Section 3A (2013-2014)

[50/50]

A successful man is one who can build a solid foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.

I see what Luverne is doing with its program. I envy the focus, planning, hard work, and determination of these varsity coaches. They've been able to get the kids and their parents on board with their vision and their long-term plans. These coaches are able to take the kids handed to them and make them believe in themselves and in the habit of winning. Isn't it true that you become what you believe? I could say the exact same thing of the Mankato program.

Contrast this with New Ulm hockey. This is a program lead by "good ol' boys" and HS buddies that have individual egos SO big that they block out any hope for a long-term success within the program. These coaches can't see past their own kid on the ice, and it's starting to show. That Peterson coach is the worst of the lot, in my opinion. I am hoping he hangs up his whistle once his kid graduates this year. It would be a great start to improve that program.

I, for one, am enjoying watching this season play out. And, ultimately, i WANT a 3A team to do well at state. I don't care who it is!

[the thrill]

Luverne still needs to show some respect for their opponents. I mean they have the 1 seed locked up no question they deserve it. Yeah its 2 weeks until playoffs but back when I played in games like that I would sit the whole 3rd period and a good chunk of the 2nd period (2 in the month of February)

Just some MORE reasons not to like Luverne. (Most hated team in 3A)

I think its a tough situation.

SW Minnesota needs to get better so teams are not put in this situation. a 10-2 game does no one any good in the area.

Hopefully if Windom can develop their program and will lead to more contested games in the future.

I think this is getting to much play on here. At some point Windom needs to work on improving themselves and stop worrying about who the other guys are putting on the ice.

However, if we want to Luverne bash these type of things are why when Luverne does their annual Playoff Choke everyone will be smiling

Success breeds jealousy.

[TheSiouxSuck]

A successful man is one who can build a solid foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.

I see what Luverne is doing with its program. I envy the focus, planning, hard work, and determination of these varsity coaches. They've been able to get the kids and their parents on board with their vision and their long-term plans. These coaches are able to take the kids handed to them and make them believe in themselves and in the habit of winning. Isn't it true that you become what you believe? I could say the exact same thing of the Mankato program.

Contrast this with New Ulm hockey. This is a program lead by "good ol' boys" and HS buddies that have individual egos SO big that they block out any hope for a long-term success within the program. These coaches can't see past their own kid on the ice, and it's starting to show. That Peterson coach is the worst of the lot, in my opinion. I am hoping he hangs up his whistle once his kid graduates this year. It would be a great start to improve that program.

I, for one, am enjoying watching this season play out. And, ultimately, i WANT a 3A team to do well at state. I don't care who it is!

Sadly his kid is only a Junior.

[notTONIGHT]

Wow. Luverne bashing was not my intent. I have become interested in their story after seeing some of their younger teams which indicates to me that they are working on building a PROGRAM. Great for hockey and SW. Other SW teams could look at their model to find more success. The question about the 3/4 lines comes out of that. You do not build a complete and consistent program without using the (many in Luverne's case) opportunities you have in run time games to get kids experience needed for next game or even next season. If you do not do that, fine, but don't be so offended when people do not take the numbers your team puts up seriously. You have a rather large yet entertaining chip on your shoulder Herb. I still am in Luverne's corner. Hope they get there and put on a good show.

Without being snarky, and trying to answer your question. Luverne Rolls 3 lines every game. Depth is a big part of their success. Some fans, when in close games, think line 3 is played too much. I am not in that camp. I think having a solid line three will separate you in the playoffs, and in the THIRD PERIOD.

The fourth line, and defenseman 5, and 6 on the depth chart, do not get regular ice time. They do play quite a bit in these blowouts. The thing is, when they roll these three lines, and line 1 or 2 does get 3-4 shifts in the third period, they score almost every time. This is a result of them being fresh from rolling three lines.

To sum it up, Luverne rolls three lines to have an advantage in the third period. Even if its only for two shifts, this advantage is utilized to reward the boys for commitment to the system.

Oh wait, Luverne doesnt have systems.....

Right trout? OR do they now, with the coaching change??

[hockeyfan26]

A successful man is one who can build a solid foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.

I see what Luverne is doing with its program. I envy the focus, planning, hard work, and determination of these varsity coaches. They've been able to get the kids and their parents on board with their vision and their long-term plans. These coaches are able to take the kids handed to them and make them believe in themselves and in the habit of winning. Isn't it true that you become what you believe? I could say the exact same thing of the Mankato program.

Contrast this with New Ulm hockey. This is a program lead by "good ol' boys" and HS buddies that have individual egos SO big that they block out any hope for a long-term success within the program. These coaches can't see past their own kid on the ice, and it's starting to show. That Peterson coach is the worst of the lot, in my opinion. I am hoping he hangs up his whistle once his kid graduates this year. It would be a great start to improve that program.

I, for one, am enjoying watching this season play out. And, ultimately, i WANT a 3A team to do well at state. I don't care who it is!

Strongly disagree. Last time I checked Peterson is a forward and his dad works with the defensemen. He also works with the youth from what i know after all these years.

[Deck Slide]

.[/quote]Scout, do you not realize that in Southwest MN, Luverne is about the ONLY team striving to get better. (Playing A Hockey) throughout their program. This is why the Southwest Conference is absolutely dog crap.[/quote]

Luverne is not the only program playing "A" hockey this season. Marshall is as well. I believe at the Pee Wee level Luverne, Marshall, Red Wood, Worthington and Fairmont are playing at the "A" level as well. Luverne is however the only one having success at the Bantam and Pee Wee level. Squirts I am unsure who is competing at the "A" level. I would assume most are in SW MN..

All this talk about Luverne building a successful program.. You are measured by how your high school team performs. Not many people care about what happens at the youth level. It is an indicator of possible talent. That being said Luverne has some nice young kids coming up in their program.

Building a program and sustaining a program are 2 completely different things. Can Luverne sustain what they currently have for years to come. No offense but I would extremely surprised if they do. Not many small towns can sustain strictly because of numbers. In small programs when 3, 4, or 5 kids decide to shoot hoops or wear tights on Saturdays instead of playing puck that can make a huge difference. especially if those 3,4, and 5 kids are the best athletes at that particular age group.

Luverne has taken care of business this year. Would they be undefeated if they played LDC or Hutch's schedule. Without a doubt no way!! Should be an interesting match up on Friday in Hutch.

Would Luverne get a top 4 seed at state if they go into the tournament undefeated??

[notTONIGHT]

Luverne is not the only program playing "A" hockey this season. Marshall is as well. I believe at the Pee Wee level Luverne, Marshall, Red Wood, Worthington and Fairmont are playing at the "A" level as well. Luverne is however the only one having success at the Bantam and Pee Wee level. Squirts I am unsure who is competing at the "A" level. I would assume most are in SW MN..

All this talk about Luverne building a successful program.. You are measured by how your high school team performs. Not many people care about what happens at the youth level. It is an indicator of possible talent. That being said Luverne has some nice young kids coming up in their program.

Building a program and sustaining a program are 2 completely different things. Can Luverne sustain what they currently have for years to come. No offense but I would extremely surprised if they do. Not many small towns can sustain strictly because of numbers. In small programs when 3, 4, or 5 kids decide to shoot hoops or wear tights on Saturdays instead of playing puck that can make a huge difference. especially if those 3,4, and 5 kids are the best athletes at that particular age group.

Luverne has taken care of business this year. Would they be undefeated if they played LDC or Hutch's schedule. Without a doubt no way!! Should be an interesting match up on Friday in Hutch.

Would Luverne get a top 4 seed at state if they go into the tournament undefeated??

Totally agree with you.

Very difficult to sustain a program.

Its important to remember that the top 5 teams get seeded at state. This discussion occured in another thread, about a month ago. The consensus was no. That an undefeated record would not get them a seed. The only way would be, if there were several upsets of top teams. Most of these teams have lost lately though. Will be interesting to see if it pans out.

If making it to state was easy everyone would do it. Lets not put the chicken before the egg with Luverne making it to state.

As for the Luverne Hutch game. It is big. I believe it will be a preview of the saturday game at Gustavus. Will come down to goaltending, and defense. Both of which I give the talent edge to Luverne.

P.S. People dont care about youth teams success? Tell that to the screaming maniacs in the stands.

[50/50]

to clarify:

Peterson does not work with the youth, unless you consider the JV the youth. How is that JV team doing this year? they were terrible last year, but I haven't made it to one of their games this year. Don't even know their JV record.

I just checked with MSHSL.ORG, and you're right. His son is only a junior. However, he plays center--a defensive position, in my opinion.

This is going to be a fun month. Can't wait to see how it all comes out in the end.

Looking forward to the state tournament too. Love it. However, I'm saddened by the fact that over 40 kids will be leaving high school to play elsewhere. I would hate to see it lessened in importance as more kids decide they need to leave high school to reach their dreams.

[hawkenjonny]

Thanks for the well written answer to my question Herb. I was really going by goals scored by each line (or what I am perceiving to be the lines) since I obviously have no numbers on playing minutes. If Luverne is rolling 3 and occasionally the fourth I am surprised all over again at the goal differential between the 160+ put up by Luverne and about 14 or so by line 3. I figured that huge differential was largely due to playing time or lack thereof. My mistake! Seems odd even though I realize 3/4 are not typically the big scoring lines. According to hub, one JV kid has 25 points so they must not be incapable of putting it in the net. I know JV is different. Just interesting. Friday should be a good one! I will be following with interest. And I agree with you, what happens at the younger levels DOES impact high school success.

[notTONIGHT]

Thanks for the well written answer to my question Herb. I was really going by goals scored by each line (or what I am perceiving to be the lines) since I obviously have no numbers on playing minutes. If Luverne is rolling 3 and occasionally the fourth I am surprised all over again at the goal differential between the 160+ put up by Luverne and about 14 or so by line 3. I figured that huge differential was largely due to playing time or lack thereof. My mistake! Seems odd even though I realize 3/4 are not typically the big scoring lines. According to hub, one JV kid has 25 points so they must not be incapable of putting it in the net. I know JV is different. Just interesting. Friday should be a good one! I will be following with interest. And I agree with you, what happens at the younger levels DOES impact high school success.

Your welcome, einstein..

[elliott70]

Would Luverne get a top 4 seed at state if they go into the tournament undefeated??

Its important to remember that the top 5 teams get seeded at state. This discussion occured in another thread, about a month ago. The consensus was no. That an undefeated record would not get them a seed. The only way would be, if there were several upsets of top teams. Most of these teams have lost lately though. Will be interesting to see if it pans out.

The way I see it if everyone is healthy and playing their A game then it
might be:

1 East Grand Forks
2 Hermantown
3 Breck
4 or 5 Mankato West/New Prague
5 or 4 St Cloud Cathedral/Alexandria (best chance for an upset out of this section

then
Luverne, Chisago, Totino or Mahtomedi

If Cathedral or Alex do not make it then that spot would go to Totino or Maht.
If St Cloud Apollo, Albert Lea and or St Paul Academy pull the upset (2 of the 3) then slot in Luverne at #5 Maybe #4.

At any rate with those 8 teams it will be a good tourney.
I don't see anyone taking it away from EGF without a hot goaltender.
Breck and Hermantown are at EGF's heels. but again anyone with the hot goalie can make a run.

I know nothing of Luverne's D and goalie.

[alumni52]

to clarify:

Peterson does not work with the youth, unless you consider the JV the youth. How is that JV team doing this year? they were terrible last year, but I haven't made it to one of their games this year. Don't even know their JV record.

I just checked with MSHSL.ORG, and you're right. His son is only a junior. However, he plays center--a defensive position, in my opinion.

This is going to be a fun month. Can't wait to see how it all comes out in the end.

Looking forward to the state tournament too. Love it. However, I'm saddened by the fact that over 40 kids will be leaving high school to play elsewhere. I would hate to see it lessened in importance as more kids decide they need to leave high school to reach their dreams.

Learn your info, Peterson often goes down and will run a pewee or bantom practice and he runs the tryouts for both age groups, at least the last I heard he did. The man in my honest opinion is the best coach in the town of new ulm and I do believe that if "lord" Setterholm does quit like many have said he will after this season that peterson would be the best person to take over the job.

I believe the reason that he is so unpopular in new ulm is due to how loud he is and how he will tell it how it is, and how he just takes complete control of the situation no matter who you are. he is a little hard on the players but I do believe it is in a good way, they're in high school they should be able to handle it.

And for regards of his son wyatt and also brody who recently graduated he is harder on them two than he is any other player on the team. there is no favoritism at all for his sons.

[notTONIGHT]

Its important to remember that the top 5 teams get seeded at state. This discussion occured in another thread, about a month ago. The consensus was no. That an undefeated record would not get them a seed. The only way would be, if there were several upsets of top teams. Most of these teams have lost lately though. Will be interesting to see if it pans out.

The way I see it if everyone is healthy and playing their A game then it
might be:

1 East Grand Forks
2 Hermantown
3 Breck
4 or 5 Mankato West/New Prague
5 or 4 St Cloud Cathedral/Alexandria (best chance for an upset out of this section

then
Luverne, Chisago, Totino or Mahtomedi

If Cathedral or Alex do not make it then that spot would go to Totino or Maht.
If St Cloud Apollo, Albert Lea and or St Paul Academy pull the upset (2 of the 3) then slot in Luverne at #5 Maybe #4.

At any rate with those 8 teams it will be a good tourney.
I don't see anyone taking it away from EGF without a hot goaltender.
Breck and Hermantown are at EGF's heels. but again anyone with the hot goalie can make a run.

I know nothing of Luverne's D and goalie.

Elliot, as usual you make a lot of sense.

My one question, is why everyone is so high on Mankato West. What have they done>?

[MrGoalieBoy]

Its important to remember that the top 5 teams get seeded at state. This discussion occured in another thread, about a month ago. The consensus was no. That an undefeated record would not get them a seed. The only way would be, if there were several upsets of top teams. Most of these teams have lost lately though. Will be interesting to see if it pans out.

The way I see it if everyone is healthy and playing their A game then it
might be:

1 East Grand Forks
2 Hermantown
3 Breck
4 or 5 Mankato West/New Prague
5 or 4 St Cloud Cathedral/Alexandria (best chance for an upset out of this section

then
Luverne, Chisago, Totino or Mahtomedi

If Cathedral or Alex do not make it then that spot would go to Totino or Maht.
If St Cloud Apollo, Albert Lea and or St Paul Academy pull the upset (2 of the 3) then slot in Luverne at #5 Maybe #4.

At any rate with those 8 teams it will be a good tourney.
I don't see anyone taking it away from EGF without a hot goaltender.
Breck and Hermantown are at EGF's heels. but again anyone with the hot goalie can make a run.

I know nothing of Luverne's D and goalie.

I've seen Luverne play in a few of tier games, from what I've seen they have the best goalie in the section, and two very solid defenseman in #10 and Sengvongxay. IMO, after seeing the top teams in this section play, Meyer or Kraus, would be the most likely player to "steal" a game from a team.

[elliott70]

Elliot, as usual you make a lot of sense.

My one question, is why everyone is so high on Mankato West. What have they done>?

I think the turning point was their trip north and the LOSS to the WI powerhouse team, Notre Dame Academy.
Other than that they have done what Luverne has done (except New Prague). And some of their wins (Albert Lea comes to mind) over teams that have played well outside of Section 1.

Again, Section 3A's downfall is geography and failing to win against some middle of the road lower top 20 teams.

[elliott70]

I've seen Luverne play in a few of tier games, from what I've seen they have the best goalie in the section, and two very solid defenseman in #10 and Sengvongxay. IMO, after seeing the top teams in this section play, Meyer or Kraus, would be the most likely player to "steal" a game from a team.

It is hard to imagine any 3A team beating Luverne.

The question is how will their goalie and D react against Hermantown's or Breck's potent offense.

[Deck Slide]

I've seen Luverne play in a few of tier games, from what I've seen they have the best goalie in the section, and two very solid defenseman in #10 and Sengvongxay. IMO, after seeing the top teams in this section play, Meyer or Kraus, would be the most likely player to "steal" a game from a team.

It is hard to imagine any 3A team beating Luverne.

The question is how will their goalie and D react against Hermantown's or Breck's potent offense.

If a 3A goalie can record 50+ saves in a game, 3A might have a shot at keeping it out of running time!

Mankato West's schedule ain't all that great as well!! Tougher than Luverne's and they conference is probably weaker than the Wright County..

[notTONIGHT]

to clarify:

Peterson does not work with the youth, unless you consider the JV the youth. How is that JV team doing this year? they were terrible last year, but I haven't made it to one of their games this year. Don't even know their JV record.

I just checked with MSHSL.ORG, and you're right. His son is only a junior. However, he plays center--a defensive position, in my opinion.

This is going to be a fun month. Can't wait to see how it all comes out in the end.

Looking forward to the state tournament too. Love it. However, I'm saddened by the fact that over 40 kids will be leaving high school to play elsewhere. I would hate to see it lessened in importance as more kids decide they need to leave high school to reach their dreams.

Learn your info, Peterson often goes down and will run a pewee or bantom practice and he runs the tryouts for both age groups, at least the last I heard he did. The man in my honest opinion is the best coach in the town of new ulm and I do believe that if "lord" Setterholm does quit like many have said he will after this season that peterson would be the best person to take over the job.

I believe the reason that he is so unpopular in new ulm is due to how loud he is and how he will tell it how it is, and how he just takes complete control of the situation no matter who you are. he is a little hard on the players but I do believe it is in a good way, they're in high school they should be able to handle it.

And for regards of his son wyatt and also brody who recently graduated he is harder on them two than he is any other player on the team. there is no favoritism at all for his sons.

Maybe Lord isn't as naive to the state of his program as he appears. It really wouldn't surprise anyone if he tuck his tail and ran out of there. Considering the future of the program, and the talent expected to return.

[Silentadvisor]

IMO Campion, Kraus, or Meyer will decide who goes to X this year. We'll see if Campion can do it again this year or if the other two can give their teams a good chance. Guess we'll see in 2 weeks!

[notTONIGHT]

IMO Campion, Kraus, or Meyer will decide who goes to X this year. We'll see if Campion can do it again this year or if the other two can give their teams a good chance. Guess we'll see in 2 weeks!

No chance for hutch?

[MrGoalieBoy]

IMO Campion, Kraus, or Meyer will decide who goes to X this year. We'll see if Campion can do it again this year or if the other two can give their teams a good chance. Guess we'll see in 2 weeks!

No chance for hutch?

I don't think Marshall will make the Super Saturday at Gustavus. There is no way their offense can put up numbers this year, as it's been shown against the top notch teams if the section. But if Campion can pull it off...Kudos to him!!

[the thrill]

Don't lump everyone together. Most of us are respectful and courteous. We also realize that we haven't proved anything yet. However, what makes you king sh$t? No one from Luverne was saying we would beat EGF. Where did you get that from? We know what needs to be done for this to be a successful year. Right now Luverne has exceeded expectations, especially if you go by 3A Scout's beginning of the year rankings

IF Luverne would make it to state, I can guarantee you we don't go in with the attitude that if we hold the "best teams" to 50 shots that we'll still get destroyed.

Maybe you could take your own advice to heart... "Humble"...

Taking it one game at a time. And the next game is a big showdown with Hutch tomorrow.

[notTONIGHT]

Don't lump everyone together. Most of us are respectful and courteous. We also realize that we haven't proved anything yet. However, what makes you king sh$t? No one from Luverne was saying we would beat EGF. Where did you get that from? We know what needs to be done for this to be a successful year. Right now Luverne has exceeded expectations, especially if you go by 3A Scout's beginning of the year rankings

IF Luverne would make it to state, I can guarantee you we don't go in with the attitude that if we hold the "best teams" to 50 shots that we'll still get destroyed.

Maybe you could take your own advice to heart... "Humble"...

Taking it one game at a time. And the next game is a big showdown with Hutch tomorrow.

YEAH, CMON!!! Its just me who is the jackwagon!!

[elliott70]

Don't lump everyone together. Most of us are respectful and courteous. We also realize that we haven't proved anything yet. However, what makes you king sh$t? No one from Luverne was saying we would beat EGF. Where did you get that from? We know what needs to be done for this to be a successful year. Right now Luverne has exceeded expectations, especially if you go by 3A Scout's beginning of the year rankings

IF Luverne would make it to state, I can guarantee you we don't go in with the attitude that if we hold the "best teams" to 50 shots that we'll still get destroyed.

Maybe you could take your own advice to heart... "Humble"...

Taking it one game at a time. And the next game is a big showdown with Hutch tomorrow.

YEAH, CMON!!! Its just me who is the jackwagon!!

That's not true....


fastncrash can be a d*ck some times, also.

[fastncrash]

Don't lump everyone together. Most of us are respectful and courteous. We also realize that we haven't proved anything yet. However, what makes you king sh$t? No one from Luverne was saying we would beat EGF. Where did you get that from? We know what needs to be done for this to be a successful year. Right now Luverne has exceeded expectations, especially if you go by 3A Scout's beginning of the year rankings

IF Luverne would make it to state, I can guarantee you we don't go in with the attitude that if we hold the "best teams" to 50 shots that we'll still get destroyed.

Maybe you could take your own advice to heart... "Humble"...

Taking it one game at a time. And the next game is a big showdown with Hutch tomorrow.

YEAH, CMON!!! Its just me who is the jackwagon!!

That's not true....


fastncrash can be a d*ck some times, also.

GUILTY as CHARGED... Assbag!