Dixon Bowen’s three points lead Green Wave into the state semifinals

ST. PAUL — One down, two to go.

East Grand Forks got one win under its belt with a 4-0 victory in the Class 1A quarterfinals Wednesday against New Prague at the Xcel Energy Center.

“Our goal was to win a hockey game,” Coach Tyler Palmiscno said.

The No. 3-seeded Green Wave from East Grand Forks (24-4-0) are in the hunt for their second consecutive state title. This marks the third year in a row they’ve been to the state tournament. Even with the experience, the first game of the tournament is always tough, Palmiscno said, “just because it’s still new.”

“You still have that nervous energy,” he said.

As a defending state champ, East Grand Forks senior goaltender Josh Weber acknowledged the nerve-wracking excitement is still there this time around.

“We’re here to try to win another one,” Weber said.

The scoring didn’t get started until the second when senior Dixon Bowen got his team a 1-0 lead with his 26th goal of the season. He got a pass, skated through the neutral zone and to the net, putting the puck upstairs.

Bowen led his team with 11 of the 32 shots on goal, with of those coming in the first period. The Green Wave outshot the Trojans 32-17.

“I was just happy getting chances,” Bowen said.

New Prague came oh-so-close to tying the game just before the second intermission, ringing a shot off the iron.

East Grand Forks senior Cooper Jerome has two goals this season. One of them gave his team a 2-0 cushion early in the third period. A bouncing rebound came out front, then junior Braden Shea’s follow-up shot just snuck through the pads of New Prague senior goalie Conner Wagner.

As the puck trickled behind, Jerome spotted it and poked in past the line. The Green Wave coach called it a “huge goal” from his third line.

The Green Wave sealed the deal on the power play late in the third period. Sophomore Nick Derrick perched himself in front of the crease and was there for the deflection off junior Grant Loven’s shot from the circle.

Down 3-0, New Prague left the net empty for the final 1:43 of the game. East Grand Forks players missed on a few opportunities, but Bowen finally scored with 36.6 seconds left.

Wagner helped keep his team in the game with the scoreless first period and early second. He made 28 total saves. He also said the game was closer than the score.

“I had confidence in the team,” he said. “You’re just loving the game and having fun.

“The 3-0, I think it could’ve been less. We played really good.”

His coach, Chris Lonke, talked about momentum swings during the game. He said his players worked hard, and he thought the zone time with their opponent was even at times.

“You just have to take momentum or get it back,” he said. “Just wasn’t mean to be today.”

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SAINT PAUL—For the Hermantown Hawks, they’re hoping the fifth time’s the charm. After beating New Prague 4-2 Friday afternoon in a semifinal game, the Hawks will skate in their fifth consecutive Class A championship game. The Hawks, of course, have been on the losing end of all four of those previous title games. In fact, Hermantown is 1-5 all-time in championship games.

Hermantown beat New Prague earlier in the season 7-3, but everything that happens in the regular season gets thrown out the door when it comes to playoffs – especially in the state tournament.

“It’s a pretty tough deal to play somebody and beat them, then play them again,” Hermantown coach Bruce Plante said. “I don’t think our kids were overconfident and they played well, but it’s just tough.”

Senior defenseman Ryan Carlson got the scoring started after he jumped the play and took it to the house all by his lonesome just over five minutes into the first period. Hermantown would take that 1-0 lead into the second period, but senior Kori Ochs doubled New Prague’s deficit just 56 seconds into the frame.

“[Wyatt] Aamodt had a great step up on that forward, the puck came out and I just tried to use my speed to get to the net,” Carlson said. “I don’t feel a lot of pressure, I mean it’s the last game I’ll ever play in this Hawks uniform and we’ll lay it out all on the line.”

Scott Wasbotten scored his first of two goals 1:17 into the third period to extend the Hawks’ lead to 3-0. New Prague finally showed signs of life as Austin Isaacson scored a power-play goal for the Trojans at the 6:32 mark of the third period. New Prague was able to stay toe-to-toe with Hermantown as far as shots are concerned, but the stingy Hawks defense kept the Trojans’ first line off the score sheet.

“They had a good game plan with the last line change, they put their first line on our first line and that’s a big line to go up against,” New Prague coach Chris Lonke said. “I’m really happy with how our first line adjusted to that because you could tell we were undersized and we just needed to get pucks in deep behind them.”

Wasbotten netted his second goal with 1:22 remaining in regulation on an empty net shot to give the Hawks the 4-1 lead. New Prague pulled their goalie one more time and Casey Busch scored with the extra attacker to bring the game 4-2, but that’s as close as the Trojans would get as that would be the final score.

“I bet when I go back and look at the tape I’ll see three or four mistakes or turnovers in the neutral zone and they made us pay big time today,” Lonke said.

The big story now is can Hermantown end their four-year drought in the title game en route to their second state title? The Hawks lost the three years to the now class AA St. Thomas Cadets and once to Breck the year before that.

“We’ve been there the last four years and it’s been a battle every year,” Wasbotten said. “And we want it bad this year, just as bad as every other year.”

The Hawks will play the winner of the East Grand Forks and St. Cloud Cathedral semifinal game Saturday at high noon. If Hermantown plays East Grand Forks it will be the first time the Hawks will play for the title against a fellow public school since their defeat to Eveleth-Gilbert in the 1998 state tournament.

“It’s great for our program with all the kids and the fans watching us,” Wasbotten said. “It’s amazing, not a lot of teams can do five in a row so it’s going to be awesome to play in number five.”

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BOXSCORE | GAME LIVE

SAINT PAUL—It’s hard to win any game when your team is only allowed nine shots on goal, let alone a game in the state tournament. That was the case for Chisago Lakes in their 5-2 Class A quarterfinal loss to New Prague as it was outshot 24-9.

“I think we attempted more shots, but we just couldn’t get them by – they were blocking a lot of shots” Chisago Lakes coach Paul Gibson said. “Our possession in their end was mostly behind their net and they contained us well there.”

New Prague’s Alex Gregor led the Trojans offensively with a game-high five points (2-3–5) in registering his 21st and 22nd goals of the season.

The Wildcats scored the first goal of the game but they were only able to muster up one shot on goal in the second period and three shots in the third. Blake Lizotte scored on one of those third-period shots, but the game was mostly out of reach by that time.

“It was a great effort by all of our players, we used our depth and sometimes when you use your depth it can limit the energy of the other team,” New Prague coach Chris Lonke said. “Before sections I said ‘if we can be the best defense team than we’d have the best chance to win the section’ which we did and now we’re carrying that over into the state tournament.”

Seth Kriha scored for the Trojans and tied the game at one apiece just minutes after William Knaak gave New Prague an early lead. The teams were tied 1-1 after the first period but New Prague ran away with the game when they scored three goals in a 2:38 span to start the second frame.

“I thought we responded well to their power-play goal by getting one back,” Lonke said. “Keep doing the things we need to do and shoot the puck. We didn’t shoot the puck and we came out and did that and got the results.”

Alex Gregor scored his first of two just 46 seconds into the second period. Austin Issacson scored the eventual game winner just 18 seconds later on a breakaway. Gregor pretty much sealed the game up with his second goal at 3:24 of the period giving the Trojans a 4-1 lead. Kriha scored his second goal of the game just 90 seconds into the third period to really damper any intentions of a Wildcat comeback.

“We’ve been able to battle back a lot this year and we’ve been used to it” Kriha said. “In my opinion we didn’t feel any panic at all.”

New Prague, in their first state tourney appearance, will face somewhat familiar foe Hermantown on Friday in the semifinals at 11:00 a.m. The two teams have faced each other once per year for the past few seasons, including this year when the Hawks took it to the Trojans 7-3.

“We were really excited; when the draw came out we liked that we were playing Hermantown,” Lonke said, “If you’re going to be the best you’ve got to beat the best and we were questioning if we even belonged on the same sheet of ice; but come Friday I don’t think that a question anymore.”

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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.