SEC 2008-2009

Hansonbrother · Post by **Hansonbrother** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 6:39 pm

brookyone wrote:
joehockey wrote:Does any of this have to do with SOS?
I personally think, to a large extent, you can throw out any mathematical calculations and what those calculations might indicate when it's Roseville and Stillwater head to head. At least for several consecutive seasons now. I'll admit, I haven't been paying attention...Maybe they've been as close in SOS as their H2H game scores would indicate too.

Stillwater can score...shutting them down is a big part of what an opponent needs to do to beat them. I always admire the Raiders game when I watch these two SEC teams play. They are successful IMO, because they always play a solid team game...and flat out execute on the ice...well coached, you can tell. That and they always have some skilled players filling the skates...obviously

If I can ponder outside the SEC topic for a moment...I think Stillwater may have lost their chances for a top seed in the section. That may not be all that significant. Think CDH last season. Though with two tough consecutive losses...it's a gut check time for Stillwater. Focus on nothing except the next opponent and your own game.

The Ponies might be angry for that MV game ahead...they should be.

Brooky, you make some excellent points through all of this. Roseville's strength this year will come from its defense and goaltending. I think I made the point before the season started that if they could find some scoring they could be dangerous. They still don't score alot, but they certainly don't give up much either.
You also mentioned seedings and how this might affect the end of the year for Stillwater. It might if they win out and so does Roseville, because seeding will happen before the two will have their rematch.
Regarding CDH last year, lets break that team down. They had 3 kids sign on to play D-1 this year, three. Most teams would be lucky to have one. And, they had a goalie that decided to take over games at seasons end as well. When you look at how that team under-achieved during the conference and blossomed during playoffs, they were 2 different teams. I don't see anyone in the SEC with that same type of build for talent.

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 6:53 pm

Probably to early to look at Section 4AA but....Roseville likely wins #1 unless they split with Stillwater and HM wins out - then HM might get #1 seed and Stillwater Roseville might play as #2-#3. If Roseville wins again over Stillwater then the Ponies could fall to third based on the loss to HM. So top four could be Roseville, Stillwater, HM and then either WB or NSP lots of hockey to play and CDH showed last year you only have to win three sectional games at the right time to get to state.

Section 4AA Standings Section Record / Overall Record
Roseville 3-0-0 / 15-1-1 (Beat Stw)
Hill-Murray 4-0-0 / 11-3-0 (Beat Stw)
Stillwater Area 3-2-0 / 12-3-0 (Beat WB and NSP)
North St. Paul 3-3-0 / 9-6-1 (Beat & lost to WB, lost to STW and HM) CORRECTED
White Bear Lake 2-4-0 / 9-5-1 (lost to Rsvl, HM, STW NSP & beat NSP)
Minneapolis 0-1-0 / 5-8-1
Tartan 1-2-0 / 5-10-0
Cretin-Derham Hall 1-3-0 / 4-12-0
St. Paul Blades 0-2-0 / 1-13-0

Melvin44 · Post by **Melvin44** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:35 pm

joehockey wrote:Probably to early to look at Section 4AA but....Roseville likely wins #1 unless they split with Stillwater and HM wins out - then HM might get #1 seed and Stillwater Roseville might play as #2-#3. If Roseville wins again over Stillwater then the Ponies could fall to third based on the loss to HM. So top four could be Roseville, Stillwater, HM and then either WB or NSP lots of hockey to play and CDH showed last year you only have to win three sectional games at the right time to get to state.

Section 4AA Standings Section Record / Overall Record
Roseville 3-0-0 / 15-1-1 (Beat Stw)
Hill-Murray 4-0-0 / 11-3-0 (Beat Stw)
Stillwater Area 3-2-0 / 12-3-0 (Beat WB and NSP)
North St. Paul 3-3-0 / 9-6-1 (Beat WB, lost to STW and HM)
White Bear Lake 2-4-0 / 9-5-1 (lost to Rsvl, HM, STW NSP)
Minneapolis 0-1-0 / 5-8-1
Tartan 1-2-0 / 5-10-0
Cretin-Derham Hall 1-3-0 / 4-12-0
St. Paul Blades 0-2-0 / 1-13-0

WBL did beat NSP earlier 4-2. When they lost 3-1 (open net goal). WBL was without Green and Hanson. Played 4 lines. Still outshot NSP 28 - 16. I guess 4 or 5 seed is the same thing.

Joe, even if Roseville were to lose. I still feel Hill wouldn't get a #1 seed based on Stength of conference. Hill plays in a class A conference schedule.

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:55 pm

Melvin44 wrote:
joehockey wrote:Probably to early to look at Section 4AA but....Roseville likely wins #1 unless they split with Stillwater and HM wins out - then HM might get #1 seed and Stillwater Roseville might play as #2-#3. If Roseville wins again over Stillwater then the Ponies could fall to third based on the loss to HM. So top four could be Roseville, Stillwater, HM and then either WB or NSP lots of hockey to play and CDH showed last year you only have to win three sectional games at the right time to get to state.

Section 4AA Standings Section Record / Overall Record
Roseville 3-0-0 / 15-1-1 (Beat Stw)
Hill-Murray 4-0-0 / 11-3-0 (Beat Stw)
Stillwater Area 3-2-0 / 12-3-0 (Beat WB and NSP)
North St. Paul 3-3-0 / 9-6-1 (Beat WB, lost to STW and HM)
White Bear Lake 2-4-0 / 9-5-1 (lost to Rsvl, HM, STW NSP)
Minneapolis 0-1-0 / 5-8-1
Tartan 1-2-0 / 5-10-0
Cretin-Derham Hall 1-3-0 / 4-12-0
St. Paul Blades 0-2-0 / 1-13-0
WBL did beat NSP earlier 4-2. When they lost 3-1 (open net goal). WBL was without Green and Hanson. Played 4 lines. Still outshot NSP 28 - 16. I guess 4 or 5 seed is the same thing.

Joe, even if Roseville were to lose. I still feel Hill wouldn't get a #1 seed based on Stength of conference. Hill plays in a class A conference schedule.

Melvin - Thanks forgot about the earlier win by WBL sorry.

You are probably right they would have 2 L and 1 T and at best HM would have 3 L....but lots of hockey to play for all so a lot can still change. I don't know or really understand all the factors that go into seedings.

Boy could Moundsview play spoiler in the next two games - they appear to have a very competitive team.

brookyone · Post by **brookyone** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 11:52 am

SEC conference update:

http://preps.startribune.com/conference ... 10&conf=19

May not be 100% up-to-date, I believe Stillwater is now 14-3-0 overall with a 5-0 win over Eden Prairie last night.

brookyone · Post by **brookyone** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 3:06 pm

Hansonbrother wrote:You also mentioned seedings and how this might affect the end of the year for Stillwater. It might if they win out and so does Roseville, because seeding will happen before the two will have their rematch.
Regarding CDH last year, lets break that team down. They had 3 kids sign on to play D-1 this year, three. Most teams would be lucky to have one. And, they had a goalie that decided to take over games at seasons end as well. When you look at how that team under-achieved during the conference and blossomed during playoffs, they were 2 different teams. I don't see anyone in the SEC with that same type of build for talent.

As for the section seedings being finalized prior to the rematch...I was unaware of that. Kind of a raw deal for Stillwater...but only if the Ponies were to win that rematch of course. Again...the effect on seedings between the two may not be all that significant.

As for the CDH run in last years section playoff, you're right...nobody to compare to their particular circumstances in the SEC this season.

titleist · Post by **titleist** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 9:56 pm

brookyone wrote:
Hansonbrother wrote:You also mentioned seedings and how this might affect the end of the year for Stillwater. It might if they win out and so does Roseville, because seeding will happen before the two will have their rematch.
Regarding CDH last year, lets break that team down. They had 3 kids sign on to play D-1 this year, three. Most teams would be lucky to have one. And, they had a goalie that decided to take over games at seasons end as well. When you look at how that team under-achieved during the conference and blossomed during playoffs, they were 2 different teams. I don't see anyone in the SEC with that same type of build for talent.
As for the section seedings being finalized prior to the rematch...I was unaware of that. Kind of a raw deal for Stillwater...but only if the Ponies were to win that rematch of course. Again...the effect on seedings between the two may not be all that significant.

As for the CDH run in last years section playoff, you're right...nobody to compare to their particular circumstances in the SEC this season.

bottom line is simple, someone will have to get through two really tough games to get to the dance. When your dealing with Roseville, Stillwater, and Hill-Murray, two of those games will be a war and the State Tournament will look easier in comparison.

hockeyheaven · Post by **hockeyheaven** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:04 am

Don’t count out White Bear Lake in the equation. Coaching, goaltending, penalties and injuries have dogged this team in their season thus far. They seem to be playing better as of late (and played Hill and Roseville very tough). The next conference games against Stillwater and Roseville could show more. There are no illusions that they pull a CDH. That’s one for the ages, however they could spoil one of the big three’s dreams of Xcellance

Bensonmum · Post by **Bensonmum** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 9:04 am

brookyone wrote: .....As for the section seedings being finalized prior to the rematch...I was unaware of that. Kind of a raw deal for Stillwater...but only if the Ponies were to win that rematch of course. Again...the effect on seedings between the two may not be all that significant.....

I don't think there's any raw deal for the Ponies.....if both win out from today on (big IF), then Roseville will be XX-1-1 going into that game, and Stillwater will be XX-3. If Stillwater wins, then they win the SEC title, but still trail by a half game overall. And since they would have split the season series, it still wouldn't be a raw deal if Roseville got the #1 seed. This is Sectional seedings, after all, not conference seedings.

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 9:12 am

hockeyheaven wrote:Don’t count out White Bear Lake in the equation. Coaching, goaltending, penalties and injuries have dogged this team in their season thus far. They seem to be playing better as of late (and played Hill and Roseville very tough). The next conference games against Stillwater and Roseville could show more. There are no illusions that they pull a CDH. That’s one for the ages, however they could spoil one of the big three’s dreams of Xcellance

White Bear has a ton of depth I hope they play both Stillwater and Roseville tough. The SEC seems a lot more balanced this year with Roseville, Stillwater, White Bear and Moundsview all very tough.

Bensonmum · Post by **Bensonmum** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:20 am

Meanwhile, HM cruises through the Classic. Do you suppose it's a good thing or a bad thing to have little competition in the conference heading into the Sections?

The Classic is definitely a little better this year than last though. Sibley is much improved, NSP and SSP both are better.

Don't worry about anybody taking WBL lightly. They scared Roseville the first time around. They are unofficially 'The Team Nobody Wants To Play' when Sections start.

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 8:42 am

Bensonmum wrote:Meanwhile, HM cruises through the Classic. Do you suppose it's a good thing or a bad thing to have little competition in the conference heading into the Sections?

The Classic is definitely a little better this year than last though. Sibley is much improved, NSP and SSP both are better.

Don't worry about anybody taking WBL lightly. They scared Roseville the first time around. They are unofficially 'The Team Nobody Wants To Play' when Sections start.

Cottage Grove appears to have been ready last night!

The SEC is a stronger Conference than Classic and this may be a disadvantage to Hill time will tell - here is the group and lastest KRACH ratings:

RK TEAM RECORD RATING CL Conference
1 Roseville 16-1-1 904.275 AA SEC
5 Stillwater Area 14-3-0 401.945 AA SEC
6 Hill-Murray 13-3-0 321.272 AA Classic
19 White Bear Lake 11-5-1 93.278 AA SEC
26 Mounds View 10-8-1 54.676 AA SEC
34 North St. Paul 10-7-0 34.804 AA Classic
40 South St. Paul 12-5-0 25.605 A Classic
48 Henry Sibley 9-7-0 18.693 A Classic
53 Forest Lake 7-8-1 16.382 AA SEC
67 Woodbury 7-10-1 8.617 AA SEC
71 Hastings 4-10-3 7.229 AA SEC
75 Park of Cottage Grove 5-11-0 6.471 AA SEC
79 Cretin-Derham Hall 5-13-0 5.238 AA SEC
94 Richfield 6-10-1 2.149 A Classic
95 Tartan 4-11-0 2.027 AA Classic
99 Simley 5-12-1 1.701 A Classic
104 Mahtomedi 1-13-2 1.322 A Classic

Melvin44 · Post by **Melvin44** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 12:07 pm

Park was ready for WBL last night or maybe coaching had a little to do with it (played 3rd line and 5,6 D with 1:38 left in a 3-3 game against Parks top 5. I agree the girls didn't play a great game. But when you really have only 2 lines and 4 D like WBL has and you play 4 lines and 6 D you give your opponent an opportunity win. Let's remember WBL is missing two top 6 players and yet they're still playing 4 lines???

I don't know if the coaches are playing all these girls because they’re getting them ready for next year or what??? All I know is Sections are coming up pretty fast and I would think coaches would want to start preparing for them and getting girls used to playing with each other.

Set 3 lines and 4 or 5 D MAX and tell the 2nd, 3rd lines that you need to play hard or you might get switched with someone from JV who's playing well. You can't continue to have 4 lines and keep mixing up players at this stage of the season!

Most top teams are playing 3 lines and 4 or 5 D. EP, CDH, Centennial, MV, Irondale, Stillwater, Eagan, etc. etc. Loaded EP played only 5 D last year! and CDH went to state playing 3-4.

WBL can be beat by anybody playing 4 lines and 6 D. WBL can beat anybody playing 2-3 lines and 4-5 D.

The coaches have my support no matter what. I just hope their system/maddness works.

Sorry, I had to vent a little.

Hansonbrother · Post by **Hansonbrother** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:49 pm

Melvin44 wrote:Park was ready for WBL last night or maybe coaching had a little to do with it (played 3rd line and 5,6 D with 1:38 left in a 3-3 game against Parks top 5. I agree the girls didn't play a great game. But when you really have only 2 lines and 4 D like WBL has and you play 4 lines and 6 D you give your opponent an opportunity win. Let's remember WBL is missing two top 6 players and yet they're still playing 4 lines???

I don't know if the coaches are playing all these girls because they’re getting them ready for next year or what??? All I know is Sections are coming up pretty fast and I would think coaches would want to start preparing for them and getting girls used to playing with each other.

Set 3 lines and 4 or 5 D MAX and tell the 2nd, 3rd lines that you need to play hard or you might get switched with someone from JV who's playing well. You can't continue to have 4 lines and keep mixing up players at this stage of the season!

Most top teams are playing 3 lines and 4 or 5 D. EP, CDH, Centennial, MV, Irondale, Stillwater, Eagan, etc. etc. Loaded EP played only 5 D last year! and CDH went to state playing 3-4.

WBL can be beat by anybody playing 4 lines and 6 D. WBL can beat anybody playing 2-3 lines and 4-5 D.

The coaches have my support no matter what. I just hope their system/maddness works.

Sorry, I had to vent a little.

Mel, are the parents over there willing to admit yet that it might not have all been coaching problems in the past? Maybe Anderson wasn't such a bad guy after all, but had his hands tied a bit?? Did I hear correctly that one kid chose to go to a Wild game versus play in a tournament game? If its true, what kind of commitment does that player have.

Melvin44 · Post by **Melvin44** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:13 pm

HB,

I personally liked Jon Anderson a lot. But I didn't like the way he coached as he always favored seniors no matter the talent level. Jon would only work on power play/penalty kill in practice (every day).

I honestly believe coach Kwapick is doing a great job and glad he is the coach. I just don't understand all the players on the bench rotating and why 3rd and 4th line players are playing in clutch situations. The girls are better conditioned and have only lost 2 games they should have won. I'm hoping he has a plan!

Yes, a player did choose to go to a Wild game and skip a tournament game. In fairness it was a gift from a grandparent. Would my daughter have missed? No way. But her grandparents would never give her wild tickets.

It's just a game right?

ghshockeyfan · Post by **ghshockeyfan** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:42 pm

joehockey wrote:
Bensonmum wrote:Meanwhile, HM cruises through the Classic. Do you suppose it's a good thing or a bad thing to have little competition in the conference heading into the Sections?

The Classic is definitely a little better this year than last though. Sibley is much improved, NSP and SSP both are better.

Don't worry about anybody taking WBL lightly. They scared Roseville the first time around. They are unofficially 'The Team Nobody Wants To Play' when Sections start.
Cottage Grove appears to have been ready last night!

The SEC is a stronger Conference than Classic and this may be a disadvantage to Hill time will tell - here is the group and lastest KRACH ratings:

RK TEAM RECORD RATING CL Conference
1 Roseville 16-1-1 904.275 AA SEC
5 Stillwater Area 14-3-0 401.945 AA SEC
6 Hill-Murray 13-3-0 321.272 AA Classic
19 White Bear Lake 11-5-1 93.278 AA SEC
26 Mounds View 10-8-1 54.676 AA SEC
34 North St. Paul 10-7-0 34.804 AA Classic
40 South St. Paul 12-5-0 25.605 A Classic
48 Henry Sibley 9-7-0 18.693 A Classic
53 Forest Lake 7-8-1 16.382 AA SEC
67 Woodbury 7-10-1 8.617 AA SEC
71 Hastings 4-10-3 7.229 AA SEC
75 Park of Cottage Grove 5-11-0 6.471 AA SEC
79 Cretin-Derham Hall 5-13-0 5.238 AA SEC
94 Richfield 6-10-1 2.149 A Classic
95 Tartan 4-11-0 2.027 AA Classic
99 Simley 5-12-1 1.701 A Classic

IMHO this is by far the weakest classic sub conf I've ever seen - weaker than last I believe as well. Every team is down but Hill - Tartan may be the only other exception and virtually every other team fell due to rebuilding. There is no comparison between the SEC and Classic Sub this year or last. Now, three + years ago maybe, but that's back to the SSP dynasty days, a HM team that was on the rise, a NSP team that had Thunstrom, Hogan, & Co., and some competitive Class A teams that included May at Mahtomedi, etc. Does this hurt HM in prep for sections? Yes - BUT they have a very tough NC schedule I believe to offset this fact.

PS - Mahtomedi was left off this list as a Classic Sub team...

104 Mahtomedi 1-13-2 1.322 A

ghshockeyfan · Post by **ghshockeyfan** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:58 pm

Melvin44 wrote:HB,

I personally liked Jon Anderson a lot. But I didn't like the way he coached as he always favored seniors no matter the talent level. Jon would only work on power play/penalty kill in practice (every day).

I honestly believe coach Kwapick is doing a great job and glad he is the coach. I just don't understand all the players on the bench rotating and why 3rd and 4th line players are playing in clutch situations. The girls are better conditioned and have only lost 2 games they should have won. I'm hoping he has a plan!

Yes, a player did choose to go to a Wild game and skip a tournament game. In fairness it was a gift from a grandparent. Would my daughter have missed? No way. But her grandparents would never give her wild tickets.

It's just a game right?

Re playing so deep into the bench it may be that the coach is trying to see who will step up and what he really has so that when it does count he knows who he can go to in a pinch and also if any unfortunate losses of top players happen who can he turn to then? I'm not saying I agree or disagree but just throwing this out there. Some coaches literally tell their teams that the first 25 games really are just a prep session for the ones that count the most - the 6 that *could* win you a state championship. Again, do I agree with this philosophy? Maybe a little but I think you can blend the development, determination of who can step up, and winning considerations in a way that give you the best chance to compete every game and still accomplish all these things. Balancing these items is difficult and sometimes even the best coaches get burned while doing so. Eventually though the only way you know who can step up in a critical game situation is to put a kid in one that won't determine the fate of the season but maybe only that game.

Hansonbrother · Post by **Hansonbrother** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:37 am

Melvin44 wrote:HB,

I personally liked Jon Anderson a lot. But I didn't like the way he coached as he always favored seniors no matter the talent level. Jon would only work on power play/penalty kill in practice (every day).

I honestly believe coach Kwapick is doing a great job and glad he is the coach. I just don't understand all the players on the bench rotating and why 3rd and 4th line players are playing in clutch situations. The girls are better conditioned and have only lost 2 games they should have won. I'm hoping he has a plan!

Yes, a player did choose to go to a Wild game and skip a tournament game. In fairness it was a gift from a grandparent. Would my daughter have missed? No way. But her grandparents would never give her wild tickets.

It's just a game right?

I like the way you think! Kwapick does seem to be a good guy who is obviously knowledgable with these kids. Watching the scores to some of these games, I just can't seem to figure your team out. Perhaps they just really become selective as to whom they get up to play.

Melvin44 · Post by **Melvin44** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 12:40 pm

ghshockeyfan wrote:
Melvin44 wrote:HB,

I personally liked Jon Anderson a lot. But I didn't like the way he coached as he always favored seniors no matter the talent level. Jon would only work on power play/penalty kill in practice (every day).

I honestly believe coach Kwapick is doing a great job and glad he is the coach. I just don't understand all the players on the bench rotating and why 3rd and 4th line players are playing in clutch situations. The girls are better conditioned and have only lost 2 games they should have won. I'm hoping he has a plan!

Yes, a player did choose to go to a Wild game and skip a tournament game. In fairness it was a gift from a grandparent. Would my daughter have missed? No way. But her grandparents would never give her wild tickets.

It's just a game right?
Re playing so deep into the bench it may be that the coach is trying to see who will step up and what he really has so that when it does count he knows who he can go to in a pinch and also if any unfortunate losses of top players happen who can he turn to then? I'm not saying I agree or disagree but just throwing this out there. Some coaches literally tell their teams that the first 25 games really are just a prep session for the ones that count the most - the 6 that *could* win you a state championship. Again, do I agree with this philosophy? Maybe a little but I think you can blend the development, determination of who can step up, and winning considerations in a way that give you the best chance to compete every game and still accomplish all these things. Balancing these items is difficult and sometimes even the best coaches get burned while doing so. Eventually though the only way you know who can step up in a critical game situation is to put a kid in one that won't determine the fate of the season but maybe only that game.

Good points.

He does have 2 set lines and set PP and PK's. But he will mix the 3rd line with 4th line players throughout the game. In my opinion the 3rd line girls never get used to each other and are out of position. They also will put the 5, 6 D out at the same time instead of mixing 1, 2 D with them and that's usually when we give up goals. If you're going to play 6 D I feel you have to play 1 with 6, 2 with 5, 3, 4? I do believe most HS teams aren't 4 lines deep and very few are 6 D deep. 5, 6 are usually JV players. Last year we had a stud goalie in Maddie Lenz and could afford to play 6 D, not the case this year. The goalies are playing well just need more support.

Wouldn't be better to go into a game with 3 set lines and have maybe 1 extra forward to motivate/sub in when necessary. Instead of rotating 1 player each period to the 3rd line from the 4th line. I hope I'm making sense.

I don't mind playing allot of girls early in the season and praise Jerry for doing this. It's just getting down to crunch time and in my opinion you should know who your horses are and you have to start playing for sections now (7 games left). Like CDH last year.

I would like opinions on this. I do know it's very easy to coach from the stands and I always support the coach as they earned the position and can coach anyway they want. Maybe I'm not seeing it right.

ghshockeyfan · Post by **ghshockeyfan** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 2:10 pm

I forget how deep into the season we are now. That's a good point. Also, agreed on the value in pairing a D1/2 with 5/6. Not sure that playing 3rd/4th line with D5&6 always best either.

hockeyheaven · Post by **hockeyheaven** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 2:14 pm

Melvin, vent a way that’s what these forums are for. It is a baffling system he has employed there. But…it’s not that it wasn’t discussed and scrutinized before on another thread right after the hire. In fact Bensonmum hit the nail on the head with his comments. He’s either Nostradamus like or brilliant…nah I think he just got lucky.

Bensonmum wrote:

Personally I wouldn't have a problem with a parent coach, although I could see how many people would. I would be more concerned with having someone who coached the same girls in U12 and U14 following them to Varsity.

I know when I played sports I always looked forward to moving on with new coaches as I progressed upwards--even if I really liked a certain coach, it was always nice to get a different perspective or philosophy at the next level.

Another drawback would be that the coach comes with pre-conceived notions about what each player can do on the ice. However, athletes can develop into entirely different players (and people) between age 11 and age 16--especially girls. If the same coach is around that entire time, he might not notice the development and instead carry biases about the players with him. This issue was raised recently in a situation I know of where the coach was with the same group for 2 years and moving into a third year.

Example: this coach has always used players A, B, C, D, and E on the power play and still does. However, player G has worked really hard and has recently developed a great slapshot from the point. The coach will still never use her on the power play because he never has and is comfortable with the same 5 he's always used, which includes his daughter.

Hopefully this won't be an issue and good luck to the new coach and the WBL team in 08-09.

Scary this is very close to what is actually happening. My experience tells me that more times then not this is what happens when a parent or someone from a centralized hockey community is placed in this position. Objectivity, boundary issues, personal friendships, etc. become a major concern and can have a tremendous impact on the dynamics and performance of the team. You are right this is the stretch run…time to start finding out who your horses are. All season long he has been bringing up 3 to 4 to 5 to 6… JV players (who are overmatched and overwhelmed) by the pace of the game. Rolling them out indiscriminately with no regard for down or distance… opposing teams 1st line...2nd line… short handed…nothing. This not only, IMO can effect their development (frustration, lack of quality playing minutes etc.) but that of the other players who have to sit to accommodate these “developing for the future” minutes these player are taking. At first it could have been conceived that he was just trying to find his team…but it’s apparent that this is not the case. It’s my feeling that he just wants to provide greater opportunities to his friends… or his daughter’s friends...his wife's friends...etc., who may or may not deserve it. This team has talent and can be very competitive against the top teams, but this rotation is why they can also struggle against the lower teams….Thanks Melvin…know you got me venting

Melvin44 · Post by **Melvin44** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:30 pm

HH,

I don't agree with you that Coach is playing friends, daughter’s friends, etc. I do believe coach is and has been trying to find girls who will step up. Most of the girls he brings up from JV did well last year or this year at JV. My point has been it's hard for girls to do well if they only get to play a period or 2 and that maybe he should have 3 set lines for every game. I praise him for getting many girls evolved and always have felt it's not what you do at the start or middle of a season. But what you do at the end. We're getting to the end and therefore my topic for discussion.

I strongly believe coach wants to win and has been trying to win. My questions have been shouldn't we know by now which players deserve to be playing and isn't it time to start playing towards sections. Most of the girls want to win in sections and hopefully go to state. Last year Anderson played 3+ lines and 7 D. Ridiculous! I'm hoping this year they will shorten the bench and give the team an outside chance. CDH did it last year and almost every team in state last year shortened their bench....

His assistant has made some of the errors in putting girls out at the wrong time and making promises to girls and not following through (never make promises especially to girls and not make good on them). I also wish his assistant would work more with the goalies being he was goalie coach in years past.

I will defend coach Kwapick and say he has done a great job and feel he was a very good choice for the team. The only mistake he might have made was moving one of our best D to forward in the Stillwater game and having the 3rd line out in the last 1:30 against Park. The team had point blank scoring chances in OT's during the GRG and Centennial games (players missed wide open nets) and was missing 3 of their top 6 players for the 2nd NSP game (lost 3-1 open net goal) and you can’t blame coaches for that one. The team is 11-6-1 and if they finish strong could have one of the best records ever. The team could easily be 14-3-1 if players didn’t miss scoring opportunities and games.

As I’ve stated before it’s a lot easier to coach from the stands even the very best coaches make mistakes.

brookyone · Post by **brookyone** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 5:40 pm

SEC update with regular season winding down...approx. 4-5 games remaining.

http://www.minnesota-scores.net/confsta ... 10&conf=19

Looking forward to the 4AA playoffs.

hockeyheaven · Post by **hockeyheaven** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 9:59 am

With the big game only a day a way I would think there would be more chatter leading up to it. Comon, Bensonmum, Goalzilla, Hansonbrother, Brookyone, etc. what’s your take. Winner takes all in the toughest conference in the land. Last game was a barn burner; some even claimed it the best Girls HS hockey game ever…Who’s going to prevail. My money is on the Raiders…but the Ponies have enough fire power to pull the upset. Any way it goes... should be another classic.

brookyone · Post by **brookyone** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 2:19 pm

hockeyheaven wrote:With the big game only a day a way I would think there would be more chatter leading up to it. Comon, Bensonmum, Goalzilla, Hansonbrother, Brookyone, etc. what’s your take. Winner takes all in the toughest conference in the land. Last game was a barn burner; some even claimed it the best Girls HS hockey game ever…Who’s going to prevail. My money is on the Raiders…but the Ponies have enough fire power to pull the upset. Any way it goes... should be another classic.

Another classic indeed. I expect yet another intense, hard fought match-up between these two teams with their enduring rivalry.

Stillwater has to play a nearly mistake free game IMO...since as I've mentioned before, Roseville has always executed so well in these games everytime I've watched in the past. Goaltending will be huge...and could very well decide this one...who makes the big save(s) will definitely be a factor with two pretty strong teams offensively.

Strong puck control could be vital for the Ponies chances...but that's tough against a team like the Raiders with talent that excels at puck control themselves. The Roseville D group always does a nice job in their end and moves the puck out / up ice well...Stillwater has had a strong forecheck from all lines as far as I've seen this season...they'll need to really hustle and hopefully force some mistakes.

The D might have been a question mark for Stillwater this season...at least in the minds of some, or maybe compared to their strong group of forwards. I think the Pony D has come along nicely over the course of the season. I know Roseville can put the pressure on...Stillwater forwards better backcheck strong...consistently or it'll cost them.

Who's gonna win? No way I can predict that. Going to be fun to watch.

GO PONIES!