AA Quarter: #4 Hill Murray (25-2-1) v. Duluth East (19-5-4)

[stpaul]

Congrats to the Coach Lechner & the Pioneers. 3rd semi-final in 5 years. They certainly took advantage of their opportunities tonight. I think they were knocked off their game by East playing a physical game. HM's passing was terrible in the 1st period. They played much better in the 2nd and OK in the 3rd. They did start to use their speed to create scoring chances but stopped when they got the lead. LaValle setting up Walsh was huge to put them up by 2 w/ 10 minutes left. They will have to play much better tomorrow night to stay with Tonka.

P.S. It was a nice scene in the HM section when the Girls BB teams came in as a group with their medals around their necks after winning Section 4AAA tonight. They got a big ovation.

[Pioneerprideguy]

It wasn't pretty, but it was entertaining. I thought East's forcheck was outstanding and bottled Hill up throughout the game. Typical HM first period, but they looked extremely slow and were unable to connect on any passes. I think East had a lot to do about that. But credit to the kids for working thru it and making the most of their opportunities. It's nice that people are able to see Lavalle play on the big stage. He's a special player who does a lot of little things right and made a wonderful play to assist on the 5th goal.

Hill plays like this tomorrow night & they get blown away. Hell, they could play better and still may get blown off the ice. But they are playing in the state semis so all is good.

Also, congrats to the Pioneer girls BB team for winning a section title tonight. Classy response when the girls walked in wearing their championship medals. Good Luck next week! Great night for the Pioneer Family.

[BigWorm]

Im talking in the beginning of the year.. After the team they had last year nobody thought they would even make it out of section semis... Yea 7AA is lacking the TOP rankinga they have got in the past , but instead of having a few top level teams , it seems that the section all around is at mid level... Hell even Flake is 10x the team they were a few yrs back.. just the ups and downs of HS sports

Were these the opinions in East Duluth or the opinions of the section as a whole? Everyone knows year in and year out East is a contender, heck the Greyhounds haven't had a losing season since 52-53. With their independent schedule 5 losses is quite impressive. I am just saying this team could've had a chance at winning the title. The only team in the tourney this year who is a tier above everyone else in my opinion is TONKA, and we all know anything can happen in St. Paul. Edina and East are comparable teams in my opinion, and East has shown they can beat AV with a 7-1 win earlier this season.

[dulutheastfan]

Can East win in the Xcel anymore from losing the past few years in the schwan cup from last year at state to this years schwan and state it won't end they played very well in the 1st thats east's kind of hockey but from going to there games when i was in hs to watching them on tv there is something that has not changed and thats when they get up on a team they lay back and get chippy, turnovers, and etc all of those mistakes end in bad results so anyway hopefully they can do something with lakeville north and get something out of this state tourny..

Time for a new coach?

It's not Coach Randolph

[jaded]

Can East win in the Xcel anymore from losing the past few years in the schwan cup from last year at state to this years schwan and state it won't end they played very well in the 1st thats east's kind of hockey but from going to there games when i was in hs to watching them on tv there is something that has not changed and thats when they get up on a team they lay back and get chippy, turnovers, and etc all of those mistakes end in bad results so anyway hopefully they can do something with lakeville north and get something out of this state tourny..

Time for a new coach?

It's not Coach Randolph[/quote

well that's one way to look at it..here are a couple of reasos I would say otherwise: a) He obviousy does not have the support of school administration. They fired him remember?
b) His play sophomores strategy has been in effect forever
and has never paid any dividends. This year is just the most egregious example of throwing away senior leadership and physical strength to build a
platform for his son's benefit in the next two years
c} Fairchild and Forbort are two high profile examples of not wanting to play for him. You think Holl, Bjugstad and Gardiner couldn't
have played at NTDP?
d} according to parents no chemistry or "team building whatsoever for years.
e) Some great talent year after year and coming up shortyear after year

"only a fool keeps doing things the same way and expects different results"

[sachishi4]

glad a DE fan could try to start a fight with HM kids and then get tazed by a cop.

jesus is on our side afterall

[youngblood08]

So Jesus is a Tazer??

[StillAnEagle]

Didn't really read through this post, but wanted to say that this game was the best all day. And the best I've seen in a few years. Atmosphere - electric. Thanks for the great game guys. This is what the tourney's about!!

[bulldog14411]

glad a DE fan could try to start a fight with HM kids and then get tazed by a cop.

jesus is on our side afterall

was sitting down in the lower bowl but looked like 2 hill kids to me...

[BigWorm]

No one really thought these guys were going to bust their asses for a coach who kept his three highest goal scorers off the power play so his kid and the rest of the sophomores he kept could play on it, did they?

This is just my opinion but I think Jake Randolph is a very good player. I would say he is comparable to Max Tardy during his sophomore year, except Jake is less flashy. I also think that Tardy's line was much better his sophomore year than that of Randolph's this year. Randolph makes smart plays and distributes the puck very well, a great fit for Duluth East's PP. If Randolph did give the seniors the shaft thats too bad, but in my opinion, Jake belongs on the power-play. I am in no way saying Jake will be as good as Max was his senior year (Max was a phenomenal player) but I think their sophomore years are somewhat comparable. According to prephockeynorth.com Tardy had 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points his sophomore year, and according to mnhockeyhub.com 's state tourney preview Randolph has 9 goals and 27 assists for 36 points. I believe Tardy was on Flaherty and Rob Johnson's line that year but don't quote me (which was a very solid line).

[StillAnEagle]

Can East win in the Xcel anymore from losing the past few years in the schwan cup from last year at state to this years schwan and state it won't end they played very well in the 1st thats east's kind of hockey but from going to there games when i was in hs to watching them on tv there is something that has not changed and thats when they get up on a team they lay back and get chippy, turnovers, and etc all of those mistakes end in bad results so anyway hopefully they can do something with lakeville north and get something out of this state tourny..

Time for a new coach?

It's not Coach Randolph

Get over yourselves EAST. Consider yourselves lucky to make it to the Xcel center. You guys played well tonight. You looked like a championship team tonight, but just got beat by another championship calibur team. Your passing was crisp, scored some beatiful goals, but let down a few times and paid for it. I watched 8 teams play today and most looked lack luster. But not you. You looked like a great state tournament team and I thank you for the show. Go win the consolation trophy.

[karl(east)]

well that's one way to look at it..here are a couple of reasos I would say otherwise: a) He obviousy does not have the support of school administration. They fired him remember?
b) His play sophomores strategy has been in effect forever
and has never paid any dividends. This year is just the most egregious example of throwing away senior leadership and physical strength to build a
platform for his son's benefit in the next two years
c} Fairchild and Forbort are two high profile examples of not wanting to play for him. You think Holl, Bjugstad and Gardiner couldn't
have played at NTDP?
d} according to parents no chemistry or "team building whatsoever for years.
e) Some great talent year after year and coming up shortyear after year

"only a fool keeps doing things the same way and expects different results"

In response:

A) While I respect the East administration, there is a bit more to this story than is being let on here.

B) If Randolph has always ridden his sophomores, how does him doing the exact same thing when his son happens to be on the team suddenly constitute favoritism? And those sophomores didn't do too poorly tonight either.

C) Try finding a top program in this state that doesn't lose people to juniors. EP had what, 5 somewhere else last year? And Bjugstad is leaving a year early too, btw, simply via a different avenue.

E) The past couple years, sure. But not this year--they lost to a deeper and stronger team this time around.

I am no worshipper of Mike Randolph. I am very aware that he is far from perfect. When he goes, whether that be after this year, 2 years from now, or in the distant future, I'll accept it and move on. But I suggest his critics take a step back and look at the big picture.

[mnhockeynemn]

well that's one way to look at it..here are a couple of reasos I would say otherwise: a) He obviousy does not have the support of school administration. They fired him remember?
b) His play sophomores strategy has been in effect forever
and has never paid any dividends. This year is just the most egregious example of throwing away senior leadership and physical strength to build a
platform for his son's benefit in the next two years
c} Fairchild and Forbort are two high profile examples of not wanting to play for him. You think Holl, Bjugstad and Gardiner couldn't
have played at NTDP?
d} according to parents no chemistry or "team building whatsoever for years.
e) Some great talent year after year and coming up shortyear after year

"only a fool keeps doing things the same way and expects different results"

In response:

A) While I respect the East administration, there is a bit more to this story than is being let on here.

B) If Randolph has always ridden his sophomores, how does him doing the exact same thing when his son happens to be on the team suddenly constitute favoritism? And those sophomores didn't do too poorly tonight either.

C) Try finding a top program in this state that doesn't lose people to juniors. EP had what, 5 somewhere else last year? And Bjugstad is leaving a year early too, btw, simply via a different avenue.

E) The past couple years, sure. But not this year--they lost to a deeper and stronger team this time around.

I am no worshipper of Mike Randolph. I am very aware that he is far from perfect. When he goes, whether that be after this year, 2 years from now, or in the distant future, I'll accept it and move on. But I suggest his critics take a step back and look at the big picture.

This was a crazy game to watch from the end of the 1st to the beginning of the 2nd. Looked good for East for the first part of the game. Hopefully they can recover from the loss and win the next 2 games for the Consulation Title.

[Off Sides]

A couple of my opinions. At the beginning of the year I felt Elk River was by far the favorite for the section with East losing 10 seniors and Elk River returning excellant strength at goal, defense and veteran scoring forwards, I do not believe I am alone in this thought. Andover is another team that was a serious threat to win the section or atleast beat East on the way to a game with Elk River.
I believe East improved tremendously this year and posed a serious threat to Hill Murray but I dont believe they could have beaten MTK.This being said East played well enough to win tonite but let Hill Muarry take it from them in a very short span. Last year destiny let Cretin beat East (and a legitimate chance for a title). Tonite East beat themselves (to have the opportunity to play MTK).

[sachishi4]

glad a DE fan could try to start a fight with HM kids and then get tazed by a cop.

jesus is on our side afterall

was sitting down in the lower bowl but looked like 2 hill kids to me...

from what i heard was that the DE kid tried to start a fight and it didnt go well for him. I was in the lower bowl too

[fanboy]

Randolph was simply out coached again. You cannot go the distance with good teams during playoffs when you shorten the bench. Depth is the key and for some reason he will not play the 3RD line D. Tonights game was played with 4 D, bad strategy. Even worse not recognizing when you need to change the game plan. What about the 4th Forward line? Flaherty, Forbort and Fairchild all left and Welinski probably will too.

[h-m fan]

Great job tonight Hill! Hopefully those first game jitters are out and that the shutout hockey that they put on in the last two periods tonight continues. Shaughnessy needs to step up tommorow and the D needs to help him out the best they can. with all that speed they have the goals will come if they just play D first....

[Pioneerprideguy]

Great work by Hill's 4th line. They provided the much needed spark in the first by jumping over the boards and going out & getting Hill's first goal. They saw several PLEASE BAN ME during the game and held their own. Smart move by Lex spotting the 4th line. It's a lot of hockey in 3 days and fresh legs will be needed. Blaine may have benefitted from such an approach.

[SEMinnyHCKY]

I would never criticize one kid or put a loss on one person, but East's goaltending in the game vs. Cretin last year and this year vs. Hill has not been the best. I know it's arguably the toughest position in all of sports (Quarterback being the other IMO), and East's goaltending has been strong enough to get them to state, but it has let them down the last two years once they made it to the X.

[fanboy]

well that's one way to look at it..here are a couple of reasos I would say otherwise: a) He obviousy does not have the support of school administration. They fired him remember?
b) His play sophomores strategy has been in effect forever
and has never paid any dividends. This year is just the most egregious example of throwing away senior leadership and physical strength to build a
platform for his son's benefit in the next two years
c} Fairchild and Forbort are two high profile examples of not wanting to play for him. You think Holl, Bjugstad and Gardiner couldn't
have played at NTDP?
d} according to parents no chemistry or "team building whatsoever for years.
e) Some great talent year after year and coming up shortyear after year

"only a fool keeps doing things the same way and expects different results"

In response:

A) While I respect the East administration, there is a bit more to this story than is being let on here.

B) If Randolph has always ridden his sophomores, how does him doing the exact same thing when his son happens to be on the team suddenly constitute favoritism? And those sophomores didn't do too poorly tonight either.

C) Try finding a top program in this state that doesn't lose people to juniors. EP had what, 5 somewhere else last year? And Bjugstad is leaving a year early too, btw, simply via a different avenue.

E) The past couple years, sure. But not this year--they lost to a deeper and stronger team this time around.

I am no worshipper of Mike Randolph. I am very aware that he is far from perfect. When he goes, whether that be after this year, 2 years from now, or in the distant future, I'll accept it and move on. But I suggest his critics take a step back and look at the big picture.

Re: the sophomores and his son.
1. He is on the second line, the only line that has never changed throughout the season. Players move from 1st to 3rd so as not to disrupt Jake's line.
2. His son only has to play offensively, unlike every other player.
3. The 3rd line forwards are better.
4. It's unfortunate the coaches choose to pad his stats. Nothing new to the East coaching staff as the same was done for Terry Johnson's son.
5. Sophomores better than other juniors and seniors, not so.

With that said, he is a good player as are the sophomores. If a Coach cannot separate roles of Father/Coach, then he should not be coaching his own kid. Such "interference" from his father only hurts his son in the end.

It's not so much about leaving for juniors etc., the issue is, this is one of only a few teams in which the coach is not a reason for the kids to stay, as it is in other programs.

[BodyShots]

It wasn't pretty, but it was entertaining. I thought East's forcheck was outstanding and bottled Hill up throughout the game. Typical HM first period, but they looked extremely slow and were unable to connect on any passes. I think East had a lot to do about that. But credit to the kids for working thru it and making the most of their opportunities. It's nice that people are able to see Lavalle play on the big stage. He's a special player who does a lot of little things right and made a wonderful play to assist on the 5th goal.

Hill plays like this tomorrow night & they get blown away. Hell, they could play better and still may get blown off the ice. But they are playing in the state semis so all is good.

Also, congrats to the Pioneer girls BB team for winning a section title tonight. Classy response when the girls walked in wearing their championship medals. Good Luck next week! Great night for the Pioneer Family.

This comment got me thinking. The hockey team opts up to play with the big boys. Is opting up a sport by sport decision?

[east hockey]

It wasn't pretty, but it was entertaining. I thought East's forcheck was outstanding and bottled Hill up throughout the game. Typical HM first period, but they looked extremely slow and were unable to connect on any passes. I think East had a lot to do about that. But credit to the kids for working thru it and making the most of their opportunities. It's nice that people are able to see Lavalle play on the big stage. He's a special player who does a lot of little things right and made a wonderful play to assist on the 5th goal.

Hill plays like this tomorrow night & they get blown away. Hell, they could play better and still may get blown off the ice. But they are playing in the state semis so all is good.

Also, congrats to the Pioneer girls BB team for winning a section title tonight. Classy response when the girls walked in wearing their championship medals. Good Luck next week! Great night for the Pioneer Family.

This comment got me thinking. The hockey team opts up to play with the big boys. Is opting up a sport by sport decision?

Yes.

Lee

[hockeyhockeyhockey]

Didn't really read through this post, but wanted to say that this game was the best all day. And the best I've seen in a few years. Atmosphere - electric. Thanks for the great game guys. This is what the tourney's about!!

u have to be kidding me..if those two teams played anyone elese last night they both lose...bad hockey by both teams..and espeically hill, they were God awful...

[Northsider]

Re the fight:
Some Duluth East idiot (drunk out of his mind) came into the Hill student section in the upper level and started trash talking some HM kid. Then something happened and they started going at it and a huge circle of Hill students formed around it. About four security guards/ushers got through the circle and jumped on the DE guy. It took all four of them to drag him up the stairs to the concourse. Somehow up on the concourse he got free and dodged into all the students. He went after another Hill kid who then started pounding on the guy. Literally well over a thousand students came spilling up out of the stands and made probably the biggest circle I've ever seen. The guards got through and pinned the guy down. He resisted and got tazered. By then there had to be atleast two thousand kids in the area from Hill, Lakeville, Tonka, DE, and all other schools.

The guy finally got dragged off through the huge crowd and a bunch of kids started chanting USA! USA! USA!

It was just plain sick, the whole ordeal lasted about twenty minutes. The guards and ushers in our section were pissed off forthe rest of the game, though.

Anyways, great game Hill - let's do it again tonight!!!

[BodyShots]

Re the fight:
Some Duluth East idiot (drunk out of his mind) came into the Hill student section in the upper level and started trash talking some HM kid. Then something happened and they started going at it and a huge circle of Hill students formed around it. About four security guards/ushers got through the circle and jumped on the DE guy. It took all four of them to drag him up the stairs to the concourse. Somehow up on the concourse he got free and dodged into all the students. He went after another Hill kid who then started pounding on the guy. Literally well over a thousand students came spilling up out of the stands and made probably the biggest circle I've ever seen. The guards got through and pinned the guy down. He resisted and got tazered. By then there had to be atleast two thousand kids in the area from Hill, Lakeville, Tonka, DE, and all other schools.

The guy finally got dragged off through the huge crowd and a bunch of kids started chanting USA! USA! USA!

It was just plain sick, the whole ordeal lasted about twenty minutes. The guards and ushers in our section were pissed off forthe rest of the game, though.

Anyways, great game Hill - let's do it again tonight!!!

Hey Northsider, I just noticed your location. Are you staying in the basement of the Limplifter? I'm sure GFD's been to your pad numerous times.