T    GAA        Sv%        Sho

Dominic Wippler        12    8    1    2.70        .903                 2
Jack Lux                         2    2    0    3.38        .862                0

What to expect:
The Eagles return to the state tournament after a nine-year absence by squeaking out a pair of one-goal sectional games, including a classic 5-4 overtime win against Mahtomedi.  Coach Mark Loahr won his 500th game earlier this year and recently won the Bruce Johnson award for outstanding contributions in promoting the Minnesota Coaches Association and the sport of hockey. He knows his way around state tournament hockey and the Eagles will be prepared.  After starting the season 4-6-1, the Eagles finished the season 13-4-0.  Totino-Grace challenges itself with a difficult schedule and was 3-4-1 in seven games against Class AA teams.  As the No. 5 seed, the Eagles will have a rematch with St. Cloud Cathedral. Back on Jan. 25, Cathedral won 5-4.  Another close game can be expected by these two teams when they open the tournament on Wednesday.

Chisago Lakes Area Wildcats (20-8-0)
Head Coach:  Paul Gibson (2nd season, 38-17-1)
Section:  5A
Conference:  Mississippi 8 Conference, 3rd place
State Tournament appearances:  (2) 1995, 2014
State Titles: None

Road to State:
North Branch 13-0
Proctor 5-2
Princeton 5-4

Top 5 Scoring Leaders:
Player                             GP    G    A    Pts

Brandon Gillespie            28    25    26    51
Blake Lizotte                     28    14    34    48
Trevor Lushanko             28    23    24    47
Ryan Chambers               28    13    15    28
Landon Lushanko          28    10    18    28

Goaltending Leaders:
Player                       W    L    T    GAA        Sv%        Sho

Jake Dubose               10    6    0    1.94          .920            5
Bryce Thompson        6    2    0    2.34          .906             2

What to expect:  
With the four-time defending section champions from Hermantown moved to Section 7A this winter, the Wildcats seized the opportunity and captured their first section title since 1995.  They put together an impressive 20-win season and accomplished that in the Mississippi 8 Conference where a number of Class AA teams reside.  Since  the Stadstad Tournament over the holiday season, the Wildcats went on a 12-3-0 run including seven wins in their last eight games.  A one-two punch of Brandon Gillespie and Blake Lizotte will be formidable in the Class A tournament.  The Wildcats open with New Prague in the quarterfinals.

St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders (20-7-1, 3-0-0)
Head Coach:  Eric Johnson (10th season, 185-61-9)
Section:  6A
Conference:  Granite Ridge Conference, 1st place
State Tournament appearances:  (6) 1993, 94, 2004, 08, 09, 14
State Titles: None

Road to State:
Little Falls 8-1
Sartell-St. Stephen 3-1
Alexandria 2-1

Top 5 Scoring Leaders:
Player                       GP    G    A    Pts

Will Hammer             28    24    27    51
Matt Fritz                    28    15    24    39
Dan Bailey                   28    7    31     38
Logan Neu                   27    18    16    34
Trevor Cornelius        28    7    9    16

Goaltending Leaders:
Player                   W    L    T    GAA        Sv%        Sho

Zach Fritz                16    7    1    2.32           .911           2
Camren Dehler        1    0    0    0.71           .957           1

What to expect:  
The St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders are back in the state tournament for the first time since 2009.  Formerly in Section 5AA, they are now in with the other St. Cloud area schools and proved to be the bet of the lot this winter.  The Crusaders lost a few top level players early and are relying on several underclassmen to get the job done along with Will Hammer, who is now the all time leading scorer in team history.  The Crusaders open the tournament with a mirror image in themselves in the Totino-Grace Eagles which could prove to be the most entertaining first round match-up in the quarterfinals.

Hermantown Hawks (22-4-2, 5-0-2)
Head Coach:  Bruce Plante (25th season, 462-190-20 )
Section:  7A
Conference:  Lake Superior Conference, 1st place
State Tournament appearances:  (11) 1994, 98, 99, 2001, 06, 07, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
State Titles:  (1)  2007

Road to State:
International Falls 9-0
Duluth Denfeld 6-1
Marshall School, Duluth 6-2

Top 5 Scoring Leaders:
Player                 GP    G    A    Pts

Ryan Kero             28    21    27    48
Nate Pionk            28    20    28    48
Scott Wasbotten    28    21    21    42
Kori Ochs                26    15    16    31
Cole Koepke            28    17    13    30

Goaltending Leaders:
Player                    W    L    T    GAA        Sv%        Sho

Adam Smith            10    3    0    2.66          .895            0
Jace Thomas            9    1    1    1.67             .923            3

What to expect:  
A regular state tournament participant, the Hawks have been to the big dance five straight years. They advanced to the finals each of the last four years only to lose the championship game each time.  This year may be different for the Hawks as they have championship credentials.  However, a deep field presents itself this year and could present a tough run for the Hawks.  Ryan Kero and Nate Pionk were regular contributors from last year’s team and understand the tournament and its environment.  Coach Bruce Plante has two high level goaltenders to turn to in Adam Smith and Jace Thomas.

East Grand Forks Green Wave (25-2-1, 8-0-1)
Head Coach: Tyler Palmiscno (5th season, 77-47-6)
Section:  8A
Conference:  Mariucci Conference, 1st place
State Tournament appearances:  (9) 1971, 80, 82, 98, 99, 2001, 13, 14
State Titles:  None

Road to State:
Lake of the Woods 10-0
Detroit Lakes 8-1
Warroad 3-2 (ot)

Top 5 Scoring Leaders:
Player                      GP    G    A    Pts

Dixon Bowen            18    17    20    37
Reed Corbid             28    14    21    35
Grant Loven             28    14    21    35
Tanner Tweten        28    15    13    28
Brandon Loven        28    14    11    25

Goaltending Leaders:
Player                   W    L    T    GAA        Sv%        Sho

Josh Weber            18    1    1    1.22             .922           4
Garrett Lieberg        5    1    0    1.00           .898           3

What to expect:
Dixon Bowen blew up for 10 points in three playoff games (4g-6a-10p) and took over the team lead in points — despite appearing in only 18 games this year.  But it’s on defense where East Grand Forks is a championship contender. The Green Wave are a defensive juggernaut and play the game in all three zones as well as any team in high school hockey.  They only allow 1.20 goals against per game.  They have a power play over 24 percent and a penalty kill that registers over 90 percent efficiency.  Goals against and special teams equal success and the Green Wave could experience plenty of it this state tournament.

The post Class A Tournament Preview appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

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.

For the third consecutive week, we have a new No. 1 team atop the rankings. Two weeks ago, Breck occupied that spot until being beaten by Duluth Marshall. Last week, Hermantown took over the No. 1 ranking but lost to White Bear Lake.

So who gets moved to the head of the class?

Class A rankings

1. East Grand Forks (16-2-1)

Last week: at Thief River Falls (3-2 W), vs. Grand Forks Red River (5-0 W), vs. Moorhead (4-1 W)

This week: vs. Crookston (1/28), at Kittson Central (1/30), at Warroad (2/1)

Featured Image:
Warroad’s Nick Jaycox (33) steps into East Grand Forks’ Brandon Loven (18) in the 2013 Section 8A final.
(Photo/Tim Kolehmainen)

We’re going with the touch of defense atop the rankings this week. Only Luverne has a lower goals against average than East Grand Forks, which has stymied opponents at just 1.32 goals per game. But the Green Wave aren’t just keeping teams off the scoreboard, they’re keeping them from even getting shots toward the net. Opponents are averaging just 14.3 shots on goal per game and East Grand Forks has allowed more than 20 shots on goal in only three games all year and more than two goals just twice. Josh Weber (12-1-1, 1.37, .914) has been solid since taking over the full time goaltending position, but he has plenty of defensive help from the entire Green Wave team. Grant Loven (8-17-25) leads the East Siders in scoring, just ahead of Reed Corbid (10-14-24). Dixon Bowen (8-4-12) has also been streaking since returning to the lineup from injury.

2. Warroad (17-2-1)

Last week: at Crookston (8-2 W), at Duluth Marshall (5-2 W), at Duluth Denfeld (7-3 W)

This week: vs. Roseau (1/28), vs. East Grand Forks (2/1)

And here’s your offensive treat up in Warroad. The Warriors have the most potent line in the state in juniors Kobe Roth (36-39-75) and Jared Bethune (29-45-74) and senior Kyle Sylvester (28-43-71). They’re the top three scorers in the state in either class and have carried the Warriors offense all season. Roth is diminutive, but as crafty and slick as any player in the state. He’s tough to track on the ice, let alone get a clean shot at him. Bethune is bigger and more of a power forward who also has great hands, as is Sylvester, who also plays with an edge to his game. Both Roth and Bethune recently gave their verbals to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Lost in all that offense, though, has been a terrific defense anchored by Luke Jaycox (3-15-18), Nick Jaycox (6-10-16) and Blayke Nelson (5-11-16). Warroad only allows 1.75 goals per game, as well. A huge game looms this Saturday as the Warriors host No. 1 East Grand Forks.

3. Hermantown (15-3-0)

Last week: vs. Proctor (8-1 W), vs. White Bear Lake (4-1 L), at New Prague (7-3 W)

This week: at Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (1/30), vs. Totino-Grace (2/1)

It seems harsh to push Hermantown out of the top spot and down to the No. 3 ranking after a loss to Class 2A White Bear Lake. In fact, the Hawks’ only three losses have come to Class 2A teams, as they’re 11-0-0 against Class 1A teams and outscoring them 79-18. The Hawks play one team from each class this week, starting with a road game at rival Cloquet. But most interesting is Saturday’s home game against Totino-Grace, which has proven to be a giant-killer in recent weeks. The Eagles nearly cracked the top 10 this week and will provide Hermantown a great Class 1A test. The four-time defending Class 1A runners-up have four double-digit goal scorers in Ryan Kero (14-20-34), Nate Pionk (13-16-29), Scott Wasbotten (12-16-28) and Cole Koepke (13-7-20), showing their great balance. In all, nine players have at least 16 points and another five have between seven and nine points. Koepke, a sophomore, has surged recently, scoring six goals in his last four games.

4. Duluth Marshall (12-7-1)

Last week: vs. Hibbing/Chisholm (7-3 W), vs. Warroad (5-2 L), vs. Thief River Falls (3-0 W)

This week: at Duluth Denfeld (1/30), vs. Eveleth-Gilbert (2/1)

What to do about Duluth Marshall? The Hilltoppers clearly are a strong team and one deserving of a top-five ranking in Class 1A. They’re deep, talented and seemingly have no weak spots on the roster.  In recent weeks, the ‘Toppers have defeated previously No. 1-ranked Breck and shut down highly-regarded Totino-Grace, Thief River Falls and St. Paul Academy. But they also have seven losses on the season and are just 2-2-0 in their last four games. Could it be the lack of a true go-to superstar on the roster? Someone who can take over a game singlehandedly when needed? Luke Pavelich (14-15-29) leads the team in scoring and has eight power play goals, while sophomore Luke Dow (6-17-23) has inherited a playmaker’s role. But as of yet, there is no Judd Peterson-type player jumping to the forefront. It could still happen, though, as Marshall is very young. Many top players are sophomores and juniors, such as Cam McClure (10-7-17), Derek Farrell (5-13-18), Jack Dodd (7-10-17), Jordan Fralich (5-12-17), Peter Lenz (6-6-12), Lane Krenzen (4-8-12) and goaltender Alex Murray (11-6-0, 2.53, .898).

5. Breck (13-5-1)

Last week: vs. Totino-Grace (3-1 L), vs. Blake (4-2 W), vs. St. Thomas Academy (6-3 W)

This week: at St. Paul Como Park (1/28), at Minneapolis (2/1)

Speaking of teams that have made the rankings more difficult in recent weeks, that certainly includes Breck. Just two weeks ago, the Mustangs were romping through all comers in Class 1A and seemingly looking indestructible. Sure, they’d lost to Class 2A powers such as Edina, Duluth East and Moorhead, but those were forgivable losses by a total of five goals. But in the last two weeks, Breck has also proven vulnerable to good Class 1A teams, losing 3-2 to Duluth Marshall and 3-1 to Totino-Grace. Perhaps Les Larson’s team has turned the corner again after tripping up Class 2A St. Thomas Academy (the three-time champions in Class 1A) in its last game, 6-3 last Saturday. Michael Orke (16-17-33) notched a hat trick in that game, including two short-handed goals, while Henry Johnson (11-5-1, 2.37, .910) stood on his head with 35 saves. They’re two of the veteran leaders for the Mustangs who will carry the team forward. The schedule isn’t difficult the rest of the way, so Breck should enter the playoffs on a roll and regain confidence.

6. New Prague (13-3-3)

Last week: at Albert Lea (6-0 W), vs. Chanhassen (2-2 T), vs. Hermantown (7-3 L)

This week: at Farmington (1/28), vs. Shakopee (1/30)

The Trojans finally saw their 10-game unbeaten streak (9-0-1) end last Saturday in a 7-3 home loss to Hermantown. It was that stretch that vaulted New Prague into the top 10 and has kept it there despite the four-goal loss. That game was the first in more than a month that coach Chris Lonke’s team had allowed more than three goals. That defensive style is key to New Prague going forward, particularly with tough games against Farmington and always-dangerous Rochester Lourdes in early February. New Prague is still in the driver’s seat to gain the top seed in Section 1A, but Mankato West looms. Augie Isaacson (16-20-36), Seth Kriha (7-28-35), Alex Gregor (14-13-27) and Austin Kilian (15-9-24) power the Trojans’ offense, while Conner Wagner (13-3-3, 2.36, .901) has played nearly every minute in goal.

7. Mankato West (16-2-0)

Last week: at Mankato East (15-1 W), vs. Owatonna (4-1 W)

This week: vs. Rochester Lourdes (1/28), at Faribault (1/30), vs. Rochester John Marshall (2/1)

Next to Luverne, Mankato West has the most potent offense in the state in terms of statistics, as the Scarlets are averaging 6.28 goals per game. They padded that total last week with a 15-1 rout of crosstown rival Mankato East. They’re also the third-tightest defensive unit, allowing just 1.33 goals per game, and a perfect 12-0-0 in the Big 9 Conference. So what’s holding them in the No. 7 spot in the rankings behind New Prague? The Scarlet’s only loss to a Minnesota team, a 2-1 defeat at home to New Prague back on Jan. 4. Other than that one-goal loss and a one-goal defeat to Wisconsin powerhouse Notre Dame Academy on Dec. 28, Mankato West has been perfect. Derek Frentz (18-30-48) continues to lead the Scarlets in scoring, but he’s had plenty of help from Nick Campbell (16-21-37), Max Mettler (11-22-33), Cole Filler (12-13-25) and Galt Goettl (10-14-24).

8. Luverne (18-0-1)

Last week: at Morris/Benson Area (10-4 W)

This week: at Worthington (1/28), at Dodge County (2/1)

The Cardinals posted another 10 goals in their one game this past week, surging past Morris/Benson Area. Luverne has three unique statistics in its favor to this point in the season: it’s the only unbeaten team left in the state (18-0-1); it’s the highest-scoring team in the state (7.26 goals per game on average); and it’s also the stingiest defensive team in the state (just 1.16 goals per game against on average). So why aren’t the Cardinals moving up from the No. 8 spot in the rankings? As in college football’s BCS system, it’s all about the schedule. Luverne is tucked in the Southwest Conference and in Section 3A, which have traditionally not been a hotbed of hockey. The Cardinals have taken care of business in that circuit, and also had an impressive showing in the Schwan Cup over the holidays, beating Spring Lake Park and Bloomington Kennedy and edging Class 2A St. Michael-Albertville in a shootout (the game counts as a tie). But outside of that, there are no other top-20 caliber teams on the schedule. That isn’t Luverne’s fault and we certainly like the Cardinals more than most ranking systems. The Cardinals are at least two lines deep and have talented defensemen and a veteran goalie in Kendall Meyer (12-0-1, 1.20, .956). It will be interesting to see the results if Luverne gets through to the state tournament.

9. Orono (14-5-0)

Last week: vs. Mound-Westonka (5-0 W), at Hutchinson (5-2 W)

This week: at Waconia (1/28), at Delano (2/1)

The Spartans continue to win and continue to hang onto a top 10 ranking despite a push from some of the teams below them, such as Alexandria and Totino-Grace. Orono took care of business with a pair of relatively easy Wright County Conference wins last week, scoring five goals in each against Mound-Westonka and Hutchinson. Will Dittrich (3-1-4) had a big week, tallying the first three goals of his season, as did David McCuskey (7-6-13) with two goals and three assists combined. Getting contributions from the second and third lines is key to Orono’s success when it reaches the Section 2A playoffs — with Breck looming as the clear favorite. Another big game arrives this week with a visit to Delano, which should also be a top contender in the section.

10. St. Cloud Cathedral (13-6-0)

Last week: at Monticello/AML (4-2 W), vs. Totino-Grace (5-4 W)

This week: vs. Delano (1/28), vs. Little Falls (1/31)

St. Cloud Cathedral returns to the top 10 rankings this week courtesy of a 5-4 victory against Totino-Grace last Saturday. Call that game a “play-in” for the final spot in the rankings, as Totino was certainly under consideration as well for its recent work. Leading scorer Will Hammer (16-17-33) scored four goals in that victory and is a major player on a young and inexperienced Crusaders’ team. The Crusaders got knocked out of the top 10 two weeks ago courtesy of a stretch in which it went 1-6-0 in seven games. But the final four of those defeats were on the road to teams ranked in the top five in Class 1A (East Grand Forks, Warroad, Hermantown and Breck). It’s tough to knock Eric Johnson’s team too much for that losing skid.

Others receiving votes:

Alexandria, Totino-Grace, Thief River Falls, St. Paul Academy, Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl, Delano, Bloomington Kennedy.

The post MHM Class A Top Ten 1/28/2014 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

The big questions to come out of the week revolved around the Hilltoppers. How high to rank them? And how far to knock Breck?

The answers follow.

Class A rankings

Featured Image:
Scott Wasbotten, seen here in last year’s state tournament game against Breck, and the Hawks have supplanted the Mustangs atop our Class A rankings.
(Photo/Tim Kolehmainen, Breakdown Sports USA)

1. Hermantown (13-2-0)

Last week: vs. Bemidji (6-2 W)

This week: vs. Proctor (1/21), vs. White Bear Lake (1/24), at New Prague (1/25)

The four-time Class 1A runners up jump over two teams to get to the top of the rankings for the first time this season. Hermantown won its only game of the week, beating a tough Class 2A team (Bemidji) by a 6-2 margin with six different goal scorers and 24 saves from goaltender Adam Smith (5-2-0, 3.09, .882). That’s the Hawks’ depth on display and a big reason they vault to the front. Coach Bruce Plante’s team has only lost to a pair of Class 2A powers (6-1 to Wayzata on opening night and 4-1 to Eagan in the final of the South St. Paul Premier tournament) and have beaten all nine Class 1A teams they’ve faced by a combined 64-14 score. Ten different players have scored at least three goals, led by Nate Pionk (13-15-28) and 15 have at least five points, paced by Ryan Kero (12-16-28) and Pionk.

2. East Grand Forks (13-2-1)

Last week: at Roseau (8-3 W), at Bemidji (postponed), at Lake of the Woods (4-0 W)

This week: at Thief River Falls (1/21), vs. Grand Forks Red River (1/23), vs. Moorhead (1/25)

Class 1A’s best defensive team certainly had a strong case to move up into the No. 1 slot, but remained at No. 2 for now. The Green Wave actually allowed a handful of goals against Class 2A Roseau, but still easily beat the Rams by a larger margin than rival Warroad (8-3 vs. 6-4). It was just the second time the Green Wave have allowed more than two goals all season, as they average just 1.38 goals against. Junior Josh Weber (9-1-1, 1.48. ,907) seems to have taken hold of the starting job in goal, as he’s started the past six games. Coach Tyler Palmiscno is happy to have Dixon Bowen (6-2-8) back from injury, as well, as he’s scored five goals in the last three games. If the Green Wave’s offense begins to surge, they’ll be tough to beat.

3. Warroad (14-2-1)

Last week: at Thief River Falls (postponed), vs. Moorhead (4-3 W)

This week: at Crookston (1/21), at Duluth Marshall (1/24), at Duluth Denfeld (1/25)

Due to more weather cancellations, Warroad had just one game last week but it was a big victory, 4-3 over Class 2A Moorhead. The top line of Kobe Roth (32-31-63), Jared Bethune (24-39-63) and Kyle Sylvester (22-36-58) again led the charge as it has all season, scoring three times and adding nine total points. Roth scored the game-winner from Bethune and Sylvester midway through the third period and goaltender Adam Burke (14-2-1, 1.75, .911) had 29 saves to make the lead stand up. Hard-hitting defenseman Blayke Nelson (3-11-14) got into the fun, as well, scoring a goal and adding two assists. The Warriors have a big trip to Duluth coming this weekend.

4. Breck (11-4-1)

Last week: vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (6-1 W), vs. Duluth Marshall (3-2 L), vs. Minneapolis (10-2 W)

This week: vs. Totino-Grace (1/21), vs. Blake (1/23), vs. St. Thomas Academy (1/25)

The Mustangs’ recent trend of losing one, winning one finally caught up to them in the rankings this week with a 3-2 defeat to Duluth Marshall. Over its past eight games, Breck is 4-4-0 and has neither a winning nor losing streak greater than one game. With the other “big three” winning convincingly last week, coach Les Larson’s club falls all the way to No. 4 in the rankings, just ahead of the team it lost to. Sandwiched on either side of the loss to Marshall, though, were big wins over St. Cloud Cathedral and Minneapolis by a combined 16-3 score, showing Breck’s power. Mark Sharp (13-11-24) had three goals and three assists in the two games and leads the team in goals. Breck has a big week coming up with games against Class 1A rivals Totino-Grace and Blake and a showdown with former rival St. Thomas Academy.

5. Duluth Marshall (10-6-1)

Last week:  at Breck (3-2 W), at Roseville (3-2 L)

This week: vs. Hibbing/Chisholm (1/21), vs. Warroad (1/24), vs. Thief River Falls (1/25)

So, the question is whether Duluth Marshall is the potential state championship contender that just beat Breck or the middling team that has lost to St. Cloud Apollo and struggled over the holidays in its own tournament. The answer? Both. The Hilltoppers are certainly a state title caliber team, but one that had been searching for consistency in the wake of injuries. Now with the team mostly healthy, coach Brendan Flaherty is looking to plug all the pieces in the right places. It’s a big week coming for the Hilltoppers, who will be tested by Hibbing/Chisholm and visits from two of the northwest’s best in Warroad and Thief River Falls. They’ll need an effort like the second period at Breck, when Lane Eliason (6-6-12), Anthony Miller (6-4-10) and leading scorer Luke Pavelich (13-12-25) all scored to stake them to a 3-0 lead.

6. New Prague (12-2-2)

Last week: at Red Wing (10-1 W), vs. Northfield (6-3 W)

This week: at Albert Lea (1/21), vs. Chanhassen (1/24), vs. Hermantown (1/25)

Two more games, two more victories for a surging New Prague team last week. The Trojans have now won eight straight games since a 2-1 loss to Eagan in the semifinals of the South St. Paul Premier tournament. But last week, coach Chris Lonke’s team powered up its offense. The 10-spot against Red Wing on Tuesday was the team’s highest output of the season and its 16 goals was the most over a two-game span. Most encouraging, the goals came from multiple sources. Lucas Binger (7-4-11), Alex Gregor (13-11-24) and Augie Isaacson (14-20-34) scored two goals each against Northfield and Gregor and Seth Kriha (7-24-31) followed with a pair of goals against the Wingers. In all, eight different Trojans scored in the two games.

7. Mankato West (14-2-0)

Last week: vs. Northfield (8-2 W)

This week: at Mankato East (1/21), at Austin (1/23), vs. Owatonna (1/25)

Northfield had a week to forget, as the Raiders fell big to both No. 6 New Prague and in an 8-2 loss at No. 7 Mankato West last Saturday. The Scarlets finally got their offense on track as Nick Campbell (15-15-30), Zach Erickson (5-2-7) and Max Mettler (9-20-29) each had two goals while leading scorer Derek Frentz (15-26-41) added three assists. It was the first time since the holidays that the Scarlets had exploded for a big offensive night. In the previous four games, they’d had just nine goals and went 2-2-0.

8. Luverne (17-0-1)

Last week: vs. Redwood Valley (16-0 W)

This week: at Morris/Benson Area (1/25)

Ouch. Luverne returned to Southwest Conference play last week and drilled Redwood Valley, 16-0. The “youngster line” with eighth-grader Jaxon Nelson (24-23-47) and freshman Chaz Smedsrud (27-33-60) came up big as both players scored four goals each, while crafty defenseman Toby Sengvongxay (10-19-29) and senior Gunnar Olson (18-18-36) had two each. Luverne has built a powerhouse in the southwest corner of the state that seems a step above its conference this winter. We may see similar scores in the coming weeks until the playoffs begin.

9. Orono (12-5-0)

Last week: vs. Holy Family Catholic (8-2 L), vs. Delano (3-2 W), vs. Hopkins (5-4 W)

This week: vs. Mound-Westonka (1/21), at Hutchinson (1/25)

Despite a loss to Class 2A Holy Family Catholic to start last week, Orono retains its No. 9 spot in the rankings. The Spartans responded to that loss — their first since a 5-3 loss to Rogers on Dec. 26 — with a pair of impressive one-goal victories over Delano (3-2) and Class 2A Hopkins (5-4). Joey Luedtke (7-15-22) scored with 20 seconds left to give Orono the tight win over Section 2A rival Delano, then Sam Challgren (5-12-17) scored twice against Hopkins and Luedtke had four points. Orono isn’t a high-scoring team, but the Spartans play tight defense in front of goaltender Jonathon Flakne (11-4-0, 1.94, .917).

10. Alexandria (11-3-2)

Last week: at St. Cloud Apollo (3-1 W), vs. River Lakes (4-1 W), at Brainerd (2-2 T)

This week: vs. Sartell-St. Stephen (1/21), at Bemidji (1/25)

Alexandria returns to the rankings this week with a nice 2-0-1 showing, beating St. Cloud Apollo and River Lakes and tying a tough Class 2A Brainerd team. Defense led the way, as the Cardinals allowed just four goals in the three games and are averaging just 2.06 goals per game. Senior goaltender Sam Goetsch (10-3-2, 2.06, .912) has been stellar, stopping 67 of 71 shots in the three games, while Ryan Marciniak (9-6-15) scored twice to improve his team-leading totals.

Others receiving votes:

DelanoTotino-Grace, Thief River Falls, Mahtomedi, St. Paul Academy, Chisago Lakes, Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl, St. Cloud Cathedral

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