2008 Mississippi Eight

[EREmpireStrikesBack]

Cue Milhouse and the Frisbee please!

Cue Empire's throne please!

[Neutron 14]

Cue Milhouse and the Frisbee please!

Cue Empire's throne please!

Looks like its in use though...

[royals03]

Well maybe I am misguided in my knowledge about what section Rogers was in last year I apologize.

I always get Blake and Breck mixed up but I know Rogers scrimmaged one of them last year and handled them pretty good and Totino actually backed out on them. I am smart enough to realize that a scrimmage is much different than a section game but I do not believe anyone in that section was going to step in the way of that group of kids last year. The seniors from last year took a lot of beat downs when they were freshman and they knew it was their last shot to prove to that section that they could beat Totino, Blake, and Breck. Well we could go back and forth on this subject but it didn't get to happen so we will never know.

I guess I do not know what you mean about Elk River's situation that they are in. I do know for an absolute fact that Rogers has wanted to play Elk River since day 1 and Sarsland has turned them down because he feels it would be a wasted game on his schedule. I have been told by people that Rogers has not paid their dues enough yet to get the luxury of playing ER. It is my believe that Sarsland is afraid he will lose to Rogers and that would be a huge slap in that programs face, their would be no reason than for players to transfer there if they can not beat a program like Rogers. Sarsland knows Marchand is a good coach and well liked so that also scares him because players might want to leave ER to play for Marchand. I have met a lot of former players of Coach Marchand when he was coach of the A bantams in ER and they give him more respect than they do Sars.

One last note if anyone thinks that someone other than Sarsland makes his schedule let me know. I have known Sarsland since his 1st year at ER and there is no one going to tell him who is and isn ot going to play. Hopefully ER can fix their situation and join some of the other sports teams that already play Rogers. Sorry Sarsland will retire or go independent before he gets told he is going to play in the M8. I look forward to your response ERstrikes.

[Can't Never Tried]

Well maybe I am misguided in my knowledge about what section Rogers was in last year I apologize.

I always get Blake and Breck mixed up but I know Rogers scrimmaged one of them last year and handled them pretty good and Totino actually backed out on them. I am smart enough to realize that a scrimmage is much different than a section game but I do not believe anyone in that section was going to step in the way of that group of kids last year. The seniors from last year took a lot of beat downs when they were freshman and they knew it was their last shot to prove to that section that they could beat Totino, Blake, and Breck. Well we could go back and forth on this subject but it didn't get to happen so we will never know.

I guess I do not know what you mean about Elk River's situation that they are in. I do know for an absolute fact that Rogers has wanted to play Elk River since day 1 and Sarsland has turned them down because he feels it would be a wasted game on his schedule. I have been told by people that Rogers has not paid their dues enough yet to get the luxury of playing ER. It is my believe that Sarsland is afraid he will lose to Rogers and that would be a huge slap in that programs face, their would be no reason than for players to transfer there if they can not beat a program like Rogers. Sarsland knows Marchand is a good coach and well liked so that also scares him because players might want to leave ER to play for Marchand. I have met a lot of former players of Coach Marchand when he was coach of the A bantams in ER and they give him more respect than they do Sars.

One last note if anyone thinks that someone other than Sarsland makes his schedule let me know. I have known Sarsland since his 1st year at ER and there is no one going to tell him who is and isn ot going to play. Hopefully ER can fix their situation and join some of the other sports teams that already play Rogers. Sorry Sarsland will retire or go independent before he gets told he is going to play in the M8. I look forward to your response ERstrikes.

Rogers was 4AA last year, but thought they were 5A until shortly after the beginning of the 06-07 season, so their schedule was that of a class A team.
On the scimmages, they scrimmaged Breck last year, and actually lost by 1 goal, but the team your probably thinking about was Mahtomedi, they handled them quite easily.

And yes Totino backed out on a scheduled scrimmage, but who knows what the details were. I do know that it was very soon after the thump that Rogers put on Mahtomedi.

As far as Rogers playing ER I have heard the same thing about not deserving enough, or not a quality enough team to have on the their schedule, however most of that talk was when Rogers was in class A, and you really can't expect a well known and respected program to put a game on their schedule that would diminish their SOS.
I can see that coming around in the future when the split kids finish out their HS years.
It's fun to think what might have been had the split never occurred, how good could ER be?, but the great thing is another HS program has been added affording 30+ more kids to enjoy the experience of HS hockey.

And in Rogers you don't have to listen to all that screaming. Thanks Coach !

[Mnh0ckey]

Saturday Scores:

Cambridge 5 - Princeton 4

BBL 5 - Monticello 4 (1st conference win ever for the growing BBL program)

Buffalo 4 - STMA 2 (STMA outshoots Bufflao 29-25)

Rogers 4 - Sartell 3

[EREmpireStrikesBack]

Well maybe I am misguided in my knowledge about what section Rogers was in last year I apologize.

I always get Blake and Breck mixed up but I know Rogers scrimmaged one of them last year and handled them pretty good and Totino actually backed out on them. I am smart enough to realize that a scrimmage is much different than a section game but I do not believe anyone in that section was going to step in the way of that group of kids last year. The seniors from last year took a lot of beat downs when they were freshman and they knew it was their last shot to prove to that section that they could beat Totino, Blake, and Breck. Well we could go back and forth on this subject but it didn't get to happen so we will never know.

I guess I do not know what you mean about Elk River's situation that they are in. I do know for an absolute fact that Rogers has wanted to play Elk River since day 1 and Sarsland has turned them down because he feels it would be a wasted game on his schedule. I have been told by people that Rogers has not paid their dues enough yet to get the luxury of playing ER. It is my believe that Sarsland is afraid he will lose to Rogers and that would be a huge slap in that programs face, their would be no reason than for players to transfer there if they can not beat a program like Rogers. Sarsland knows Marchand is a good coach and well liked so that also scares him because players might want to leave ER to play for Marchand. I have met a lot of former players of Coach Marchand when he was coach of the A bantams in ER and they give him more respect than they do Sars.

One last note if anyone thinks that someone other than Sarsland makes his schedule let me know. I have known Sarsland since his 1st year at ER and there is no one going to tell him who is and isn ot going to play. Hopefully ER can fix their situation and join some of the other sports teams that already play Rogers. Sorry Sarsland will retire or go independent before he gets told he is going to play in the M8. I look forward to your response ERstrikes.

CNT answered the questions about the scrimmages.

As far as scheduling against ER goes, I think you have been listening to the parents in the top row talk too much. I can guarantee with certainty that Rogers did not try to schedule ER for at least the first two years. Possibly looking for a JV game, but I know for a fact that there was no phone calls between AD's about a varsity game. As far as recently goes, there might have been talk but the main reasoning behind ER not taking a game against Rogers isn't that Sars is scared of losing "recruits" to Rogers. If that was the case, why would WBL ever play H-M? Recruits will come to ER no matter who they lose to, it's like choosing between the Gophers & Mankato this year. The Gophers are losing games, but if you had the choice who would you pick? The reasoning behind the schedules is sections. Take a look at ER's schedule. They have 2 nonconference games that are not part of the Edina tourney and 1 of those was against Brainerd who until last year was part of 7AA. They don't want to "waste" their nonconference games against a team that isn't going to help them in section seedings when they are already strapped for section games because they play in a northern section, but a metro conference. Rogers, if they are smart, would be thinking the same thing. They shouldn't waste their nonconference against ER when they are walking all over every M8 team and getting no respect in the section because they don't play anyone. Sarsland does have a say in the scheduling, but he isn't the only one. I'll throw this out there, if ER & Rogers end up in the same section in the upcoming years, I would be very surprised if they did not play each other within the first 2 years.

The first part I can back up, the last portion is speculation mixed with a little fact, but I think I have backed it up with some decent reasoning.

[Stateofhockey07]

Saturday Scores:



BBL 5 - Monticello 4 (1st conference win ever for the growing BBL program)

Good to see BBL making some progress... bad to see such a disappointing MAML season this year after what looked to be big step in the right direction last year.

[Neutron 14]

Sarslund's future!

[royals03]

I have to ask ERempire are you a coach for the team or one of the AD's to be so confident. I figure you need to be one or the other if you know for a fact that Rogers did not ask for a game.


Well I could see a game between Rogers not being good for ER but it wouldn't hurt Rogers because half the teams in their secion are in the same conference as ER.

I do not sit with parents at games and I do not have a child in the program so what I post is not tainted by any parents complaining they do not get to play ER.

I have been a part of both organizations, and I think the game between the two would be huge for the communities. I do believe in the past and maybe they still do have a day where Rogers youth plays ER at all levels, what a great finish it would be to finish that day with the two HS teams. I can smell standing room only and maybe erstrikes and myself could enjoy the game together.

[gabby]

A game STMA shoulda won. They scored on their own goalie two minutes into the game and gave up two weak goals after that. They played the best all around game I have seen them play all year. Buffalo was arguing with each other after the second period. STMA had them runnning around the last half of that period with a PP going. Buffalo took it to them for the first part of the third and then STMA had there chances to tie it up but then Buffalo scored one of the weak goals to seal the victory. It was a good game for them even tho they didn't win.

[HOFam'r]

I did not attend this game...thankfully. The Bison who outshot STMA by 40 shots in their first meeting should be embarrassed by their performance and honestly what a dissappointment to the program as whole. The last two times out the Bison have not played anywhere near their potential and have some serious problems within the lockeroom and elsewhere...

Kudo's to STMA for showing up our boys and you're right...from what i heard you should have won. What a dissappointing game for all Bison fans...

[HOFam'r]

as a footnote...I am having a tremendous amount of trouble attending any Buffalo games...all I see is a selfish attitude by just about all involved from the top down, it is difficult for me to watch and in my eyes is destroying a team with some potential and 3 or 4 really good players..

[EREmpireStrikesBack]

I have to ask ERempire are you a coach for the team or one of the AD's to be so confident. I figure you need to be one or the other if you know for a fact that Rogers did not ask for a game.


Well I could see a game between Rogers not being good for ER but it wouldn't hurt Rogers because half the teams in their secion are in the same conference as ER.

I do not sit with parents at games and I do not have a child in the program so what I post is not tainted by any parents complaining they do not get to play ER.

I have been a part of both organizations, and I think the game between the two would be huge for the communities. I do believe in the past and maybe they still do have a day where Rogers youth plays ER at all levels, what a great finish it would be to finish that day with the two HS teams. I can smell standing room only and maybe erstrikes and myself could enjoy the game together.

Personally I don't buy into the "we beat ER and they beat Coon Rapids so we must be better than CR" kind of thinking, especially come section seeding time. If they get in the same section or conference or ER moves back into a Metro section, then I could see a game between the 2 making sense. Until then, it just doesn't make a lot of sense for either school except for bragging rights and when those bragging rights can cost you home-ice in sections, it really is not worth it.

I have been part of both as well, I know nothing other than ER & Rogers. I like your thinking as far as playing each other all the way up, would make for a fun day (and hopefully only have to pay for admission once). I'd have to get there early to make sure I get my spot up a little, but you are more than welcome to join. I'll give ya a holler if it ever happens.

[royals03]

Well it would actually be nice if Rogers had the opportunity for a home game in sections but they are all held at the forum in Champlin.

Maybe someone has some insight on why it is held there every year isit because the have seating on both sides of the rink.

[royals03]

So will Buffalo right the ship before the game with Rogers or is there to much inward fighting with the players that the might just give the conference away.

[Bench Major]

Rogers would need to be a top 4 team to get a home play-off game. As a #7 seed they need not worry about it. Bison 3, Royals 1.

[Can't Never Tried]

Well it would actually be nice if Rogers had the opportunity for a home game in sections but they are all held at the forum in Champlin.

Maybe someone has some insight on why it is held there every year isit because the have seating on both sides of the rink.

Still would have to be what....a top 4 seed, even if they had games in other locations. I don't see Rogers getting that in 5AA this year, maybe if they beat Osseo and Hopkins yet this season, they could get as high as 4 if other section teams flounder, but more likely 5 or 6 due to the loss to Coon Rapids, and Maple Grove that kind of cinched the deal.

I believe the reason for Champlin location, is the central location and capacity.

[HOFam'r]

All reports have Bison looking good against Rosemount yesterday...I know it's only a scrimmage but still an improvement over the debacle Saturday night...

[Puckguy19]

as a footnote...I am having a tremendous amount of trouble attending any Buffalo games...all I see is a selfish attitude by just about all involved from the top down, it is difficult for me to watch and in my eyes is destroying a team with some potential and 3 or 4 really good players..

In the Mississippi 8, 3 or 4 really good players may be able to make the difference. In Section 8 that's just not the case. It will take a roster of 20 players, willing to accept their roles and staff direction, to have "a chip and a chair." Take away the 16 or 17 with potential, and the 3 or 4 can't field a team.

[EREmpireStrikesBack]

as a footnote...I am having a tremendous amount of trouble attending any Buffalo games...all I see is a selfish attitude by just about all involved from the top down, it is difficult for me to watch and in my eyes is destroying a team with some potential and 3 or 4 really good players..

In the Mississippi 8, 3 or 4 really good players may be able to make the difference. In Section 8 that's just not the case. It will take a roster of 20 players, willing to accept their roles and staff direction, to have "a chip and a chair." Take away the 16 or 17 with potential, and the 3 or 4 can't field a team.

20? Ha!

[Puckguy19]

as a footnote...I am having a tremendous amount of trouble attending any Buffalo games...all I see is a selfish attitude by just about all involved from the top down, it is difficult for me to watch and in my eyes is destroying a team with some potential and 3 or 4 really good players..

In the Mississippi 8, 3 or 4 really good players may be able to make the difference. In Section 8 that's just not the case. It will take a roster of 20 players, willing to accept their roles and staff direction, to have "a chip and a chair." Take away the 16 or 17 with potential, and the 3 or 4 can't field a team.

20? Ha!

Would you buy 14?

[EREmpireStrikesBack]

In the Mississippi 8, 3 or 4 really good players may be able to make the difference. In Section 8 that's just not the case. It will take a roster of 20 players, willing to accept their roles and staff direction, to have "a chip and a chair." Take away the 16 or 17 with potential, and the 3 or 4 can't field a team.

20? Ha!

Would you buy 14?

Definitely. Two lines that are superior, that is what makes the difference.

[HOFam'r]

as a footnote...I am having a tremendous amount of trouble attending any Buffalo games...all I see is a selfish attitude by just about all involved from the top down, it is difficult for me to watch and in my eyes is destroying a team with some potential and 3 or 4 really good players..

In the Mississippi 8, 3 or 4 really good players may be able to make the difference. In Section 8 that's just not the case. It will take a roster of 20 players, willing to accept their roles and staff direction, to have "a chip and a chair." Take away the 16 or 17 with potential, and the 3 or 4 can't field a team.

PG19: I am impressed with your ability to see through the maze. No doubt about the acceptance of roles but isn't the job of the leader of the team to define roles and make sure one role is not percieved as more important than the other? Also, let's not forget the parental influence because they are the ones who really need be convinced that the team always comes first and that not everyone has the tools to be the star.

Let me give you an example of what I mean (not that you asked) The last Bison game I attended sitting behind me was a parent of one of the Bison players...with 2 minutes left and Bison up by 2 his child committed what most would call a stupid and uncalled for penalty. In most cases people would assume that this penalty was just wrong and that this player had committed a rather large mistake. Not the parent...to quote 'way to go --- don't take crap from no one'

The circumstances of the penalty was that our player initiated and was called...there wasn't any reason for it...especially a good one but the parent was proud of his youngster...why?

1.) Much more important to get the penalty and look like a tough guy than win the game?
2.) Oblivious to the fact that his child hurt his teams chances of success?
3.) A person who likes to see penalties.
4.) Enjoys hearing his son's name announced?

My opinion is that it is selfish and more than short sighted. Obviously this parent has influenced his child to believing that his actions reflect more importance than others. After witnessing this (wasn't the first time) I just think to myself (How can the player get away with that type of behavior and then the parent condones it?) Whew! Just so you know this parent knows where I come from and I have told him my opinion on such matters.

I am far from perfect but if my child acted like that he would not play...period. Obviously, it would create controversy to bench this kid and others that make blatent mental mistakes..it has been done for years and if the player can't live with it or doesn't care enough to...well than later...there are several who would be willing to take his place...

[puckulence]

well hopefully they keep taking penalties tonight, because rogers appreciates the power plays. But really this should be a very good game and I am eager for it to get started.

[HOFam'r]

[quote="puckulence"]well hopefully they keep taking penalties tonight, because rogers appreciates the power plays. But really this should be a very good game and I am eager for it to get started.[/quot

Refs at Buffalo normally fair...unlike the 18-5 penalty blood bath we took in Rogers...