Duluth East (24-4-1) v. Edina (24-5-0) 3-13-09 12PM

[karl(east)]

So we start looking to next year. The most pressing question is whether Forbort stays or goes; that's his call to make, and I'll respect it either way. Even if he doesn't go they have some large holes to fill on defense. They need a goalie, though the transition process appears to have already started. At forward they return a decent number of bodies, some with potential, but without Tardy they're going to need to come up with a source of goals, or else it will simply be more of the same "so many shots, so few goals" that we've gotten used to. The bantam team is ranked at or near the top of the state, and JV had a strong year, so there will be plenty of bodies to throw at the holes. They likely won't open the year as a favorite, particularly if Forbort goes, but they should be there in the end all the same.

Thanks for a fun year, Greyhounds.

Two questions for you.
1) Do you think East will be as good next year as this year's team?
2) Will the Hounds make it back to State?

I know you probably don't want to commit to this answers now, but it would be nice to here your opinion...

My answers at this point...
1. No, I really don't think they will be. There are holes to fill everywhere, and Max Tardy isn't the sort of player you can just replace. They can still be a good team, and perhaps a very good team if some of the younger players grow up fast.
2. They have a good shot. We probably shouldn't speculate too much since they're going to realign the sections, though I doubt we'll see much change in 7AA. ER loses some scoring punch, but as long as their goalie was only a freshman, and they should be back looking strong. Andover is supposed to peak next year too, I believe; we'll see if it's enough to make a run. Rapids will be in the mix as always, and any East fan knows to never underestimate Cloquet.

The X-factor here is Forbort, and whether he goes or not. All the same, it might be a nice change of pace after these past two years to not enter a season as a runaway favorite.

[Brad Shelstad Guy]

Echoing Halla's post, great summary -- and also thanks for the weekly rankings and thoughts -- I've always enjoyed them.

[Duluth 4]

So we start looking to next year. The most pressing question is whether Forbort stays or goes; that's his call to make, and I'll respect it either way. Even if he doesn't go they have some large holes to fill on defense. They need a goalie, though the transition process appears to have already started. At forward they return a decent number of bodies, some with potential, but without Tardy they're going to need to come up with a source of goals, or else it will simply be more of the same "so many shots, so few goals" that we've gotten used to. The bantam team is ranked at or near the top of the state, and JV had a strong year, so there will be plenty of bodies to throw at the holes. They likely won't open the year as a favorite, particularly if Forbort goes, but they should be there in the end all the same.

Thanks for a fun year, Greyhounds.

Two questions for you.
1) Do you think East will be as good next year as this year's team?
2) Will the Hounds make it back to State?

I know you probably don't want to commit to this answers now, but it would be nice to here your opinion...

This is my opinion on your two questions. Will next year be as good as this year? No, this was one of East's most talented teams in quite some time. Will East make it back to state? I dont know, next year may be Elk Rivers turn to go dancing.

[HoundHockeyFanatic]

With a disappointing tournament run, Forbort might want to return and try to get a state title. However, loosing Tardy will be difficult for them. But last year the Hounds lost Rob Johnson and Jake Boese on a line with Tardy and Max stepped up. Now with loosing Tardy and Nelson, I think Paulseth with step up and lead the team in scoring. The defense will have a diffcult time trying to fill the shoes, considering for the majority of the tourney McLean, Williams, Arbour, and Forbort played. A lot of talent will be gone from the team, but whose to say the other players won't step up and want to return to state to bring home the title?