Will EP be a repeat at STATE

[Lakeviewing]

Is there a chance that EP will repeat for a back to back STATE CHAMPION in the 2009-2010 season? The stars are aliened for EP to repeat for a 2nd year repeat title. Can EP rebound from the loss of Leddy and a couple of seniors and juniors that played a dominate roll on last years team to repeat in 2010? EP should be the favorite, Jefferson is good, Tonka will be a factor, Hopkins is fading. Wayzata is coming, Blaine is solid. It shall be interesting.

[dueling21]

They'll be atop my preseason rankings, even with the loss of Leddy and the other seniors. Just an awful lot of young talent on that team. But don't forget about Hill-Murray and Benilde, as well as the teams you listed.

[flatontheice]

They'll be atop my preseason rankings, even with the loss of Leddy and the other seniors. Just an awful lot of young talent on that team. But don't forget about Hill-Murray and Benilde, as well as the teams you listed.

My Top 5 in order are:

Eden Prairie
Minnetonka
Duluth East
Centennial
Bloomington Jefferson

[karl(east)]

They'll be atop my preseason rankings, even with the loss of Leddy and the other seniors. Just an awful lot of young talent on that team. But don't forget about Hill-Murray and Benilde, as well as the teams you listed.

My Top 5 in order are:

Eden Prairie
Minnetonka
Duluth East
Centennial
Bloomington Jefferson

As much as I appreciate the vote of confidence, I wouldn't put East in the preseason top 10. I wouldn't be surprised to see them get up there at some point, but they're very raw at the moment.

[DannyCalifornia]

They'll be atop my preseason rankings, even with the loss of Leddy and the other seniors. Just an awful lot of young talent on that team. But don't forget about Hill-Murray and Benilde, as well as the teams you listed.

My Top 5 in order are:

Eden Prairie
Minnetonka
Duluth East
Centennial
Bloomington Jefferson

FYI--Cent won't even be in top 3 of NW Suburban.
Look for Blaine to go back to state and probably win it IF the coaching doesn't get in the way.

[LetsPlayHockey22]

They'll be atop my preseason rankings, even with the loss of Leddy and the other seniors. Just an awful lot of young talent on that team. But don't forget about Hill-Murray and Benilde, as well as the teams you listed.

My Top 5 in order are:

Eden Prairie
Minnetonka
Duluth East
Centennial
Bloomington Jefferson

FYI--Cent won't even be in top 3 of NW Suburban.
Look for Blaine to go back to state and probably win it IF the coaching doesn't get in the way.

This group of Centennial kids did phenomenal in youth hockey, 3 straight championship appearances I believe, however, they have not proved much at the high school level. With a handful of good players they could compete but I don't see anyone taking the lead on the team. As for Blaine, this is it, Bjugstad is accelerating to graduate early and this is their last chance for a few years to take a title, good steady defense and solid goaltending with a very good top line should make for a good season.

[BodyShots]

They'll be atop my preseason rankings, even with the loss of Leddy and the other seniors. Just an awful lot of young talent on that team. But don't forget about Hill-Murray and Benilde, as well as the teams you listed.

My Top 5 in order are:

Eden Prairie
Minnetonka
Duluth East
Centennial
Bloomington Jefferson

I find it hard to believe that HM wouldn't be in a top 5 when they really didn't lose much from a team that played in the state tourney 3rd place game last year. A ton of talent returning, and even more just beginning.

Replace DE with HM and put Blaine in Centennial's place and I think you have a solid top 5.

[shakey]

Is there a chance that EP will repeat for a back to back STATE CHAMPION in the 2009-2010 season? The stars are aliened for EP to repeat for a 2nd year repeat title. Can EP rebound from the loss of Leddy and a couple of seniors and juniors that played a dominate roll on last years team to repeat in 2010? EP should be the favorite, Jefferson is good, Tonka will be a factor, Hopkins is fading. Wayzata is coming, Blaine is solid. It shall be interesting.

Which of last year's juniors did EP lose?

[IJUSTFARTED]

I find it hard to believe that HM wouldn't be in a top 5 when they really didn't lose much from a team that played in the state tourney 3rd place game last year. A ton of talent returning, and even more just beginning.

Replace DE with HM and put Blaine in Centennial's place and I think you have a solid top 5.[/quote]

Ahh HM didnt play in the 3rd place game. That would be cretin and blaine who each also lost not a lot of talent

[flatontheice]

I find it hard to believe that HM wouldn't be in a top 5 when they really didn't lose much from a team that played in the state tourney 3rd place game last year. A ton of talent returning, and even more just beginning.

Replace DE with HM and put Blaine in Centennial's place and I think you have a solid top 5.

Ahh HM didnt play in the 3rd place game. That would be cretin and blaine who each also lost not a lot of talent[/quote]

HM overachieved at the end of the year for what they had. This year I predict they flame out at the end of the year. I agree that Blaine will be good but I dont think they are deep enough.

[PeterDenton]

Yes they have a very good chance I believe. I also think that Breck will repeat for class A (i know its not that forum but it should happen). Both teams were underclassman dominated other than Leddy for EP and Rehkamp for Breck

[Doglover]

I find it hard to believe that HM wouldn't be in a top 5 when they really didn't lose much from a team that played in the state tourney 3rd place game last year. A ton of talent returning, and even more just beginning.

Replace DE with HM and put Blaine in Centennial's place and I think you have a solid top 5.

Ahh HM didnt play in the 3rd place game. That would be cretin and blaine who each also lost not a lot of talent

HM overachieved at the end of the year for what they had. This year I predict they flame out at the end of the year. I agree that Blaine will be good but I dont think they are deep enough.[/quote]

I agree that HM probably overachieved and don't see the talent this year. I think they will finish middle of the pack but Blaine may be a team to watch out for. EP lost Leddy - they will not be the same team. They've got Rau but questionable goaltending. I think DE will be good, especially with the additions. Jefferson too will be a contender - nice senior first line. May be some sleepers though and I wouldn't count Edina or Centennial out just yet. It should be fun to watch.

[GR3343]

[quote but questionable goaltending. [/quote]


Tough to say that about EP, their goaltender is one of the tops in the state. He's young and will most likely only get better.

[Doglover]

You could be right about the goaltending. Just heard he laid an egg at Selects and not sure there is a strong #2 but maybe there is. It's such a key position and he did have Mr. Leddy in front of him last year (whom he did not have at Selects).

[AverageHockeyJoe]

Doglover -- That EP tender did make the "final 54" -- top 4 goalies for Select 17s, so that was a pretty good showing. Don't know if "laid an egg" is quite accurate. Probably should check your sources....

[High Flyer]

I'm thinking Mtka will be a very tough team to beat this year.

There solid in net, with three excellent defensemen and they'll throw out two lines that will be very hard for a team to shut down.

Not sure if there are any other “AA” teams this year that will be able to put out a similar line up and match Mtka's quality/depth.

[flatontheice]

I'm thinking Mtka will be a very tough team to beat this year.

There solid in net, with three excellent defensemen and they'll throw out two lines that will be very hard for a team to shut down.

Not sure if there are any other “AA” teams this year that will be able to put out a similar line up and match Mtka's quality/depth.

Agreed. That is why I have them #2.

[Papa Bergundy]

If you look at all the teams on paper before the face the trials and tribulations of a whole season, it's tough not to say the two favorites are EP and Minnetonka in my book. EP will be hurt by the loss of Leddy, but I'm sure they will have a solid core of defenseman that will step in and fill that void. While Tonka returns all 6 of their D from last year, as well as their goaltender and only lose one forward who consistently contributed. Both teams look set for a title run.

[High Flyer]

EP will be hurt by the loss of Leddy, but I'm sure they will have a solid core of defenseman that will step in and fill that void.

Leddy was an "impact player" and a "game breaker". EP does not have anyone who will fill Leddy's shoes

[Crimson]

Agree with High Flyer. Without Leddy last year, EP probably doesn't get out of the section much less win the tourney even though they were a very good team. That being said, EP will still be awfully good this year as they have a deep and talented feeder system to pull from and would think they're the team to beat until someone proves otherwise. Also like Blaine, Tonka, Jefferson, East, Edina, Hill Murray and Benilde. Breck and St. Thomas might also be in this class and should be very strong.

[shakey]

EP will be hurt by the loss of Leddy, but I'm sure they will have a solid core of defenseman that will step in and fill that void.

Leddy was an "impact player" and a "game breaker". EP does not have anyone who will fill Leddy's shoes

Granted Tonka has the best looking D corps in the state (on paper) but it never ceases to amaze me how people continue to make Tonka world beaters when they've never managed to win a damn thing. By the way, ever heard of Kyle Rau?

[flatontheice]

Agree with High Flyer. Without Leddy last year, EP probably doesn't get out of the section much less win the tourney even though they were a very good team. That being said, EP will still be awfully good this year as they have a deep and talented feeder system to pull from and would think they're the team to beat until someone proves otherwise. Also like Blaine, Tonka, Jefferson, East, Edina, Hill Murray and Benilde. Breck and St. Thomas might also be in this class and should be very strong.

Edina will NOT be in this class. Not even close this year. top 20 team but not a top 10 team.

[Papa Bergundy]

EP will be hurt by the loss of Leddy, but I'm sure they will have a solid core of defenseman that will step in and fill that void.

Leddy was an "impact player" and a "game breaker". EP does not have anyone who will fill Leddy's shoes

I'm not saying some JV kid is going to step up and be an NHL first rounder this next year, obviously there is no replacing a player like Leddy. Just saying, it's a solid program and they will figure out a way to work around the loss.

[High Flyer]

EP will be hurt by the loss of Leddy, but I'm sure they will have a solid core of defenseman that will step in and fill that void.

Leddy was an "impact player" and a "game breaker". EP does not have anyone who will fill Leddy's shoes

Granted Tonka has the best looking D corps in the state (on paper) but it never ceases to amaze me how people continue to make Tonka world beaters when they've never managed to win a damn thing. By the way, ever heard of Kyle Rau?

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

[shakey]

Leddy was an "impact player" and a "game breaker". EP does not have anyone who will fill Leddy's shoes

Granted Tonka has the best looking D corps in the state (on paper) but it never ceases to amaze me how people continue to make Tonka world beaters when they've never managed to win a damn thing. By the way, ever heard of Kyle Rau?

Isn't that what they use to say about EP (at the high school level), until last year??

There is a big difference between an impact player whom is either a goalie or defensemen, as they can control much of the game. A Leddy-less EP will be a much different team this year.

Like it or not, forwards are a dime a dozen and they can't be on the ice as often as a defensemen or goalie. EP has K. Rau, Mtka has Gardner, both strong forwards and both will probably chip in a point, maybe two. But then again, a good coach can also choose to try to neutralize a forward, making them a non factor.

Hockey is very much a team sport and many times the out come of game is decided by the support cast, not the star players. This is where I believe Mtka is going to have the advantage over all the "AA" teams this year.

HF, I agree with you on three points....

1. Hockey is all about team not star players.
2. Leddy cannot be "replaced".
3. Tonka's D line up is impressive.

These same EP kids have been beating these same Tonka kids (and everyone else in the state) for years with superior team play. Why do you feel that Tonka now has the advantage?