7AA 2014-15

[Traxler]

Triple-post from the East contingent answering the question within a minute of each other...

Wow, Calm before the storm? It has been very quiet around the old 7AA site. The accurate historical input is like no other.

Yeah, thanks for the very quick responses to my history question.

[alcloseshaver]

Big Game for East tomorrow at the Northern Iowa school of Lakeville South. Lately East seems to playing better on their bus trips on the weekend Vs the weeknight trips. Karl, any mathematical formula to back up my perception?

[Immigrant Fan]

I have a question regarding applying the litmus test of strength-of-schedule to some teams, but not others. I see STMA largely discounted from higher seed discussions because despite a gaudy record, it was built against poorer quality competition. They are routinely dismissed when speculating on who is a contender versus a pretender.

Then, I compare the relatively mild schedule Bemidji played in 8AA versus that of Moorhead. Bemidji is well ranked statewide in AA and I see no discussions of a lower-test schedule for them. I understand BJI seeded #1 in 8AA based on beating Moorhead twice. But, why aren't the same doubts leveled at BJI? Moorhead appears to be battle-tested and hardened given their schedule.

BJI has some quality wins (Moorhead twice; EGF). What are STMA's quality wins? Or is that the difference in the discussions?

[karl(east)]

Big Game for East tomorrow at the Northern Iowa school of Lakeville South. Lately East seems to playing better on their bus trips on the weekend Vs the weeknight trips. Karl, any mathematical formula to back up my perception?

Afraid I don't have that one sitting around in the stats heap, but it has seemed true the past few weeks, yes. It's not something I'd noticed before, but it makes some sense. "Bus legs" certainly are a Thing that happens, and may well have happened in the Blaine game last week where East was junk for the first ten minutes and a completely different team after. Still, you'd think a team that travels as much as East does should know how to handle that by February. We'll see how the opening minutes go tomorrow night.

[karl(east)]

BJI has some quality wins (Moorhead twice; EGF). What are STMA's quality wins? Or is that the difference in the discussions?

That pretty much is the difference, yes. STMA has only one win that passes for "quality," and that was against Anoka. They also have a couple sketchy losses vs. Monticello and East Ridge, whereas all of Bemidi's are against pretty good teams (Hermantown, EGF, Rapids).

I think there's some reason for skepticism of Bemidji, too, given their lack of Metro competition, but they have played most of the better teams in the North, and have held up pretty well. I count 8-10 teams on their schedule that are top 25 AA or top 6-10 A. STMA has 3, and they lost to 2 of them.

[northwoods oldtimer]

I have a question regarding applying the litmus test of strength-of-schedule to some teams, but not others. I see STMA largely discounted from higher seed discussions because despite a gaudy record, it was built against poorer quality competition. They are routinely dismissed when speculating on who is a contender versus a pretender.

Then, I compare the relatively mild schedule Bemidji played in 8AA versus that of Moorhead. Bemidji is well ranked statewide in AA and I see no discussions of a lower-test schedule for them. I understand BJI seeded #1 in 8AA based on beating Moorhead twice. But, why aren't the same doubts leveled at BJI? Moorhead appears to be battle-tested and hardened given their schedule.

BJI has some quality wins (Moorhead twice; EGF). What are STMA's quality wins? Or is that the difference in the discussions?

Hey don't disrespect the Bemidji Juggernaut

[elliott70]

I have a question regarding applying the litmus test of strength-of-schedule to some teams, but not others. I see STMA largely discounted from higher seed discussions because despite a gaudy record, it was built against poorer quality competition. They are routinely dismissed when speculating on who is a contender versus a pretender.

Then, I compare the relatively mild schedule Bemidji played in 8AA versus that of Moorhead. Bemidji is well ranked statewide in AA and I see no discussions of a lower-test schedule for them. I understand BJI seeded #1 in 8AA based on beating Moorhead twice. But, why aren't the same doubts leveled at BJI? Moorhead appears to be battle-tested and hardened given their schedule.

BJI has some quality wins (Moorhead twice; EGF). What are STMA's quality wins? Or is that the difference in the discussions?

Hey don't disrespect the Bemidji Juggernaut

StMA lost to Monticello.
Bemidji not only beat them, but Monticello had difficulty clearing their own zone. It is not only schedule but 'how'.

[alcloseshaver]

Big Game for East tomorrow at the Northern Iowa school of Lakeville South. Lately East seems to playing better on their bus trips on the weekend Vs the weeknight trips. Karl, any mathematical formula to back up my perception?

Afraid I don't have that one sitting around in the stats heap, but it has seemed true the past few weeks, yes. It's not something I'd noticed before, but it makes some sense. "Bus legs" certainly are a Thing that happens, and may well have happened in the Blaine game last week where East was junk for the first ten minutes and a completely different team after. Still, you'd think a team that travels as much as East does should know how to handle that by February. We'll see how the opening minutes go tomorrow night.

With the weather and traffic forecast they might want to get started about now

[Tigers33]

Elliot - I would think someone like you would understand to look deeper into box scores.

Bemidji 4
Monticello 0
Shots 36-15

Stma 6
Monticello 1
Shots 47-16

The loss to Monticello was 2-1. Stma was missing 4-5 players cause of the flu. And it didn't help when already short handed to have the penalties go 30 min for Stma and 10 min for Monticello.

Just be happy you are in section 8.

[crw]

I have a question regarding applying the litmus test of strength-of-schedule to some teams, but not others. I see STMA largely discounted from higher seed discussions because despite a gaudy record, it was built against poorer quality competition. They are routinely dismissed when speculating on who is a contender versus a pretender.

Then, I compare the relatively mild schedule Bemidji played in 8AA versus that of Moorhead. Bemidji is well ranked statewide in AA and I see no discussions of a lower-test schedule for them. I understand BJI seeded #1 in 8AA based on beating Moorhead twice. But, why aren't the same doubts leveled at BJI? Moorhead appears to be battle-tested and hardened given their schedule.

BJI has some quality wins (Moorhead twice; EGF). What are STMA's quality wins? Or is that the difference in the discussions?

Hey don't disrespect the Bemidji Juggernaut

StMA lost to Monticello.
Bemidji not only beat them, but Monticello had difficulty clearing their own zone. It is not only schedule but 'how'.

STMA losing to Monticello is just like when Bemidji lost to Grand Rapids... Just a bad loss you wish you could get back.
Now that's funny right there

[curtiscurve]

I have a question regarding applying the litmus test of strength-of-schedule to some teams, but not others. I see STMA largely discounted from higher seed discussions because despite a gaudy record, it was built against poorer quality competition. They are routinely dismissed when speculating on who is a contender versus a pretender.

Then, I compare the relatively mild schedule Bemidji played in 8AA versus that of Moorhead. Bemidji is well ranked statewide in AA and I see no discussions of a lower-test schedule for them. I understand BJI seeded #1 in 8AA based on beating Moorhead twice. But, why aren't the same doubts leveled at BJI? Moorhead appears to be battle-tested and hardened given their schedule.

BJI has some quality wins (Moorhead twice; EGF). What are STMA's quality wins? Or is that the difference in the discussions?

I do not see the relevance of this argument. So STMA people are upset that their strength of schedule is holding them back but Bemidji is almost certain to get the #1 in 8AA even though their SOS is not as strong as a team like Moorhead.

Bemidji is 18-3-2 and 8-0 against section 8AA opponents and if you want to say Moorhead plays a much tougher schedule and should get credit for that, fine, but Bemidji beat them TWICE.

STMA is 19-4 and 5-1 against section teams. Their 5 wins are against the teams likely slotted in seeds 6-9. They lost to Duluth East who is likely to be the #3 seed.

This is a argument that fails to hold water. Don't get me wrong, I think STMA has a nice team and has proven that themselves to have what it takes to play with good teams. Like it or not, it is pretty simple. CEC and STMA are playing for the 4 seed tonight and neither team will get into the top 3.

[elliott70]

Elliot - I would think someone like you would understand to look deeper into box scores.

Bemidji 4
Monticello 0
Shots 36-15

Stma 6
Monticello 1
Shots 47-16

The loss to Monticello was 2-1. Stma was missing 4-5 players cause of the flu. And it didn't help when already short handed to have the penalties go 30 min for Stma and 10 min for Monticello.

Just be happy you are in section 8.

Everyone gets short handed now and then.
Bemidji missed 4 guys 2 first line forwards against Hermantown and EGF second game. Its a team game and a year long schedule.

[TheHockeyDJ]

Elliot - I would think someone like you would understand to look deeper into box scores.

Bemidji 4
Monticello 0
Shots 36-15

Stma 6
Monticello 1
Shots 47-16

The loss to Monticello was 2-1. Stma was missing 4-5 players cause of the flu. And it didn't help when already short handed to have the penalties go 30 min for Stma and 10 min for Monticello.

Just be happy you are in section 8.

Everyone gets short handed now and then.
Bemidji missed 4 guys 2 first line forwards against Hermantown and EGF second game. Its a team game and a year long schedule.

True, but didn't Randolph last year use injured players as an excuse for losing to Elk River early in the year? Can't have it both ways, if they get to use that excuse than so does STMA. I also doubt STMA has a legit shot at 3, but if they were to beat CEC 7-0 or a similar score, then I think they should get consideration. Everyone talks about East's tough schedule, but where is the quality win? Hopkins? The tie vs Andover?

[curtiscurve]

Elliot - I would think someone like you would understand to look deeper into box scores.

Bemidji 4
Monticello 0
Shots 36-15

Stma 6
Monticello 1
Shots 47-16

The loss to Monticello was 2-1. Stma was missing 4-5 players cause of the flu. And it didn't help when already short handed to have the penalties go 30 min for Stma and 10 min for Monticello.

Just be happy you are in section 8.

By comparing how these teams did against Monticello proves how preposterous this argument is.

[curtiscurve]

Elliot - I would think someone like you would understand to look deeper into box scores.

Bemidji 4
Monticello 0
Shots 36-15

Stma 6
Monticello 1
Shots 47-16

The loss to Monticello was 2-1. Stma was missing 4-5 players cause of the flu. And it didn't help when already short handed to have the penalties go 30 min for Stma and 10 min for Monticello.

Just be happy you are in section 8.

Everyone gets short handed now and then.
Bemidji missed 4 guys 2 first line forwards against Hermantown and EGF second game. Its a team game and a year long schedule.

True, but didn't Randolph last year use injured players as an excuse for losing to Elk River early in the year? Can't have it both ways, if they get to use that excuse than so does STMA. I also doubt STMA has a legit shot at 3, but if they were to beat CEC 7-0 or a similar score, then I think they should get consideration. Everyone talks about East's tough schedule, but where is the quality win? Hopkins? The tie vs Andover?

Randolph explaining a loss to Elk River by stating a fact that top players were injured and STMA bobo's trying to use the same logic to explain a loss to Monticello is comparing apples to oranges. First off, East and ER is a section game that weighed heavy on seedings. Second, if you want to be taken seriously, don't try to make excuses for losing to Monticello. Hell, if I were a STMA bobo, I would simply ignore anyone who brings up that game and hope it never comes up again. Just be happy that you have a shot at hosting a quarter-final match-up and quit worrying about what others think of your squad. Your seed should not have any effect on your performance in the play-offs. Last year you damn near pulled an upset and you are good enough to make a run in the play-offs this year. That is unless the team has the same focus as some of theses posters and get all worked up if they don't get seeded above East (a team that beat them).

[nahc]

Beware the Bemidji jaugernaut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sections are starting and the snowball is starting to roll down hill!!!! Roll Bemidji roll!!!

[elliott70]

Elliot - I would think someone like you would understand to look deeper into box scores.

Bemidji 4
Monticello 0
Shots 36-15

Stma 6
Monticello 1
Shots 47-16

The loss to Monticello was 2-1. Stma was missing 4-5 players cause of the flu. And it didn't help when already short handed to have the penalties go 30 min for Stma and 10 min for Monticello.

Just be happy you are in section 8.

Everyone gets short handed now and then.
Bemidji missed 4 guys 2 first line forwards against Hermantown and EGF second game. Its a team game and a year long schedule.

True, but didn't Randolph last year use injured players as an excuse for losing to Elk River early in the year? Can't have it both ways, if they get to use that excuse than so does STMA. I also doubt STMA has a legit shot at 3, but if they were to beat CEC 7-0 or a similar score, then I think they should get consideration. Everyone talks about East's tough schedule, but where is the quality win? Hopkins? The tie vs Andover?

Randolph can use what he wants.
Its his last year so I think DEast will get the #1 seed.

[woodstickguy]

I have a question regarding applying the litmus test of strength-of-schedule to some teams, but not others. I see STMA largely discounted from higher seed discussions because despite a gaudy record, it was built against poorer quality competition. They are routinely dismissed when speculating on who is a contender versus a pretender.

Then, I compare the relatively mild schedule Bemidji played in 8AA versus that of Moorhead. Bemidji is well ranked statewide in AA and I see no discussions of a lower-test schedule for them. I understand BJI seeded #1 in 8AA based on beating Moorhead twice. But, why aren't the same doubts leveled at BJI? Moorhead appears to be battle-tested and hardened given their schedule.

BJI has some quality wins (Moorhead twice; EGF). What are STMA's quality wins? Or is that the difference in the discussions?

I do not see the relevance of this argument. So STMA people are upset that their strength of schedule is holding them back but Bemidji is almost certain to get the #1 in 8AA even though their SOS is not as strong as a team like Moorhead.

Bemidji is 18-3-2 and 8-0 against section 8AA opponents and if you want to say Moorhead plays a much tougher schedule and should get credit for that, fine, but Bemidji beat them TWICE.

STMA is 19-4 and 5-1 against section teams. Their 5 wins are against the teams likely slotted in seeds 6-9. They lost to Duluth East who is likely to be the #3 seed.

This is a argument that fails to hold water. Don't get me wrong, I think STMA has a nice team and has proven that themselves to have what it takes to play with good teams. Like it or not, it is pretty simple. CEC and STMA are playing for the 4 seed tonight and neither team will get into the top 3.

I am pretty sure most of the STMA fans aren't complaining about the strength of schedule. You can't deny that fact but it is also difficult to improve the schedule without a couple good years for teams to justify playing you. We are not some juggernaut hockey program just a program on the rise that people are starting to notice. I personally think the schedule outside of the conference was appropriate for where the program is at currently. I believe next year you will see the schedule starting to get more difficult. As far as the seeding goes, a win over CEC should lock up the four seed unless the coaches have a different agenda on who they want to play and maybe put STMA as as a 3 seed but that's a long shot.

[elliott70]

Beware the Bemidji jaugernaut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sections are starting and the snowball is starting to roll down hill!!!! Roll Bemidji roll!!!

Section game tonight unless the snow blows it away.
Then ceding tomorrow.

But for old timers a conference game on Friday that will give the BJacks the title.

But things are starting to roll.

[Tigers33]

Stma's SOS is awful. There is no denying that. The comment was made because Elliot was commenting how Stma lost to Monticello but they cleaned up on them. All I was stating was the 2nd game was a better indicator comparing Stma/Monticello. The first game was more of a fluke which all teams have.

The post had nothing to do with comparing Stma to bemidji or trying to base things off of bemidji.

Anyone hearing anything on cloquet/Stma game tonight?

[elliott70]

[quote="Tigers33"]Stma's SOS is awful. There is no denying that. The comment was made because Elliot was commenting how Stma lost to Monticello but they cleaned up on them. All I was stating was the 2nd game was a better indicator comparing Stma/Monticello. The first game was more of a fluke which all teams have.

The post had nothing to do with comparing Stma to bemidji or trying to base things off of bemidji.

Anyone hearing anything on cloquet/Stma game tonight?[/quote]

In terms of weather we are looking at possibly 5 - 6 inches of snow and the wind picking up later in the evening.
Not sure of east and south of us.
Nose on the window wondering if I drive to Crookston for a hockey meeting or not AND if Brainerd will make th trip up to the north country.

[crw]

We're only supposed to get a couple inches of snow this afternoon down here. Hopefully weather doesn't play a part in tonight's games.

[woodstickguy]

Anyone hearing anything on cloquet/Stma game tonight?[/quote]

In terms of weather we are looking at possibly 5 - 6 inches of snow and the wind picking up later in the evening.
Not sure of east and south of us.
Nose on the window wondering if I drive to Crookston for a hockey meeting or not AND if Brainerd will make th trip up to the north country.

What happens if the STMA/CEC game gets cancelled - would they reschedule and would they change the section seeding meeting to a later date?

[crw]

Everyone gets short handed now and then.
Bemidji missed 4 guys 2 first line forwards against Hermantown and EGF second game. Its a team game and a year long schedule.

True, but didn't Randolph last year use injured players as an excuse for losing to Elk River early in the year? Can't have it both ways, if they get to use that excuse than so does STMA. I also doubt STMA has a legit shot at 3, but if they were to beat CEC 7-0 or a similar score, then I think they should get consideration. Everyone talks about East's tough schedule, but where is the quality win? Hopkins? The tie vs Andover?

Randolph explaining a loss to Elk River by stating a fact that top players were injured and STMA bobo's trying to use the same logic to explain a loss to Monticello is comparing apples to oranges. First off, East and ER is a section game that weighed heavy on seedings. Second, if you want to be taken seriously, don't try to make excuses for losing to Monticello. Hell, if I were a STMA bobo, I would simply ignore anyone who brings up that game and hope it never comes up again. Just be happy that you have a shot at hosting a quarter-final match-up and quit worrying about what others think of your squad. Your seed should not have any effect on your performance in the play-offs. Last year you damn near pulled an upset and you are good enough to make a run in the play-offs this year. That is unless the team has the same focus as some of theses posters and get all worked up if they don't get seeded above East (a team that beat them).

Just an FYI, I know the call tags of most of the STMA parents/followers on this category and I believe most if not all of them aren't using the excuses for the Monticello loss (in fact we ourselves call it a bad loss and believe even with players out we should've not lost). It's people like you that keep going back to it like its some ace in the hole to jab at us...We lost a game we shouldn't have lost, we know it, you know it, everyone knows it and it was 3-1 not 2-1..

You don't see STMA people jumping up and down because we beat Monticello last week 6-1, why? Because we know it's a game we should win like that, it's not some surprise or big win. It's a game we should win and did, end of story.

Starting tomorrow when seedlings come out we can all move onto predicting the games instead of this old drawn out who should be seeded where because they beat them and they lost to them.. And let's not forget the old but we only lost to a good team by 1 goal so that's a good loss (FYI, no such thing as a good loss, it's still a loss).

Old Man Weather stay away so we can get some hockey in tonight..

[kniven]

We're only supposed to get a couple inches of snow this afternoon down here. Hopefully weather doesn't play a part in tonight's games.

3-5 expected up here in Cloquet. The bus is scheduled to leave Cloquet at 2:15. This light snow shouldn't be a problem. Thank goodness it isn't freezing rain.....