Section 1A

[clutterbuck22]

812 - The fact that Austin has been picked over Century in the post above is damn near sign of a paradigm shift. Even if they don't win, just the idea that they might is saying something.

BPC - Agreed - two years ago the Century v Austin score was 13-0. Roy, you've had good picks all year, but I'll take Century tonight.

Also, as for the Scarlets visiting Mayo, I might call that one a "pick em" game. Mayo has played well lately, and can clinch at least a share of the Big 9 title with a win tonight. West better be ready to battle.

Hub to have live coverage of West vs. Mayo tonight.

[Roy01]

812 - The fact that Austin has been picked over Century in the post above is damn near sign of a paradigm shift. Even if they don't win, just the idea that they might is saying something.

BPC - Agreed - two years ago the Century v Austin score was 13-0. Roy, you've had good picks all year, but I'll take Century tonight.

Also, as for the Scarlets visiting Mayo, I might call that one a "pick em" game. Mayo has played well lately, and can clinch at least a share of the Big 9 title with a win tonight. West better be ready to battle.

Hub to have live coverage of West vs. Mayo tonight.

Obviously Century isn't as strong as they have been in years past, and it definitely is telling of a shift in the caliber of hockey in this region... Austin has a little more scoring on top and their goaltender looks a little more sharp. Plus, gotta have at least one shake up once in a while, right?

I think West will show up tonight with a chip on their shoulder from the last go around. I'd like to see West get a piece of the Big 9 title, but without a win tonight that's a lost cause.

[goldy313]

Century 4
Austin 3

#11 from Austin is fun to watch.

[SEpuck]

Mankato West 7
Mayo 3

Ouch for Mayo, Big win for West

[clutterbuck22]

Lourdes 6
Rogers 1
Final

[OU812]

I think West surprised even itself tonight; after two periods, the score was 6-0 West and shots were 25-6 in favor of the Scarlets. West third line C Cole Filler wound up with a hat trick when he scored in the games final minute.

[Roy01]

RESULTS FOR 2/7

New Prague over Chaska: 5-0
Albert Lea over Faribault: 5-1
Dodge County over La Crescent: 6-4

I forgot to put up Red Wing vs. Shakopee earlier, but the result was a 4-3 win for Shakopee.

All other scores provided in earlier posts.

[Roy01]

RESULTS FOR 2/9

Austin over Winona: 4-3
Hermantown over Red Wing: 7-2
La Crescent over St. Paul Highland Park: 7-3
Northfield over Chanhassen: 3-0
Rochester Century over Mankato East: 3-0
Rochester Lourdes over New Prague: 4-1
Rochester Mayo over Faribault: 4-1

[urban iceman]

Lourdes-4
New Prague-1
Tough loss for the Trojans. 2-1 with a few min left in the third and a turnover in the defensive zone netted the eagles their third goal. EN at the end.

[grandmeadowhockeyfan]

The road will still go through Lourdes high school
For one more year before Mankato west or new Prague
Take over.

[hockeyking]

Urban iceman you don't happen to live in New Prague or maybe the head coach of the team? All kidding aside how is the kid doing that took the cheapshot from the HA player? This type hockey is uncalled for and the head coach should have to answer to this. Maybe suspended for a game.

[Gretzky9]

May be a bit early... and I may be way off, projections as of now.

Plus, a question. I know seedings are not for a few weeks... but is there any talk about using QRF from Mn-Sports like in some other sports... Or will section coaches keep getting together and rank teams (not looking for a debate, just info:) for the seeds.

1. Lourdes
2. West
3. New Prague
4. Northfield
5. Albert Lea
6. Faribault
7. Le Sueur Co-op
8. Austin
9. Red Wing
10. East
11. LaCrescent
12. Waseca

no time for write ups.... maybe later

My take right now:

1. Lourdes- Not as strong this year but until someone knocks them off.....
2. West- they have a shot...but next year is really their year
3. New Prague
4. Northfield....by default.
5. Albert Lea...could easily place these guys at 7 or 8. This is a spot that can change
6. LS/SP
7. Red Wing....down but tough schedule
8. Faribault
9 Austin
10. Mankato East
11. Waseca
12. La Crescent

One week to go...still some games that might change things up some, but here is what I got right now:

1. Lourdes- Until they get knocked out. Won't be on top next year
2. West- Playing really well as of late. Could do it
3. NP- Just don't think they have enough to get it done
4. Northfield- Long-shot...and that's being generous
5. Albert Lea- No Shot, but someone has to be 5
6. LS/SP- Not enough depth to scare anyone at 1 through 3.
7. Faribault- Not enough talent to scare anyone.
8. Red Wing- Pretty tough first game for Lourdes.
9. Austin- better than last year
10. East- much better than last year
11. La Crescent- next
12. Waseca- thanks for playing

[OU812]

With a week to go, here's my shot at the section seedings:

1. Lourdes - undefeated in regular season section play for what, four years? Samuelson playing even better lately.

2. Mankato West - great regular season, offense to spare, and a bit of an edge. Tons of potential, but can they fulfill it when it counts?

3. New Prague - Always tough during section play, and the wins over Mahtomedi and Holy Angels look even bigger now

4. Northfield - last go around for Andrew Scofield; he'll be ready

5. Albert Lea - under the radar a bit, but swept Faribault & Century and also has the coaching to make a run

6. Faribault - up and down season, a little hard to peg

7. Red Wing - no section wins so far, 18 losses, but usually gets stronger for section playoffs

8. LeSeuer/St. Peter - have maybe the best goalie in section 1A in senior Chris Amsden, and good thing, too.

9. Austin - best year for the Packers since this year's seniors joined the program

10. Mankato East - likewise; Cougar's best year since 2010

11. Waseca - beat LaCrescent once, and play again Thursday

12. LaCrescent - gets Austin and Waseca this week.


No crystal ball here. Looking forward to the games.

[urban iceman]

Urban iceman you don't happen to live in New Prague or maybe the head coach of the team? All kidding aside how is the kid doing that took the cheapshot from the HA player? This type hockey is uncalled for and the head coach should have to answer to this. Maybe suspended for a game.

Just an area hockey fan of all southern teams.
Sounds like the player you are asking about had a concussion and has since passed conc test. Didn't play against Lourdes but should be available for Red Wing on Tues.

[urban iceman]

I'm sure this has come up before, but why hasn't the Section finals been moved to a more neutral site? From past experiences it seems like all the cards are in favor of the hometown team down there- home ice, suspect officiating(IMO), home crowd etc.. Why not Owatonna, Faribault and such???

[hockeydad]

I've asked the same question before. I think it has something to do with the size - much bigger venue for fans. I would think Owatonna would be a more central location, and would think it could handle Class A championship crowds. As for the refs, those are hired by the Region committee. Not sure what criteria they use. Regardless... refs will always leave half of the fans angry, even if they make no mistakes.

[Ready2GoYet]

I think OU812's rankings are pretty reflective on performance of the teams. I think the 1 - 5 spots have been looking to size up this way for several weeks. I personally don't believe that how a team plays in the playoffs (which is always past) should be a factor in team rankings, however, that does seem to come into play. From 6 on down it gets a lot tougher. I still have a hard time putting Red Wing up too high, I know they play a much harder schedule than Fairbault, St. Peter, etc., but its still only 3 wins.

I would also like to see the sections come out of Rochester. Move it around. Austin also has plenty of seating in Riverside (and no, I am not from Austin). Plus, didn't a couple of years ago, the MSHSL pass a rule about only having the finals at a "neutral" site and all other games would be at the top seed (to save money on traveling). I think it was the same year they talked about reducing the number of total games as well. If that did pass, why isn't Section 1 following it?

[hockeyking]

Urban iceman you don't happen to live in New Prague or maybe the head coach of the team? All kidding aside how is the kid doing that took the cheapshot from the HA player? This type hockey is uncalled for and the head coach should have to answer to this. Maybe suspended for a game.

Just an area hockey fan of all southern teams.
Sounds like the player you are asking about had a concussion and has since passed conc test. Didn't play against Lourdes but should be available for Red Wing on Tues.

Well that is good news if he is able to play in the next game, hate to see any player get hurt, and especially so close to section playoffs.

[Roy01]

Well, technically the Rec is a neutral site...but I'm not sure how true that can hold while you've got a Lourdes logo painted on the wall of the arena... I can say officiating has been somewhat...strange...at times as well.

If I were to seed I'd look at it as such:

1. Lourdes
2. West
3. New Prague
4. Northfield
5. Albert Lea
6. LSP
7. Mankato East
8. Red Wing
9. Faribault
10. Austin
11. La Crescent
12. Waseca

I feel (hope...) Red Wing is a better team than Mankato East, but three wins does nothing to help me want to put them higher. They weren't quality opponents either. Also, being Red Wing's position in the section (typically a competitive team), I feel they will end up being a bit higher seed then they may be deserving this year. Though, it would be interesting to see Red Wing at 8 and match Lourdes in the first round. I think a few teams may(possibly) jump the Wingers in seeding, just by win count. Red Wing does play a stronger schedule then the Big 9, but it's not anywhere near as strong as it was in years past...

[urban iceman]

Well, technically the Rec is a neutral site...but I'm not sure how true that can hold while you've got a Lourdes logo painted on the wall of the arena... I can say officiating has been somewhat...strange...at times as well.

If I were to seed I'd look at it as such:

1. Lourdes
2. West
3. New Prague
4. Northfield
5. Albert Lea
6. LSP
7. Mankato East
8. Red Wing
9. Faribault
10. Austin
11. La Crescent
12. Waseca

I feel (hope...) Red Wing is a better team than Mankato East, but three wins does nothing to help me want to put them higher. They weren't quality opponents either. Also, being Red Wing's position in the section (typically a competitive team), I feel they will end up being a bit higher seed then they may be deserving this year. Though, it would be interesting to see Red Wing at 8 and match Lourdes in the first round. I think a few teams may(possibly) jump the Wingers in seeding, just by win count. Red Wing does play a stronger schedule then the Big 9, but it's not anywhere near as strong as it was in years past...

Red Wing is a better team than the record shows. They will surprise a team or two in sections I'm afraid.

[Gretzky9]

Well, technically the Rec is a neutral site...but I'm not sure how true that can hold while you've got a Lourdes logo painted on the wall of the arena... I can say officiating has been somewhat...strange...at times as well.

If I were to seed I'd look at it as such:

1. Lourdes
2. West
3. New Prague
4. Northfield
5. Albert Lea
6. LSP
7. Mankato East
8. Red Wing
9. Faribault
10. Austin
11. La Crescent
12. Waseca

I feel (hope...) Red Wing is a better team than Mankato East, but three wins does nothing to help me want to put them higher. They weren't quality opponents either. Also, being Red Wing's position in the section (typically a competitive team), I feel they will end up being a bit higher seed then they may be deserving this year. Though, it would be interesting to see Red Wing at 8 and match Lourdes in the first round. I think a few teams may(possibly) jump the Wingers in seeding, just by win count. Red Wing does play a stronger schedule then the Big 9, but it's not anywhere near as strong as it was in years past...

Red Wing is a better team than the record shows. They will surprise a team or two in sections I'm afraid.

Agree Red Wing is better than East, but if they are seeded 8th (which they should given their record...I know they play a really tough schedule but they did it to themselves and should not be ranked higher with 3 wins) they are one and done.

[Ready2GoYet]

Looking at Roy01's seedings, the one I can't get on board with is putting Mkto-E that high. They are ranked 10th on the latest PageStat, QRF, and MSHSR rankings, and 9th on KRACH.

[Roy01]

Looking at Roy01's seedings, the one I can't get on board with is putting Mkto-E that high. They are ranked 10th on the latest PageStat, QRF, and MSHSR rankings, and 9th on KRACH.

The only reason they are that high is solely because Red Wing does not have the number of wins they do. I believe East, Faribault, and Austin have the ability to beat one another night in and night out and should be grouped together. East and Faribault still have yet to play and that can settle their position in the Section, but it's really, really REALLY difficult for me to put the Wingers up above 8 with only three wins...

They (Red Wing) are the team I have seen play the most this season and, while I don't want to put them down that far, I can't in good conscience move them up. Obviously the coaches will settle it out next week, but for me I could not do it. Stronger schedule or not.

[goldy313]

I would also like to see the sections come out of Rochester. Move it around. Austin also has plenty of seating in Riverside (and no, I am not from Austin). Plus, didn't a couple of years ago, the MSHSL pass a rule about only having the finals at a "neutral" site and all other games would be at the top seed (to save money on traveling). I think it was the same year they talked about reducing the number of total games as well. If that did pass, why isn't Section 1 following it?

In many sports the games are at a home site; football has been forever in most sections, in 1AA/1AAA cross country is at Owatonna's home course, track is at Lakeville South, baseball is at Red Wing's home field; basketball, wrestling,and volleyball are all at the Mayo Civic Center. They have to be somehwere and the section looks at what sites offer the best amenities for all involved - the athletes, the students, and the fans. The section tournament money after expenses is returned to the section schools, years ago when the went to Marriucci the section lost a boatload of money and 1A had their game start at like 10 am due to a gopher hockey game that evening.

Austin isn't big enough when you consider two schools bringing in bands and the fans, it would probably work for smaller 1A schools or if Lourdes is involved because they don't draw all that well, but if the game was between Austin and Albert Lea you'd have a problem. (and you'd have a true home site)

A bunch of years ago when it was a one class tournament section 1 would play all its quarterfinals at one site and it moved around from Austin to Owatonna, to Burnsville, etc., ice was nearly always an issue with the amount of people in the buildings and the temperatures we can get in late February. One year we were in Owatonna and by the 3rd game (the one I was officiating) the ice started to deteriorate pretty badly by the second period as the building couldn't keep up with the cooling needs, we had to delay the third periord and the ice never set up. The fourth game was delayed significantly and even with it being 9pm and every door open the ice wouldn't set up. The semifinals were on Tuesday at the Met Center so postponning the game wasn't an option. so it was played in a swamp.

One of the great benefts the Rec Center has is even though the ice isn't that great, even if it is 50 degrees out and there are 2500 people in the building the ice won't fall apart.

[bestpopcorn]

How many do you draw for section games? The Bruins have a regular attendance of 1200. I heard the recent Paint the Rink Pink drew 2100 fans to Riverside.