Our weekly boys’ prep hockey Top-10s are brought to you courtesy of CrankyApe.com

Red Knights ready to ride remarkable run into postseason

The 2015-2016 regular season concluded with some entertaining games this past week.  When assessing this year what is known is that one team stood above the rest and that was the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights.  The Stillwater Ponies earned their way to the second spot in an impressive season.  There was a bit of a stumble for the Blaine Bengals who rose to the top in the end ranking third and performed as expected.  There were 392 goals scored by those three teams and they allowed just 148 against making for a productive quotient in the win column.

After the top three teams there were the clubs that had the task of beating up on each other and it took its toll in the win loss column.  The emergence of Minnetonka at the 4th slot was impressive and they delivered a balanced scoring output with terrific goaltending.  The Wayzata Trojans round out a top five and were a team of peaks and valleys with the peaks outweighing the valleys propelling them up the ladder.

The rest of the field stayed in or lurked in the top ten much of the season and were in some cases, victims of schedules and weaker conferences that may have had more Class 1A games than top ten games like some of the others on a weekly basis.  It has been said here and is appears to be true that the section playoffs will be dramatic this year and the state tournament could have some traditional names absent with fresh faces in the field this year.  That will make for an entertaining three weeks of high school hockey.

Given the State of Hockey’s overall mood right now, the notion of sectional playoffs and a fantastic state tournament is welcomed by all with open arms.

1. Benilde-St. Margret’s (24-0-1)

Last Week:  W 4-2 Wayzata, W 5-2 St. Louis Park

The Red Knights completed the season with an unbeaten record.  Their one tie to Lakeville North (4-4) was the only blemish.  The Red Knights notched 135 goals on the season which were the most in the Class 2A this year.  Senior leadership and a cohesive locker room have been key to the Red Knights’ season. They had plenty of offensive contributors as eight players notched 20 points or more this season.  Offensive leader, Cade Gleekel, went down with an injury early in the Wayzata game this past week and his return is uncertain at this point.  The Red Knights prevailed in the Wayzata game and also defeated St. Louis Park in a hard fought contest to close out the season.  Goaltender Ryan Bischel posted a 23-0-1 recored with a 2.09 goals against average and a .912 save percentage for veteran coach Ken Pauly’s team.  The Red Knights have the depth and character to overcome the Gleekel injury, yet the Mr. Hockey semifinalist will be missed in their post season run.  Overall, it was a year that not many predicted for the Red Knights. Although they were considered to be a very good hockey team, an unbeaten season was not expected.  They have exceeded all expectations at this stage of the season but perhaps their own.

2. Stillwater (23-1-1)

Last Week:  W 5-2 White Bear Lake Area, W 3-2 Holy Family Catholic

There is only one team that won more games in Class 2A hockey than the Stillwater Ponies and that was Benilde-St. Margaret’s.  While it can be debated that the Ponies schedule was not loaded with a lot of top ten teams, a total of 5 games, Stillwater, did take care of business with teams they were expected to this year.  Two players captured more than 50 points with junior Noah Cates (20g-34a-54pts) and senior Jackson Cates (20g-33a-53pts) working the impressive one-two punch.  Jackson is slated to play his college hockey for Mel Pearson and the Michigan Tech Huskies.  Wins over White Bear Lake and a tough battle with Holy Family Catholic capped off a offensively productive season for the Ponies who tallied 128 goals and allowed a Class 2A low 42 goals against.  This team was recognized as an offensively talented edition this year but the level of defensive play was what stood out even more for this offensively entertaining team.  Matt Doman’s team has already accomplished their first goal by capturing the Suburban East Conference title making it their first conference hockey title in school history.  They now have their sights set on another section championship and first-ever state title.

3. Blaine (21-4-0)

Last Week:  W 4-1 Robbinsdale Armstrong, W 5-0 Roseville Area

It was a 21-win regular season for the Bengals who are winners in their last eight games.  Blaine has two Mr. Hockey semifinalists and 78 point players in Luke Notermann (28g-50a-78pts), and Riley Tufte (47g-31a-78pts).  Tufte’s 47 goals is nothing short of impressive and he has scored a major portion of those goals while playing five-on-five.  Notermann is a gifted set-up man and the two have been difficult for other teams to contain this year.  The Bengals spread 4 losses throughout the schedule and are in position to make a second straight State Tournament appearance and 12th in school history.  The Bengals scored 129 goals this season with Notermann and Tufte accounting for 75 of them.  Goaltender Ridge Gerads took the starting goaltender reigns and posted a 15-3-0 record with a 1.94 goals against average and sterling .926 save percentage.  Coach Chris Carroll’s team has the talent with their top guns to be an issue for any team it faces this season.

4. Minnetonka (18-6-1)

Last Week:  W 6-1 Edina, W 6-1 Duluth East

The Skippers closed out the season with a 4-0-1 record and outscored their opponents 31-8 in those games.  There is no doubt the Lake Conference still is the best high school hockey conference in Minnesota.  It may not be the largest, but it certainly presents 8 games a year that are challenging.  Minnetonka captured the conference title with a 6-1-1 record which is speaks for itself.  Coach Brian Urick challenges his team with a tough non-conference schedule as well.  Minnetonka had 16 games among teams in the MNHockeyMag CrankyApe.com Top-10 this year, including high-end Class 1A Hermantown, finishing 9-6-1 in those games.  A tough Section 2AA with Eden Prairie, Holy Family, and Prior Lake stands in the way of the Skippers and the State Tournament.  They are looking to make their sixth appearance in school history and first since 2010.  This year has seen a bit of a resurgence for the Skippers and Urick has maintained his patient approach to sticking with his plan and putting players in position to succeed.  Senior Brendan Skarda (17g-19a-36pts) led the Skippers in points and more impressively has posted (6g-6a-12pts) in his last five games.  Goaltender Thomas Hanson is 15-6-1 on the season with a 2.24gaa and .919 save percentage.  He could hold the keys to the Skippers potential trip to St. Paul this year.

5. Wayzata (16-8-1)

Last Week:  L 4-2 B-SM, W 7-0 Hopkins

The Trojans finished second in the Lake Conference this season with a 6-2 record.  Wayzata posted a 7-2 record in their last nine games and those losses were to Minnetonka and B-SM, both rated ahead of them.  Coach Pat O’Leary’s team maintains their structure and is able to strike when needed.  When playing the Trojans, most teams know they have to earn their scoring chances. Their 10-7-1 record against teams that have been ranked at some point in the MNHockeyMag CrankyApe.com Top-10 this year, including Class 1A powers Hermantown and Beck, is impressive and the volume of high end games has teed up the Trojans as a legitimate state tournament contender.  They share a section with Benilde-St. Margaret’s which could set up some interesting drama and a potential date at Mariucci Arena in the section final.  The Trojans also have Edina in their section who they have turned aside three times.  Can they do the unthinkable and beat Edina four times in one year?  It is hard to imagine a team that has ever accomplished the feat of defeating Edina four times in one year, if ever.  North Dakota recruit Mark Senden (7g-26a-33pts) leads his team with Colin Schmidt (12g-12a-24pts) standing second.

6. Grand Rapids (18-6-1)

Last Week:  W 4-1 Duluth Denfeld

A late season surge by the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks propelled them to the sixth position in the final MNHockeyMag.com rankings this year.  They are 10-1 since Dec. 7 and have won five straight since losing to Wayzata by a score of 3-2 on Jan. 22.  Coach Trent Klatt’s Thunderhawks have gotten better throughout the year and finished the season with a power play that connects at a 28.6 percent clip.  The power play illustrates the high end talent this team has.  North Dakota recruit Mitchell Mattson (17a-29a-46pts), Alex Adams (16g-19a-35pts), and Jonah Bischoff (14g-18a-32pts) lead a team that has five players with 30 points or more this year and a sixth that has 29 points.  They wild card to earning their first State Tournament berth since 2007 may lie in goaltender Gable Holum (13-1-0).  It has been a successful first season for Klatt behind the bench and the drive down 169 to St. Paul is certainly a solid possibility for the Thunderhawks who have put together a terrific regular season.

7. Holy Family Catholic (19-5-0)

Last Week:  W 5-2 STMA, W 5-4 St. Cloud Cathedral, L 3-2 Stillwater

The Fire had a breakout year and their path to the upper echelon to the Class 2A was a welcome addition.  The Fire were ranked second for a few weeks with the MNHockeyMag.com and tumbled to seven after losing to Grand Rapids and Stillwater in the last seven days of the season.  The Wright County Conference games that are peppered with Class A opponents represented 11 of their 24 games against such opponents, the second most of any team in the top ten only to Bemidji’s 13 games.  The Fire posted a 9-4 record against Class 2A opponents and were 4-5 against teams that have been ranked in the MNHockeyMag top 10 at some point this season including Class A power Breck.  Head coach Noel Rahn’s team was stingy defensively allowing just 45 goals against his season which is a winning formula for playoff hockey.  Goalies Jaxson Stauber (9-1-0, 1.24gaa) and Jared Moe (10-4-0, 2.12gaa) are an impressive duo that can be relied upon.  Offensively Will Garin (24g-23a-47pts) and Matt Anderson (9g-26a-35pts) are playing like the DI recruits that they are.  With Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Prior Lake in the hunt for the Section 2AA title, the Fire have every reason to believe they could make their first trip to the State Tournament.

8. Lakeville North (19-5-1)

Last Week:  W 4-1 St. Thomas Academy, W 8-2 Eastview, W 7-6 Prior Lake

The Panthers are among the hottest teams in the Class 2A with 8 straight wins and a 14-1 mark in their last 15 games including the thrilling 3-2 win at Bayfront Park in Duluth on Hockey Day Minnesota.  Since then it was 4-1 wins over St. Thomas Academy, 8-2 over Eastview, and 7-6 over Prior Lake.  Coach Trent Eigner’s team is one win away from the 20-win club.  With 133 goals scored and just 54 goals allowed this year, the Panthers continue their formula of success which is stifling defensive zone play and creative offensive production that starts in transition.  St. Cloud State recruit Ryan Poehling (20g-34a-54pts) leads the team offensively and Bowling Green bound Max Johnson leads in goals with (27g-19a-46pts).  Buzz Eigner has notched 3 shutouts and owns a record of (13-3-1) and will be called upon in the playoffs.  With the perfect season of 2015 firmly behind them, this year’s edition has been able to forge their own identity and appear comfortable with it heading to the post season.  A Section 1AA title would mark the 3rd straight state tournament appearance and 10th overall.  They will have a tough run in their section with Farmington among other teams ready to take a run at the Panthers.

9. Bemidji (21-2-2)

Last Week:  W 4-1 Thief River Falls

Much like he team one slot ahead of them, the Bemidji Lumberjacks have put together a solid close to the season by winning 10 straight and 14 of their last 15 games.  They are known as a defensive team and are in allowing just 47 against his year.  With 119 goals for the Lumberjacks  have a knack to score and in bunches.  Coach Wade Chiodo’s team is 2-0-1 against teams that have been ranked in the top ten of the MNHockeyMag.com including a win over Class 1A big dog Hermantown.  Still, they are 12-0-1 against Class 1A teams and while the 21 wins are impressive indeed, there were not as many grinding top ten games as the teams ranked ahead of them to justify being slotted higher.  Bemidji, is the defending Class 8AA champions and a top ten team that can do some damage if they qualify for the tournament a second straight time.  Alex Pollock (15g-25a-40pts) and Brady Tatro (14g-24a-38pts) lead their team offensively and goalie Matt Fitzgerald (17-2-2, 2.05gaa) has been solid in goal for the Lumberjacks who will have a challenge waiting in the section playoffs this year.

10. Centennial (18-6-1)

Last Week:  W 7-3 Totino-Grace, W 7-2 Spring Lake Park, W 7-1 Irondale

Five wins in a row and a 12-1 record in their last 13 has been impressive for the Centennial Cougars to complete a successful regular season.  They found their goal scoring groove by beating tier last five teams by a combined 39-8.  Ritch Menne’s Cougars have tallied 114 goals this season and have allowed just 63 against.  They finished one point shy of the Northwest Suburban North Conference title behind Blaine.  The Cougars defeated Blaine and tied Elk River/Zimmerman in conference action this year while posting a 2-5-1 record against teams that were ranked in the top ten this year.  Tyler Nyman lit it up this year with (18g-30a-48pts) and Lucas McGregor (13g-21a-34pts) finished second in points and assists for the Cougars this season.  Nathan Fellows (12-5-1, 2.43gaa) took the majority of the minutes in the crease but Travis Allen (6-1-0, 2.68) was equally effective when called upon.  Centennial is in search of their 4th state tournament appearance and 3rd in 4 years out of the Section 5AA.  Some quality teams will be standing in their way yet if they continue to light the lamp, the Cougars will be in the final mix with their rival Blaine.

Others Receiving Consideration:   Prior Lake,  Edina, Eden Prairie, Hill-Murray,  Duluth East, Elk River, Farmington, Moorhead, St. Michael Albertville, Rochester John Marsall, Rogers

The post MHM Boys Class 2A Top Ten – 2/15/16 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Our weekly boys’ prep hockey Top-10s are brought to you courtesy of CrankyApe.com

Hermantown leads the way into section playoffs

With a big finishing kick, seven different teams in Class 1A completed the regular season with at least 20 victories — and all are ranked in Minnesota Hockey Magazine’s final CrankyApe.com Class 1A regular season rankings of the season. The programs run across the state, from the far southwestern corner (Luverne) to the far northeast (Greenway and Hibbing/Chisholm) and almost everywhere in between. That balance of power is good for Class 1A hockey and should lead to an exciting state tournament in just over two weeks.

Three of those seven programs, however, will face off in the upcoming Section 7A playoffs, including No. 1 Hermantown, No. 5 Hibbing/Chisholm, and No. 7 Greenway. The other four 20-win programs all face tough tests in their respective sections, but are scattered equally (Breck in Section 2A, Luverne in Section 3A, St. Paul Academy in Section 4A, and St. Cloud Apollo in Section 6A).

1. Hermantown (21-2-1)

Last week: W 6-2 vs. Superior, WI (2/9), W 7-0 vs. Hibbing/Chisholm (2/11)

This week: Section 7A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/18)

Hermantown laid claim to the top seed in the upcoming Section 7A playoffs courtesy of a resounding 7-0 victory over Hibbing/Chisholm in the regular season finale last Thursday. Hibbing came in hoping to leapfrog the Hawks for the top seed in the section. Instead, behind two goals each from Cole Koepke (31-22-53) and Peter Grytdahl (4-3-7), the Hawks rolled. As the top seed, Hermantown will face the winner of the 8/9 play-in game (International Falls and Eveleth-Gilbert) on Thursday at home. The Hawks enter the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak in which they’ve allowed no more than two goals in a game, and are a perfect 11-0-0 against Class 1A teams. As six-time Class 1A state runners-up, it looks like the state title could again go through coach Bruce Plante’s Hawks.

2. Breck (21-3-1)

Last week: T 4-4 at Mahtomedi (2/9), W 9-1 at Blake (2/13)

This week: Section 2A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/19)

As expected, Breck picked up the top seed in the upcoming Section 2A playoffs and a quarterfinal game at Parade Friday against the winner of the 8/9 play-in game (Bloomington Kennedy or Mound-Westonka). Last Tuesday’s 4-4 tie at No. 4 Mahtomedi was Breck’s only non-victory in its past dozen games (11-0-1).  But the Mustangs rebounded to roll past rival Blake in the regular season finale, 9-1, sweeping their season series. Senior Mr. Hockey candidate Chase Ellingson (34-31-65) tallied a hat trick both games last week, while 13 different players recorded at least one point in the win over Blake. With apologies to Hermantown, Breck may be the deepest team top to bottom in all of Class 1A, which could be the difference as it makes a state tournament run.  On the season, seven different Mustangs have at least 20 points, while another five have at least 12 points.

3. St. Cloud Apollo (23-2-0)

Last week: W 5-3 at Hutchinson (2/9), W 4-1 at River Lakes (2/11)

This week: Section 6A quarterfinals vs. River Lakes (2/16)

While Section 7A may have the toughest trio of teams at the top, St. Cloud Apollo and Section 6A may be the deepest from top to bottom of any section in the state. The Eagles capped a two-loss regular season with the No. 1 seed in the section and a home quarterfinal game against No. 8 River Lakes. But it won’t be an easy path back to state, as there are landmines galore. On the strength of a 10-game stretch at midseason in which Apollo had eight shutouts, the Eagles lead the state in goals against (1.48 per game). Both of Apollo’s losses were by a single goal (2-1 at Bemidji in the season opener and 3-2 against Breck in overtime on Jan. 7). Senior Nick Althaus (23-2-0, 1.47, .930) is one of two finalists for the Frank Brimsek Award as the top senior goaltender in the state and is a two-time veteran of state tournament action.

4. Mahtomedi (16-6-3)

Last week: T 4-4 vs. Breck (2/9), W 12-5 vs. Simley (2/11), W 5-0 vs. Holy Angels (2/13)

This week: Section 4A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/19)

As the top seed in Section 4A, Mahtomedi earned a quarterfinal match-up with the winner of the 8/9 play-in game between Simley and St. Paul Como Park Friday night at Aldrich Arena. The Zephyrs played as tough a schedule as any team in Class 1A, as 16 of their 25 regular season games were against Class 2A teams. In the nine games against Class 1A programs, Mahtomedi went 7-1-1, including last week’s 4-4 home tie with No. 2 Breck. Jake Anderson (10-13-23) scored twice, including the tying goal in the third period for Mahtomedi. Those goals brought Anderson into double-digit territory, one of six Zephyrs to do so this winter, led by Tim Kuivinen (20-9-29) and Andrew Kangas (10-33-43). Mahtomedi finished 5-0-0 against Section 4A teams, including a 3-2 victory over No. 2 seed St. Paul Academy back on Dec. 1.

5. Hibbing/Chisholm (22-3-0)

Last week: W 7-2 vs. Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl (2/9), L 0-7 at Hermantown (2/11)

This week: Section 7A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/18)

Hibbing’s shot at the top seed in Section 7A went by the wayside as Hermantown waylaid the Bluejackets, 7-0, in the regular season finale last Thursday. It was the first time Hibbing’s tough defense had allowed more than three goals all season, as they are one of only three Class 1A teams to let in fewer than 1.80 goals per game (1.76). As the No. 2 seed behind Hermantown in the playoffs, Hibbing/Chisholm will face the winner of the 7/10 play-in game (Proctor and Ely) on Thursday at home. Junior defenseman Scott Perunovich (13-55-68) led the Bluejackets in scoring and is widely considered one of the most dangerous two-way defensemen in the state. But he’s certainly not a one-man team, as Hibbing has eight other players who recorded double-digit points, including leading goal-scorer Zach DeBoom (22-10-32).

6. Thief River Falls (19-6-0)

Last week: W 4-2 at East Grand Forks (2/9), L 1-4 at Bemidji (2/12)

This week: Section 8A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/18)

With a sweep of defending Section 8A champion East Grand Forks this winter, Thief River Falls earned the top seed in the section playoffs and a Thursday night home game against the winner of the 8/9 play-in game between Lake of the Woods and Red Lake Falls. The Prowlers actually trailed 2-0 midway through the third period of last Tuesday’s 4-2 victory at East Grand Forks, but scored four goals in a span of eight minutes, six seconds to earn the victory. Actually, to be correct, senior sniper Ethan Johnson (40-17-57) scored four goals in that stretch, extending his team-leading goal total. Johnson has been a one-man wrecking crew much of the season, since opening with hat trick against Roseau in a Nov. 24 game televised on FSN. He’s been held without a goal in only four games all winter and only one game without a point.

7. Greenway (21-4-0)

Last week: W 7-2 at Northern Lakes (2/11)

This week: Section 7A quarterfinals vs. North Shore (2/18)

In what may be bulletin board material at Greenway, the Raiders were bypassed for the No. 3 seed in Section 7A by a .500 Duluth Denfeld squad. What that means is that the Raiders still get a home game Thursday against fifth-seeded North Shore, a team they beat twice, but they’ll end up having to face Hermantown in the semifinals instead of a possible championship game. Of course, one could point to the Raiders’ 4-3 overtime loss in a head-to-head meeting with Denfeld back on Dec. 1 as the reason for the slight. Since that game, the Raiders are 18-3-0, losing only to Hermantown once and Hibbing/Chisholm twice — the top two teams in Section 7A. It will be interesting to see the goaltending split in the playoffs between two of the Raiders’ LaDoux triplets: Mike LaDoux (10-3-0, 1.91, .920) and Sam LaDoux (9-1-0, 1.80, .918), both of whom have been outstanding this year.

8. St. Paul Academy (20-5-0)

Last week: W 5-2 at Blake (2/9), W 6-2 vs. Holy Angels (2/11), W 7-0 at South St. Paul (2/12), W 8-2 vs. Providence Academy (2/13)

This week: Section 4A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/19)

A busy four-win week capped a 20-win regular season for St. Paul Academy, and earned the Spartans the No. 2 seed in the Section 4A playoffs. SPA begins its state tournament push Friday night at Aldrich Arena against the winner of the 7/10 play-in game between Henry Sibley and St. Paul Highland Park. A young SPA team seems to be coming of age in time for the playoffs, as they’ve won nine of their last 10 games, only falling in overtime to No. 2 Breck on Jan. 28. Only one of the Spartans’ top seven scorers is a senior — Justin Jallen (19-23-42) — and goaltender Andy Beran (20-5-0, 1.99, .916) is just a sophomore.

9. Delano (18-7-0)

Last week: W 12-3 vs. Waconia (2/8), L 1-2 at Orono (2/9), W 6-0 vs. Mound-Westonka (2/12)

This week: Section 2A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/19)

Despite falling to Section 2A rival Orono last week, Delano held onto the No. 2 seed in the section tournament — Orono is No. 3 — which begins with a game Friday against the winner of the 7/10 play-in game (Minneapolis or Providence Academy) at Parade. While the loss to the Spartans didn’t affect the Tigers playoff positioning, it did knock them several spots down the top-10. Junior Ben Meyers (32-30-62) is hovering at the edge of the top-10 in both goals and points state-wide. He anchors the Tigers’ offense along with John Keranen (15-30-45), Brian Halonen (14-24-38), and Jesse Lawman (16-20-36). A possible section semifinal match-up with Orono won’t be easy as last week’s result indicated, nor a potential final against Breck, the only two teams to beat Delano in section play this year.

10. Luverne (20-5-0)

Last week: W 7-1 at Marshall (2/9), W 7-2 at LSH/St. Peter/TCU (12/12)

This week: Section 3A quarterfinals vs. TBD (2/18)

Welcome back to the top-10 rankings, Luverne. With a pair of victories to close out the regular season, the Cardinals broke the 20-win plateau and also regained the No. 10 spot in the poll that it lost in early December. Luverne also earned the No. 1 seed in the Section 3A playoffs and will host a quarterfinal game Thursday night against the winner of the 8/9 play-in game (Windom Area or Fairmont). While much of the focus of Luverne’s season has been on the scoring exploits of sophomore Jaxon Nelson (70-43-113) and senior Chaz Smedsrud (38-56-94), the Cardinals have plenty of scoring depth. Nelson leads a great sophomore class that also includes Kasyn Kruse (26-33-59), Nick Harder (22-21-43) and Declan Beers (18-24-42). A deep playoff run could net Nelson the state’s all-time single-season records for goals (currently 73 by Little Falls’ Ben Hanowski) and points (currently 135 by Hanowski).

Others receiving votes: St. Cloud Cathedral, East Grand Forks, Little Falls, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, Northfield, St. Paul Johnson, Sartell-St. Stephen, Duluth Denfeld, North Shore

The post MHM Boys Class 1A Top-10 – 2/15/16 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Our weekly boys’ prep hockey Top-10s are brought to you courtesy of CrankyApe.com

Top half stable while teams jockey for position below as season nears close

Believe it or not, we’re entering the final week of the regular season in Minnesota high school boys’ hockey. The regular season wraps up with games across the state Saturday, and both section and possible state seeding are still up for grabs.

The top of the Minnesota Hockey Magazine’s Class 1A top-10 rankings remained stable, but there was a shake-up of the order in teams in the back half. Thief River Falls made the biggest jump into the No. 7 spot with a pair of shutouts, and the Prowlers appear primed to earn the top seed in the Section 8A playoffs should they take care of East Grand Forks a second time. Greenway lost and fell a spot to No. 8, while St. Paul Academy was out-of-sight, out-of-mind, in dropping to the No. 10 position.

1. Hermantown (19-2-1)

Last week: W 2-1 at Brainerd (2/5)

This week: vs. Superior, WI (2/9), vs. Hibbing/Chisholm (2/11)

Winter’s storms robbed Hermantown of one of its two games last week, as Tuesday’s tilt at Farmington was cancelled. But the Hawks did travel to Brainerd Friday night and escaped with a 2-1 victory. Cole Koepke (29-22-51) scored both goals, including the game-winner just 16 seconds after Brainerd tied the score early in the third period. The senior winger has been on a scoring binge of late, tallying goals in four straight games with eight total goals. Despite ranking No. 1 or No. 2 in the state poll all season long, Hermantown might find itself as the No. 2 seed in the Section 7A playoffs should it lose the regular season finale against Hibbing/Chisholm. Both teams have yet to lose in section play and could be in for a monstrous section final match-up.

2. Breck (20-3-0)

Last week: W 10-1 vs. Minnehaha Academy (2/2), W 6-0 vs. Rochester Lourdes (2/4), W 9-2 at Providence Academy (2/6)

This week: at Mahtomedi (2/9), at Blake (2/13)

The Mustangs cranked up the offense last week to extend their winning streak to 10 games. In three big victories, Breck poured in a total of 25 goals, with eight different players scoring at least five points on the week. Chase Ellingson (28-30-58) led the way with six goals and eight points, while Mitch Machlitt (25-21-46) and Austin Heidemann (12-22-34) each had four goals. That’s the type of balance that will make the Mustangs a difficult out in the playoffs. Two teams who could challenge Breck in the playoffs are on the schedule to close the regular season: traditional rival Blake in a Section 2A battle and Mahtomedi, which finished third in last year’s state tournament.

3. St. Cloud Apollo (21-2-0)

Last week: W 5-3 at Fergus Falls (2/1), W 7-3 vs. Brainerd (2/4)

This week: at Hutchinson (2/9), at River Lakes (2/11)

After a five-week stretch in which it allowed almost no goals against (just four total in 10 games, with eight shutouts), the vaunted St. Cloud Apollo defense has been dented somewhat in recent weeks — but the Eagles continue to win. Since falling to Breck on Jan. 7, the Eagles have won nine straight, but have allowed eight goals in the last three games. That number is well above their season average of 1.43 goals against, which is still the best in the state (edging Hibbing/Chisholm’s 1.48 goals against). High-scoring defenseman Tanner Breidenbach (13-27-40) scored twice in last week’s 5-3 win at Fergus Falls and Skyler Rieland (6-5-11) added two in a win against Brainerd.

4. Hibbing/Chisholm (21-2-0)

Last week: W 3-1 vs. Greenway (2/2), W 7-0 at Eveleth-Gilbert (2/6)

This week: vs. Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl (2/9), at Hermantown (2/11)

Speaking of Hibbing/Chisholm’s defense, the Bluejackets took care of business in a pair of Section 7A games last week, including an important 3-1 victory over surging Greenway last Tuesday. Junior defenseman Scott Perunovich (11-48-59), Jake Bestul (15-28-43), and Riley Versich (10-10-20) scored to give Hibbing a 3-0 lead midway through the second period, and the Bluejackets stymied Greenway from there. Freshman goaltender Ryan Ullan (21-2-0, 1.35, .937) continued his outstanding rookie season by stopping 34 of 35 shots in the two games. The Bluejackets could still earn the top seed in the Section 7A playoffs, as they visit No. 1 Hermantown to end the regular season on Thursday night.

5. Mahtomedi (14-6-2)

Last week: T 3-3 vs. St. Thomas Academy (2/2), W 9-5 at Totino-Grace (2/6)

This week: vs. Breck (2/9), vs. Simley (2/11), vs. Holy Angels (2/13)

Over its past six games, Mahtomedi’s record is just 2-2-2, but don’t let that fool you. The Zephyrs are in the midst of their toughest stretch of the season and have proven they can play with the top teams in both classes. The two losses came to the top team in Class 1A (Hermantown) and second-ranked in Class 2A (Stillwater) while the two ties are against perennial Class 2A powers St. Thomas Academy and Hill-Murray. Last week, Mahtomedi actually led STA 3-1 in the third period on goals from Jared Fladebo (4-5-9), Jack Heinsch (10-14-24), and Tommy Strelow (8-10-18), but couldn’t protect the lead in an eventual 3-3 tie. This Tuesday’s game against No. 2 Breck continues that “murderer’s row” of games for the Zephyrs, who also got a hat trick from Tim Kuivinen (15-9-24) and six assists from Andrew Kangas (10-27-37) in a 9-5 win at Totino-Grace last week.

6. Delano (16-6-0)

Last week: W 7-3 at New Prague (2/5)

This week: vs. Waconia (2/8), at Orono (2/9), vs. Mound-Westonka (2/12)

Delano also had a game postponed due to weather last week, which sets up three quick Wright County Conference games to close out the regular season. The Tigers figure to be favored in all three, as they’ve only lost two conference games — both to Holy Family Catholic. In last week’s 7-3 victory at New Prague, Andrew Kruse (5-18-23) and Luke Olson (8-3-11) each scored twice, as seven different players picked up at least two points. The Tigers are likely locked into the No. 2 seed in the Section 2A playoffs unless they stumble this week, as they fell 9-7 against Breck way back on Nov. 24, also their only section loss against seven victories.

7. Thief River Falls (18-5-0)

Last week: W 4-0 at Roseau (2/1), W 6-0 vs. Red Lake Falls (2/4)

This week: at East Grand Forks (2/9), at Bemidji (2/12)

The Prowlers posted back-to-back shutouts last week, as goaltender Kade Nelson (18-5-0, 2.07, .902) made 31 saves in a 4-0 win at Roseau and then combined with Chase Myhrer to stop all seven shots in a 6-0 victory over Red Lake Falls. Lucas Magnusson (18-22-40) scored two goals in each game, while Ethan Johnson (35-17-52) posted three goals and two assists and continues to lead the team in scoring. Thief River Falls controls its destiny in the Section 8A seeding, as the Prowlers have won all nine section games and have a road date with two-time defending section — and state — champion East Grand Forks Tuesday night. The Prowlers won 5-0 in the first meeting on Jan. 19, the only section loss for the Green Wave.

8. Greenway (20-4-0)

Last week: L 1-3 at Hibbing/Chisholm (2/2), W 5-2 vs. St. Paul Johnson (2/5), W 6-0 vs. River Lakes (2/6)

This week: at Northern Lakes (2/11)

It was a good week for the Class 1A top-10, as Greenway was the only one to drop a game, and it did so at No. 4 Hibbing/Chisholm last Tuesday night.  Taylor Lantz (19-31-50) scored the only goal for the Raiders, who were outshot 24-17 by the Bluejackets. The loss likely drops the Raiders into the No. 3 seed in Section 7A behind Hermantown and Hibbing, who meet to decide the top seed this week. The loss didn’t send Greenway into a funk, however, as Kole Kalisch (28-23-51) scored twice in each a 5-2 win against St. Paul Johnson and a 6-0 victory over River Lakes. Greenway closes out its regular season at Northern Lakes Thursday night.

9. St. Cloud Cathedral (17-6-0)

Last week: W 7-4 vs. Little Falls (2/1), W 4-0 at Alexandria (2/4), W 6-4 at Duluth Marshall (2/6)

This week: at Monticello (2/9), at Holy Family (2/11)

With a second victory over Little Falls last week, St. Cloud Cathedral likely wrapped up the No. 2 seed behind St. Cloud Apollo in the upcoming Section 6A playoffs. After edging the Flyers by a goal two weeks ago, the Crusaders poured in five second-period goals in a 7-4 win last Monday night. Michael Spethmann (14-10-24) scored once in each period for a hat trick and Jake VanHalbeck (20-14-34) tallied the first two goals in the second to lead Cathedral to the important win. VanHalbeck kept the momentum going with two more goals in a 4-0 shutout at Alexandria and another two in a 6-4 win at Duluth Marshall. The junior forward’s six goals in three games were as many as he had scored in the previous 12 games. Sophomore goaltender Keegan Karki (11-5-0, 2.89, .887) has now started the past four games for the Crusaders, all victories.

10. St. Paul Academy (16-5-0)

Last week: idle

This week: at Blake (2/9), vs. Holy Angels (2/11), at South St. Paul (2/12), vs. Providence Academy (2/13)

The Spartans end the regular season with a busy week, as last week’s only game was pushed into this week’s schedule due to weather postponements. By the time St. Paul Academy visits Blake on Tuesday night, it will have been almost two weeks since its last game, a 4-3 loss at Breck. The only Section 4A opponent among the final four games is South St. Paul on Friday night. It’s the only match-up of the year between the two programs and a win should give St. Paul Academy the No. 2 seed behind Mahtomedi. Junior forward Jack Johnston (23-16-39) not only leads the Spartans in scoring, he also has a team-best five game-winning goals.

Others receiving votes: Luverne, East Grand Forks, Little Falls, Northfield, Blake, St. Paul Johnson, Sartell-St. Stephen, Minneapolis

The post MHM Boys Class 1A Top-10 – 2/9/16 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Our weekly boys’ prep hockey Top-10s are brought to you courtesy of CrankyApe.com

Red Knights poised to run the table, Ponies giving chase

Week 12 of the CrankyApe.com rankings represents the last week of the regular season.  We will have one more final ranking that will come out next week and then our attention will focus on the sectional and state tournament action.  The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights still have a zero in the loss column and have not moved from the top spot for weeks.  Stillwater reclaimed the second spot after Holy Family Catholic was tripped up and that opened up a slot for Blaine to move up to No. 3.

There are a number of teams that could be considered for the 8-10 slots this week with Eden Prairie being dropped like it’s hot.  There are legitimate reasons for that yet the Eagles are 0-3-1in their last four games with the 3 losses accounting for half of their season losses.  There could be a number of upsets in sectional play and a potential state tournament field that could be peppered with some variety this year which would be great for the game.

1.  Benide-St. Margaret’s (22-0-1)

Last Week:  W 5-1 Chaska, W 5-3 Eden Prairie

This Week:  at Wayzata (2/11), vs St. Louis Park (2/13)

The Red Knights defeated a motivated Eden Prairie team on the road this past week in an entertaining 5-3 game.  After jumping out to a 3-0 lead, the high flying Red Knights held off the Eagles who rallied to pull within one at 4-3 in the third period.  Mr. Hockey finalist Cade Gleekel scored a pair of goals to help lead his team to the win before a packed house.  B-SM also dispatched the Chaska Hawks 5-1 to open the week and remain unbeaten.  The win over Eden Prairie improves the Red Knights record to 7-0-1 against teams that have been in the MNHockeyMag CrankyApe.com Top-10 this season.  Two big sectional games are up next with Wayzata on deck this week and natural rival St. Louis Park each standing in the Red Knight’s way with an unbeaten regular season this year.

2.  Stillwater (21-1-1)

Last Week:  W 6-1 Forest Lake, W 3-1 Woodbury

This Week:  at White Bear Lake (2/11), vs Holy Family Catholic (2/13)

It was a pair of wins in Suburban East Conference for the Ponies who defeated Forest Lake and Woodbury.  The Ponies close out the season with two more games games.  One is at White Bear Lake and and the second is at home when the Ponies host Holy Family Catholic.  The White Bear Lake game could be a preview to a sectional matchup with the season finale being a re-match with Holy Family Catholic from the St. Louis Park Holiday Classic game which resulted in a Fire win over the Ponies.  That loss represents the only loss of the season for the Ponies who have won nine straight and are 13-0-1 since losing to Holy Family Catholic.

3.  Blaine (18-4-0)

Last Week:  W 5-0 Irondale, W 7-1 Coon Rapids

This Week:  vs Champlin Park (2/8), vs Armstrong/Cooper (2/10), vs Roseville Area (2/13)

The Bengals have climbed back to the third slot this week by turning aside Irondale and Coon Rapids, a pair of teams they are expected to beat.  Featuring two Mr. Hockey finalists in Luke Notermann and Riey Tufte, the Bengals are going to be an issue for a number of teams come sectional time and perhaps beyond.  They have won five straight and are 8-3 against teams that have been ranked in the MNHockeyMag CrankyApe.com Top-10 this year and that is plenty of reason to have them in the elite of the rankings for their body of work by owning the most wins against the fewest losses of top teams this year.

4.  Holy Family Catholic (17-4-0)

Last Week:  at Hopkins (ppd), W 5-0 Duluth Marshall, L 5-3 Grand Rapids

This Week:  at St. Michael Albertville (2/9), vs St. Cloud Cathedral (2/11), at Stillwater (2/13)

A 10-game winning streak was snapped by the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks this past weekend as the Fire fell by a score of 5-3 in an outdoor game at Grussendorf Park in Grand Rapids on Hockey Day Minnesota.  The night before Holy Family Catholic stopped the Marshall School, Duluth with a 5-0 win at Amsoil Arena.  For the season, Holy Family is now 4-3 against teams ranked among the MNHockeyMag CrankyApe.com Top-10, placing them among a majority of the teams battling it out this year in the top-10 – proving there is incredible balance among a number of teams thus far.

5.  Minnetonka (16-6-1)

Last Week:  T 3-3 Eden Prairie, W 7-3 Wayzata

This Week:  at Edina (2/11), vs Duluth East (2/13)

The Skippers are 3-1-1 in their last four and 8-2-1 since Jan. 2.  Moreover, Minnetonka is 3-2-1 against top-10 teams in that span as well.  Wins over Eden Prairie, Edina, and Wayzata were impressive to go along with a tie against  Eden Prairie in their last six games. Their  losses to Wayzata and Benilde-St. Margaret’s are nothing to be ashamed of as  It has been a rough schedule in January for Minnetonka who have promoted their case as a top five team with big wins over the last five weeks.  Minnetonka is 6-5-1 against top-10 teams in the MNHockeyMag.com CrankyApe.com rankings to date.

6.  Wayzata (15-7-1)

Last Week:  W 5-1 Edina, L 7-3 Minetonka

This Week:   vs Benilde-St. Margaret’s (2/11), at Hopkins (2/13)

Which team are the Trojans is the question.  Are they the one that was a convincing 5-1 winner over Edina?  Or, are they the team that lost in convincing fashion to Minnetonka 7-3 – all in the span of one week.  They Trojans have the most losses and fewest wins among the top seven teams this week, yet are 8-5-1 in games against teams that have been in this top-10 at some point this year, tying them with Blaine and Eden Prairie for the most wins in that category.  The belief here is that Wayzata is the team that has won the eight games and they had a six-game winning streak snapped that included wins against Edina (2), Minnetonka, Grand Rapids, and Eden Prairie.  Wayzata will look to hand the B-SM Red Knights their first loss on the season this week and will close out the regular season with a Section 6AA opponent in Hopkins.

7.  Grand Rapids (17-6-1)

Last Week:  W 8-3 Hopkins, W 5-2 Holy Family Catholic

This Week:  at Duluth Denfeld (2/12)

One game is on the schedule for Grand Rapids, at Duluth Denfeld, and Trent Klatt’s edition will be preparing for the competitive Section 7AA playoffs.  If the Thunderhawks take care of business against Denfeld and win their first sectional game, this is a 20-win team and when all is said and done that will be a short list of teams this year.  Consider that the Thunderhawks are 11-2-0 since Dec. 29 when they picked up play after the Edina Holiday Classic and have a respectable 4-5-1 against  MNHockeyMag.com CrankyApe.com Top-10 teams this year, they are in the same class as a number other top-10 teams this year.  A head-to-head win by Wayzata is the difference in the Thunderhawks standing in seventh again this week.

8.  Lakeville North (16-5-1)

Last Week:  W 4-1 Lakeville South, W 3-2 Duluth East

This Week:  vs St. Thomas Academy (2/9), vs Eastview (2/11), at Prior Lake (2/13)

The Panthers are 2-3-1 against top ten teams from this year in this ranking system.  They have two additional losses to Section 1AA opponent Farmington by scores of 1-0 and 5-3.  Lakeville North handed Benilde-St. Margaret’s their only tie on the season which is a feather in their cap and are 11-1-0 since Jan. 5 while cleaning house on the South Suburban with the exception being Farmington.  A test in the St. Thomas Academy Cadets opens the weekend with two conference games featuring Eastview and Prior Lake closing out the regular season campaign for the Panthers.

9.  Bemidji (20-2-2)

Last Week:  W 6-4 Brainerd, W 11-0 Warroad, W 5-4 Sartell-St. Stephen 

This Week:  vs Thief River Falls

The Lumberjacks have won nine games in a row and are just the second 20-win team this season only to B-SM.  Bemidji has posted a 1-0-1 record among the top-10 teams which fewest such games among the top-1o.  Still, they have scored an impressive 120 goals and have allowed just 46 against this year.  Their two losses have come in overtime to Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (4-3), and Moorhead (3-2).  One final game with Thief River Falls remains for the Lumberjacks. 

10.  Eden Prairie (15-6-2)

Last Week:  T 3-3 Minnetonka, L 5-2 Benilde-St. Margaret’s

This Week:  vs Hopkins (2/11), at Edina (2/13)

The Eagles are 0-3-1 in their last four games and are clinging to the top-10 this week.  There is no question Eden Prairie is a top-five team but going 2-4-2 in their last eight games is tough to justify remaining among the top teams.  All of their losses are to top -10 teams in these rankings and they are 8-6-2  for the season against top-10 teams tying them with Blaine and Wayzata for the most wins in that category.  The Eagles are a good team and if they can re-focus their energy on the next 3-4 weeks of hockey can be considered a state title contender still this year.  We have said it before here, there is a reason for the tough patch for this team and  that is understandable.

Others Receiving Consideration:  Farmington, Elk River/Zimmerman, Edina, Duluth East, Hill-Murray, Centennial, Prior Lake, Lakeville South

The post MHM Boys Class 2A Top Ten – 2/9/16 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Our weekly boys’ prep hockey Top-10s are brought to you courtesy of CrankyApe.com

Trojans on the move while Hornets, Panthers climb back in

Two weeks remain in the regular season with the majority of the teams at or near 20 of their 25 games played.  The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights had a big week topping Minnetonka in a well-played game, earning a 4-2 win, and hold onto the top spot again, something they have not relinquished since taking over in week three.

The surging team this week is the Wayzata Trojans, winners of five in a row, including four against top-10 teams, since the middle of January.  The Edina Hornets climbed back in the top-10 and last year’s defending state champion Lakeville North Panthers also settled in at No. 10.

1. Benilde-St. Margaret’s (20-0-1)

Last Week:  W 4-2 Minnetonka, W 12-0 Bloomington Kennedy, W 10-1 Chanhassen

This Week:  at Chaska (2/4), at Eden Prairie (2/6)

The Red Knights defeated the Minnetonka Skippers in a marquee match-up last week at the St. Louis Park Rec Center.  Utilizing their depth, the Red Knights are finding ways to win each night.  B-SM went on to light up two Metro West Conference opponents in wins over Bloomington Kennedy and Chanhassen by scores of 12-0 and 10-1 respectively.  The Red Knights continue Metro West play this week when they face Chaska and then it is Eden Prairie to close out the schedule for the week.  With 116 goals on the season, the Red Knights are the highest-scoring team in the Class 2A as Cade Gleekel (20g), Auggie Moore (15g), and Jacob Holmers (14g) pace the way in goal scoring.

2. Holy Family Catholic (16-3-0)

Last Week:  W 7-0 Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, W 4-1 Delano

This Week:  at Hopkins (2/2), at Duluth Marshall (2/5), at Grand Rapids (2/6)

The Fire have won 9 straight since a Dec. 17 loss to Wayzata.  This week, they picked up wins over Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (7-0) and Delano (4-1).  They have three Class 2A opponents this week starting with Hopkins, then they travel north this weekend for games against Duluth Marshall, and the talented Grand Rapids Thunderhawks.  All are away from the friendly confines of the Victoria Arena and will provide a solid test for the Fire who have allowed 31 goals against on the season with a pair of goaltenders sharing the duties in goal.  Jared Moe (9-2-0, 1.69, .929), and Jaxson Stauber (7-1-0, 1.30, .931) have been steady manning the pipes this year giving their team a chance every outing.

3. Stillwater (19-1-1)

Last Week:  W 4-0 Mahtomedi, W 8-1 Mounds View

This Week:  vs Forest Lake (2/4), at Woodbury (2/6)

The Ponies topped Mahtomedi, ranked No. 5 in the CrankyApe.com top-10 last week, and hammered Mounds View to put them on the cusp of a 20-win season.  They bring a high octane offensive approach to the table and are second to the Red Knights with 111 goals scored this season in Class 2A. .  Luke Manning (20g), Noah Cates (19g), and Jackson Cates (18g) lead the team in goals.  They captured their first Suburban East Conference hockey title with three conference games remaining.  Forest Lake and Woodbury represent two of those SEC games this week.

4. Blaine (16-4-0)

Last Week:  W 6-3 vs Maple Grove, W 10-1 vs Andover

This Week:  vs Robbinsdale Armstrong (2/2), vs Irondale (2/4), at Coon Rapids (2/6)

The Bengals climbed two slots from the sixth to the fourth on the strength of three straight wins.  In the process, they leap-frogged Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, each of which have won and lost some big games over the past two weeks.  Like the other top teams in our rankings, the Bengals are putting the puck in the net with 102 on the season.  Riley Tufte (33g), and Luke Notermann (21g) account for 53% of the Bengals goals.  Three games are on the schedule this week for the Bengals who will look to finish strong heading into sectional tournament in a couple of weeks.

5. Wayzata (14-6-1)

Last Week:  W 4-1 Hopkins, W 4-2 Eden Prairie

This Week:  vs Edina (2/4), vs Minnetonka (2/6)

The Wayzata Trojans could be peaking at the right time after earning five straight wins in the past two weeks.  They accomplished that after stumbling to a 1-4-1 mark from the middle of December to the middle of January.  The Trojans have gotten back to their defensive ways in allowing just six goals against over the course of their streak.  Consider that they have won four of their five games against top-ten teams in that time and are 8-5-1 against teams that have been ranked in both the Class 1A and Class 2A rankings of the CrankyApe.com rankings and they have one impressive resume.  Mark Senden leads the Trojans in points (4g-21a-25pts) and Colin Schmidt leads in goals with 10.  The Trojans have allowed just 43 goals against this year and position themselves as a legitimate threat in the Section 6AA that features both B-SM and Edina among the top teams.

6. Minnetonka (15-6-0)

Last Week:  L 4-2 B-SM, W 9-0 Hopkins

This Week:  vs Eden Prairie (2/4), at Wayzata (2/6)

The Skippers are 7-2 in their last nine games with both losses coming at the hands of teams ranked above them in B-SM and Wayzata.  Minnetonka picked up a win over an Edina team which may be turning the corner this year, and then crushed Hopkins 9-0 to close out their week.  A challenging week is on deck for Minnetonka which faces off against Eden Prairie and Wayzata.  Things won’t get any easier for the Skippers who will see Edina and Duluth East to close out the 2016 regular season.  Brendan Skarda leads a hard working group in scoring for the Skippers (12g-14a-26pts)

7. Grand Rapids (15-6-1)

Last Week:  W 5-3 Moorhead

This Week:  vs Hopkins (2/5), vs Holy Family Catholic (2/6)

The Thunderhawks have clawed their way to a respectable No. 7 position in the top-10.  They are 7-2 in their last nine games after falling to highly regarded Hermantown on Jan. 5.  Since then, the Thunderhawks’ only blemish was at the hands of Wayzata by a score of 3-2.  That was not a loss to be ashamed of as the Trojans have launched themselves to top-5 status this week with an impressive run.  Only one game was scheduled for Grand Rapids last week and that was a 5-3 win over Moorhead.  Hopkins and Holy Family Catholic are waiting in the wings for the Thunderhawks this week and Rapids will close out the regular season with one game next week against Duluth Denfeld.  Goaltender Gabe Holum has taken the bull by the horns and is now 11-1-0 on the season with his only loss coming to Wayzata.  Holum has a 1.99 GAA with three shutouts this year.  The sophomore goalie is as advertised and gives the Thunderhawks a chance to win every game he plays.

8. Edina (13-7-2)

Last Week:  W 4-3 Eden Prairie, W 5-0 Academy of Holy Angels

This Week:  at Wayzata (2/4), vs Minnetonka 2/11)

The Hornets are back and earned their way in with a big win over Eden Prairie and followed that up with a solid win over the Academy of Holy Angels.  The addition of freshman and University of Minnesota recruit Ben Brinkman to the blue line has paid dividends for the Hornets who have moved Clayton Phillips, another U of M recruit to forward.  It will be the moment of truth for the Hornets who take on Wayzata and Minnetonka, each for the third time this year, and have yet to solve either club going 0-4 in those games.  Sammy Walker (18g-16a-34pts) and Ben Copeland (14g-19a-33pts) lead the Hornet in points and goals this year.  Goalie Charlie de Grood flies under the radar for Edina and has been impressive.  The senior goalie is 12-7-2 on the season, has four shutouts, and has put together a .907 save percentage.  de Grood was the difference in the Eden Prairie game and is also a big reason why his Hornet team is welcomed back into the top ten this week.  They could fall out as fast as they returned if they stumble in their games this week.

9. Eden Prairie (15-5-1)

Last Week:  L 4-3 Edina, L 4-2 Wayzata

This Week:  at Minnetonka (2/4), vs B-SM (2/6)

The Eagles dropped both of their games last week and are 2-3-1 in their last six games.  There is a legitimate reason for the Eagles’ slide and it is understandable with some of the challenges the club is facing.  They have been in all of their games during the six-game stretch, losing in overtime to Minnetonka and to Edina 4-3 and Wayzata 4-2.  Expected wins over Bloomington Jefferson and Hopkins have been delivered to go along with a tie to St. Thomas Academy.  Casey Mittelstadt (19g-30a-49pts), Micheal Graham (13g-25a-38pts), Nolan Sulivan (16g-18a-34pts), and defenseman Nicky Leivermann (9g-21a-30pts) lead a potent offensive attack for the Eagles.

10. Lakeville North (14-5-1)

Last Week:  W 13-0 Apple Valley, W 2-1 (OT) Rosemount

This Week:  at Lakeville South (2/4), at Duluth East (2/6)

The defending state champs are back in the top-10 after some time away on the strength of a 9-1 record over their last 10 games.  The Panthers are 2-3-1 against teams that are ranked among the top-10 in the CrankyApe.com rankings this year and the volume of top-10 games among the teams placed ahead of them plays into the consideration as to why they are not any higher.  Add to that two losses to Farmington in section play and the Panthers may not even get the top seed.  Some losses that Farmington has endured keep them from the top-10 and this slot is the Panthers’ for this week.  The Panthers will take on crosstown rival Lakeville South and Duluth East at the much anticipated Hockey Day Minnesota event in Duluth.  Ryan Poehling (15g-27a-42pts), Henry Enebak (13g-25a-38pts), and Max Johnson (24g-13a-37pts) are the offensive leaders for the Panthers this year.

Others Receiving Consideration:  Duluth East, Farmington, Centennial, Hill-Murray, Bemidji, Elk River/Zimmerman, Lakeville South, St. Thomas Academy, Prior Lake

The post MHM Boys Class 2A Top-10 – 2/1/16 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Our weekly boys’ prep hockey Top-10s are brought to you courtesy of CrankyApe.com

A pair of teams swap positions in largely static rankings

With only two weeks left in the regular season, many of the teams in the Minnesota Hockey Magazine’s top-10 rankings have nearly sorted out their potential section seeding — as well as state ranking. Last week’s biggest game was a match-up between then No. 4 St. Cloud Apollo and No. 3 Hibbing/Chisholm at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud. After Apollo edged the Bluejackets, 3-1, the two teams predictably traded places in the rankings. But that was the only shift among the top-10 teams, as stability ruled.

Keep an eye on a couple of teams outside the top-10 who could be dangerous, however.

East Grand Forks welcomed back Grant Loven after a season-long absence, and he responded with two first-period goals in a 4-2 victory over Warroad. So much for shaking off the rust.

Luverne also rolled past New Ulm for a second time this winter, seemingly taking control of the Section 3A race. Super sophomore Jaxon Nelson also hit 60 goals and 100 points on the season with two weeks to play. The University of Minnesota recruit is in range of several single-season and career state scoring records.

1. Hermantown (18-2-1)

Last week: W 4-1 at Virginia/MIB (1/26), W 4-1 vs. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (1/28)

This week: at Farmington (2/2), at Brainerd (2/5)

The Hawks have now won 13 of their last 14 games after beating a pair of northeastern Minnesota rivals by equal 4-1 scores last week. Leading scorer Cole Koepke (27-22-49) got Hermantown off to a good start in both games, scoring twice in the first period against Virginia/MIB and once in the first against Cloquet. The Hawks’ offense appears to be in postseason form, as they ripped a combined 95 shots on goal in the two games. Wyatt Aamodt (5-22-27) added four assists and Ryan Sandelin (19-23-42) had a goal and two assists on the week. As is coach Bruce Plante’s modus operandi, the Hawks face two solid Class 2A teams this week in road trips to Farmington and Brainerd. Looming the following week is a regular-season closing game against Hibbing/Chisholm, the Hawks’ top competition in Section 7A.

2. Breck (17-3-0)

Last week: W 5-0 vs. Blake (1/26), W 4-3 vs. St. Paul Academy (1/28)

This week: vs. Minnehaha Academy (2/2), vs. Rochester Lourdes (2/4), at Providence Academy (2/6)

It wasn’t as easy the second time around, but Breck remained unbeaten in the IMAC with a 4-3 overtime thriller against St. Paul Academy last Thursday. Austin Heidemann (8-20-28) erased a one-goal third-period deficit to send the game to overtime and leading scorer Chase Ellingson (22-28-50) sent the Mustangs home happy just 1:35 into the extra session with his second goal of the game. In their first meeting back on Dec. 12, Breck shut out the Spartans, 6-0. Ellingson also scored twice in Tuesday’s shutout of Blake, as did Carter Breitenfeldt (11-13-24). As befitting the two close rivals, there were 38 minutes of penalties in the game. Look for another intense game when they meet again in the regular season finale on Feb. 13 at Blake.

3. St. Cloud Apollo (19-2-0)

Last week: W 3-2 at Little Falls (1/26), W 5-4 at St. Cloud Tech (1/28), W 3-1 vs. Hibbing/Chisholm (1/29), W 3-2 at Virginia/MIB (1/30)

This week: at Fergus Falls (2/1), vs. Brainerd (2/4)

The Eagles’ long shutout streak came to an end last week, as they allowed more goals in four games (nine) as they had in the previous 13 (eight). But Apollo cranked up its offense enough to win all four and climb a spot in the rankings, courtesy of Friday’s 3-1 defeat of Hibbing/Chisholm. After the Bluejackets took a 1-0 lead in the second period, Brandon Bissett (17-20-37) went to work with a natural hat trick, spanning 13:28 over the second and third periods. Gino Lucia (15-26-41) assisted on the first two Bissett goals to give the Eagles the victory, while Nick Althaus (19-2-0, 1.27, .938) stopped 32 of 33 shots. Bissett also scored in the third against Virginia to break a tie, as did Carter Rieland (7-8-15) against St. Cloud Tech and Noah Bissett (11-6-17) in overtime against Little Falls, as the Eagles won three one-goal games.

4. Hibbing/Chisholm (19-2-0)

Last week: W 8-3 vs. Proctor (1/26), W 7-0 vs. International Falls (1/28), L 1-3 at St. Cloud Apollo (1/29)

This week: vs. Greenway (2/2), at Eveleth-Gilbert (2/9)

In a much-anticipated head-to-head showdown at St. Cloud Apollo last Friday, the Bluejackets fell shy in a 3-1 loss, knocking them down a spot in the top-10 rankings. Hibbing/Chisholm actually outshot the Eagles, 33-28, but couldn’t solve Apollo goaltender Nick Althaus. Big power forward Zach DeBoom (18-10-28) had a big week with five goals, scoring at least once in each game to take over the team goal-scoring lead from Jarrett Lee (16-17-33) and Jake Bestul (13-26-39). The Bluejackets have a big final two weeks exclusively in Section 7A play, hosting Greenway this Tuesday night and ending the season at Hermantown on Feb. 11. Those three teams look like the favorites in the section and these head-to-head meetings should sort out the seeding process.

5. Mahtomedi (13-6-1)

Last week: W 7-4 at St. Cloud Cathedral (1/26), L 0-4 at Stillwater (1/28), T 1-1 at Hill-Murray (1/30)

This week: vs. St. Thomas Academy (2/2), at Totino-Grace (2/6)

Mahtomedi has gone just 5-4-1 in its last 10 games, yet hasn’t dropped below No. 5 in the rankings during that stretch. How is that possible? Playing in the tough Metro East with a host of Class 2A teams doesn’t hurt, nor does a difficult non-conference schedule that included Hermantown (a 6-2 loss), St. Cloud Cathedral (a 7-4 win behind a hat trick from Tommy Strelow (6-10-16)), and Stillwater (a 4-0 loss) over the past two weeks. The Zephyrs split three games last week, going 1-1-1, including a 1-1 tie at Hill-Murray last Saturday. In each game, the shot totals were fairly even. It doesn’t get much easier this week, as the Zephyrs host St. Thomas Academy Tuesday night and visit Totino-Grace on Saturday. Mahtomedi will be battle-hardened as the playoffs begin.

6. Delano (15-6-0)

Last week: W 11-1 vs. Hutchinson (1/26), L 1-4 at Holy Family Catholic (1/28)

This week: vs. Waconia (2/2), at New Prague (2/5)

Delano lost to its Wright County Conference nemesis Holy Family Catholic for the second time this winter, ending a seven-game winning streak for the Tigers. During those seven games, the Tigers poured in 47 goals (6.7 per game), but could only muster one against the Fire, a late goal by John Keranen (14-22-36) assisted from Ben Meyers (27-23-50).  Along with Brian Halonen (12-22-34) and Jesse Lawman (13-18-31), they are the four Tigers with more than 10 goals and 30 points this season. Delano closes out its regular season with four straight conference games, beginning with rematches with Waconia and New Prague this week. In their first meetings, Delano won by a combined 9-3 score.

7. Greenway (18-3-0)

Last week: idle

This week: at Hibbing/Chisholm (2/2), vs. St. Paul Johnson (2/5), vs. River Lakes (2/6)

The Raiders received a welcome break last week, as heading into Tuesday night’s huge Section 7A game at Hibbing/Chisholm, they’ve had 10 days off. Greenway hopes to reverse its earlier game against the Bluejackets, as they lost 4-2 at home. Dylan Carlson (12-16-28) and Kole Kalisch (24-21-45) each scored in that game, as the Raiders had a 2-1 lead late in the second period. A Greenway win this week could throw the seeding meeting into confusion, with Hermantown joining the two as the likely top three seeds.

8. St. Paul Academy (16-5-0)

Last week: W 11-0 at Providence Academy (1/26), L 3-4 at Breck (1/28)

This week: at South St. Paul (2/2)

A rematch with Breck may have proved to St. Paul Academy — and other observers — that it has as good a chance as any other team in the top-10 to win the state title this winter. After losing to the Mustangs 6-0 back on Dec. 12, the Spartans took Breck to the brink before losing 4-3 in overtime last Thursday. Evan Dahlseide (5-14-19) and Matt Dahlseide (20-18-38) gave SPA a 2-0 lead just 40 seconds into the second period, but the Mustangs struck back to tie it. Justin Jallen (15-16-31) tallied early in the third to regain the lead, but the Spartans couldn’t hold it. Jallen and Jack Johnston (23-16-39) also recorded hat tricks as the Spartans shut out Providence Academy last week. SPA hasn’t scored fewer than three goals since the turn of the year, so its offense is peaking at the right time.

9. Thief River Falls (16-5-0)

Last week: W 7-2 vs. Lake of the Woods (1/26), W 8-4 vs. Crookston (1/28)

This week: at Roseau (2/1), vs. Red Lake Falls (2/4)

The Prowlers rebounded from a loss at Hibbing/Chisholm to roll past a pair of northwestern Minnesota teams last week, beating Lake of the Woods and Crookston by a combined 15-6 score. Leading scorer Ethan Johnson (32-15-47) racked up five goals and three assists combined and is now tied for sixth in the state in goal-scoring, while Michael Johnson (13-28-41) had a goal and five assists. With earlier victories over Warroad and East Grand Forks, the Prowlers are in control of the top seed in Section 8A. There is a rematch with East Grand Forks on the near horizon. The Green Wave are surging after getting Grant Loven back in the lineup for the first time all year.

10. St. Cloud Cathedral (14-6-0)

Last week: L 4-7 vs. Mahtomedi (1/26), W 5-0 at Virginia/MIB (1/29)

This week: vs. Little Falls (2/1), at Alexandria (2/4), at Duluth Marshall (2/6)

Cathedral’s hold on the final spot in the top-10 rankings is tenuous at best, after the Crusaders split two games last week. That said, Cathedral’s six losses are all to Class 1A teams ranked above it, including last week’s 7-4 home loss to Mahtomedi. Trevor Cornelius (6-9-15) tried to keep pace with the Zephyrs, scoring a hat trick, while Jeron Hirschfeld (1-13-14) had two assists. Still looking for a true “signature win,” the Crusaders have five games in the final two weeks of the regular season, including a home game against Little Falls and road tilts at Duluth Marshall and Holy Family Catholic, both Class 2A teams.

Others receiving votes: East Grand Forks, Luverne, Little Falls, Northfield, Sartell-St. Stephen, St. Paul Johnson, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, Blake

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Red Knights still rule while Skippers test top-5 waters

Week 10 saw no change among the top three teams with Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Holy Family Catholic, and Stillwater holding serve.  Minnetonka continued is ascent to the top of the pack as they checked in at the No. 4 spot.  Blaine is 2-2 in its last four games and fell to No. 6 this week.  Wayzata and and Centennial continued to move up this week by earning big victories.

1.  Benilde-St. Margaret’s (17-0-1)

Last Week:  W 2-1 (ot) Farmington, W 5-2 Bloomington Jefferson

This Week:   vs Minnetonka (1/26), vs Bloomington Kennedy (1/28), at Chanhassen (1/30)

After having a week off, the Red Knights traveled to Schmitz-Maki Ice Arena and faced a solid Farmington team.  The game was a 2-1 overtime win for the Red Knights as they needed almost the entire overtime period to get it done.  Cade Gleekel scored his 17th of the season with :24 remaining on the clock.  B-SM then went on to defeat Bloomington Jefferson 5-2 in a Metro West Conference game.  They have a non-conference game against Minnetonka which always brings plenty of energy and emotion between those two rivals on Tuesday.  Then, it is back to Metro West Conference play for the Red Knights who are tuning up for the stretch run of their schedule.

2.  Holy Family Catholic (14-3-0)

Last Week:  W 7-1 Orono

This Week:  at Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (1/26), vs Delano (1/28)

The Fire won their only game last week with a 7-1 win over Orono at the Victoria Recreation Center.  They will face a pair of Wright County teams next week as the Fire continue their assault on the rest of the conference.  Holy Family Catholic topped Delano 4-3 earlier this season and face a Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato team that is 14-4 this year.  Fire wins over Minnetonka, Lakeville North, Stillwater, St. Tomas Academy, and Prior Lake provide enough signature victories for the Fire to hold onto the number two slot this week.

3.  Stillwater (17-1-1)

Last Week:  W 7-0 East Ridge, W 5-2 Hill-Murray

This Week:  vs Mahtomedi (1/28), vs Mounds View (1/30)

The Ponies delivered an impressive win over Hill-Murray and established themselves as the team to beat in the Section 4AA.  What is more impressive is the Ponies averaged 5.6 goals scored per game over the last 5 games.  This offensively entertaining team has outscored opponents 99-35 this year.  They are behind Holy Family Catholic due to their head-to-head loss to the Fire earlier this year.  While two top-ten victories over Lakeville North and Hill-Murray are quality wins, the Ponies will close out the season with just four games against teams ranked in the CrankyApe.com Top-10 at some point this season.  Two of those games will have come against Holy Family Catholic.  Stillwater has taken care of business against teams they are expected to and are setting themselves up for what could be a memorable post season run.

4.  Minnetonka (14-5-0)

Last Week:  L 4-0 Wayzata, W 5-2 Edina

This Week:  at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, vs Hopkins (1/30)

One would think a loss to Wayzata would send he Skippers back in the top ten this week.  But, they do reside in the rugged Lake Conference where top teams take turns beating up on each other.  With a 4-3 overtime win and a second win against  Edina this year added to the Skipper ledger, Minnetonka lands in the fourth slot this week.  They are 6-5 against teams that have been ranked in the CrankyApe.com Top-10 this year.  The Skipper schedule calls for five of their last six games against top ten teams at one point this year making for one of the most difficult schedules this year and they have fared quite well.

5.  Eden Prairie (15-3-1) 

Last Week:  T 2-2 St. Thomas Academy, W 7-1 Bloomington Jefferson,  W 5-2 Hopkins

This Week:  vs Edina (1/28) vs Wazata (1/30)

The Eagles finished the week 2-0-1 after losing to Minnetonka in overtime last week.  They tied St. Thomas Academy with Michael Graham out of the lineup due to illness.  A convincing win over Boomington Jefferson and grinding 5-2 win over Hopkins teed up a big week of hockey for the Eagles this week when they take on Edina and Wayzata.  The Eagles are 8-1-1 in their last ten and continue to be on the short list of legit state title contenders this year.

6.  Blaine (14-4-0)

Last Week:  L 5-2 Hill-Murray, W 4-1 Anoka

This Week:  vs Maple Grove (1/28), vs Andover (1/30)

A 5-2 loss to open the week didn’t help the Bengals cause as they fell out of the top five in the CrankyApe.com rankings for the first time this season.  The Bengals avenged a 6-3 loss to Anoka earlier in the season with a 4-1 win this past Saturday. Blaine continues their run through Northwest Suburban Conference teams with home games against Maple Grove and Andover this week. The one-two punch of Luke Notermann (19-32-51) and Riley Tufte (29-21-50) continue their productive season. 

7.  Wayzata (12-6-1)

Last Week: W 4-0 Minnetonka, W 3-2 Grand Rapids

This Week:  vs Hopkins (1/28), at Eden Prairie (1/30)

Three wins against quality opponents in their last three games have propelled the Trojans to the 7th slot this week.  After going on a rough 1-4-1 stretch that tossed the Trojans from the top ten, they have righted the ship by defeating Edina for the second time this year which is huge for sectional implications.  Wins over Minnetonka and Grand Rapids, two ranked opponents, are enough to keep Wayzata relevant.  They are still behind Minnetonka despite picking up the win against the Skippers as they have more ground to make up in their climb to the top five from their rough 6 game stretch.  Wayzata has a key contest with Minnetonka scheduled on Feb. 6.

8.  Centennial (13-5-1)

Last Week:  W 2-1 White Bear Lake, W 3-2 Maple Grove, W 3-2 Moorhead

This Week:  vs Elk River/Zimmerman (1/28), vs Brainerd/Pillager/Pierz (1/30)

The Cougars have won 7 straight and moved up to the No. 8 position this week with a 3-2 win on the road over Moorhead, a team that had won five straight.  Centennial will have a two key games this week with Elk River/Zimmerman and Brainerd/Pillager/Pierz.  What is an impressive is Centennial’s 7-1-0 in Section 4AA games including a solid win over Blaine a week ago.  With two more sectional games on the schedule, the Cougars have a chance to shore up their position in the section playoffs.   

9.  Elk River/Zimmerman (12-6-1)

Last Week:  W 3-2 Andover, L 4-2 Maple Grove

This Week:  at Centennial (1/28), at Duluth East (1/30)

The loss to the Maple Grove Crimson has the Elks standing at 1-2 in their last 3 games.  While they are 5-2 in their last 7 games including a win over Lakeville North, the Elks have been playing well enough to maintain a spot among the top-10.  They have a tough week away from home with games scheduled against Centennial and Duluth East.  The Elks are 3-0 among Section 7AA teams so far this season and have played the fewest  games against opponents from within the section.  The Duluth East game will play large in the discussion for where teams will play out in the section seedings.

10.  Grand Rapids (14-5-1)

Last Week:  W 5-4 (ot) Duluth Marshall, L 3-2 Wayzata, W 7-3 White Bear Lake

This Week:  vs Moorhead (1/30)

The Thunderhawks opened he week squeaking past Duluth Marshall in overtime and then lost to Wayzata before a packed house at the IRA Civic Center this past Friday.  Grand Rapids climbed right back on the horse and took down White Bear Lake 7-3 the following day to close out last week.  Just one game is on the schedule next week with Moorhead slated for Grand Rapids with three remaining on the season.  Don’t look now, but the season is just three weeks away from the final week and Grand Rapids is a team with a lot of talent that has developed over the long haul, positioning itself for a post season run in the competitive Section 7AA.     

Others Receiving Consideration:  Hill-Murray, Farmington, St. Thomas Academy, Edina,  Lakeville North, Moorhead, Bemidji, Prior Lake

The post MHM Boys Class 2A Top Ten – 1/26/16 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

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Hawks solidify grip on top spot, Crusaders climb back in

A current four-game losing streak knocked two-time defending Class 1A state champion East Grand Forks from the Minnesota Hockey Magazine’s top-10 poll for the first time this season this week, the only shake up from last week’s rankings. The Green Wave were replaced by St. Cloud Cathedral, which won a pair of important one-goal games last week, and currently hold the expected No. 2 seeding in tough Section 6A behind No. 4 St. Cloud Apollo.

Otherwise, the top teams held their positions as the only losses among the remainder of the top-10 were favorites beating lower-ranked opponents (No. 1 Hermantown over No. 5 Mahtomedi and No. 3 Hibbing/Chisholm defeating No. 9 Thief River Falls).

With just over two weeks remaining in the regular season, the jockeying for playoff position — and possible state tournament seeding — will continue.

1. Hermantown (16-2-1)

Last week: W 9-1 vs. Proctor (1/19), W 5-1 vs. White Bear Lake (1/22), W 6-2 vs. Mahtomedi (1/23)

This week: at Virginia/MIB (1/26), vs. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (1/28)

The Hawks kicked their offense into high gear last week, throwing in 20 goals in three easy victories, including a surprising 6-2 defeat of No. 5 Mahtomedi, a game in which Hermantown outshot the Zephyrs 45-23. Cole Koepke (24-21-45) notched a hat trick, assisted three times by Ryan Sandelin (18-21-39) and twice by Jesse Jacques (10-22-32). That line has powered the Hawks all year and ranks 1-2-3 in individual scoring, in the above order. Their 52 goals account for 54 percent of the team’s scoring, and no other player has more than six goals. Thursday’s home game against Cloquet-Esko-Carlton is interesting from a regional rivalry aspect, although it doesn’t affect any potential playoff seeding.

2. Breck (15-3-0)

Last week: W 5-2 vs. Chanhassen (1/19), W 16-1 vs. Providence Academy (1/21)

This week: vs. Blake (1/26), vs. St. Paul Academy (1/28)

Speaking of kicking offense into high gear, Breck rang up 21 goals in two victories last week, including a 16-1 thumping of Providence Academy last Thursday. Eleven different Mustangs scored at least one goal in the game, but none had more than the two each scored by Austin Heidemann (7-18-25), Justin Paschke (5-5-10), Mitch Machlitt (21-15-36), Will Blake (16-19-35), and Grant Parrish (8-1-9). When the Mustangs are at their best, that’s the scoring balance that makes them almost impossible to defend. Breck has an important pair of games this week, with IMAC rivals Blake and St. Paul Academy visiting Anderson Ice Arena. The Mustangs have yet to face Blake, but did beat SPA 6-0 back on Dec. 12.

3. Hibbing/Chisholm (17-1-0)

Last week: W 3-1 vs. Duluth Denfeld (1/19), W 6-0 vs. Warroad (1/22), W 3-2 vs. Thief River Falls (1/23)

This week: vs. Proctor (1/26), vs. International Falls (1/28), at St. Cloud Apollo (1/29)

Hibbing/Chisholm began the toughest stretch of its schedule by winning three times last week, allowing just three goals in the three home games against Section 7A rival Duluth Denfeld and perennial northwestern Minnesota powers Warroad and Thief River Falls. The Bluejackets’ Zach DeBoom (13-10-23) led the way with a goal in each game, including poking in the game-winner with 25 seconds left in Saturday’s one-goal win over Thief River Falls. The Bluejackets actually trailed 2-1 with just over a minute left, but crafty defenseman Scott Perunovich (10-38-48) tied it on the power play and DeBoom won it in the final minute. Hibbing/Chisholm continues with a pair of Section 7A teams this week before traveling to St. Cloud Apollo in a very intriguing match-up on Friday.

4. St. Cloud Apollo (15-2-0)

Last week: W 4-0 at Sauk Rapids-Rice (1/19), W 4-0 at Alexandria (1/21)

This week: at Little Falls (1/26), at St. Cloud Tech (1/28), vs. Hibbing/Chisholm (1/29), at Virginia/MIB (1/30)

In its last 10 games, St. Cloud Apollo is 9-1-0 and has eight shutouts. Yes, eight shutouts. The Eagles are the toughest team in the state on which to score, as evidenced by their state-best 1.06 goals against average. Section 6A foes Sauk Rapids-Rice and Alexandria couldn’t dent the Eagles’ defense last week, running their current shutout streak to 153 minutes (since losing 3-2 in overtime to Breck on Jan. 7). Senior goaltender Nick Althaus (15-2-0, 1.05, .946) leads the state in shutouts with eight, and is first in both goals against and save percentage. Who will score next on Apollo? Little Falls is up first on Tuesday in an important Section 6A game, as the Flyers are hanging on the fringe of the top-10.

5. Mahtomedi (12-5-0)

Last week: W 10-1 at Hastings (1/21), L 2-6 at Hermantown (1/23)

This week: at St. Cloud Cathedral (1/26), at Stillwater (1/28), at Hill-Murray (1/30)

After rolling past Hastings in its first game last week, Mahtomedi ran into the Hermantown buzz saw Saturday in Hawks’ country. The Zephyrs actually scored first against Hermantown, as Jack Heinsch (9-9-18) tallied 2:22 into the game to give Mahtomedi a 1-0 lead. But Hermantown responded with three goals in the first, outshooting the Zephyrs 22-9 in that frame, and rolled from there. The schedule doesn’t get much easier this week for coach Jeff Poeschl’s team, as it hits the road for three games in five days against St. Cloud Cathedral, Stillwater, and Hill-Murray — all ranked in the top-15 in either Class 1A or Class 2A. Mahtomedi may end the season with the most losses of any top-10 team, but it will be battle tested for the playoffs.

6. Delano (14-5-0)

Last week: W 8-0 at Mound-Westonka (1/19), W 7-5 at Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (1/22)

This week: vs. Hutchinson (1/26), at Holy Family Catholic (1/28)

The Tigers stretched their winning streak to six games with two Wright County Conference victories last week. Two more loom this week, including a rematch with WCC-leading Holy Family Catholic, which handed Delano its only conference loss back on Jan. 5, 4-3. That was also the last game the Tigers allowed more than two goals until last Thursday’s firewagon game at Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato. Leading 5-1 entering the third period on two goals from John Keranan (13-22-35), the Tigers held off a hard-charging Dragons’ team. Perhaps the four-goal lead was misleading, however, as Litchfield actually outshot Delano 29-12 through two periods.

7. Greenway (18-3-0)

Last week: W 4-3 at Virginia/MIB (1/19), W 5-2 vs. North Shore (1/21), W 7-2 at International Falls (1/22)

This week: idle

Greenway enters a 10-day break on a four-game winning streak, although the Raiders needed overtime to escape Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl last Tuesday, 4-3. Kole Kalisch (24-21-45) scored 2:03 into overtime and Mike LaDoux (9-2-0, 1.54, .927) made 22 saves to lead the Raiders past the Blue Devils. Greenway also likely wrapped up at least the No. 3 seed in Section 7A with a second victory over North Shore. The Raiders’ three losses have come against section opponents, however, in Duluth Denfeld, Hibbing/Chisholm, and Hermantown — although they were by a combined four goals. After the 10-day layoff, Greenway returns to action with its final section regular season game at Hibbing/Chisholm.

8. St. Paul Academy (15-4-0)

Last week: W 7-1 at Minnehaha Academy (1/19), W 6-2 vs. Minneapolis (1/21), W 3-0 at St. Paul Johnson (1/23)

This week: at Providence Academy (1/26), at Breck (1/28)

With 11 wins in its last 12 games, St. Paul Academy is soaring as the season winds down. Last week, the Spartans rolled past three opponents by a combined 16-3 score, including a key Section 4A shutout of St. Paul Johnson on Saturday, 3-0. Jack Johnston (20-13-33), Dev McCabe (4-17-21), and Matt Dahlseide (19-17-36) scored in the first period and the Spartans cruised from there as sophomore goaltender Andy Beran () stopped all 23 Governors’ shots. In SPA’s four losses this winter, three have been by a single goal. The only other loss? A 6-0 shutout by Breck on Dec. 12. This Thursday, the Spartans travel to Breck for the rematch, hoping to improve on that result.

9. Thief River Falls (14-5-0)

Last week: W 5-0 vs. East Grand Forks (1/19), W 3-1 at Duluth Denfeld (1/22), L 2-3 at Hibbing/Chisholm (1/23)

This week: vs. Lake of the Woods (1/26), vs. Crookston (1/28)

Thief River Falls too control of the Section 8A race last week, shutting out East Grand Forks, 5-0 on Tuesday night at home. Ethan Johnson (27-12-39) continued his season-long scoring outburst with a hat trick, while Lucas Magnusson (13-18-31) and defenseman Brendan Bushy (4-19-23) each had two assists. The Prowlers did drop a one-goal game at Hibbing/Chisholm to end the week, a disappointing result as they actually led by a goal with 1:10 remaining. There is also still a rematch at East Grand Forks on the schedule for Feb. 9, but first the Prowlers must get past Lake of the Woods and Crookston this week, although both games are at home.

10. St. Cloud Cathedral (13-5-0)

Last week: W 4-3 at Little Falls (1/19), W 2-1 vs. Blake (1/23)

This week: vs. Mahtomedi (1/26), at Virginia/MIB (1/29)

The Crusaders finally reenter the rankings after falling out in mid-December after a three-game losing streak. But a closer look at their schedule reveals four losses to teams ranked ahead of them in the top-10 (No. 1 Hermantown, No. 2 Breck, No. 4 St. Cloud Apollo, and No. 6 Delano), and a loss to two-time defending state champion East Grand Forks. What kept the Crusaders out of the rankings was a true signature win, something they picked up twice this week with one-goal victories over rising Little Falls and Blake. Leading scorer Logan Neu (15-17-32) scored twice against the Flyers, rallying Cathedral from a late one-goal deficit, and netted the game-winner against Blake. Another “signature” game looms Tuesday night against No. 5 Mahtomedi.

Others receiving votes: East Grand Forks, Luverne, Sartell-St. Stephen, Orono, Little Falls, St. Paul Johnson, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, Princeton, Blake, Totino-Grace

The post MHM Boys Class 1A Top-10 – 1/26/16 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

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Breck back on Hermantown’s heels in minor movement in the ranks

There wasn’t much of a shakeup atop the Minnesota Hockey Magazine’s Class 1A top 10 rankings, even though two of the top three programs fell to northern Class 2A powers. Hermantown retained its No. 1 ranking even after ending the week with a loss to Bemidji, while Hibbing/Chisholm did fall one spot to No. 3 after dropping its first game of the winter against Grand Rapids. Otherwise, most other programs held serve as the “dog days” of January arrive.

1. Hermantown (13-2-1)

Last week: W 2-1 at Greenway (1/12), L 2-4 vs. Bemidji (1/16)

This week: vs. Proctor (1/19), vs. White Bear Lake (1/22), vs. Mahtomedi (1/23)

The Hawks had only scored fewer than three goals once in their first 14 games this winter until last week’s power outage. With just two goals in each game, Hermantown was fortunate to split a pair, edging Greenway by a goal and falling to Bemidji last Saturday. Two Hawks — Cole Koepke (19-17-36) and Ryan Sandelin (16-17-33) have double-digit goals this year and each scored against Bemidji. Dylan Samberg (3-10-13) broke a 1-all tie at Greenway with a goal midway through the second period, and the tough Hawks’ defense made that lead stand up, allowing only 18 total shots on goal to the Raiders. Still, the tight victory may signal that Section 7A is more than a two-team race, as Greenway has surged to No. 7 in this week’s poll.

2. Breck (13-3-0)

Last week: W 8-0 at Holy Angels (1/14)

This week: vs. Chanhassen (1/19), vs. Providence Academy (1/21)

Welcome back to the No. 2 spot in the rankings, Breck. The Mustangs have responded to a tough Schwan Cup Silver bracket over the holidays by winning three straight, including an 8-0 defeat of Holy Angels last Thursday. Mitch Machlitt (19-12-31) started the onslaught with a pair of first-period goals, both assisted by Austin Heidemann (5-15-20). Breck’s defense locked up the Stars the rest of the way, allowing just five shots on goal over the final two periods. Sophomore goaltender Linden Olness (13-3-0, 1.86, .900) had to make just 12 saves for his second shutout of the season. That’s the dominant Breck team that had held the No. 1 or No. 2 spot in the poll most of the winter and the one that will likely do so the rest of the way leading into the section tournaments in late February.

3. Hibbing/Chisholm (14-1-0)

Last week: W 10-2 at Superior, WI (1/12), L 0-3 vs. Grand Rapids (1/14)

This week: vs. Duluth Denfeld (1/19), vs. Warroad (1/22), vs. Thief River Falls (1/23)

After suffering its first defeat of the season, Hibbing/Chisholm dropped back one spot in the rankings. The Bluejackets were shut out by visiting Grand Rapids last Thursday, also getting outshot 42-22. Freshman goaltender Ryan Ullan (14-1-0, 1.54, .931) continued his strong play with 39 saves on 42 shots, but the offense that hadn’t scored fewer than three goals in a game all year was finally stymied. The Bluejackets rolled up on Superior, WI in last week’s other game, as Logan Radovich (8-9-17) notched a hat trick and Jake Bestul (12-18-30) and Dylan Mattson (5-7-12) each had two goals. Knocked in some quarters for its strength of schedule thus far, Hibbing will see an uptick in the coming weeks with games against Thief River Falls, St. Cloud Apollo, Greenway and Hermantown — all ranked in this week’s top 10.

4. St. Cloud Apollo (13-2-0)

Last week: W 4-0 vs. River Lakes (1/12)

This week: at Sauk Rapids-Rice (1/19), at Alexandria (1/21)

With its sixth shutout in the last eight games, St. Cloud Apollo continues to be the toughest defense to dent in the entire state. Through 15 games, the Eagles are allowing just 1.2 goals per game and have yet to allow more than three in any game. Noah Bissett (8-5-13) had two goals in the latest shutout over River Lakes, while senior goaltender Nick Althaus (13-2-0, 1.19, .943) stopped all 25 shots he faced. The tight defensive style and goaltending of Althaus is what led the Eagles to the Class 1A state semifinals last year and looks like it again will be the path to success for coach Pete Matanich’s team.

5. Mahtomedi (11-4-0)

Last week: W 7-0 vs. South St. Paul (1/14)

This week: at Hastings (1/21), at Hermantown (1/23)

Mahtomedi responded to a 3-1 loss at Tartan 10 days ago with a resounding shutout of South St. Paul in its only game last week. Jake Anderson (5-10-15) popped in a hat trick, more than doubling his season goal total, while Tim Kuivinen (8-7-15) added two goals and an assist as the Zephyrs outshot South St. Paul 40-18. Mahtomedi has a similar formula as Apollo, as the Zephyrs are anchored by a veteran goaltender in Will Swanson (9-4-0, 1.84, .932) and are turning up the defensive pressure as the playoffs approach. The Zephyrs hit the road for five straight games over the rest of January, including a tough road tilt this Saturday at Hermantown.

6. Delano (12-5-0)

Last week: W 5-1 vs. New Prague (1/12), W 6-1 vs. Orono (1/16)

This week: at Mound-Westonka (1/19), at Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (1/22)

Speaking of defensive pressure, Delano has tightened up since losing back-to-back games around the turn of the year. In its current four-game winning streak, Delano has allowed just four total goals while scoring 21 of its own. Last week, that resulted in two big victories over solid Wright County Conference opponents, New Prague and Orono. Brian Halonen (9-20-29) led a balanced attack against Orono with two goals and an assist, while leading scorer Ben Meyers (25-18-43) had the same two goal-one assist game against New Prague. Keep an eye on this Friday’s road game at Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, which has surprised a few opponents already this winter with a dangerous offense.

7. Greenway (15-3-0)

Last week: L 1-2 vs. Hermantown (1/12), W 3-2 vs. St. Cloud Tech (1/15)

This week: at Virginia/MIB (1/19), vs. North Shore (1/21), at International Falls (1/22)

Greenway was the furthest rising team this week, jumping all the way into the No. 7 position despite losing to top-ranked Hermantown. But the Raiders’ 2-1 loss was a signal that they belong among the top Class 1A teams in the state, as they went toe-to-toe with the Hawks for three periods. Joe LaDoux (6-11-17) scored the only goal against Hermantown, while Mike LaDoux (7-2-0, 1.33, .933) made 25 saves on 27 shots. They’re two of the three LaDoux triplets helping pace the Raiders — along with goaltender Sam LaDoux (6-1-0, 2.00, .918). Joe also scored in Greenway’s one-goal win over St. Cloud Tech on Friday night, while Sam made 25 saves on 27 shots. The Raiders return to the thick of Section 7A games this week with road games sandwiching a visit from North Shore on Thursday.

8. St. Paul Academy (12-4-0)

Last week: L 5-6 vs. Blake (1/14), W 8-1 at Rochester Lourdes (1/16)

This week: at Minnehaha Academy (1/19), vs. Minneapolis (1/21), at St. Paul Johnson (1/23)

A high-scoring, one-goal home loss to Blake last Thursday derailed an impressive seven-game winning streak for St. Paul Academy. During their streak, the Spartans allowed just eight goals, but Blake dinged them for six last Thursday. The last time SPA gave up that many goals? The game before the streak started, a 6-0 loss to Breck on Dec. 12. Could there be another run in store for the Spartans? SPA rebounded with a big win over Rochester Lourdes on Saturday, as Riley Bowman (4-9-13), Jack Johnston (18-13-31), and Will Kelly (9-9-18) all scored twice. This week, the Spartans host Minneapolis in their only home game until mid-Feburary — with road games at Blake and Breck in that stretch.

9. East Grand Forks (11-5-1)

Last week: W 4-1 at Roseau (1/12), L 2-3 at Bemidji (1/14)

This week: at Thief River Falls (1/19), vs. Grand Forks Red River, ND (1/21), at Grand Forks Central, ND (1/23)

The big question in East Grand Forks is when senior forward Grant Loven will return. Out all season with injuries, Loven may be back towards the end of this month, will be just in time to help the Green Wave’s playoff push. They’ve remained a top-10 team in his absence, however, thanks to the scoring of leading scorer Tanner Tweten (10-13-23) and seven other players who have between four and nine goals this winter. Casey Kallock (6-12-18) scored twice in a 4-1 win at Roseau last week, although Bemidji beat the Green Wave two days later. This week is big for the East siders, as they play two rivals from Grand Forks in the Gambucci Cup series, as well as traveling to Section 8A rival Thief River Falls.

10. Thief River Falls (12-4-0)

Last week: W 6-0 at Kittson Central (1/12), W 4-3 vs. Warroad (1/14)

This week: vs. East Grand Forks (1/19), at Duluth Denfeld (1/22), at Hibbing/Chisholm (1/23)

With two games remaining against East Grand Forks, including a home game this Tuesday night, Thief River Falls held serve as the chief rival to the Green Wave’s recent dominance in Section 8A. The Prowlers dispatched Kittson Central in a shutout to start last week, as Lucas Magnusson (12-15-27) had two goals and Kade Nelson (12-4-0, 2.31, .895) made eight saves for the shutout. It was a little hairier against Warroad, however, as the Prowlers rallied from a 3-1 third period deficit to beat the Warriors in overtime. Magnusson netted the game-winner just 2:38 into the extra session, following late third-period goals by Michael Johnson (9-22-31) and Ethan Johnson (23-11-34).

Others receiving votes: St. Cloud Cathedral, Luverne, Sartell-St. Stephen, Orono, Little Falls, St. Paul Johnson, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato

The post MHM Boys Class 1A Top-10 – 1/19/16 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

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Fire putting the heat on BSM while Skippers sail upward

It is anyone’s guess as to who the top ten teams really are anymore this year.  What is known is the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights have earned the top billing and continue to do so for six consecutive weeks by pulling away from the field with a 15-0-1 record.  While they were idle last week, the rest of the top ten teams took turns in winning and losing big games along the way.  Making the big move was Holy Family Catholic as they surged to the number two slot.  Not far behind is Stillwater, who like Holy Family, is feasting on its conference games.

The Minnetonka Skippers have been workmanlike in climbing the ladder earning the fifth slot this week with a hard fought overtime win over the Eden Prairie Eagles.  Wayzata defeated Edina for the second time this year and knocked the Hornets out of the top ten yet are 2-4-1 in their last seven games which keeps the Trojans from the top ten this week.  From week to week, the top ten remains a work in progress with plenty of movement and certainly offers a lot of opportunity for discussion.  Centennial and Hill-Murray are the two newest teams to enter the top ten this week. Hill-Murray’s decisive 7-1 win over Wayzata a few weeks back coupled with a four game unbeaten streak propelled them past the Trojans to the No. 10 slot this week.   All of the movement signifies what should be a dramatic section and state playoff run for all teams this year proving it will be wide open.

1. Benilde-St. Margaret’s (15-0-1)

Last Week:  Off
This Week:  at Farmington (1/19), at Bloomington Jefferson (1/23)

The Red Knights had the week off to work on their game, not that it needed much, but they will be asked to come off their break against a very good Farmington team this upcoming week that cracked the top ten in the No. 9 position.  A passionate Schmitz-Maki Arena will await the Red Knights with some of the best fans in high school hockey.  B-SM will return to Metro West Conference play when they invade the Bloomington Ice Garden and face-off with the Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars.

2. Holy Family Catholic (13-3-0)

Last Week:  W 4-0 Mound Westonka
Last Week:  vs Orono (1/21)

The Fire are winners of six straight and 11 of their last 12.  Questions surround this team more from curiosity among fans in high school hockey that have not seen the Fire play over the course of the season.  The Wright County Conference does not do them any favors with Fire being the only Class 2A team in the conference.  Their win over Stillwater combined with solid wins over Minnetonka, St. Thomas Academy, Lakeville North, and Prior Lake is enough to propel them to the second slot in the ranking this week.  They have just one game this week, against Orono, and will finish the final stages of the season with Class 2A madcaps against Hopkins, Duluth Marshall, Grand Rapids, STMA, and a re-match with Stillwater.  That stretch will say a lot about where this team stands in the elite of the Class 2A.

3. Stillwater (15-1-1)

Last Week:  W 6-1 Park of Cottage Grove, W 7-3 Roseville, W 3-1 Cretin-Derham Hall
This Week:  vs East Ridge (1/21), at Hill-Murray (1/23)

The Ponies moved up from the fifth spot to the third this week with three wins.  They outscored their Suburban East Conference opponents by a combined 16-5 last week continuing their offensive surge this year and are running away with the conference which would be their first conference title in school history.  They have an East Ridge team that has played solid defensive hockey and will present the Ponies with some potential goal scoring challenges.  A huge section 4AA game is on the schedule this week with Hill-Murray who is 5-0 against section opponents.  The Ponies are 4-0-1 and a win would position them for a potential top seed if they take care of business the rest of the way.

4. Blaine (13-3-0)

Last Week:  L 6-2 Centennial, W 4-2 Elk River/Zimmerman|
This Week:  at Hill-Murray (1/19), at Anoka (1/23)

The Bengals are slotted two spots ahead of Eden Prairie as both clubs hold identical records.  Even though the Bengals were worked by Centennial last week, the win over Elk River carries a lot of credibility.  Blaine has defeated both Minnetonka and Blaine already this year and has added signature wins over Edina, and Duluth East.  Two tough games are on deck this week for the Bengals and both on the road at Hill-Murray and Anoka.

5. Minnetonka (13-4-0)

Last Week:  W 4-1 Hopkins, W 4-3 (ot) Eden Prairie
This Week:  vs Wayzata (1/21), vs Edina (1/23)

The Minnetonka Skippers have gone about their business in coach Brian Urick’s typical workmanlike fashion.  They have defeated St. Thomas Academy, Hermantown, Edina, and Eden Prairie in their march to a top five ranking this week.  They were topped by Grand Rapids by a score of 5-2 to open the season.  The play for the Skippers since the first of the year has been impressive with 9 wins in their last 10 games including 5 in a row.  The upcoming schedule is a grinder with Wayzata (twice), Edina (twice), B-SM, Hopkins, EP, and Duluth East on the calendar.  That could be the toughest final 8 games anyone has on the schedule.

6. Eden Prairie (13-3-0) 

Last Week:  W 4-2 Wayzata, L 4-3 (ot) Minnetonka|
This Week:  at St. Thomas Academy (1/19), vs Bloomington Jefferson (1/21), at Hopkins (1/23)

The Eagles were stopped in overtime by Minnetonka in Lake Conference play this past Saturday and were chasing the game from the opening face-off having never led. Two of their three losses have been in overtime to B-SM and Minnetonka.  The other was a 5-2 loss at the hands of the Blaine Bengals.  A steady week for the Eagles should keep them on track as they are indeed one of the top teams in the state and on the short list as a title contender this year.

7. Elk River/Zimmerman (11-5-1)

Last Week:  W 4-3 Totino-Grace, W 7-2 Anoka, L 4-2 Blaine
This Week:  at Andover (1/21), vs Maple Grove (1/23)

The Elks fell to a quality Blaine Bengal team last week for the second time this season.  All five of their losses have come to teams that have been in the top-10 this year. Blaine (2), Edina, Eden Prairie, B-SM.  They have defeated Grand Rapids and Lakeville North to hold a 2-5-1 record against those teams with the tie coming to this week’s #10 Centennial Cougar club.  Two Northwest Suburban Conference games are on tap for Elk River this week who carry a 2-0-0 Section 7AA record and the Andover game will double as a conference-section game.

8. Grand Rapids (12-5-1)

Last Week:  W 5-1 Cloquet-Esko-Cartlton, W 3-0 Hibbing/Chisolm
This Week:  at Marshall School, Duluth (1/19), vs Wayzata (1/22), vs White Bear Lake (1/23)

It has been 4 straight wins for the Thunderhawks since they were hammered by Hermantown 5-0 a couple of weeks back.  They posted a 5-2 win over Minnetonka in the early part of the year and followed that up with a controlling 6-4 win over Edina right after that.  They are 3-5-1 against teams that have been ranked in the top-10 at some point this year including Class A power Hermantown.  That is not enough to propel the Thunderhawks to top-five status this week.  Do not count this team out as they have the talent to win the big prize in St. Paul.

9. Centennial (10-5-1) 

Last Week:  W 6-2 Blaine, W 5-0 Andover)
This Week:  at White Bear Lake (1/19), at Maple Grove (1/21), at Moorhead (1/23)

The Cougars had a rough holiday run where they were 0-3-1 over a four game stretch.  Since then, they have bounced back with four straight wins over the past two weeks.  The have three games against teams that will provide a variety of games with non-conference games against White Bear Lake and Moorhead and conference foe Maple Grove.  Tyler Nyman (8-17-25) and Matthew Jennrich (8-11-19) pace the way offensively for the Cougars.

10. Hill-Murray (11-4-1) 

Last Week:  W 3-1 Tartan, W 1-0 St. Thomas Academy
This Week:   vs Blaine (1/19), vs Henry Sibley (1/21), vs Stillwater (1/23)

On the strength of a 3-0-1 record in the last four games, the Pioneers have landed back in the top ten. They have quality wins over Wayzata (7-1) and St. Thomas Academy (1-0).  They also tied Edina 3-3 after losing a close game 5-4.  They have a huge game with No. 4 Blaine to open the week and close out with No. 3 Stillwater in a critical Section 4AA tilt.

Others receiving consideration:  Wayzata, Edina, Bemidji, Farmington, Lakeville North, St. Thomas Academy

The post MHM Boys Class 2A Top-10 – 1/19/16 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.