Great Teams that Fell Short

[Slap Shot]

Tonka has had a few teams that imho fell short. The 1985 squad that lost in 4 OTs to Jefferson, the 1986 team that lost in the Section 6 Finals and a few others that could not make it to state (exact years escape me) stand out along with the 2010 team. Curse of playing in a difficult section year after year, but hey you have to make it happen so no excuses.

[PuckU126]

Tonka has had a few teams that imho fell short. The 1985 squad that lost in 4 OTs to Jefferson, the 1986 team that lost in the Section 6 Finals and a few others that could not make it to state (exact years escape me) stand out along with the 2010 team. Curse of playing in a difficult section year after year, but hey you have to make it happen so no excuses.

Last years team ran into HM in the semi-finals at State. That game went into 4OTs when they did win; however, they had to play a tough Edina team later that night for the title. If Tonka didn't play so late and had more time to recuperate; the 2010 Tonka team wouldn't be in this discussion (IMO).

[mnmouth]

The '82 Hibbing club was absolutely loaded with future D1 prospects - Micheletti, Hooper brothers, Krmpotich, Sandelin, et al, only to be upset by White Bear Mariner in the semis. Also in 1982, had Cloquet not lost Cory Millen to a broken ankle in Regionals, they may have been hoisting the trophy at State. As it was Hibbing took 3rd and Cloquet the Consolation. The '91 Richfield team, led by Darby Hendrickson, was the consensus choice to roll to a title. But they were completely dismantled in the quarters 5-1 by a Duluth East team that came into the tournament a relative unknown, though they, too, had some top talent - Rusty Fitzgerald, Kevin Rappana, Derek Locker, etc. Don't forget, in '91 Hill Murray, which beat East in the championship game, upset a pretty good White Bear team for the Section title. Glad to read the props for Greenway 1987. That team led by Kenny Gernander, Kris Miller, Derek Vekich and netminder Jeff Stolp was a machine, causing Willard Ikola to gush effusively in his post-game comments about them after the Raiders destroyed Ikola's Hornets 8-3 in the Quarters.

[PuckU126]

The '82 Hibbing club was absolutely loaded with future D1 prospects - Micheletti, Hooper brothers, Krmpotich, Sandelin, et al, only to be upset by White Bear Mariner in the semis. Also in 1982, had Cloquet not lost Cory Millen to a broken ankle in Regionals, they may have been hoisting the trophy at State. As it was Hibbing took 3rd and Cloquet the Consolation. The '91 Richfield team, led by Darby Hendrickson, was the consensus choice to roll to a title. But they were completely dismantled in the quarters 5-1 by a Duluth East team that came into the tournament a relative unknown, though they, too, had some top talent - Rusty Fitzgerald, Kevin Rappana, Derek Locker, etc. Don't forget, in '91 Hill Murray, which beat East in the championship game, upset a pretty good White Bear team for the Section title. Glad to read the props for Greenway 1987. That team led by Kenny Gernander, Kris Miller, Derek Vekich and netminder Jeff Stolp was a machine, causing Willard Ikola to gush effusively in his post-game comments about them after the Raiders destroyed Ikola's Hornets 8-3 in the Quarters.

Great post, mouth. Some rich history you have written here.

[mnmouth]

The '82 Hibbing club was absolutely loaded with future D1 prospects - Micheletti, Hooper brothers, Krmpotich, Sandelin, et al, only to be upset by White Bear Mariner in the semis. Also in 1982, had Cloquet not lost Cory Millen to a broken ankle in Regionals, they may have been hoisting the trophy at State. As it was Hibbing took 3rd and Cloquet the Consolation. The '91 Richfield team, led by Darby Hendrickson, was the consensus choice to roll to a title. But they were completely dismantled in the quarters 5-1 by a Duluth East team that came into the tournament a relative unknown, though they, too, had some top talent - Rusty Fitzgerald, Kevin Rappana, Derek Locker, etc. Don't forget, in '91 Hill Murray, which beat East in the championship game, upset a pretty good White Bear team for the Section title. Glad to read the props for Greenway 1987. That team led by Kenny Gernander, Kris Miller, Derek Vekich and netminder Jeff Stolp was a machine, causing Willard Ikola to gush effusively in his post-game comments about them after the Raiders destroyed Ikola's Hornets 8-3 in the Quarters.

Great post, mouth. Some rich history you have written here.

I was at the Section final at Met Center between HM and WBL in '91 and although WBL fans have had much to lament in their rich tradition, their fans took this loss particularly hard. WBL blew a 3-0 lead in that one. They had WBL fans all around the rink bawling their eyes out after that game.

In 1986-87, Greenway and Bloomington Kennedy played twice, with Greenway dumping Kennedy 2-1 at Coleraine in the regular season. This was a tremendous battle and Kennedy's lone loss. The rematch in the '87 state semis was not a good game. For some unknown reason, which still vexes Greenway fans, the Raiders changed their forecheck from a 2-man pressure the puck in the O-zone to a dump and chase style. Greenway's only goal was scored on a magnificent rush up the ice by Gernander, who was taken down by two Kennedy defenders, yet still managed to score from the seat of his breezers. Kennedy played with intensity that night and deservedly got the victory, and coasted to a 4-1 win over Burnsville the next night.

[PuckU126]

The '82 Hibbing club was absolutely loaded with future D1 prospects - Micheletti, Hooper brothers, Krmpotich, Sandelin, et al, only to be upset by White Bear Mariner in the semis. Also in 1982, had Cloquet not lost Cory Millen to a broken ankle in Regionals, they may have been hoisting the trophy at State. As it was Hibbing took 3rd and Cloquet the Consolation. The '91 Richfield team, led by Darby Hendrickson, was the consensus choice to roll to a title. But they were completely dismantled in the quarters 5-1 by a Duluth East team that came into the tournament a relative unknown, though they, too, had some top talent - Rusty Fitzgerald, Kevin Rappana, Derek Locker, etc. Don't forget, in '91 Hill Murray, which beat East in the championship game, upset a pretty good White Bear team for the Section title. Glad to read the props for Greenway 1987. That team led by Kenny Gernander, Kris Miller, Derek Vekich and netminder Jeff Stolp was a machine, causing Willard Ikola to gush effusively in his post-game comments about them after the Raiders destroyed Ikola's Hornets 8-3 in the Quarters.

Great post, mouth. Some rich history you have written here.

I was at the Section final at Met Center between HM and WBL in '91 and although WBL fans have had much to lament in their rich tradition, their fans took this loss particularly hard. WBL blew a 3-0 lead in that one. They had WBL fans all around the rink bawling their eyes out after that game.

In 1986-87, Greenway and Bloomington Kennedy played twice, with Greenway dumping Kennedy 2-1 at Coleraine in the regular season. This was a tremendous battle and Kennedy's lone loss. The rematch in the '87 state semis was not a good game. For some unknown reason, which still vexes Greenway fans, the Raiders changed their forecheck from a 2-man pressure the puck in the O-zone to a dump and chase style. Greenway's only goal was scored on a magnificent rush up the ice by Gernander, who was taken down by two Kennedy defenders, yet still managed to score from the seat of his breezers. Kennedy played with intensity that night and deservedly got the victory, and coasted to a 4-1 win over Burnsville the next night.

Same thing happened in the '04-'05 quarters at State for the Bears. Pretty sure they didn't have a 3-0 lead but they pretty much dominated most of the game but it slipped out of their hands falling to East. There was also crying in the WB fan section.

[WBLHockeyfan04]

Great post, mouth. Some rich history you have written here.

I was at the Section final at Met Center between HM and WBL in '91 and although WBL fans have had much to lament in their rich tradition, their fans took this loss particularly hard. WBL blew a 3-0 lead in that one. They had WBL fans all around the rink bawling their eyes out after that game.

In 1986-87, Greenway and Bloomington Kennedy played twice, with Greenway dumping Kennedy 2-1 at Coleraine in the regular season. This was a tremendous battle and Kennedy's lone loss. The rematch in the '87 state semis was not a good game. For some unknown reason, which still vexes Greenway fans, the Raiders changed their forecheck from a 2-man pressure the puck in the O-zone to a dump and chase style. Greenway's only goal was scored on a magnificent rush up the ice by Gernander, who was taken down by two Kennedy defenders, yet still managed to score from the seat of his breezers. Kennedy played with intensity that night and deservedly got the victory, and coasted to a 4-1 win over Burnsville the next night.

Same thing happened in the '04-'05 quarters at State for the Bears. Pretty sure they didn't have a 3-0 lead but they pretty much dominated most of the game but it slipped out of their hands falling to East. There was also crying in the WB fan section.

There's been alot of WBL crying lately. They haven't beaten Hill Murray in 6 years.. Alot of tough losses especially over this past decade.

[mnmouth]

I was at the Section final at Met Center between HM and WBL in '91 and although WBL fans have had much to lament in their rich tradition, their fans took this loss particularly hard. WBL blew a 3-0 lead in that one. They had WBL fans all around the rink bawling their eyes out after that game.

In 1986-87, Greenway and Bloomington Kennedy played twice, with Greenway dumping Kennedy 2-1 at Coleraine in the regular season. This was a tremendous battle and Kennedy's lone loss. The rematch in the '87 state semis was not a good game. For some unknown reason, which still vexes Greenway fans, the Raiders changed their forecheck from a 2-man pressure the puck in the O-zone to a dump and chase style. Greenway's only goal was scored on a magnificent rush up the ice by Gernander, who was taken down by two Kennedy defenders, yet still managed to score from the seat of his breezers. Kennedy played with intensity that night and deservedly got the victory, and coasted to a 4-1 win over Burnsville the next night.

Same thing happened in the '04-'05 quarters at State for the Bears. Pretty sure they didn't have a 3-0 lead but they pretty much dominated most of the game but it slipped out of their hands falling to East. There was also crying in the WB fan section.

There's been alot of WBL crying lately. They haven't beaten Hill Murray in 6 years.. Alot of tough losses especially over this past decade.

A lot of tough losses period. I feel for WBL fans. Great program, but so much disappointment.

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

2006 was an interesting year in that it featured two programs that were big disappointments. Hill and AHA were clearly the top two teams that season, a tier above all other teams. AHA was #1 and Hill #2 early in January when they met at a jam packed Aldrich. It ended in a tie. AHA lost in the section, upset in the semis I recall.

Hill was the clear favorite in the State Tournament. They struggled to get past a not great Minnetonka in the first round.

In the semis, they held Patrick White and Grand Rapids to 3 goals but in a very frustrating third period could not the tieing goal. My perception was that most of the Hill shots went wide or high and missed the net. I've never talked to a Rapids fan about that game, but I'd guess their perception is that they hung on for dear life and barely survived. I felt like we didn't come all that close to tieing it up.

The following night Cretin pounded Rapids. Not to take anything away from that Cretin team, they were probably their best team ever and made the most of their opportunities. But most years that team doesn't even make the final. After AHA lost, it should have been an easy ride for the Pioneers, and beating an old Catholic rival for the Championship would have been fun.

Early in the Tonka game, the Hill goalie and a defenseman missed played the puck and Tonka jammed it in. It was a bad miscue, and at the time I thought that it could be a bad omen, or it could just a bump in the road and forgotten if they played well the rest of the tournament.

I got over that one in 2009.

[PuckU126]

2006 was an interesting year in that it featured two programs that were big disappointments. Hill and AHA were clearly the top two teams that season, a tier above all other teams. AHA was #1 and Hill #2 early in January when they met at a jam packed Aldrich. It ended in a tie. AHA lost in the section, upset in the semis I recall.

Hill was the clear favorite in the State Tournament. They struggled to get past a not great Minnetonka in the first round.

In the semis, they held Patrick White and Grand Rapids to 3 goals but in a very frustrating third period could not the tieing goal. My perception was that most of the Hill shots went wide or high and missed the net. I've never talked to a Rapids fan about that game, but I'd guess their perception is that they hung on for dear life and barely survived. I felt like we didn't come all that close to tieing it up.

The following night Cretin pounded Rapids. Not to take anything away from that Cretin team, they were probably their best team ever and made the most of their opportunities. But most years that team doesn't even make the final. After AHA lost, it should have been an easy ride for the Pioneers, and beating an old Catholic rival for the Championship would have been fun.

Early in the Tonka game, the Hill goalie and a defenseman missed played the puck and Tonka jammed it in. It was a bad miscue, and at the time I thought that it could be a bad omen, or it could just a bump in the road and forgotten if they played well the rest of the tournament.

I got over that one in 2009.

You meant to say 2008 instead of 2009, right?

HM won state in 2008.

[C-dad]

Edina 1970, lost 1-0 in OT to Mpls SW.

[BBB]

Brainerd back in '10

[PuckU126]

Brainerd back in '10

Last years team? I don't even recall them being ranked high in the state at anytime..

[BodyShots]

Brainerd back in '10

Last years team? I don't even recall them being ranked high in the state at anytime..

I think he meant 1910.

[PuckU126]

Brainerd back in '10

Last years team? I don't even recall them being ranked high in the state at anytime..

I think he meant 1910.

[mnmouth]

Brainerd back in '10

What??!! You're serious?

[wingmaster]

Brainerd back in '10

What??!! You're serious?

Yes, He is serious. He drives a BMW.

[O-townClown]

The '82 Hibbing club was absolutely loaded with future D1 prospects - Micheletti, Hooper brothers, Krmpotich, Sandelin, et al, only to be upset by White Bear Mariner in the semis.

Also in 1982, had Cloquet not lost Cory Millen to a broken ankle in Regionals, they may have been hoisting the trophy at State. As it was Hibbing took 3rd and Cloquet the Consolation.

Thirty years later people still think that Edina team could have lost? First year that the schools were back together. Dodged one in the semi when they needed OT to get past Jefferson. If anything, your mention of Cloquet just indicates how strong the whole field was that year.

I think the other stars in the field were Craig Mack, Jim Johansson, and Dave Maley.

One of the TV stations (either WCCO or KSTP) used to have a half-hour show that gave highlights from the section finals. I remember being so disappointed that we didn't get to see the great Corey Millen at the state tournament. Eventually I had a class with him at the University. Funny story for another day.

[mnmouth]

The '82 Hibbing club was absolutely loaded with future D1 prospects - Micheletti, Hooper brothers, Krmpotich, Sandelin, et al, only to be upset by White Bear Mariner in the semis.

Also in 1982, had Cloquet not lost Cory Millen to a broken ankle in Regionals, they may have been hoisting the trophy at State. As it was Hibbing took 3rd and Cloquet the Consolation.

Thirty years later people still think that Edina team could have lost? First year that the schools were back together. Dodged one in the semi when they needed OT to get past Jefferson. If anything, your mention of Cloquet just indicates how strong the whole field was that year.

I think the other stars in the field were Craig Mack, Jim Johansson, and Dave Maley.

One of the TV stations (either WCCO or KSTP) used to have a half-hour show that gave highlights from the section finals. I remember being so disappointed that we didn't get to see the great Corey Millen at the state tournament. Eventually I had a class with him at the University. Funny story for another day.

Of course, Edina could have lost. And this post is about great teams that did not finish - and the '82 Hibbing team, based on personnel, was great. And speaking of Cloquet, I believe they beat Hibbing in the regular season that year.

[ihatethestlblues]

AHA 2006, excellent team with Barriball, Hurley and Matson running the first line.

how about AHA 2007... undefeated going into the section final and losing to burnsville...

[PuckRanger]

The 1990-91 Virginia team was ranked #2 with 4 D1 players (Joe Tamminen-UMD, Garret Plotnick-UMD, Brent Lamppa-Notre Dame, Aaron Novak-UMD) and never saw the Civic Center.

They had split a pair of games with #9 Grand Rapids during the regular season both by 5-2 scores and ran up a record of 24-3 only to get shellacked in the finals by the Indians 9-2. They had beaten half of the teams that actually made it to St. Paul that year during the regular season.

[Govie]

Being a Govie alum, several (painful memories) come to mind.

1992 Johnson losing in state quarters to Hill. Hill had the Strobel's, both of whom grew up playing on the East Side their entire lives in Hawks uniforms, but went to HS at Hill. Both went on to play DI for Wisconsin.

1996 Johnson (with Progreba and Lyons - both DI players, and several other DIII players) losing in section finals to Sibley 6-5 to the best goalie in the state (who's name I can't remember). I played agains that same goalie in Bantams and we were defeated 1-0 after he saved 63 shots. Best goalie I can ever recall playing against.

They were the last core Govie squad to make into state, 1995, losing that year in the quarters to Alexandria.

In all of the abovementioned teams the goaltending was their downfall. Had they had above-average tending, all of those teams could have challenged for the state title.

[Factsmatter1]

Tonka has had a few teams that imho fell short. The 1985 squad that lost in 4 OTs to Jefferson, the 1986 team that lost in the Section 6 Finals and a few others that could not make it to state (exact years escape me) stand out along with the 2010 team. Curse of playing in a difficult section year after year, but hey you have to make it happen so no excuses.

Last years team ran into HM in the semi-finals at State. That game went into 4OTs when they did win; however, they had to play a tough Edina team later that night for the title. If Tonka didn't play so late and had more time to recuperate; the 2010 Tonka team wouldn't be in this discussion (IMO).

Tonka has undershot the mark the last few years relative to their talent... last year was no exception.

[Factsmatter1]

AHA 2006, excellent team with Barriball, Hurley and Matson running the first line.

how about AHA 2007... undefeated going into the section final and losing to burnsville...

Burnsville is one of those teams that ususally underperforms the front half of the season and overperforms the back half... they surprised a lot of folks in that game with AHA...

[PuckU126]

Tonka has had a few teams that imho fell short. The 1985 squad that lost in 4 OTs to Jefferson, the 1986 team that lost in the Section 6 Finals and a few others that could not make it to state (exact years escape me) stand out along with the 2010 team. Curse of playing in a difficult section year after year, but hey you have to make it happen so no excuses.

Last years team ran into HM in the semi-finals at State. That game went into 4OTs when they did win; however, they had to play a tough Edina team later that night for the title. If Tonka didn't play so late and had more time to recuperate; the 2010 Tonka team wouldn't be in this discussion (IMO).

Tonka has undershot the mark the last few years relative to their talent... last year was no exception.

So you're saying Tonka would have lost regardless if they were fatigued or not from that semi-final game? Not sure about that one...