Hill Murray @ St Thomas Academy 2-10-07

[HShockeywatcher]

How was the game? Who scored? Anyone have the shots?

Last game was completely dominated by Hill Murray with scoring chances maybe being close to even, probably edge to Hill Murray. How was this game?

[Sparlimb]

Let me say, I was at the game last year when STA beat Hill, and STA played twice as good this year. The game was very even throughout, with shots being very even (think it ended around 39-33 for HM). St. Thomas played like it cared about winning and did a lot of little things right. Hill played like they could care less about conference crowns and once again showed they can't score against top tier teams. I am really disappointed with Hills effort and how poor they look going into sections. STA certainly has a good team that should be outstanding next year. Good luck the rest of the way...

[HShockeywatcher]

Wow. That was really close. As expected Larson was the only one to contribute on the offense for Hill Murray. I'm sure they tripped a lot too. Anyone know how many penalties?

[Sparlimb]

I didn't find the number of trips by STA to be that bad. But you can have your opinion. I will say Vannelli looked like a huge crybaby during the game. It's one thing for a coach to stand up for his players and voice his displeasure (all coaches do it). But it's another to whine after every call, every line change, stop the refs after the periods to complain. You'd have thought his team was losing by 4 goals...

And that was the first time I was in the new STA arena. Very nice, especially the seatbacks, but the net was awful. Detracted from the game big time. Felt like I was at a cage match. Who ever thought that was a good idea should think again. My god...

[stpaul]

"I'm sure they tripped a lot too"

You've been reading the idiotic posts by the Tartan kids and apparently believing them.

There were 5 penalties called on HM and 4 on STA. I agree with Sparlimb that Tom Vannelli is a dink. He should take a lesson from Bill Lechner about how to act behind the bench.

Both HM - STA games this year were very good games and evenly matched. It's no surprise that they split and will share the conference title. STA is ranked # 1 in Class A and HM is a legitimate top 10 team in AA. I am looking forward to the sections. HM plays strong physical defense and Joe Phillippi has been solid all year long. They are capable of shutting down WBL, Roseville or Centennial. I expect very close games in the semis and hopefully final games.

I don't think anyone is going to stop Holy Angels so I do not think the section 3AA winner is going to win state, but it will be a great accomplishment for whoever gets to the tournament.

I also think both HM and STA will be among the top 4-5 teams in the state next year. HM only loses Nick Larson and STA has everyone back. This will be a great rivalry for years to come.

[HShockeywatcher]

I was just going by what people said. As for tripping, the only time I've seen Hill was the first time they played St Thomas where they tripped a lot. I was kidding. St Thomas has three of their losses to Hill, Cretin and Edina (top teams in AA) and many think they aren't the real deal. They are the team to beat in class A as they try to be the first team ever to defend their A crown. As for Hill, they are a great team also and at the moment look at getting to State. Once there, when they play Holy Angels could decide when their first, and maybe only, loss is.

[RBK26]

big win for sta going into playoffs