Section 3A (2013-2014)

[notTONIGHT]

How is not giving full effort respecting the game? Should they have shot on their own net? That's respect for the game!

[MrGoalieBoy]

Well if the first line barely played the third period, then this score is fine by me. I can't believe how bad some of these teams are. It's a consequence for Luverne to play some of these teams...

[fastncrash]

It's called respect for the game, I was on the Luverne bandwagon as the small town feel good story but I think they are 'OD' ing on their success! Doesn't do much for 3A in trying to gain respect from around the forum and the guy's who do the rankings IMO!

"Respect for the game?"... You obviously don't know Mr. Brown. Last week it was "Yeah they won, but not by enough"... Now it's disrespect for the game because they kept the foot on the gas a little longer. Pretty much sounds like a can't win situation, doesn't it?

FYI, a very talented player from the North hung some BIG numbers on another team late in a shutout game, JUST last week. The difference there is that the Hockey knowledge base up North understands it. January's for fine tuning and ramping up for the playoffs. It's not anyone's goal to take their foot off the gas this time of year.

[flash4000]

It's called respect for the game, I was on the Luverne bandwagon as the small town feel good story but I think they are 'OD' ing on their success! Doesn't do much for 3A in trying to gain respect from around the forum and the guy's who do the rankings IMO!

"Respect for the game?"... You obviously don't know Mr. Brown. Last week it was "Yeah they won, but not by enough"... Now it's disrespect for the game because they kept the foot on the gas a little longer. Pretty much sounds like a can't win situation, doesn't it?

FYI, a very talented player from the North hung some BIG numbers on another team late in a shutout game, JUST last week. The difference there is that the Hockey knowledge base up North understands it. January's for fine tuning and ramping up for the playoffs. It's not anyone's goal to take their foot off the gas this time of year.

How dare Luverne keep playing their eighth graders the whole game, shame on them. Don't they have any seventh graders on their roster?

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

Rough game down in Luverne.... Wow just an ugly score shots were 72 to 15 or something ouch game was something like 14 to 0 after 2 periods... Yuck. Redwood may want to consider playing Luverne just once instead of twice next year. Ugly Score.

Virginia exposes more holes in the Hutch Goaltending as they hammer the Tigers 7 to 1

Goosman returns and leads Willmar to an 8 to 2 victory over Eveleth.

Marshall slips by Morris Benson 4 to 1

[andovercw]

Sounds to me luverne did it right. Didn't slow down and used lines 3 and 4 more. You don't tell the kids to not score anymore. You tell them to make more passes, do things you normally couldn't do, then you shoot. Kids don't always listen either. They don't care if they have already put in 16, they individually want more. That's how they should have been groomed over the years of being competitive.

[notTONIGHT]

Rough game down in Luverne.... Wow just an ugly score shots were 72 to 15 or something ouch game was something like 14 to 0 after 2 periods... Yuck. Redwood may want to consider playing Luverne just once instead of twice next year. Ugly Score.

Virginia exposes more holes in the Hutch Goaltending as they hammer the Tigers 7 to 1

Goosman returns and leads Willmar to an 8 to 2 victory over Eveleth.

Marshall slips by Morris Benson 4 to 1

Remember when you said the Undefeated Luverne Cardinals were in a tailspin prior to the Willmar game? That was really great insight.

However, in an observation from planet earth, maybe your beloved Hutchinson Tigers, with their endless talent pool are in a "tailspin"?

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

Lots of 3A Action Today
Saturday 1-18-14
Morris Benson vs Worthington PPD
Marshall vs Minnehaha Academy PPD

Games that are ON
New Ulm vs Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato
Willmar vs Virginia/Mt Iron-Buhl
Hutchinson vs Eveleth-Gilbert
Windom vs St. Peter

Heading to the New Ulm vs. LDC Game should be a good one!

Report when I get home tonight

[notTONIGHT]

Lots of 3A Action Today
Saturday 1-18-14
Morris Benson vs Worthington PPD
Marshall vs Minnehaha Academy PPD

Games that are ON
New Ulm vs Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato
Willmar vs Virginia/Mt Iron-Buhl
Hutchinson vs Eveleth-Gilbert
Windom vs St. Peter

Heading to the New Ulm vs. LDC Game should be a good one!

Report when I get home tonight

If New Ulm is anywhere near where you say they are, this should be a blowout. Luverne had like a 28-0 shot advantage on Litchfield to start the game . New Ulm should coast by these guys if they are so ***big update*** dangerous right now.

[Teak]

New Ulm 2-1 Litchfield. Not such a blowout.

Virginia 2-1 Willmar (in Willmar)

Hutchinson 4-1 Eveleth-Gilbert (in Hutch)

[notTONIGHT]

Section 3A Pre-Season Rankings
1. Hutchinson
2. New Ulm Area
3. Willmar
4. Marshall
5. LDC
6. Windom Area
7. Luverne
8. Redwood Valley
9. Morris Benson
10. Worthington
11. Fairmont

(The Favorites…… HEAVY Favorites)
Hutchinson Tigers
• Returners – They return 12 letter winners 7 of which were their top 9 forwards from last year’s Section 3A Runner Up Team. Including Tory Adams 10-18-28 pts. & Matthew Cowger 19-16-35 pts. They also will return a very experienced blue line led by Keegan Maceman 7-4-11 pts. where they return 5 of their top 6 D-man from a year ago.

• Newcomers- They add a very talented group of A Bantams who went the Bantam A State Tournament last season. These players will only add depth to an already very deep lineup. Watch for Kendall Glaesser and Matt Piechowski to make an immediate impact.

• Question Mark- In the Nets Zach Allen struggled last year as his number would indicate (0-5-0 6.14 GAA .831 SV %). They will look for incoming sophomores Austin Kopesky & Alex Nelson to push him if not take the job for themselves.

Outlook: Look for Hutch to struggle early as the football season decided to have a by week ?? Instead of playing the Prep Bowl this weekend. That will hurt the Tigers early but look for them to be the team no on wants to see come playoff time IF they find the goalie that can be consistent.

New Ulm Area Eagles
• Returners- The Eagles bring plenty of firepower back. They will return 7 of their top 9 forwards including Judd Davis 17-16-33pts., Wyatt Peterson 11-33-44 pts & Brandon Helget 21-14-35 pts. They will also return two very solid goaltenders in Brach Kraus & Matt Berkner.
• Newcomers- They bring up a younger Kraus from the A Bantams but besides that they will count on the returners to do the majority of their contributing.

• Question Marks- Defense they only return 2 regular D from last year and it will be interesting to see how they try to fill that void this season. They do have some upperclassman bit they will need to step up their game come playoff time.

Outlook: Mr. Setterholm will play his selective 3A Schedule for one last year and hope to be around .500 and they will be very dangerous come playoff time. Lots of fire power up front. This team will be scary in that regard. How they respond to the physical play. Last year Hutch just simply outmuscled them.

Contenders
Willmar Cardinals
• Returners- They bring back 18 letter winners, which includes 10 seniors. The coaches’ son Trey Tollefson & shutdown defenseman Cole Block will lead them. They will be very well coached and extremely disciplined. They never appear to have the most talent but they are always dangerous come playoff time. They were always good for one big upset during their time in Section 6A.

• Newcomers- D Nate Ackerman, F Isaac Kobienia and G Nick Revier will all be counted on to step in as sophomores and provide key depth at their respective positions.

• Question Marks- Goaltending, goaltending, goaltending. They need to find someone who will stop the puck consistently. Also, they need to replace Hunter Schneider at forward who was their do it all scorer the last two seasons.

Outlook: Willmar will only get better as the season rolls along. They have a lot of experience lot of seniors and great coaching. MY DARKHOSE for Section 3A. They will be very tough come playoff time.

Marshall Tigers (**Defending Section 3A Champion**)
• Returners- The Defending Section 3A Champions lost a lot from last year. However, they have looked good in early season scrimmages and return the key to any great playoff run Mason Campion. The Top Goalie in this section he led the Tigers to State last year and could easily do the same this year.

• Newcomers- Dylan Criquet-Danielson will be a big help for the Tigers on the blueline. He is very big and athletic for a freshman. I look for him to have a very strong season for Marshall.

• Question Marks- Depth they graduated a lot of scoring and seniors from last year. They didn’t bring up a lot of top end talent in the youth. Will they have the depth to win the big games will be interesting.

Outlook- Look for Marshall to get off to fast start like they always do and With Campion in the nets the Tigers are a team no one will want to face come playoff time.

LDC Dragons
• Returners- Like the Tigers LDC brings back a huge key to their success Brandon Wahl who returns for his 3rd year of action. He can win a game by himself and he may need to looking at the group in front of him. LDC will be very young up front and on the blueline. They graduated or didn’t return 10 regulars from their lineup last year.

• Newcomers- Isaak Haataja and Jared Pederson they will be the two key forwards this season for the Dragons. They graduated or lost 5 of their top 6 forwards. Scoring will be done hopefully by these two .

• Question Marks- Depth and scoring will be hard to find with this team. They lost a lot last season. Who will fill those roles will be a developing story as the season goes along.

Outlook: They will struggle this year much like two years ago however, this year Mr. Wahl is a senior not a sophomore. He will be tough as nails and could easily have a playoff run like Campion did last year.

The Sleeper Team
Windom Area Eagles-
• Returners- They return 2/3 of one of the sections most potent lines last year. Look for Zach Bartosh 21-24-45 pts and Devin Nielsen 21-3-29 pts. To light the lamp a lot again this season. They also return the majority of their lineup minus super senior Travis Janssen from last year.

• Newcomers- Jack Mellstrom & Riley Espenson. Mellstrom will put up huge numbers this year as a junior after moving down from the Falls last season. Would have been the Broncos top returning player. Espenson tore up Bantams last season putting up well over 100 points. The Eagles will be able to score A LOT.

• Question Marks- Goaltending and Defense. As great as Windom looks up front they will need to answer a lot of questions on the back end. Will need a new goalie and some defense.

Outlook: Windom will play a northern style of grind it out and then score at will when they get their top end forwards on the ice. If they can find some tending this year the Eagles will be a scary team.

The Rest
Luverne Cardinals
• Returners- Bring back a lot of flashy stats and paper headliners as always. As Luverne Booster, notTONIGHT, even admitted and I heard the same from a Willmar fan Luverne was not good at all in their scrimmages yesterday. They do Return High end players Chaz Smedsrud, Logan Norman, Gunnar Olson up front and fresh off his Elite League Fall Season Toby Sengvongxay on Defense. Also have Kendall Meyer who returns from his 4 season in the nets.

• Newcomers- 8th grader Jaxon Nelson is a very special talent. He will do some very nice things this year. I have heard about this kid from legit scouts not just the biased Luverne faithful. Heading to Shattuck next year.

• Question Marks- Defense and overall attitude. They will need to find some defensive help after losing two regulars from last year. Also, they will need to learn to play as a team not individuals and not mouth off on here like they did all last year.

Outlook: They might have a good regular season but they will be a upset pick come playoffs. Too bad they have great individual talent. (Smedsrud, Nelson, Norman & Sengvongxay) but just don’t play the team game needed to be played when it counts.

Redwood Valley- Bring up a nice group of 9th graders from the Bantams. They will take their lumps this year but watch this group grow and mature in a two years they will be a contender again. This year though will be more of a learning season.

Morris/Benson- Lost over 80% of their scoring from last year. They will have to replace some very big skates. Their seniors last year were very good. The storm will need to find a new Identity and they do always play tough in their barn.

Worthington- Lost a lost last year. New Goalie and limited depth like literally only have 14 to 15 kids out for high school hockey. Hopefully they stay healthy. Going to be another battle this season for the trojans.

Fairmont- Return Colton Cunning will take around 50 to 60 shots a night. Will need to be tough not much else there for Fairmont. Will struggle much like they did last year just don’t have the scorers or individual talent to even match up in Section 3A.

#neverforget

Just a little re reading material for everyone while we EAGERLY ANTICIPATE the "report" thats forthcoming..... OOOWEEEEE

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

Eagles edge Litchfield
January 19, 2014
Jeremy Behnke - Journal Sports Editor (jbehnke@nujournal.com) , The Journal
Save | Post a comment |
NEW ULM - The New Ulm boy's hockey team knew that Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato would give the Eagles a tough match-up physically.

So the Eagles, who have been focusing on defense at practice lately, were prepared for possibly a low-scoring battle, and that's exactly what they got.

New Ulm got goals from Jon Kopacek and Ethan Kraus as the Eagles (9-7) defeated L/DC 2-1 Saturday in nonconference action at the New Ulm Civic Center.

New Ulm’s Jon Kopacek gets the puck past Litchfield-Dassel-Cokato goalie Braeden Wahl (33) for a gaol in the first period of the Eagles’ win Saturday at the New Ulm Civic Center.
For more photos of this event go to cu.nujournal.com

"We've been practicing a lot on defense at practice lately and trying to keep it out of our net," Kopacek said. "We know we're going to go put up goals, but we're trying to keep it out of our net."

New Ulm goalie Brach Kraus made 25 saves in the game, including plenty of big stops along the way and he was aided by his defense.

The teams have had plenty of big games in the past and this one figured to be no different. Both teams came out hitting hard and Kopacek gave the Eagles the early lift that they needed when he put back a rebound past Dragons goalie Braeden Wahl for the 1-0 lead at 7:37 in the first period.

The Eagles' defense helped kill off two penalties in the first period as New Ulm had eight minutes worth of penalties in the game.

New Ulm got its second goal of the game, this time when Ethan Kraus found the back of the net in the second period. The goal was assisted by Brandon Helget and Aaron Stark at the 4:11 mark, but the Dragons responded later in the period. David Raisanen cut the lead to 2-1 at the 10:09 mark and the Dragons nearly tied the game several other times, only to be stopped by either Brach Kraus or an Eagle defender.

"We just got our jitters out of the way, we just came back and played the way we know how to play," Kopacek said.?"We played hard like we know how to do and we finished it up."

The Eagles and Dragons played to a scoreless third period that saw the Dragons commit two penalties, but New Ulm was unable to capitalize on them.

Overall, it was a big win for the Eagles, who are building toward a deep playoff run once again.

"It's always good to beat these guys, they're a tough team and a rival," Kopacek said. "We just had a nice game over in St. Peter and we'd like to add this to our roll."

New Ulm returns to action at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at Willmar.


Was a great game to watch today at New Ulm. LDC is getting better every game and really played New Ulm tight throughout the day.

Wahl was very solid but as the article said Kraus was the difference made big save after big save to hold the lead.

Teams were evenly matched. LDC is a DANGEROUS team much better then they were in early December

[notTONIGHT]

notTONIGHTS 3A power ranking.

1. Luverne
2. Willmar (big tilt with New Ulm tuesday)
3. New Ulm (can move into number two on tuesday
4. Hutch
5. LDC
6. Marshall
7. Windom
8. The rest...

Interested to see if New Ulm can beat a Willmar team that Luverne shut out last week.

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

Greetings Section 3A Followers,
Hockey Day MN has come and gone and now we are in the stretch run of the season. Teams are getting ready for Playoffs as only 4 weeks remain before we hit the best time of the year MN HS Hockey Section 3A PLAYOFFS!

Section 3A Rankings (As of 1-19-14)
1. Luverne (17-0-1)
2. New Ulm Area (9-7-0)
3. Willmar (7-8-0)
4. Hutchinson (8-5-1)
5. LDC (5-9-0)
6. Marshall (7-8-0)
7. Windom (6-12-0)
8. Fairmont (2-11-0)
9. Worthington (2-10-0)
10. Morris Benson (1-13-1)
11. Redwood Valley (2-8-0)

Section 3A’s “Four Contenders”

Luverne- Have taken care of their business so far this year they have compiled a perfect (11-0) record in Section 3A. They are led up front with the experience of Seniors Norman and Olson and the exciting young dynamic duo of Super Sophomore Smedsrud & 8th Grade Phenom Nelson. They have the Top D-man in 3A in Junior Sengvongxay and have gotten great tending from Senior Meyer. Big Date with Hutch still left IF they win that they lock up the #1 Seed.

New Ulm Area- Have more quietly went about their business as well so far this year the Eagles also have a perfect (4-0) Section 3A Record. New Ulm is lucky to have Sleepy Eye this year as without them they would be fighting Marshall for the 6 seed. New Ulm Natives Peterson and Davis provide a good scoring punch but they have been led offensively by Sleepy Eye Juniors Helget & Kopacek. Also their top blue liner is tough rugged Sleepy Eye property in Junior Heidersheidt. In the Net Senior Kraus has been very solid all year. Yesterday he stole one from LDC and looks primed for a good playoff run.

Willmar- Has a below .500 record overall but they have produced a solid (3-1) Section 3A record. This team has a senior lineup with a great coach to go along with it. They are led up front by Seniors Mottinger & VanDenEinde and also had some scoring punch emerge in Sneaky Stealth Sophomore Kobienia. On the Blue Line Seniors Tollefson and Block log a ton of minutes and with the reemergence of Senior Goosman in the nets Willmar is a very dangerous club. As I have said this team to me plays a game that is most ready for playoff success. With their starting tender back Willmar will be formidable foe for anyone in this section.

Hutchinson- The Tigers have not had the season many expected so this year. They have a nice overall record of (8-5-1) but they are only (4-2) record in Section 3A play both losses coming to two of the teams ahead of them. They have firepower up front with the Top Junior forward in 3A in Cowger he is supported by Seniors Adams and Collings. They are led of the Blue line by solid Junior Maceman. They have not gotten the support I expected from a solid group of A Bantams that went to State last year. Also, the coaching staff has not handled their goaltending situation well at all. Until the team can have trust in their back end they remain inconsistent however, they still have an abundance of talent a Key Section 3A Home Game left with Luverne in February.

Section 3A’s “Bracket Busters”

LDC- The Dragons showed me a lot yesterday, as they have gotten MUCH better as the Season has progressed. They own a modest (3-3) Section 3A Record but they still have Key 3A Home Games left vs. Willmar, New Ulm and Hutch. They have gotten production out of their Steady Sophomore’s Raisanen & Pedersen. On the back end they are led by up coming Sophomore D-man Haugo and they have continued to get very solid tending from Senior Wahl. They are team that will only get better as their YOUNG lineup continues to mature defiantly will be a tough draw for whoever get these guys first round of playoffs.

Marshall- I know a lot has been written lately on this teams inability to separate from the bottom end but also know they have the ability to play with the top end. They have a decent (6-5) Section 3A Record and with a win over LDC they will be seeded 5th with a loss they will be seeded 6th. They are led by Their Killer B’s in Seniors Buysse & Bell and Junior Blaine Moran up front and Senior Brent Haukom on D. They still have a known product in Senior Campion he took this team on his back last year and will look to do the same this year. Goaltending is everything in the Playoffs and Campion has plenty of Big Game Experience.

Section 3A’s “7 Seed”

Windom- This team has talent they have solid offensive players in Senior Bartosh, Junior Mellstrom and Sophomore’s Nielsen & Espenson. However, they are totally handcuffed by shaky tending and a lack of steady defense. They own a Sweeps over Worthington & Redwood also handled Fairmont easily a confusing spilt with Morris Benson but these guys are locked in as the Section 3A 7 seed.

Section 3A’s “Battle for the 8 Seed”

Why is the 8 seed Important?
I realize that in BIG Picture the 8 seed really doesn’t matter to many. However, this would be huge for the 4 programs below. All four are having difficult years and all 4 are teams with YOUNG lineups. If you gain the 8 seed you get a HOME Playoff game in the First Round “Play-In” game action. This could go along way in building confidence for a program and anytime you get a home payoff game its big for your program. All 4 have chance at the 8 seed, as I will explain below. Just a fun little side race to watch as we hit the stretch run in Section 3A.

Fairmont- A team that works hard plays clean but lack talent. However, they are looking at home playoff game in the first round as they own a win in the head to head match up with Morris Benson. They won the all-important 2nd matchup in their series with Worthington. They have 2 game left with Redwood Valley if they win both they are the 8 seed. However, if they spilt or get swept they will drop.

Worthington- A team that works extremely hard yet only has 10 skaters however they have still put a scare into teams (Marshall 3-4 loss). They own a win over Redwood and the first meeting with Fairmont. They still have a Home and Home with Morris Benson and Home game with Redwood if they win those 3 and Fairmont falters Worthington could grab the 8 seed.

Morris Benson- Been a rough year for the Storm however, they own a big win over Windom. They still have 4 crucial 3A games left and 2 with Worthington and 2 with Redwood Valley. Win all 4 and they could have an argument for the 8 seed.

Redwood Valley- Was a team that has been getting better until that ugly outcome in Luverne on Friday. However, with all the improvement Redwood has shown they have not yet been able secure a Section 3A win. They still have one game left with Worthington, 2 with Morris Benson and 2 with Fairmont so they are still in the discussion for the 8 seed as well.

Section 3A Game of the Week
New Ulm Area @ Willmar Tuesday Jan. 21st 2014
New Ulm wins they have an argument at the 1 seed if they lose they drop to the 3 seed. Willmar wins this game they lock up the 2 seed they lose they are your 3 seed. Both still have the dangerous game left in Litch vs. the improving Dragons. However, this game could prove to be huge for seeds.

Why the 2 Seed is important:
For one it gives you the last change in the playoffs. I know Coach Tollefson would love have that for match-ups and game plan strategy. Also, if you get the 2 seed you most likely are playing Windom an opponent I believe either of these teams can handle. If you get the 3 seed your going to draw Bracket Buster’s Marshall or LDC whom have Goalies that in a One and Done situation that could be dangerous.

The Match-Up
Willmar has the last change in this one being the home team they will grind and pound the Highflying Eagles. New Ulm has a great first line but LDC contained them on Saturday. It was New Ulm’s emerging 2nd line that put two goals in that depth is key for the Eagles. Willmar will come out flying and play the physical game the New Ulm has historically struggled with. Both teams have solid Senior Tenders in Kraus and Goosman. This should be a great battle of Tuesday night!!

[RRubberbeeskit]

[quote="Section 3A HockeyScout"]Greetings Section 3A Followers,
Hockey Day MN has come and gone and now we are in the stretch run of the season. Teams are getting ready for Playoffs as only 4 weeks remain before we hit the best time of the year MN HS Hockey Section 3A PLAYOFFS!

Section 3A Rankings (As of 1-19-14)
1. Luverne (17-0-1)
2. New Ulm Area (9-7-0)
3. Willmar (7-8-0)
4. Hutchinson (8-5-1)
5. LDC (5-9-0)
6. Marshall (7-8-0)
7. Windom (6-12-0)
8. Fairmont (2-11-0)
9. Worthington (2-10-0)
10. Morris Benson (1-13-1)
11. Redwood Valley (2-8-0)

Section 3A’s “Four Contenders”

Luverne- Have taken care of their business so far this year they have compiled a perfect (11-0) record in Section 3A.

I have to commend the Luverne Area Cardinals for having had 2 teriffic seasons in a row. The longer they go without a loss the easier it gets to be complacent. They are going to have dig really deep each and every time out to finish this regular season undefeated. If they finish this regular season undefeated I see them exiting the 3A Championship / playoffs with a loss to New Ulm / Sleepy Eye Area.

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

I have to commend the Luverne Area Cardinals for having had 2 teriffic seasons in a row. The longer they go without a loss the easier it gets to be complacent. They are going to have dig really deep each and every time out to finish this regular season undefeated. If they finish this regular season undefeated I see them exiting the 3A Championship / playoffs with a loss to New Ulm / Sleepy Eye Area.

For one I really dont see them going undefeated all year. That is a very tough thing to do. Honestly if your a Luverne fan you may want to see them lose once.

They have three games left that stick out to me as troublesome:

1st @ Dodge County- This team has had one of the best chances to beat them now this time it will be Luverne making the 4 hour bus trip.

2nd @ Hutch- Hutch will be playing with a lot of Fire. Having seen both of these teams play a few times I like Hutch's Matchup here. IF and its a HUGE IF they can get decent tending. Also factor in this is a MUST WIN for Hutch having lost to New Ulm and Willmar already.

3rd @ Providence Academy- Seeds will be done by then and Providence is much better then their record shows. They are steadily improving as the season goes along.

Not me doing my normal Luverne bashing just saying going Undefeated all year is a HUGE Task! Not Easy at all today. They will take everyone's best shot.

Come Playoff time: As Luverne knows full well anything can happen.

Honestly, and many on here know this is very tough for me to do. I have to say hats off to Luverne. The Last 4 years they built a solid program they must be doing something right down there. It is good for SW Hockey to see them be successful.

Another fun side thing to watch as we come to end of the season in 3A.

Been a fun year. The Top 4 are all solid this year and 5 and 6 are Very Dangerous Going to be a Very Intense Playoffs. Semi-Final Saturday could be Awesome this Year!

[MrGoalieBoy]

I agree with you for the three games that will give them trouble. May have a difficult time in Dodge County. The fact that these games are all on the road is going to be tough.

[fastncrash]

I have to commend the Luverne Area Cardinals for having had 2 teriffic seasons in a row. The longer they go without a loss the easier it gets to be complacent. They are going to have dig really deep each and every time out to finish this regular season undefeated. If they finish this regular season undefeated I see them exiting the 3A Championship / playoffs with a loss to New Ulm / Sleepy Eye Area.

For one I really dont see them going undefeated all year. That is a very tough thing to do. Honestly if your a Luverne fan you may want to see them lose once.

They have three games left that stick out to me as troublesome:

1st @ Dodge County- This team has had one of the best chances to beat them now this time it will be Luverne making the 4 hour bus trip.

2nd @ Hutch- Hutch will be playing with a lot of Fire. Having seen both of these teams play a few times I like Hutch's Matchup here. IF and its a HUGE IF they can get decent tending. Also factor in this is a MUST WIN for Hutch having lost to New Ulm and Willmar already.

3rd @ Providence Academy- Seeds will be done by then and Providence is much better then their record shows. They are steadily improving as the season goes along.

Not me doing my normal Luverne bashing just saying going Undefeated all year is a HUGE Task! Not Easy at all today. They will take everyone's best shot.

Come Playoff time: As Luverne knows full well anything can happen.

Honestly, and many on here know this is very tough for me to do. I have to say hats off to Luverne. The Last 4 years they built a solid program they must be doing something right down there. It is good for SW Hockey to see them be successful.

Another fun side thing to watch as we come to end of the season in 3A.

Been a fun year. The Top 4 are all solid this year and 5 and 6 are Very Dangerous Going to be a Very Intense Playoffs. Semi-Final Saturday could be Awesome this Year!

Spaghetti's not done yet!

IF anyone listened to you, (FYI, many don't), Luverne would be 2-16-0 right now.

[notTONIGHT]

"RRubberbeeskit
I have to commend the Luverne Area Cardinals for having had 2 teriffic seasons in a row. The longer they go without a loss the easier it gets to be complacent. They are going to have dig really deep each and every time out to finish this regular season undefeated. If they finish this regular season undefeated I see them exiting the 3A Championship / playoffs with a loss to New Ulm / Sleepy Eye Area.

So, if they do lose a game in the regular season what happens in the playoffs?

[computerguy]

I just happened to see in another post where notnonight was asking if luverne go's undefeated will they be seeded in the state tournament. It seems as though the people from luverne don't learn and have already punched their ticket to the x. Not to mention that if it weren't for luverne people on this site there wouldn't be much action. I haven't looked on here very much in the last few months but it's 90% about luverne. I'm thinking it's setting up for another huge collapse.....

[notTONIGHT]

I just happened to see in another post where notnonight was asking if luverne go's undefeated will they be seeded in the state tournament. It seems as though the people from luverne don't learn and have already punched their ticket to the x. Not to mention that if it weren't for luverne people on this site there wouldn't be much action. I haven't looked on here very much in the last few months but it's 90% about luverne. I'm thinking it's setting up for another huge collapse.....

Really good post.

Lets hear some more from computer nerd guy

[Section 3A HockeyScout]

I just happened to see in another post where notnonight was asking if luverne go's undefeated will they be seeded in the state tournament. It seems as though the people from luverne don't learn and have already punched their ticket to the x. Not to mention that if it weren't for luverne people on this site there wouldn't be much action. I haven't looked on here very much in the last few months but it's 90% about luverne. I'm thinking it's setting up for another huge collapse.....

Great to have computerguy back.

Very good point made.

How are your NU/SE Eagles progressing this year?

[50/50]

NU/SE has a few kids that can play hockey, but I don't think they will be a contender this year. I also think New Ulm is lucky to have these Sleepy Eye kids. They wouldn't be a threat to anyone without most of them.

I saw earlier on this post that someone thought #7 on defense is good. I have to disagree. He's like a bull in a china shop--penalties, centering passes to opposing team, no help to his team at all. Really though, their defense is weak all the way around.

There will be a huge downturn to the NU/SE varsity program in 2-3 years. Biggest problem with this program? The varsity coaches aren't involved with the youth program.
They have left it to a bunch of parents with only one agenda--their kid. (We know how well that works.) I think the varsity coach had better implement a training program for the youth level and be more involved on who makes the teams in order to build unity among the kids.

This is what Luverne and Mankato West have been doing over the last four years. Look how well it's working for them.

[the thrill]

All of Luverne is not represented by some on this forum. Most of us are humble and know that nothing can be taken for granted. Especially given recent history. I for one can't wait for the playoffs to get here. Good luck to the rest of section 3A (until playoffs). Roll Cards!

[notTONIGHT]

Not me doing my normal Luverne bashing just saying going Undefeated all year is a HUGE Task! Not Easy at all today. They will take everyone's best shot.

When Luverne loses, as I have said all along i think they will, Ill be interested to see if you will remember that you said this.
I got a hunch the haters are going to come POURING in from all over when/if it happens.