AA CHAMPIONSHIP -- DULUTH EAST VS EDEN PRARIE

[Goldfishdude]

KARL??? KARL?? YOU OKAY???

[Weekend_Warrior]

and we will be back stronger next year....

Boy, I dunno about that. Didn't Minnetonka's JV team finish undefeated this year at like.. 21-0? You guys are going to have your hands full with those kids coming up next season.

[PuckU126]

KARL??? KARL?? YOU OKAY???

Karl is fine; he's just shaken up about that loss.

Let me first say congrats to both teams for their performance this season, throughout the postseason, and especially tonight. Although I wanted to see the GWG end the game differently; it was legit and a goal is a goal. East's second goal was kind of the same way; just one of those times the puck just slips past. O well.

Congrats to EP for their State title and congrats to EAST as well.

Both teams deserved 1st, but there can only be one.

Cheers!

[HockeyMN1]

Wow. Unbelievable. Congrats to these 10 seniors that make up the best class of players ever to come through Eden Prairie. Best hockey game I can remember. I think Kyle Rau might have been a better high school player than Leddy. I've never seen a high school player come up big as much as this guy. His toughness is out of this world and he gives 200% on every shift. Great played game by the Grayhounds, mj79: keep it classy, the better team won this time. As an EP fan, I honestly thought this was the worst reffed game I've seen all year but obviously I'm letting my fandom influence this. But really, DE committed some penalties. None? Ridiculous. But anyways, the atmosphere was unreal, student sections were out in full force. Don't Stop Believing after the 2nd OT was pretty cool. Ford absolutely stood on his head, as did JoJo. Game of the 2000's so far.

[dherman8]

Wow. Unbelievable. Congrats to these 10 seniors that make up the best class of players ever to come through Eden Prairie. Best hockey game I can remember. I think Kyle Rau might have been a better high school player than Leddy. I've never seen a high school player come up big as much as this guy. His toughness is out of this world and he gives 200% on every shift. Great played game by the Grayhounds, mj79: keep it classy, the better team won this time. As an EP fan, I honestly thought this was the worst reffed game I've seen all year but obviously I'm letting my fandom influence this. But really, DE committed some penalties. None? Ridiculous. But anyways, the atmosphere was unreal, student sections were out in full force. Don't Stop Believing after the 2nd OT was pretty cool. Ford absolutely stood on his head, as did JoJo. Game of the 2000's so far.

They both looked very good. I'm not sure I can say the better team won though. Then again, I'm not sure I know who the better team was. They both had their times to shine. And I just wonder how things would've went if East could've had what looked to be their best defenseman on the ice in the third period. I felt East played a better third period and that was even without Bergerson.

[mj79]

Yea I may be bitter... But its the first time I have been In 5 yrs on this forum... You got a lucky goal against a team that was dominating you .. enjoy it

mj79, the least you could have done was congratulate Eden Prairie for their championship, as they just showed Coach Randolph doing.

You fell short.

Lee

I did I said enjoy it... They played a great game and deserved to win.. the got a good bounce and capitalized....


if I dont sound as "honoring" as Coach Randolph , its because of these ignorant fans on the forum thinking EP was gonna blast through DE...

Sorry but I got sick of hearing the BS on here about how bad East was gonna get worked every game when they played their hearts out and dominated every game in the tourney, by a bunch of Dbags who are just being fanboys and have probably never even seen east play this yr


Bottom line.. I have always respected other teams on here even tho i dont like them ( except STA ) and when these ppl ( EP fans ) started up with the 4-0, 5-0 talk , I got annoyed .. quick..... And fyi , thats something Coach Randolph didnt see ... and it annoyed the $&#* out of me

[karl(east)]

I'm here. And far too proud of the Hounds--and the Eagles--to feel any pain.

What a game. What a tournament.

It would be easy to gripe about the game-winning goal; to say a shot that hits the post and the defenseman's skate is not a fitting end to an incredible game. But I can't even feel any bitterness there. These teams were so even, and gave so much tonight, that the game winner almost had to be some little fluke. That's hockey, and that's life. Sometimes the strangest little bounces can make the difference between elation and depression.

I knew the predictions of a blowout would be proven badly mistaken, but I never expected that. East got the forecheck rolling early and played three lines all night, all of which looked great. But there was no doubt Eden Prairie had the superior top-end talent; Molenaar made a number of great plays early on, and Rau was all over the place as usual. East did what they had to with Rau, pounding him all night--Repensky shut him down every time the two went at it, and Kerr had some vicious hits. The two teams were clearly gassed by overtime; hence my lack of surprise at the fluky final goal. Both teams had still had some brilliant chances down the stretch, in spite of their tiredness. And a special shoutout to Kyle Campion for his performance in the place of the injured Hunter Bergerson--he shook off his nerves and performed admirably.

Congratulations to Eden Prairie. In this modern era of parity in AA hockey, 2 out of 3 may be as close to a dynasty as we'll get in a while. This senior class is the best I have seen in my time watching high school hockey, and they now have the hardware to prove it. I'm sure I will forget someone, but I need to thank Ford, Shavlik, the Raths, Molenaar, Seeler, Gerdes, and the Raus for all their contributions and giving us so many entertaining games over the past few years. You are the very deserving state champions.

Congratulations to Duluth East. This team's playoff run seemed imbued with a sense of destiny. They displayed impeccable composure, particularly for a young team--whenever they went down, whenever they gave up a game-tying or go-ahead goal, they simply accepted it and went back to work. That's a testament to the players and a testament to the coaching staff. For the second year in a row, they exceeded my preseason expectations. Thanks to Mike Randolph for all he did this year.

Thanks to our seniors:
JoJo Jeanetta--he put this team on his back at times this year. What a fantastic season. It's a pity he didn't make the all-tournament team.
Luke Renier--he anchored that third line with a pair of sophomores.
Zac Schendel--the game-winner against White Bear Lake will be in my mind for a very long time.
Phil Johnson--a hard-working forward who had a fine East career
Hunter Bergerson--my heart goes out to him after his injury late in the game. He was the reliable senior on this year's excellent defensive corps.

Thanks to the East fans; we griped some about them in the regular season, but they brought their A game to state. They were involved, classy, and seemed to handle the loss well. Thanks to 216 for jumping on the bandwagon. Thanks to the people who got "Duluth East" a nationally trending topic on Twitter after the Edina win. And thanks to everyone else who came out to the X this week and made it a dream of a weekend. This event means something different to all of us, yet it still draws us in, in some way. That unity it creates is a beautiful thing.

How long till next season starts?

[brandy38]

First off, congrats to Eden Prairie for their championship. Both teams deserved to win this game, but only one could.

Props to the officials, also, for letting the kids play. It's always better to let the kids decide the outcome rather than the zebras. Something WCHA officials could take a lesson on.

East players, hold your heads up. You did more than most people thought you could this season. Bummer for the seniors who won't be back next year, but the future looks very good for the Hounds.

Hmm....weird. This doesn't sting. I just feel good to have watched such a classic game.

Man, what a season, what a tournament!!

Lee

Kind of funny that 3 of the 4 officials tonight are WCHA officials including both of the refs.

[PuckU126]

How long till next season starts?

Too long.

I already miss it.

Great post, Karl. Showing class as usual.

[HockeyMN1]

I'm here. And far too proud of the Hounds--and the Eagles--to feel any pain.

What a game. What a tournament.

It would be easy to gripe about the game-winning goal; to say a shot that hits the post and the defenseman's skate is not a fitting end to an incredible game. But I can't even feel any bitterness there. These teams were so even, and gave so much tonight, that the game winner almost had to be some little fluke. That's hockey, and that's life. Sometimes the strangest little bounces can make the difference between elation and depression.

I knew the predictions of a blowout would be proven badly mistaken, but I never expected that. East got the forecheck rolling early and played three lines all night, all of which looked great. But there was no doubt Eden Prairie had the superior top-end talent; Molenaar made a number of great plays early on, and Rau was all over the place as usual. East did what they had to with Rau, pounding him all night--Repensky shut him down every time the two went at it, and Kerr had some vicious hits. The two teams were clearly gassed by overtime; hence my lack of surprise at the fluky final goal. Both teams had still had some brilliant chances down the stretch, in spite of their tiredness. And a special shoutout to Kyle Campion for his performance in the place of the injured Hunter Bergerson--he shook off his nerves and performed admirably.

Congratulations to Eden Prairie. In this modern era of parity in AA hockey, 2 out of 3 may be as close to a dynasty as we'll get in a while. This senior class is the best I have seen in my time watching high school hockey, and they now have the hardware to prove it. I'm sure I will forget someone, but I need to thank Ford, Shavlik, the Raths, Molenaar, Seeler, Gerdes, and the Raus for all their contributions and giving us so many entertaining games over the past few years. You are the very deserving state champions.

Congratulations to Duluth East. This team's playoff run seemed imbued with a sense of destiny. They displayed impeccable composure, particularly for a young team--whenever they went down, whenever they gave up a game-tying or go-ahead goal, they simply accepted it and went back to work. That's a testament to the players and a testament to the coaching staff. For the second year in a row, they exceeded my preseason expectations. Thanks to Mike Randolph for all he did this year.

Thanks to our seniors:
JoJo Jeanetta--he put this team on his back at times this year. What a fantastic season. It's a pity he didn't make the all-tournament team.
Luke Renier--he anchored that third line with a pair of sophomores.
Zac Schendel--the game-winner against White Bear Lake will be in my mind for a very long time.
Phil Johnson--a hard-working forward who had a fine East career
Hunter Bergerson--my heart goes out to him after his injury late in the game. He was the reliable senior on this year's excellent defensive corps.

Thanks to the East fans; we griped some about them in the regular season, but they brought their A game to state. They were involved, classy, and seemed to handle the loss well. Thanks to 216 for jumping on the bandwagon. Thanks to the people who got "Duluth East" a nationally trending topic on Twitter after the Edina win. And thanks to everyone else who came out to the X this week and made it a dream of a weekend. This event means something different to all of us, yet it still draws us in, in some way. That unity it creates is a beautiful thing.

How long till next season starts?

All class right there. Thank you Karl for another great season, the forum wouldn't be the same without you. Duluth East is now my second favorite team.

[bender0905]

Great game...216 was a disappointment though

[HockeyMN1]

Great game...216 was a disappointment though

Eh the two real student sections more than made up for it. It's their tournament, 216 already did their thing. So much spirit today, just unbelievable.

[zamboni14]

first time ever going to the state championship game, and only my 2nd game ever attending (first was 'Tonka/DE in '94.) That game was outstanding in many different ways, but I have to say, the memory I will have more then any other was how all night long, DE was in Rau's face (or should I say knocking his block off) and he'd keep coming back for more.

Then there is the biggest "egg in your face" moment...

when Rau was just ROCKED along the boards, the DE students started chanting "Rau's-a-pu$$y!" And who scores the game winner? Yep... that same guy the fans called a pu$$y.

The only disappointment was the EP student section. Every time they'd try to get some kind of cheer going, it was just the basic "let's go Eagles" and after the 2nd time... the DE students would start to boo, and EP would stop. Sure, their team won the game... but a little more imagination would have been nice from them..

DE Fans;
Marco! Polo! (they were in two sections on opposite sides of the arena)
Eagles! Swallows! (that was funny as hell)
no-one-cares! (when EP fans would start to cheer)

[breakout]

first time ever going to the state championship game, and only my 2nd game ever attending (first was 'Tonka/DE in '94.) That game was outstanding in many different ways, but I have to say, the memory I will have more then any other was how all night long, DE was in Rau's face (or should I say knocking his block off) and he'd keep coming back for more.

Then there is the biggest "egg in your face" moment...

when Rau was just ROCKED along the boards, the DE students started chanting "Rau's-a-pu$$y!" And who scores the game winner? Yep... that same guy the fans called a pu$$y.

The only disappointment was the EP student section. Every time they'd try to get some kind of cheer going, it was just the basic "let's go Eagles" and after the 2nd time... the DE students would start to boo, and EP would stop. Sure, their team won the game... but a little more imagination would have been nice from them..

DE Fans;
Marco! Polo! (they were in two sections on opposite sides of the arena)
Eagles! Swallows! (that was funny as hell)
no-one-cares! (when EP fans would start to cheer)

I noticed the EP students were in the nose bleed sections at the top of the arena. What's up with that? One of the great things about the tournament is having the kids down closer to the players. That's crap.

I wanted a great game and got it. What a treat to watch.

Some on this thread thought EP would run away with the game. Duluth is a well coached, high quality team. They had their chances to win.

[sachishi4]

first time ever going to the state championship game, and only my 2nd game ever attending (first was 'Tonka/DE in '94.) That game was outstanding in many different ways, but I have to say, the memory I will have more then any other was how all night long, DE was in Rau's face (or should I say knocking his block off) and he'd keep coming back for more.

Then there is the biggest "egg in your face" moment...

when Rau was just ROCKED along the boards, the DE students started chanting "Rau's-a-pu$$y!" And who scores the game winner? Yep... that same guy the fans called a pu$$y.

The only disappointment was the EP student section. Every time they'd try to get some kind of cheer going, it was just the basic "let's go Eagles" and after the 2nd time... the DE students would start to boo, and EP would stop. Sure, their team won the game... but a little more imagination would have been nice from them..

DE Fans;
Marco! Polo! (they were in two sections on opposite sides of the arena)
Eagles! Swallows! (that was funny as hell)
no-one-cares! (when EP fans would start to cheer)

I noticed the EP students were in the nose bleed sections at the top of the arena. What's up with that? One of the great things about the tournament is having the kids down closer to the players. That's crap.

I wanted a great game and got it. What a treat to watch.

Some on this thread thought EP would run away with the game. Duluth is a well coached, high quality team. They had their chances to win.

$$$$$$$$$

although all tickets are the same price, its easier to sell lower level tickets, and im sure rowdy student sections are the last people those ushers want around the boards. The schools are supposed to sell the lower level tickets to parents and alumni, but often times they will reverse it.

[PuckU126]

If all you hockey watchers out there are wondering why EP's student section lacked "enthusiasm" or "creativity" for their chants/cheers this Tourney; a week or two ago some EP students did something terrible.

During a EP/Hopkins high school basketball game, both EP's and Hopkins' student sections exchanged chants. The usual Hopkins swallows and EP blows were said; however, the EP student section started to chant "Food stamps, Food stamps!" Clap Clap, Clap Clap Clap.

Hopkins, offended by this, reacted with their own chants; however, EP replied with a terrible and most disrespectful chant. They basically called the Hopkins fans and players the N word...

Word is EP's AD brought the "whip" out after this. Media got whiff of this and was one of the stories last week in the news. Great PR for the school, right?

I could tell EP's student section was a lot more different than usual. The AD and admins must have really got to them.

Just thought you all would like to know.

[Hockeydad1893]

If all you hockey watchers out there are wondering why EP's student section lacked "enthusiasm" or "creativity" for their chants/cheers this Tourney; a week or two ago some EP students did something terrible.

During a EP/Hopkins high school basketball game, both EP's and Hopkins' student sections exchanged chants. The usual Hopkins swallows and EP blows were said; however, the EP student section started to chant "Food stamps, Food stamps!" Clap Clap, Clap Clap Clap.

Hopkins, offended by this, reacted with their own chants; however, EP replied with a terrible and most disrespectful chant. They basically called the Hopkins fans and players the N word...

Word is EP's AD brought the "whip" out after this. Media got whiff of this and was one of the stories last week in the news. Great PR for the school, right?

I could tell EP's student section was a lot more different than usual. The AD and admins must have really got to them.

Just thought you all would like to know.

You should get your facts straight. Hopkins started it all with "Daddy's Money" so EP came back with "Food Stamps". EP never did a chant using the "N" word, only Hopkins players said they heard it said to them from the section one at a time. I doubt this happened just like when an African-American hockey player goes to the red and tries to use the "he called me the N word" excuse.

[PuckU126]

If all you hockey watchers out there are wondering why EP's student section lacked "enthusiasm" or "creativity" for their chants/cheers this Tourney; a week or two ago some EP students did something terrible.

During a EP/Hopkins high school basketball game, both EP's and Hopkins' student sections exchanged chants. The usual Hopkins swallows and EP blows were said; however, the EP student section started to chant "Food stamps, Food stamps!" Clap Clap, Clap Clap Clap.

Hopkins, offended by this, reacted with their own chants; however, EP replied with a terrible and most disrespectful chant. They basically called the Hopkins fans and players the N word...

Word is EP's AD brought the "whip" out after this. Media got whiff of this and was one of the stories last week in the news. Great PR for the school, right?

I could tell EP's student section was a lot more different than usual. The AD and admins must have really got to them.

Just thought you all would like to know.

You should get your facts straight. Hopkins started it all with "Daddy's Money" so EP came back with "Food Stamps". EP never did a chant using the "N" word, only Hopkins players said they heard it said to them from the section one at a time. I doubt this happened just like when an African-American hockey player goes to the red and tries to use the "he called me the N word" excuse.

I presume you were there then...

I apologize for posting they made that chant; however, it is possible some students did such a disgusting thing.

Regardless, EP's AD obviously caught the attention of the students and influenced them into being well behaved individuals throughout the State Tourney.

[Hockeydad1893]

If all you hockey watchers out there are wondering why EP's student section lacked "enthusiasm" or "creativity" for their chants/cheers this Tourney; a week or two ago some EP students did something terrible.

During a EP/Hopkins high school basketball game, both EP's and Hopkins' student sections exchanged chants. The usual Hopkins swallows and EP blows were said; however, the EP student section started to chant "Food stamps, Food stamps!" Clap Clap, Clap Clap Clap.

Hopkins, offended by this, reacted with their own chants; however, EP replied with a terrible and most disrespectful chant. They basically called the Hopkins fans and players the N word...

Word is EP's AD brought the "whip" out after this. Media got whiff of this and was one of the stories last week in the news. Great PR for the school, right?

I could tell EP's student section was a lot more different than usual. The AD and admins must have really got to them.


Just thought you all would like to know.

You should get your facts straight. Hopkins started it all with "Daddy's Money" so EP came back with "Food Stamps". EP never did a chant using the "N" word, only Hopkins players said they heard it said to them from the section one at a time. I doubt this happened just like when an African-American hockey player goes to the red and tries to use the "he called me the N word" excuse.

I presume you were there then...

I apologize for posting they made that chant; however, it is possible some students did such a disgusting thing.

Regardless, EP's AD obviously caught the attention of the students and influenced them into being well behaved individuals throughout the State Tourney.

I wasn't at the whole game, but at the end when things got heated to watch my buddies son play. I still agree that chanting "food stamps" is taking it a little too far. I would also agree with you that this event made an impact over the weekend. Well the section was still loud, no real "dirty" chants, with the exception of (S-E-X, Sex, Score score score) and I'm guessing the basketball game is the reason why.

[defense]

First, the game winning goal was an incredible second effort.
Second...did the Eden Prarie players see some cake in the stands at the end of the game??? All those players jumping into the glass seemed like they were drawn to something...

[breakout]

first time ever going to the state championship game, and only my 2nd game ever attending (first was 'Tonka/DE in '94.) That game was outstanding in many different ways, but I have to say, the memory I will have more then any other was how all night long, DE was in Rau's face (or should I say knocking his block off) and he'd keep coming back for more.

Then there is the biggest "egg in your face" moment...

when Rau was just ROCKED along the boards, the DE students started chanting "Rau's-a-pu$$y!" And who scores the game winner? Yep... that same guy the fans called a pu$$y.

The only disappointment was the EP student section. Every time they'd try to get some kind of cheer going, it was just the basic "let's go Eagles" and after the 2nd time... the DE students would start to boo, and EP would stop. Sure, their team won the game... but a little more imagination would have been nice from them..

DE Fans;
Marco! Polo! (they were in two sections on opposite sides of the arena)
Eagles! Swallows! (that was funny as hell)
no-one-cares! (when EP fans would start to cheer)

I noticed the EP students were in the nose bleed sections at the top of the arena. What's up with that? One of the great things about the tournament is having the kids down closer to the players. That's crap.

I wanted a great game and got it. What a treat to watch.

Some on this thread thought EP would run away with the game. Duluth is a well coached, high quality team. They had their chances to win.

$$$$$$$$$

although all tickets are the same price, its easier to sell lower level tickets, and im sure rowdy student sections are the last people those ushers want around the boards. The schools are supposed to sell the lower level tickets to parents and alumni, but often times they will reverse it.

A good game will sell out anyway. Last night's attendance was 15,000 +. Were the STA Cadets banished to the rafters? Duluth students were where they were suppose to be ....... by the ice supporting their team.

IMO, students cheering in the lower bowl and having fun is a big part of what makes the tournament appealing.

[Tigers33]

Students should be in the low bowl, but this state and society is all about pleasing those season ticket holders. I think the atmosphere would be much better if the students were in the lower deck.

MJ...nice class buddy!

That was a great handshake to watch last night between both teams. Great class shown by both teams especially the coaches at the end of the game.

This is going to get things stirred up, but thats okay. I was hoping D. East would eventually get up and stand during the awards ceremony. I understand players get emotional after a loss like that. I understand that!! I dont understand how it looked like their back up goalie was sprawled back against the boards like he was taking a nap. I think I even saw guys hunched over the boards like they were vomiting. D. East is young, they will be back for sure! I just wish they would ve held their heads up a little higher. I am looking forward to seeing that line back next season.

[TopShelf9999]

First of all I was at the Hopkins game sitting near the student section, Food Stamps was used, but only after Daddys Money. Second the N word was never shouted as the paper said, I believe it was the Hopkins players trying to get back at EP after the Food Stamp chant, and the lose they took at home. And EP had from what i could see some African Americans in the student section, would not make sense to shout the N word.

[brickhouse19]

Then there is the biggest "egg in your face" moment...

when Rau was just ROCKED along the boards, the DE students started chanting "Rau's-a-pu$$y!" And who scores the game winner? Yep... that same guy the fans called a pu$$y.

That was 216, not the DE student section.

The only disappointment was the EP student section. Every time they'd try to get some kind of cheer going, it was just the basic "let's go Eagles" and after the 2nd time... the DE students would start to boo, and EP would stop. Sure, their team won the game... but a little more imagination would have been nice from them..

DE Fans;
Marco! Polo! (they were in two sections on opposite sides of the arena)
Eagles! Swallows! (that was funny as hell)

216 again.

no-one-cares! (when EP fans would start to cheer)[/quote]

Also 216.

[HockeyMN1]

The "I believe that we will win" was way overdone by the DE students. Like two times is enough, but they probably did it at least four times. EP spit is back at them at the end though with "I believe that we just won."