8th Grader Joey Anderson Gives Hill Murray 2 Potent Lines***

[Wallyworld]

Hill has played musical chairs with the first two lines since the beginning of the season, initially starting Zach Lavalle, Willie Brown, & Tyler Funk on 1st.. It soon became apparent that Funk wasn't the answer at C and with the way SSM transfer Slattery was playing, he needed to be on 1st. So then it was Lavalle, Slattery at wings and Willie Brown paling off-position at C.. So bottom line, about 4 games later it's clear they have 3 great wings on 1st line but no natural center so they move Brown down to 2nd line and French/Greeter up to center the first..

Since that time, the 2nd line was mediocre at best with Brown in a season long slump, paired with Funk and Zach Mills. The 1st line was carrying the team. However when 8th grader (supposedly 9th but was held back a year) grader Joey Anderson was brought up to 2nd line from JV after averaging about a hat-trick a game, you could see the difference immediately. The 1st game was the 3-1 win against STA and the 2nd line had 2 of the 3 goals (Anderson & Brown) and carried the play. That was with 8 games left in the season and in those final 8 games the even strength goals for the first line were 23 while the 2nd line put up 19.. Anderson has an amazing 8 goals and 15pts while Brown is playing more like his old self with 18pts in those 8 games.. Joey gives the line someone who passes and can finish as well.. Funk meanwhile has 12 pts and Zach Mills, who was dropped down from the line to make room for Joey, has 5 pts in those same 8 games..

So the Brown/Anderson combo especially, no intended disrespect to Funk - he's a scrappy, corner guy type, gives Hill a very potent 2nd line which is exactly what they need heading into playoffs.. Just like last year when Charlie Sampair had 30 goals from the 2nd line and his cousin and line-mate Conrad made All-Tourney... You need those two lines to be a threat at State and now Hill has both hitting on all cylinders..

Combine that with the D/G positions, which were the strength of the team i.e. G Dugas 1.38 GAA, and this team is primed for a run....

[thestickler07]

This just in, #1 rated AA team in most polls expected to do well in playoffs.

[BlueLineSpecial]

This just in, #1 rated AA team in most polls expected to do well in playoffs.

Nice scoop!

We were fiddling with lines earlier in the year and goal scoring was a concern going into this season. So young Mr. Anderson's presence actually has been a nice boost.

[hockeyfan893]

Before any more sarcasm leeks into this thread, I think this is a very cool post.

I would love to see a short little featurette or two written by posters familiar with their respective teams as we head into playoffs. It would be a unique and fun way to help share story lines in high school hockey that most aren't familiar with, given their own affiliations or lack thereof.

This one just happens to be about Hill, but what about some of the other contenders? There have to be neat anecdotes from a number of teams that people would be interested to hear.

[BlueLineSpecial]

Before any more sarcasm leeks into this thread, I think this is a very cool post.

I would love to see a short little featurette or two written by posters familiar with their respective teams as we head into playoffs. It would be a unique and fun way to help share story lines in high school hockey that most aren't familiar with, given their own affiliations or lack thereof.

This one just happens to be about Hill, but what about some of the other contenders? There have to be neat anecdotes from a number of teams that people would be interested to hear.

Exactly. Its a good read, and I agree with WW that this kid's addition has strengthened the lines. There are always good HM fans on this forum, and there are a lot of Eagan/Moorhead/Duluth East fans that make their voices heard and I enjoy reading about the teams from someone with firsthand knowledge. Not to get too far off topic, but I'll use Eagan as an example: going into this season there was a lot of chatter about Eagan's squad losing a ton and not replacing it well. Eagan followers were quick to point out this year's strengths and they were spot-on.

[Gems]

I agree Joey is a nice addition to that line and should be fun to watch in the section playoffs...

[Wallyworld]

As to "This just in, #1 rated AA team in most polls expected to do well in playoffs."

From Postee- Thanks to the others for the positive feedback..

For Hermantown guy my point was three-fold and that there were some really interesting dynamics playing out at Hill late in year.

That it's amazing that this 8th grader comes in and starts on 2nd line while putting up 8 goals in those final 8 games. Second, this has really revitalized Willie Brown's games as he had been having a tough season after putting in 17 goals as a Soph - and now has 18 points in the 8 games with Joey.. 3rd - This gives Hill a legitimate threat of a second line which they had been lacking for most of year and which you need to win in playoffs.... Thanks again for the feedback..

[BlueLineSpecial]

From Postee- Thanks for the positive feedback w/ exception of Hermantown guy..

My point was three-fold and that there were some really interesting dynamics playing out at Hill late in year. That it's amazing that this 8th grader comes in and starts on 2nd line while putting up 8 goals in those final 8 games. Second, this has really revitalized Willie Brown's games as he had been having a tough season after putting in 17 goals as a Soph - and now has 18 points in the 8 games with Joey.. 3rd - This gives Hill a legitimate threat of a second line which they had been lacking for most of year and which you need to win in playoffs.... Thanks again for the feedback..

Hermantown guys don't like private schools

Its a very interesting dynamic with what has happened since his arrival. Some of it could and should be credited to Lechner's long history of priming his team late in the season in general. Just think of how good we could be if a player not to be named glanced over at his teammates once in a while during odd-man rushes

[BogeyMan]

I think it will be interesting to watch HM as this season winds down. I am not as connected to the pioneers or willie brown as is WW, however based on what I have seen my viewpoint is this:

Can the pioneers settle in and play a team game through playoffs and the state tourney if they make it?

Will they find a solution to a plagued PP that has been average at best?

Can the defense play well enough to allow Dugas to not have to be great every night?

As for their line up they are deep, talented and balanced. WW I thought that Funk was now centering the 2nd line with Brown and Anderson? Based on what I saw I was assuming that Lechner was trying to find some balance in his to lines and committed to Lavalle and Slattery as a pair and Brown and Funk. He then tossed in a wing for both lines and put together a 3rd line to compete. As the season progressed French appeared to be settling in however Mills struggled with a 2nd line role and with none of the 3rd liners appearing to be ready to jump up he gave Anderson the opportunity. I saw the St. Thomas game and he along with Dugas were the reason HM won that night. People can debate his age all they want he is legit!

You are spot on with the fact that you need at least 2 lines (some nights 3) that are "hitting on all cylinders" The easiest way to judge that is to watch what certain players are doing when they don't have the puck. Can 2-3 HM guys figure that out is the question...... I think you have sold Funk a little short as he could be the most unsung hero on this team, he deserves more based on what I have seen.......

[BodyShots]

You guys crack me up. You act like Joey was a nobody before he got to HM and the JV team (and Lech) developed him into a superstar!

I got news for you. He was a superstar before he got to HM, will be a superstar during his time at HM, and will be a superstar after he leaves HM. The only question will be, how long will he stay at HM? I'm guessing three years and he's off to the development team.

[BlueLineSpecial]

You guys crack me up. You act like Joey was a nobody before he got to HM and the JV team (and Lech) developed him into a superstar!

I got news for you. He was a superstar before he got to HM, will be a superstar during his time at HM, and will be a superstar after he leaves HM. The only question will be, how long will he stay at HM? I'm guessing three years and he's off to the development team.

Thats not what anyone has said or implied, rather his addition to the varsity team has helped shore up the lines in a way that has allowed a lot of players to excel.

Based on his start I would expect 3 years as well...

[PuckU126]

This just in, #1 rated AA team in most polls expected to do well in playoffs.

Historically, on two occasions, HM has not made the State Tourney ranked #1 going into the playoffs.

[almostashappy]

Exactly. Its a good read, and I agree with WW that this kid's addition has strengthened the lines. There are always good HM fans on this forum, and there are a lot of Eagan/Moorhead/Duluth East fans that make their voices heard and I enjoy reading about the teams from someone with firsthand knowledge. Not to get too far off topic, but I'll use Eagan as an example: going into this season there was a lot of chatter about Eagan's squad losing a ton and not replacing it well. Eagan followers were quick to point out this year's strengths and they were spot-on.

Do you need an Eagan fan to weigh in after that cogent summary?

Wildcats would have done just fine this year without any new additions, but it's no great secret that they've benefited from having Gabrielle (43 pts) and Jensen (41 pts) on the roster. Season started with Jensen centering for Glienke and Willox, and Gabrielle paired with Stebbing and Elsenheimer on second. Christmas-time line shuffling spread these guys over three lines, so now Jensen centers for Gabrielle on second, and Stebbing/Elsenheimer are producing points from a third line that I'd match against any in the State. Taylor is rolling these three lines far more than he has in years past. Not having relied so heavily upon two lines during regular season bodes well for fresher legs from here on out.

[BlueLineSpecial]

Exactly. Its a good read, and I agree with WW that this kid's addition has strengthened the lines. There are always good HM fans on this forum, and there are a lot of Eagan/Moorhead/Duluth East fans that make their voices heard and I enjoy reading about the teams from someone with firsthand knowledge. Not to get too far off topic, but I'll use Eagan as an example: going into this season there was a lot of chatter about Eagan's squad losing a ton and not replacing it well. Eagan followers were quick to point out this year's strengths and they were spot-on.

Do you need an Eagan fan to weigh in after that cogent summary?

Wildcats would have done just fine this year without any new additions, but it's no great secret that they've benefited from having Gabrielle (43 pts) and Jensen (41 pts) on the roster. Season started with Jensen centering for Glienke and Willox, and Gabrielle paired with Stebbing and Elsenheimer on second. Christmas-time line shuffling spread these guys over three lines, so now Jensen centers for Gabrielle on second, and Stebbing/Elsenheimer are producing points from a third line that I'd match against any in the State. Taylor is rolling these three lines far more than he has in years past. Not having relied so heavily upon two lines during regular season bodes well for fresher legs from here on out.

Cogent? Come on man, I only have a HM edercation

Certainly no attempt to belittle or otherwise. Quite the contrary, it was interesting for me as more of a casual follower to read commentary regarding how your squad wouldn't be nearly as good this year compared to last. Yet, Eagan backers contradicted that and you've been proven prescient

[oldschoolpuckster]

Based on his start I would expect 3 years as well...[/quote]

...no chance he stays three years!! He is (arguably) the best '98 born player in the country. There is not a chance that he will pass on the opportunity to play for the National team when his time comes. He will play High School one more season, then gone.

[D3Referee]

He is (arguably) the best '98 born player in the country. There is not a chance that he will pass on the opportunity to play for the National team when his time comes. He will play High School one more season, then gone.

I'll take Ryan Lindgren from SSM as the hands down #1 ranked 1998 player in the country - and it's not even close ... like Obama/McCain not close

[Aldo Raine]

I'll second that notion. Lindgren is bigger and tougher and more versatile of a player. Anderson is all offense. In fact, Bellows always has out-pointed Anderson on their AAA teams.

I'd put it like this for 98's.
1.) Lindgren
2.) Bellows
3.) Anderson

[pioneers]

I think it will be interesting to watch HM as this season winds down. I am not as connected to the pioneers or willie brown as is WW, however based on what I have seen my viewpoint is this:

Can the pioneers settle in and play a team game through playoffs and the state tourney if they make it?

Will they find a solution to a plagued PP that has been average at best?

Can the defense play well enough to allow Dugas to not have to be great every night?

As for their line up they are deep, talented and balanced. WW I thought that Funk was now centering the 2nd line with Brown and Anderson? Based on what I saw I was assuming that Lechner was trying to find some balance in his to lines and committed to Lavalle and Slattery as a pair and Brown and Funk. He then tossed in a wing for both lines and put together a 3rd line to compete. As the season progressed French appeared to be settling in however Mills struggled with a 2nd line role and with none of the 3rd liners appearing to be ready to jump up he gave Anderson the opportunity. I saw the St. Thomas game and he along with Dugas were the reason HM won that night. People can debate his age all they want he is legit!

You are spot on with the fact that you need at least 2 lines (some nights 3) that are "hitting on all cylinders" The easiest way to judge that is to watch what certain players are doing when they don't have the puck. Can 2-3 HM guys figure that out is the question...... I think you have sold Funk a little short as he could be the most unsung hero on this team, he deserves more based on what I have seen.......

Funk is centering the second line

[Wallyworld]

Here's an eye opening stat.. In the 8 games prior to Joey joining the 2nd line, the 1st line had 19 goals to 5 for the second line (that's 79% of the goals). In the 8 games since Joey arrived the first line has scored 23 while the second line has 19..(that's 54%). Any other explanation?.. Schedule has been easier in last 8 games but that works in favor of both lines..

The reason for the post wasn't about Joey personally but since the recent focus has turned to that, I'll chime in.. I saw Joey play in a number of JV games where he was tearing things up and doing a lot on his own.. But he also went through captains practice with these guys and no one was screaming that we need this guy on Varsity. And as far as his Varsity goals, his line mates have set him up very nicely, which was part of my post - including the fact that Joey also looks for his teammates better than others on that 2nd line had..

The other thing I like about him is that his size hasn't kept him from the front of the net as a number of his Varsity goals have come from either tipping a puck in front of net or accepting a pass while camped just to side of net. So he's not getting muscled out of the play.

The thing that excites me as both a Hill fan and yes a fan of Willie Brown (since I am a SSP guy and have watched him since squirts) is that Brown is as good as there is on the team at working the puck and made an impact his first year as well with 17G last year. My point being that Brown is most effective when he has someone to work the puck with (i.e. Guentzel last year) and you can see the boost in his game since Joey arrived and started looking for Willie right away with passes. Brown is a consensus top 10-12 95' F (born 12/95 unfortunately) and you combine that with Joey being top 2-3 98' in nation and these two will only get better through sectionals etc with the hard working Tyler Funk hitting the corners and putting in his share of goals as well...

This is big news because up until 6 weeks ago the 2nd line wasn't much of a threat and now Hill has two near equal lines - and that assessment has come from others as well. Just look at last game against M'Head where Hill had 5 goals - plus empty netter). Of the 5, the 2nd Line had 3 goals (joey had 1 G, Brown had 3 assists) while the 1st line had 1G and the 3rd line had the other.
This is going to play out nicely for Hill..

=

[MrBoDangles]

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

''''Hill Murray Able To Pad Their Stats by Averaging Double Digits In The Last Six Games Against Cream Puff Opponents!'''''

Do you really expect them to play their first line more and beat those teams by 15 -20?

[Gems]

Here's an eye opening stat.. In the 8 games prior to Joey joining the 2nd line, the 1st line had 19 goals to 5 for the second line (that's 79% of the goals). In the 8 games since Joey arrived the first line has scored 23 while the second line has 19..(that's 54%). Any other explanation?.. Schedule has been easier in last 8 games but that works in favor of both lines..

The reason for the post wasn't about Joey personally but since the recent focus has turned to that, I'll chime in.. I saw Joey play in a number of JV games where he was tearing things up and doing a lot on his own.. But he also went through captains practice with these guys and no one was screaming that we need this guy on Varsity. And as far as his Varsity goals, his line mates have set him up very nicely, which was part of my post - including the fact that Joey also looks for his teammates better than others on that 2nd line had..

The other thing I like about him is that his size hasn't kept him from the front of the net as a number of his Varsity goals have come from either tipping a puck in front of net or accepting a pass while camped just to side of net. So he's not getting muscled out of the play.

The thing that excites me as both a Hill fan and yes a fan of Willie Brown (since I am a SSP guy and have watched him since squirts) is that Brown is as good as there is on the team at working the puck and made an impact his first year as well with 17G last year. My point being that Brown is most effective when he has someone to work the puck with (i.e. Guentzel last year) and you can see the boost in his game since Joey arrived and started looking for Willie right away with passes. Brown is a consensus top 10-12 95' F (born 12/95 unfortunately) and you combine that with Joey being top 2-3 98' in nation and these two will only get better through sectionals etc with the hard working Tyler Funk hitting the corners and putting in his share of goals as well...

This is big news because up until 6 weeks ago the 2nd line wasn't much of a threat and now Hill has two near equal lines - and that assessment has come from others as well. Just look at last game against M'Head where Hill had 5 goals - plus empty netter). Of the 5, the 2nd Line had 3 goals (joey had 1 G, Brown had 3 assists) while the 1st line had 1G and the 3rd line had the other.
This is going to play out nicely for Hill..

=

Agreed...nice post WW.

[D3Referee]

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

''''Hill Murray Able To Pad Their Stats by Averaging Double Digits In The Last Six Games Against Cream Puff Opponents!'''''

Do you really expect them to play their first line more and beat those teams by 15 -20?

Joey is a nice player, but yes, they waited to bring him up for a reason. We'll see what he does at the Excel if they get there

[MrBoDangles]

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

''''Hill Murray Able To Pad Their Stats by Averaging Double Digits In The Last Six Games Against Cream Puff Opponents!'''''

Do you really expect them to play their first line more and beat those teams by 15 -20?

Joey is a nice player, but yes, they waited to bring him up for a reason. We'll see what he does at the Excel if they get there

Agree, he IS a great player.

[edgeless2]

What association did Joey Anderson play his youth hockey?

[D3Referee]

What association did Joey Anderson play his youth hockey?

Roseville