Ex-UMD star parlays career year into lucrative free-agent deal with Caps.

Former University of Minnesota-Duluth defenseman Matt Niskanen, one of the NHL’s most sought-after unrestricted free agents, did not last long on the opening day of the NHL’s free agency period, better known as free-agent frenzy. The 27-year-old Niskanen signed a seven-year, $40.25 million contract with the Washington Capitals.

“We are very excited that Matt Niskanen has chosen to sign with Washington,” said Washington GM, and former Minnesota North Star, Brian MacLellan in a statement released by the team. “At 27 years of age, he is just entering his prime for a defenseman. We feel he will be a staple on our blueline for many years to come. We have stated all along that upgrading the defense was our top priority this offseason and we feel we accomplished our goal with our signings today.”

Niskanen grew up in Mountain Iron, Minn. and led his Virgina/Mt. Iron-Buhl squad to its first-ever trip to the Minnesota State Boys’ Hockey Tournament in 2005. After two years at UMD where he posted 45 points (10-35–45) in 77 games as a Bulldog, Niskanen signed with the Dallas Stars, the team which selected him in the first round (No. 28 overall) in the 2005 NHL Draft.

He joins the Capitals following a career year in the final season of a two-year, $4.6 million contract signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2012.

The agreement reunites Niskanen with fellow former Pittsburgh defenseman Brooks Orpik who signed on to play in D.C. just hours earlier. Orpik’s deal is for five years and $27.5 million.

Acquired by the Penguins from the Dallas Stars on Feb. 21, 2011, along with current Nashville Predator James Neal, in exchange for ex-Gopher defenseman Alex Goligoski, Niskanen registered 19 goals and 66 assists in 214 regular season over three-plus seasons in Pittsburgh.

But it was his breakout 2013-14 season which earned him his lucrative long-term deal. His 10 goals, 36 assists and 46 points in 81 games were all career highs as were his six game-winning goals, 162 shots and his plus-33 rating. Not bad for a guy who began the year penciled in as the Pens’ No. 5 defenseman amid trade rumors swirling around him.

The 6-foot, 209-pound Niskanen quickly climbed Pittsburgh’s depth chart, however, as the Penguins moved further into a season in which they would become just the third NHL team to ever eclipse the 500-game mark in man-games lost to injury.

A slew of injuries and illness befell Penguins’ defensive stalwarts Kris Letang, Rob Scuderi, Paul Martin and Orpik, thrusting Niskanen into a leadership role on the Pittsburgh blue line.

“I’ve always been the youngest defenseman on the team so it was a really good challenge,” Niskanen told MHM when the Pens visited St. Paul in April. “I think I kind of took it and ran with it.”

In fact, Nisaknen played a stretch of games in December which left him as the lone veteran amid five rookies forming Pittsburgh’s top-six blueliners. Wild fans may recall the time frame coincided with Minnesota’s trip to Pittsburgh on December 19, an uninspired 5-2 loss to the Penguins a night after Niskanen logged a career-high 29:44 against the New York Rangers in Madison Square Garden.

“From a guy who was supposed to be traded away and not going to be on our roster, to a guy who’s been our top defenseman this year, without a question, not just offensively but defensively as well, it’s been huge,” former Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said of Niskanen in an interview with MHM.

Likewise, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby praised Niskanen for the way he responded to the added responsibilities, particularly his increased minutes against opponents’ top players and added, “He just seems to get better with each season he’s played here.”

The post Mr. Niskanen Goes to Washington appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

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

So who gets moved to the head of the class?

Class A rankings

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

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

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

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

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

2. Warroad (17-2-1)

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

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

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

3. Hermantown (15-3-0)

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

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

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

4. Duluth Marshall (12-7-1)

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

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

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

5. Breck (13-5-1)

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

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

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

6. New Prague (13-3-3)

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

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

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

7. Mankato West (16-2-0)

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

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

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

8. Luverne (18-0-1)

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

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

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

9. Orono (14-5-0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Others receiving votes:

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

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

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

The answers follow.

Class A rankings

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

1. Hermantown (13-2-0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Warroad (14-2-1)

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

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

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

4. Breck (11-4-1)

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

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

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

5. Duluth Marshall (10-6-1)

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

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

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

6. New Prague (12-2-2)

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

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

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

7. Mankato West (14-2-0)

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

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

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

8. Luverne (17-0-1)

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

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

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

9. Orono (12-5-0)

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

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

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

10. Alexandria (11-3-2)

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

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

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

Others receiving votes:

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

The post MHM Class A Top Ten 1/21/14 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.

It was a big stretch of victories for the top 10 teams, as the programs combined to go 15-2-0 in 17 games (those that weren’t postponed due to the arctic blast early last week, of course). One of those losses, however, was handed to our No. 1 team, Breck, in a 4-3 overtime decision at Class 2A Moorhead. So was that enough to knock the Mustangs from the top spot?

Not quite.

Comparing results, losses and other factors, coach Les Larson’s club hangs onto the top spot by the narrowest of margins.

Class A rankings

1. Breck (9-3-1)

Last week: vs. Minneapolis (postponed), at St. Paul Academy (3-2 W), at Moorhead (4-3 L)

This week: vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (1/14), vs. Duluth Marshall (1/17)

One of the few losses suffered by our top 10 teams last week was by Breck, which fell in a 4-3 overtime game at Moorhead Saturday night. But looking at the body of the Mustangs’ work helps them retain the top spot in the rankings. All three of their losses have come to perennially strong Class 2A programs (4-1 to Edina, 2-1 to Duluth East and 4-3 at Moorhead), whereas they are a perfect 7-0-0 against Class 1A teams, outscoring them by a combined 46-9. That said, Breck is just 2-3-0 in its last five games and edged St. Paul Academy by a single goal in its other game last week — the same team Duluth Marshall beat 9-1 later in the week. It’s up to the top scorers such as Michael Orke (11-13-24), Chase Ellingson (6-18-24) and Mark Sharp (10-8-18) to power the offense after a slow week.

2. East Grand Forks (11-2-1)

Last week: at Grand Forks Central (3-1 W)

This week: at Roseau (1/14), at Bemidji (1/16), at Lake of the Woods (1/18)

East Grand Forks is another team that is being pressured for its No. 2 ranking by the two teams immediately below it. The Green Wave are winning and doing it with a dominant defensive effort. They’ve allowed more than two goals just once this year, already have 10 games in which they’ve allowed one or none, and average only 1.36 allowed per game. It’s a tribute to the fine veteran defensive corps led by Colton Poolman (2-7-9), Eddie Eades (2-2-4), Taylor Brierley (2-5-7) and Tye Ausmus (2-1-3). But the East Siders just aren’t getting much offense, either. They average 3.14 goals per game and no one has more than Tanner Tweten’s eight goals. A game this Tuesday night at Roseau will be an interesting measuring stick, as rival Warroad just beat the Rams 6-4.

3. Hermantown (11-2-0)

Last week: at Grand Rapids (postponed), vs. St. Cloud Cathedral (6-0 W)

This week: vs. Bemidji (1/18)

Since losing to Eagan in the South St. Paul Premier Tournament final over the holidays, the Hawks have been on a roll. Three straight victories by a combined 22-2 score over three perennially strong programs (Duluth Marshall, International Falls and St. Cloud Cathedral) have shown that Hermantown may deserve to jump into the top spot in the rankings. Like top-ranked Breck, the Hawks only losses have been to Class 2A powers (6-1 to Wayzata and 4-1 to Eagan). Scott Wasbotten (10-11-21) has also gotten hot, with four goals and five assists in the three blowout victories. Another thing to keep an eye on is the goaltending battle, senior Jace Thomas (6-0-0, 1.12, .953) got the nod in all three victories over All-State Adam Smith (5-2-0, 2.79, .875) and he’s responded well.

Featured Image:
In a pair of victories last week, Warroad’s Kobe Roth scored a combined seven goals and leads the entire state in both goal-scoring and points.
(Photo by Tim Kolehmainen)

4. Warroad (13-2-1)

Last week: at Roseau (6-4 W), vs. Crookston (10-3 W)

This week: at Thief River Falls (1/16), vs. Moorhead (1/18)

It was a good week to be a Warroad fan. It was a better week to be Kobe Roth (31-30-61). After giving his verbal commitment to Minnesota-Duluth along with teammate Jared Bethune (24-35-59), the shifty junior rocked the northwest with seven goals in two victories over Roseau and Crookston last week. He started with four goals against Roseau, scoring at least once in each period, then had a hat trick against Crookston, as did Bethune. Meanwhile, all linemate Kyle Sylvester (20-35-55) did was pick up a goal and six assists in the two games. Fire wagon hockey reigns supreme with that top Warroad line, which features the top three point-getters in the entire state.

5. New Prague (10-2-2)

Last week: vs. Holy Angels (3-2 W), at Chaska (2-1 W)

This week: at Red Wing (1/14), vs. Northfield (1/16)

We said last week that New Prague wasn’t going to blow any teams out, but that the tough Trojans just know how to grind out victories this year. They proved it again last week, beating both opponents by a single goal. That’s actually four straight one-goal wins for New Prague, which is 6-2-2 in games decided by one goal or fewer. Augie Isaacson (11-15-26) scored twice in the win over Holy Angels, including the game-winner with just under four minutes remaining and had one of the team’s two goals against Chaska. He’s tied for the team lead in goals with Austin Kilian (11-8-19) and in points with Seth Kriha (5-21-26).

6. Mankato West (13-2-0)

Last week: vs. Rochester Lourdes (postponed), at Rochester Mayo (2-1 W), at Rochester Century (4-1 W)

This week: vs. Northfield (1/18)

West continued its unbeaten run through the Big 9 Conference last week, but it wasn’t easy as both Rochester Mayo and Century slowed down the Scarlets’ potent offense. In beating Mayo 2-1, West needed a goal from leading scorer Derek Frentz (15-23-38) with 27 seconds left to earn the win, despite outshooting the Spartans 35-17. They also outshot Century 46-15 but held a slim lead until Frentz again scored late in the third period to stretch it out comfortably. But as good teams do when snakebitten, coach Curtis Doell’s squad tightened up defensively. Jake Spiess (7-1-0, 1.36, .902) stopped 16 of 17 shots against Mayo and Conor Wollenzien (6-1-0, 1.29, .936) made 14 saves on 15 shots against Century.

7. Duluth Marshall (9-5-1)

Last week: at Superior, WI (4-2 W), vs. St. Paul Academy (9-1 W)

This week:  at Breck (1/17), at Roseville (1/18)

Duluth Marshall avenged a loss in its holiday tournament to Superior (WI), beating the Spartans 4-2 to open last week, then posted an impressive 9-1 rout of St. Paul Academy, which had just played a one-goal game with top-ranked Breck. The Hilltoppers hope the transitive property works in their favor, as they travel to Breck this Thursday. Against Superior, Lane Krenzen (4-6-10), Jack Dodd (6-9-15) and Peter Lenz (6-4-10) scored to erase a 2-1 deficit as Marshall outshot the Spartans, 33-21. That scoring punch continued against SPA, as Lenz scored twice more and Luke Dow (6-12-18) had two goals and two assists. That kind of scoring balance is key, as the ‘Toppers have a strong overall lineup led by Luke Pavelich (12-11-23), but no true superstars.

8. Luverne (16-0-1)

Last week: at Fairmont (13-2 W), vs. Willmar (4-0 W)

This week: vs. Redwood Valley (1/17)

All right, it’s fair to admit that Luverne doesn’t have as strong a schedule as the teams above it in the rankings. That said, there’s something to be said for passing every test along the way. The Cardinals remained the lone unbeaten team in the state last week, including winning 4-0 against Willmar, a game many pointed at as a possible stumbling block for Luverne. But Logan Norman (14-27-41) scored twice and Kendall Meyer (11-0-1, 1.27, .954) stopped all 31 shots for the shutout as the Cardinals kept on rolling. While the offense of youngsters Chaz Smedsrud (23-30-53) and Jaxon Nelson (20-22-42) and seniors Norman and Gunnar Olson (16-17-33) gets most of the attention, Meyer has been outstanding in goal as a calm veteran presence.

9. Orono (10-4-0)

Last week: vs. Delano (postponed), at Bloomington Kennedy (3-1 W), at Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato (5-2 W)

This week: vs. Holy Family Catholic (1/14), vs. Delano (1/16), vs. Hopkins (1/18)

Orono hit the road last week and managed a pair of victories to keep pace with the rest of the top 10. Joey Luedtke (5-10-15) more than doubled his goal total on the season with three in the two victories. Getting offensive contributions from both top lines is key for the Spartans, as Jake Flemmer (9-7-16) leads the team in both goals and points. Goaltender Jonathon Flakne (9-3-0, 1.25, .941) continued to stymie opponents, as he made 13 saves on 14 shots against Kennedy and 27 of 25 against the Dragons. Much like New Prague, Orono doesn’t jump out at you with big point totals, but the Spartans know how to win.

10. St. Cloud Cathedral (9-5-0)

Last week: at Hermantown (6-0 L)

This week: at Breck (1/14), at Becker/Big Lake (1/16), vs. Mora/Hinckley-Finlayson (1/16)

That’s three straight losses and five in six games for St. Cloud Cathedral after being shut out at Hermantown last Friday. So whey are the Crusaders still ranked in the top 10? Look at the competition. The last three games have been on the road against the No. 2 (East Grand Forks), No. 4 (Warroad) and No. 3 (Hermantown) teams in Class 1A. The losing streak very well might hit four Tuesday night, as Cathedral travels to No. 1 Breck. The recent win-loss record doesn’t show it, but Cathedral is a good team hitting a very tough stretch of its schedule. Getting its offense going is key to a resurgence, as in those three losses, Cathedral has just one total goal — from Brady Johnston (7-2-9).

Others receiving votes:

Delano, Alexandria, Totino-Grace, Thief River Falls, Mahtomedi, St. Paul Academy, Chisago Lakes, Virginia/Mt. Iron-Buhl

The post MHM Class A Top Ten 1/15/2014 appeared first on Minnesota Hockey Magazine.