Notes and quotes from Day 1 of the Class A state tournament

No. 2 Mahtomedi vs. Mankato East

A descendant of Herb Brooks leaves his mark at The Tourney

Mahtomedi junior Joe Paradise’s trip to the state tournament is likely a self-fulfilling prophecy.

His grandfather, Herb Brooks – you may have heard of him before – helped St. Paul Johnson to a state championship in 1955. And just like grandfather, he left a lasting impression in the Zephyrs’ 4-2 quarterfinal win over the Mankato East/Loyola Cougars.

Paradise knew from a young age that hockey was going to be the sport he excelled at.

“Since, he was like, a big part of my family, so [I] kind of just got right into it right away,” Paradise said.

Paradise scored two goals in the victory and drew attention with his first-period goal celebration in which he and his teammates posed for a mock selfie with Paradise holding the virtual cell phone.

When asked if it was planned, a big grin drew across the junior’s face and replied, “Yeah, we did.” Both he and teammate Charlie Bartholomew couldn’t help but laugh about the celebration.

Mankato East’s Sam Schulz celebrates his second period goal to lift the Cougars to a 2-1 over Mahtomedi after two periods. (Photo by Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown Sports USA)

Paradise opened the game’s scoring with a slick wrist shot that beat Mankato East goaltender Jack Cusey and he later tied the game for Mahtomedi just 31 seconds into the third period after the Cougars had taken a 2-1 lead into the second intermission on goals by Adam Megard and Sam Schulz.

Furious Finish

The final 10 minutes of play in regulation was quite chaotic, the referees handed out a barrage of penalties, with the highlight being a five-minute major on Layten Liffrig, giving Mahtomedi a five-minute power play. Eventually, Charlie Bartholomew netted the game-winning power-play goal to give Mahtomedi a 3-2 lead. Fifty-eight second later, Kory Pilarski scored another goal, securing the win for the Zephyrs.

Mahtomedi had had only come back once in the regular season when trailing after two.

“This team has shown grit all season, from day one,” Zephyrs coach Jeff Poeschl said. “And as a coach, it’s just a pleasure to be part of. Because on the bench, there’s no quit, there’s no panic. It’s, ok let’s get to work and let’s get this taken care of.”

No. 3 Orono vs. Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato

Orono continues to have Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato’s number

Both teams are very familiar with one another but it’s been a one-sided rivalry as Orono has not lost to Litchfield since 2001 and that streak continued in the Spartans 6-1 win over the Dragons.

“It came out that we’d beaten them 30-some times in a row and 2001 (I think) it was the last time they beat us,” Orono coach Will Scholz said. “So it’s always going to be in their heads but we just to try preach it’s not who we play it’s how play.”

Orono defenseman Zach Adams fights off a check from LDC’s Blake Johnson in the Spartans 6-1 Class A state quarterfinal win over the Dragons. (Photo by Tim Kolehmainen Breakdown Sports USA)

Flood gates open:

After a scoreless first, the Spartans caught fire in the second netting two goals that were 27-second apart. First, it was sophomore Lucas Jorgenson scoring, with senior Davey Burns making it a two-goal lead shortly after. Then the Spartans really poured it on, receiving goals from Daniel Eckerline and Jack Kubitz and just like that it was 4-0 after two.

“It was a fun a game,” Kubitz said. “It was definitely nerve racking in the first period but after we put one in, I think we knew we could beat them. Because the past games, we just had to get past the first one and then the floodgates would open.”

Senior mentality

As regulation winded down, the Dragons would finally get on the board via the power play when senior Orrin Grangroth scored his team’s only goal deficit to 5-1.

Grangroth, a senior who played in his last high school game took pride in making sure his team wouldn’t get blanked at the State Tournament.

“To have our team get on the board was big and not get shutout and it feels good to score on the big stage,” said Grangroth.

No. 1 Hermantown vs. Monticello

Moose give Hawks all they can handle

In a rematch from last year’s Class A championship game, the Monticello Moose faced the defending champions, the No. 1 Hermantown Hawks.

Hermantown jumped out to an early lead but Monticello would not go quietly and thanks to the heroic play of an underclassman, Hermantown will be moving on to the semi-finals.

Hermantown sophomore Blake Biondi (27) led the Hawks to a 4-2 Class A state quarterfinal win over Monticello with a hat trick. (Photo by Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown Sports USA)

A Sophomore as the MVP?

Hermantown is no stranger to the state tournament but for a sophomore to register a hat-trick and earn game MVP honors? Now that’s something incredibly. His impressive play this season – and in the quarterfinal win – was something a powerhouse like Hermantown was surprised by.

“The other day, we were looking at old stats and we don’t remember a sophomore with the impact in points that Blake’s had,” Hawks’ first-year coach Blake Andrews said of Biondi. “I don’t know if we’ve ever had a sophomore with the hockey IQ in a total package of a game. So Blake has a lot of attributes to his game that most seniors would love to have.”

A humbled underclassman replied, “Thank you, coach.” after receiving such high praise from his coach.

Knock, knock, knock, guess who?

The Hawks are anchored by their top line of Tyler Watkins, Jacob Herter and Biondi as the trio has combined for 163 points this season. So it’s only natural, that they scored the first three goals. First Biondi snuck a past right under the glove of goaltender Tyler Klatt, with assists going to Watkins and Herter. After Hermantown drew a power play, Herter made it 2-0 with assists going to (guess who?) Biondi and Watkins.

Even when Monticello draped all over Biondi, he somehow outmuscles the opposition and pushed another puck to the back of the net, which gave the Hawks a 3-0 lead.

Miller Time

Monticello’s Matt Miller celebrates one of his two goals against Hermantown in the Moose’s 4-2 Class A state quarterfinal loss to the Hawks. (Photo by Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown Sports USA)

It looked grim for Monticello after Hermantown took a 3-0 lead. Yet 28 seconds later, sophomore forward Matt Miller put on his Superman cape, skated into the offensive zone and blasted a puck from the point and Monticello was on the board. Miller continued to play hero just 2:17 later when the forward streaked in on a breakaway, beating goaltender Cole Manahan for a second time and all of the sudden it was a one-goal game.

“They never said quit,” Monticello coach Eric Nelson said. “They kept going, they kept battling and you know testament to Matt and his shot. He’s got a great shot and a great heart. Just kept getting pucks on net and he was fortunate to get a couple in.”

No. 4 Alexandria vs. No. 5 Thief River Falls

The Cardinals achieved a program first with their victory.

The Alexandria Cardinals and Thief River Falls Prowlers finished off quarter-final play.

In a low scoring affair, the Cardinals pulled through for a 1-0 win; giving the program its first ever state tournament victory.

Alexandria’s Jack Westlund celebrates his game-winning goal in the Cardinals’ 1-0 Class A state quarterfinal win over Thief River Falls. (Photo by Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown Sports USA)

Tic-tac-toe

Alexandria’s top line of Ben Dohert, Caleb Strong and Jack Westlund we’re creating plenty of chances early on. After nearly lighting the lamp on multiple opportunities, Westlund received a beauty of a pass from defenseman Andrew Revering and Westlund buried the puck in the back of net.

“I got to give some credit to where credit is due to the people who assists me,” Westlune said. “Because without them I never score but it just feels great to be the one who scores, but I mean obviously it’s not just me it’s everyone.”

Westlund came into the tournament with 14 goals, which was tied for second on the team.

Prowlers can’t convert

Thief River Falls drew back-to-back power plays but weren’t able to convert either of them. They had a 5-on-4 for 1:43, followed by a 5-on-3 for 17 seconds, and then another 5-on-4 for 1:43. Yet the Prowlers were not able to convert as Alexandria’s penalty kill stood tall.

“The second period is the period I thought we just didn’t show up,” Thief River Falls coach Tim Bergland said. “Credit them for executing and we didn’t.”

The post Class A Quarterfinal notebook appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Click on individual image to see full size

The post 2018 Boys Class A QF Gallery appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Simply click HERE to begin your FREE digital subscription.  

Enjoy!

The post MHM March 2018 H/S Tourney Guide appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

All Images by Jeff Wegge and Jonny Watkins

[table id=6 /]

Click on image for full-size view

The post Saturday In The Park appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Mustangs tally fifth title game appearance with 4-0 win

Senior forward Tyler Scott is what Breck head coach Les Larson calls the straw that stirs the drink.

That drink is the Mustangs’ top line made up of Scott, Mr. Hockey finalist Chase Ellingson and William Blake, which has scored nine goals in two state tournament games.

Scott is the piece that gets the line going.

“He is the catalyst on the line,” Larson said. “He has to realize when to keep the puck and when to move the puck to Chase and Will. He has done a fabulous job at that.”

Scott scored two out of his line’s three goals to lead No. 2 seed Breck to a 4-0 victory over No. 3 seed Thief River Falls in the Class A boys’ state hockey semifinals at Xcel Energy Center on Friday.

Ellingson and Blake both scored hat tricks in the quarterfinal games against Mankato West, but Scott took the spotlight almost immediately in the second round for Breck (26-3-1).

Scott scored a goal just over three minutes into the game. Ellingson, who had the assist on the goal, extended the Mustangs’ lead to 2-0 shortly after.

“It really set the tone,” Scott said. “We played them earlier in the year, and are a fighting team. They won’t back down even down three or four goals. That start was huge.”

Although he gave up two goals on the first five shots, Thief River Falls goaltender Kade Nelson settled down, and looked more comfortable as the period proceeded.

Nelson almost escaped the second period without giving up a goal, but Scott had other ideas. Scott scored his second goal of the game and tournament with less than a minute left in the second period, giving the Mustangs a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the second intermission.

Carter Breitenfeldt scored the team’s fourth goal late in the third period. Dalton Weigel and Justin Paulson both registered two assists for Breck.

As Breck found success in Thief River Falls’ zone, the Prowlers (23-7) struggled to attack the Breck net, mustering 18 shots through three periods. Their best chance came during a power play about half way through the period, but Thief River Falls did not even register a shot.

“They take that time and space away,” Prowlers’ coach Tim Bergland said. “You don’t have your extra half a second to make that play.”

The Mustangs also successfully slowed down Thief River Falls forward Ethan Johnson, who scored three goals in the quarterfinals. Johnson, who broke the Prowlers’ 65-year record for most goals in a season, had opportunities, but never converted.

“Our defenseman did a nice job,” Larson said. “You have to play the man on him, and you have to move your feet; when he gets the puck, hold on.”

Breck goaltender Linden Olness has yet to give up a goal in the state tournament. Olness’ play combined with the shot-blocking by the defenseman has Larson excited.

“I am a defenseman, so I love that,” Larson said. “We always tell the guys we start from our end.”

The Mustangs’ defensive efforts, combined with a potent offense, have them back in the state finals for the first time since 2010 and fifth time overall. Larson won state championships in 2009 and 2010, which were his first two years as head coach of Breck.

The biggest difference as the Mustangs head into Larson’s third state title game: how the culture has changed.

“We have created a culture of the right way to do things,” Larson said. “We believe in it, and we are going to stick to it.”

The post Breck Blanks Prowlers appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Hat trick extends Johnson’s record-setting season for Prowlers

ST. PAUL — Thief River Falls forward Ethan Johnson has been giving goaltenders nightmares all season.

Apparently, not just opposing goalies either.

Johnson netted his 47th, 48th and 49th goals of the season in leading the Prowlers to a 6-1 win over Princeton in the second Class A quarterfinal game of the day in the State Boys Hockey Tournament at Xcel Energy Center.

“In practice, it’s almost kind of scary when you see him coming down to take a shot,” Prowlers goaltender Kade Nelson said. “His speed, his hands and his shot … He’s a heck of a player. He’s going to continue to impress people at this tournament and hopefully us as a team can continue to do that.”

In that regard, job one is done.

The Prowlers overcame a slow start against the upstart Tigers, the champions of Section 5. Nelson made a couple of big saves early to keep the game scoreless before Johnson stole the show with a pair of dazzling goals less than four minutes midway through the first. He finished off the hat trick by capping a 2-on-1 rush chance with a goal at 9:27 of the third period.

“It was key,” Prowlers coach Tim Bergland said. “They got a couple of chances, some pretty decent ones early. If they go in, [it’s] going to give them life. Fortunately, Kade has been solid for us all year. Today was no different.”

“It helps a lot to start playing good early,” Johnson said. “It gives us a little cushion. Then other lines start scoring and it really helps us out.”

Johnson got his season going in a similar fashion. He scored three goals in a season-opening 6-3 win over Roseau and his torrid goal-scoring pace hasn’t tapered.

Ethan Johnson completes his hat trick in Wednesday’s 6-1 win over Princeton. (Photo by Tim Kolehmainen / Breakdown Sports U.S.A.)

The senior has rewritten the record book at Thief River this season, breaking Jack Erickson’s 65-year old school goal-scoring record during the Section 8 playoffs. Erickson’s previous record of 42 goals was established during the 1950-51 season.

Whomever is maintaining that book better be using pencil because Johnson doesn’t look like he slowing down any time soon.

Johnson has scored at least one goal in 11 consecutive games and has 23 goals during that span. His hat trick on Wednesday was his eighth of the season.

“It keeps you on your toes,” Bergland said. “We’ve seen this since grade 9. He’s such a good skater, strong on his skates. It’s fun to see.”

Perhaps more encouraging for the Prowlers is Johnson’s propensity to show up in big games.

He scored six goals in the Section 8 tournament, including two goals in the championship game against two-time defending Class A state champion, East Grand Forks.

In three games against the Green Wave this season, Johnson scored nine goals. His two goals in the section championship was the first time he didn’t have at least three goals against their Mariucci Conference rivals.

Now, with one hat trick in the tournament already under his belt, Johnson will try and push the Prowlers one step closer to their first state title since 1956.

“I just try to play my game and help the team out as much as I can,” Johnson said.

Added Bergland: “He’s a special player. You wish you had more of them.”

Princeton coach Jeff Hanson said the plan going into the game was to try and score early and ride the momentum. Slowing down Johnson was also a high priority.

The Tigers nearly accomplished the first part of that in the opening minutes. Despite trailing by a pair of goals, Princeton actually outshot Thief River Falls by a 9-7 margin after 17 minutes.

The difference? Johnson was able to finish his chances while the Tigers couldn’t close the deal.

“I think it definitely changes the game. It’s just going to tilt the ice for us a little bit, give us even more energy and maybe put them back on their heels,” Hanson said. “In a situation like that, I think that’s what you have to try and do; just get a fast start, hopefully you get a little puck luck and maybe a call here and there, try to get up on them early and ride that momentum.

“We just couldn’t get one to bounce there for us early.”

The Tigers, playing in their third state tournament and first since going in back-to-back years in 2002 and 2003, will move to the consolation bracket to play Mankato West at Mariucci Arena at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

The post On the Prowl appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Bergland goal lifts Thief River Falls over two-time defending champ Blake

SAINT PAUL –When Thief River Falls hired Whitney Restemayer to be the next coach of their girls’ hockey team in 2014-2015, Restemayer took on the task of ending the Prowlers’ state tournament drought.

Thief River Falls fell to East Grand Forks 2-1 in double overtime in the Section 8A final last season, falling just short of their first state tournament appearance and the players on Thief River Falls made clear to their new head coach that needed to change.

“They were really upset that we were not here last year,” Restemayer said. “We had that conversation of, ‘I know you want it and I want it as much as you do, so we’re going to do everything we can to make it [to state]’.”

Not only did the Prowlers make their first state appearance in school history in 2015, they won the whole thing. Thief River Falls dethroned the two-time defending Class 1A state champion Blake 3-1 in the 2015 state final on Saturday evening at the Xcel Energy Center. After defeating the Blake School, who some argue should move up to 2A, the Prowlers couldn’t have been happier with ruining the Bears’ plan for a three-peat.

“To come in and show not only a metro school, but also a private school kind of what we’ve got, I’m proud to be apart of it,” Restemayer said. “We succeeded in not only showing what Northern Minnesota has but also what Thief River Falls has.”

But right away in the state championship, it was Blake who showed what they have.

After firing a shot on the Blake net, Thief River Falls turned over the puck in the neutral zone and Bears junior forward Carly Bullock took advantage as she sped down the ice and scored off a backhand shot, just 21 seconds into the state final.

The Blake Bears also limited a Prowler offense that averaged nearly 56 shots through the first two state tournament games. But even with the Bears’ ability to limit Thief River Falls to a tournament low 28 shots, the Prowlers netted the equalizer when sophomore forward Kora Torkelson knocked in a loose puck sitting in the Blake crease. Torkelson’s goal, her third of the tournament, came in the final 18 seconds of a Thief River Falls power play.

Bears goaltender Anna Kruesel played a key role in slowing down the Prowler offensive attack, even making saves without a stick. Yet, the freshman couldn’t quite get her glove in the way of a top-shelf goal from Prowler forward Emily Bergland that gave Thief River Falls a 2-1 lead with just over three minutes remaining in regulation.

For the senior forward, it was a surreal moment sealing the deal for her team.

“I knew I had to get it up top,” Bergland said. “Once I saw [the puck] go in, it was unbelievable.”

Unbelievable also describes Restemayer’s first season as head coach of Thief River Falls, where she won a state championship against state-tournament-regular Blake for both the Thief River Falls community and Northern Minnesota.

“Our girls just saw it as another game, but there was a little a grit behind that saying, ‘we’re from small town Northern Minnesota and we’re going to put our stamp on this’,” Restemayer said.

The post Prowlers wrestle crown from Bears appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

[See image gallery at minnesotahockeymag.com]

The post Class 1A Championship Gallery appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

Prowlers act like they’ve been there before in beating Packers

SAINT PAUL – The South St. Paul girls’ hockey team is no stranger to state tournaments. The 2015 girls’ state hockey tournament is the Packers’ 14th in their history, the most of any school in Minnesota. For the Thief River Falls Prowlers who made their first state tournament in girls’ hockey history in 2015, facing a state tournament tested team such as the Packers may have seemed a daunting task.

But not for the Prowlers.

Thief River Falls overcame their lack of state tournament experience to outlast South St. Paul 4-1 in the Class 1A state girls’ hockey semifinal. The Prowlers will move on to play in their first ever state final against the reigning state champion Blake Bears Saturday afternoon at the Xcel Energy Center.

“It’s nice to put a Thief River falls stamp on it,” Prowlers coach Whitney Restemayer said. “Not only are we the only Thief team to be here, but we are beating good teams too that have a lot of history and have been here a lot. We’re just doing our thing.”

Even with a 53-8 final shot differential in their favor, the Prowlers found themselves only up 2-1 with 13:44 left in regulation after Packer forward Corbyn Jenkins took a pass and buried the puck just inside the left pipe.

Despite the lack of experience with close games at state, Thief River Falls displayed the confidence of a veteran squad when faced with adversity.

“I could hear it on the bench, ‘we’re going to put up one more. This game is ours’,” Restemayer said.

The Prowler bench turned out to be right when junior defenseman Briana Jorde went five-hole on Packer goaltender Sydney Conley with 1:42 left in the game to give her team the 3-1 lead.

With Jorde sealing the victory with her goal, the Prowlers are set to play for their first state championship, Saturday. As they look to make history themselves, they hope to end a historic storyline for the Blake Bears.

“We are trying to make a history for ourselves and be that team to win the state tournament. But it would also be kind of nice to be that team that ends Blake’s [two year] streak.”

The post No experience necessary appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

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

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

Class A rankings

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

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

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

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

2. Breck (19-5-1)

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

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

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

3. Warroad (20-4-1)

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

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

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

4. Hermantown (19-4-2)

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

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

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

5. Mankato West (23-2-0)

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

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

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

6. Luverne (24-0-1)

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

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

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

7. Duluth Marshall (16-8-1)

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

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

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

8. New Prague (18-4-3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Others receiving votes:

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

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