7AA for 2017-2018

Stang5280 · Post by **Stang5280** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 1:51 pm

kniven wrote: East
Marshall
Elk River
Andover
Rapids
Forest Lake
CEC
Granny
C/I

Is this possible? CEC is in trouble. They are still my boys though.

I would be shocked to see Rapid rise to the five seed, unless they were to really turn things around. CEC is still slightly ahead of FLake in QRF and defeated them head-to-head. There is still plenty of season left, and I wouldn’t panic just yet.

kniven · Post by **kniven** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 1:59 pm

CEC hasn't played Forest Lake yet..

Stang5280 · Post by **Stang5280** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 2:28 pm

kniven wrote:CEC hasn't played Forest Lake yet..

Thanks for the correction. I was looking at the Rapids schedule when I wrote that.

Upfan111 · Post by **Upfan111** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 2:37 pm

kniven wrote:CEC hasn't played Forest Lake yet..

Hockey hub shows one of the penalty's was "abuse of official". What does that entail? Is that players yelling/ talking back or is that a penalty on the coach? Was anyone at game?

grindiangrad-80 · Post by **grindiangrad-80** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 2:40 pm

Stang5280 wrote:
kniven wrote: East
Marshall
Elk River
Andover
Rapids
Forest Lake
CEC
Granny
C/I

Is this possible? CEC is in trouble. They are still my boys though.
I would be shocked to see Rapid rise to the five seed, unless they were to really turn things around. CEC is still slightly ahead of FLake in QRF and defeated them head-to-head. There is still plenty of season left, and I wouldn’t panic just yet.

I agree Stang. I think Rapids will be realistically looking at 6 or 7.

kniven · Post by **kniven** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 2:41 pm

Upfan111 wrote:
kniven wrote:CEC hasn't played Forest Lake yet..
Hockey hub shows one of the penalty's was "abuse of official". What does that entail? Is that players yelling/ talking back or is that a penalty on the coach? Was anyone at game?

Smalley didn’t agree with several non-calls/calls.

greenwayraider · Post by **greenwayraider** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 3:27 pm

Section 7AA just does not appear as strong or as deep as in previous years. East, Marshall and Elk River appear to be a a step ahead of the rest of the pack. Andover has been beaten badly by East and Elk River but will probably end up as the #4 seed. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton has greatly underperformed. I would look to the coaching staff for an explanation. Maybe instead of complaining about the officiating Smalley should do some self analysis. Cloquet has always been one of my favorite 7AA schools so I really hate to see them struggling. Rapids just doesn’t have the talent to compete. Forest Lake is rarely competitive in any year. Hopefully there will be two good semifinal games at Amsoil.

kniven · Post by **kniven** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 3:52 pm

greenwayraider wrote:Section 7AA just does not appear as strong or as deep as in previous years. East, Marshall and Elk River appear to be a a step ahead of the rest of the pack. Andover has been beaten badly by East and Elk River but will probably end up as the #4 seed. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton has greatly underperformed. I would look to the coaching staff for an explanation. Maybe instead of complaining about the officiating Smalley should do some self analysis. Cloquet has always been one of my favorite 7AA schools so I really hate to see them struggling. Rapids just doesn’t have the talent to compete. Forest Lake is rarely competitive in any year. Hopefully there will be two good semifinal games at Amsoil.

Smalley, for the first time ever, worked with the team THIS November. The first time. That's 2 months he's been working with this team total. After the program had the same coach for 19 years and the same system. It's called a "Learning Curve" isn't it?" Or don't these curves exist with certain teams. 4 home games in 15. Injuries. New players, new coaching staff.

I do agree that East, Marshall, and Elk River are clearly above the next tier in 7AA.

north_bear · Post by **north_bear** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 6:47 pm

Immigrant Fan wrote: So, does it appear GR is growing? Or are they pretty lost right now? It sounds like some frustrations were showing late in the Andover game. I will be interested to hear of any insights from wise hockey observers.

Oh yeah, so you missed me Northwoods Old Fool! Yes, I have a full life that keeps me plenty busy. You should probably get a hobby other than obsessing about the activities director at Grand Rapids. You are getting kind of creepy and coming off like a stalker. If she ever met you, I am guessing you made no impression at all, so get over your crush. You sound pathetic.

As a start on a better life, ask your PCA to change your Depends. That should help cheer you up.

Wouldn't claim to be wise but here is my insight nonetheless. They are definitely playing a better team game since the start of the year. Having Burnson back is a big help, he's only one player but on a talent starved squad he is their best skater. The passing and decision making with the puck is leaps and bounds ahead of what was happening in the Greenway game. Even though the score against Andover looks lopsided it was a competitive game until things fell apart in the 3rd. Overall though they are progressing, which is good to see as a fan.

Oh yeah, next time your at the arena you might notice a new banner.

Immigrant Fan · Post by **Immigrant Fan** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 10:23 pm

North Bear, The banner looks grand... so to speak. I notice it is a slightly different shade of orange than the first three, so conclude it is intended to set apart a new era.

They definitely looked like a different team than the three games at the Edina Classic. Burnson makes a big difference, but I think the team in general showed more grit tonight.

A tie (1-1) with Maple Grove is positive progress, but it hurts being 18 seconds from the win.

grindiangrad-80 · Post by **grindiangrad-80** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 10:26 pm

Immigrant Fan wrote:North Bear, The banner looks grand... so to speak. I notice it is a slightly different shade of orange than the first three, so conclude it is intended to set apart a new era.

They definitely looked like a different team than the three games at the Edina Classic. Burnson makes a big difference, but I think the team in general showed more grit tonight.

A tie (1-1) with Maple Grove is positive progress, but it hurts being 18 seconds from the win.

Yep. But making strides.

kniven · Post by **kniven** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 10:27 am

grindiangrad-80 wrote:
Immigrant Fan wrote:North Bear, The banner looks grand... so to speak. I notice it is a slightly different shade of orange than the first three, so conclude it is intended to set apart a new era.

They definitely looked like a different team than the three games at the Edina Classic. Burnson makes a big difference, but I think the team in general showed more grit tonight.

A tie (1-1) with Maple Grove is positive progress, but it hurts being 18 seconds from the win.
Yep. But making strides.

Huge strides. If Grand Rapids splits with CEC and beats Andover, they could possibly get the 4th or 5th seed. And compete in the rest of their difficult schedule.

Immigrant Fan · Post by **Immigrant Fan** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 11:41 am

Unfortunately, GR already lost to Andover, but I hear it was closer than the score would suggest.

Nonetheless, it appears there is progress by most accounts. Perhaps they will fare better than expected today against Holy Family.

SpOilerfan · Post by **SpOilerfan** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 12:01 pm

kniven wrote:
greenwayraider wrote:Section 7AA just does not appear as strong or as deep as in previous years. East, Marshall and Elk River appear to be a a step ahead of the rest of the pack. Andover has been beaten badly by East and Elk River but will probably end up as the #4 seed. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton has greatly underperformed. I would look to the coaching staff for an explanation. Maybe instead of complaining about the officiating Smalley should do some self analysis. Cloquet has always been one of my favorite 7AA schools so I really hate to see them struggling. Rapids just doesn’t have the talent to compete. Forest Lake is rarely competitive in any year. Hopefully there will be two good semifinal games at Amsoil.
Smalley, for the first time ever, worked with the team THIS November. The first time. That's 2 months he's been working with this team total. After the program had the same coach for 19 years and the same system. It's called a "Learning Curve" isn't it?" Or don't these curves exist with certain teams. 4 home games in 15. Injuries. New players, new coaching staff.

I do agree that East, Marshall, and Elk River are clearly above the next tier in 7AA.

While having been a smalley supporter I think the abuse of officials penalty is uncalled for in high school esp at Cloquet who have a reputation of hard working disciplined kids, send the wrong message, lets hope he gets the boat to shore or could be one and done

TheHockeyDJ · Post by **TheHockeyDJ** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 12:41 pm

I think the Moorhead Spuds coach put it best when he said you never take schools lightly like a Roseau or a Grand Rapids because there is so much tradition and those kids are around the game so much. He wasn’t buying that Grand Rapids identity was the team from the first two weeks that was getting skated out of the building. Every year you hear of top seeded teams not wanting to face a tough goalie in the quarterfinals. Gabe Holum might not be able to take this team to a section final on his own, but if he gets enough support for one night I would not want to play GR in the quarters.

grindiangrad-80 · Post by **grindiangrad-80** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 1:12 pm

Immigrant Fan wrote:North Bear, The banner looks grand... so to speak. I notice it is a slightly different shade of orange than the first three, so conclude it is intended to set apart a new era.

They definitely looked like a different team than the three games at the Edina Classic. Burnson makes a big difference, but I think the team in general showed more grit tonight.

A tie (1-1) with Maple Grove is positive progress, but it hurts being 18 seconds from the win.

They do look like a different team. I'm happy for the players. After the first few games it looked like it would be a brutal year. I would think Coach Nuch deserves plenty of credit also.

grindiangrad-80 · Post by **grindiangrad-80** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 1:14 pm

TheHockeyDJ wrote:I think the Moorhead Spuds coach put it best when he said you never take schools lightly like a Roseau or a Grand Rapids because there is so much tradition and those kids are around the game so much. He wasn’t buying that Grand Rapids identity was the team from the first two weeks that was getting skated out of the building. Every year you hear of top seeded teams not wanting to face a tough goalie in the quarterfinals. Gabe Holum might not be able to take this team to a section final on his own, but if he gets enough support for one night I would not want to play GR in the quarters.

Agree with this.

grindiangrad-80 · Post by **grindiangrad-80** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 1:14 pm

TheHockeyDJ wrote:I think the Moorhead Spuds coach put it best when he said you never take schools lightly like a Roseau or a Grand Rapids because there is so much tradition and those kids are around the game so much. He wasn’t buying that Grand Rapids identity was the team from the first two weeks that was getting skated out of the building. Every year you hear of top seeded teams not wanting to face a tough goalie in the quarterfinals. Gabe Holum might not be able to take this team to a section final on his own, but if he gets enough support for one night I would not want to play GR in the quarters.

Agree with this.

kniven · Post by **kniven** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 2:29 pm

grindiangrad-80 wrote:
TheHockeyDJ wrote:I think the Moorhead Spuds coach put it best when he said you never take schools lightly like a Roseau or a Grand Rapids because there is so much tradition and those kids are around the game so much. He wasn’t buying that Grand Rapids identity was the team from the first two weeks that was getting skated out of the building. Every year you hear of top seeded teams not wanting to face a tough goalie in the quarterfinals. Gabe Holum might not be able to take this team to a section final on his own, but if he gets enough support for one night I would not want to play GR in the quarters.
Agree with this.

Totally agree, definitely!!

kniven · Post by **kniven** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 3:03 pm

Andover and Duluth Marshall handling Centennial and Maple Grove. 7AA is officially out of control!

grindiangrad-80 · Post by **grindiangrad-80** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 3:46 pm

GR and Holy Family tied at 1 after 1. Just tuned in so no details yet.

Immigrant Fan · Post by **Immigrant Fan** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 7:24 pm

Final score 5-1, Holy Family. Rapids held on pretty well until the middle of the 2nd period, but HF pulled away. According to the arena scoreboard HF had 73 SOG! My calculations say that is about a 93% save percentage. Holum had a terrific game.

I think GR is playing much better now than several weeks ago. Losing still hurts, but it looks like it is a work in progress.

kniven · Post by **kniven** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 8:18 pm

Grand Rapids and CEC will join Franny, Flake, and C/I as road teams in the quartifinals in the sections this year. Andover and Marshall sealed those remaining home games today.

alcloseshaver · Post by **alcloseshaver** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 8:27 pm

kniven wrote:Grand Rapids and CEC will join Franny, Flake, and C/I as road teams in the quartifinals in the sections this year. Andover and Marshall sealed those remaining home games today.

Most likely but you can disregard head to head for the most part unless your within the tiebreaker margin with the QRF. Will take some getting used to.

northwoods oldtimer · Post by **northwoods oldtimer** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 8:51 pm

Immigrant Fan wrote:Final score 5-1, Holy Family. Rapids held on pretty well until the middle of the 2nd period, but HF pulled away. According to the arena scoreboard HF had 73 SOG! My calculations say that is about a 93% save percentage. Holum had a terrific game.

I think GR is playing much better now than several weeks ago. Losing still hurts, but it looks like it is a work in progress.

How is getting outshot 77-13 and losing 5-1 an improvement? Other than Holum standing on his head which is expected in front of this team. Where is the improvement? Give us some raw data to prove the improvement. Quick review of shot totals doesn't really indicate improvement. So what is your benchmark in throwing out the statement?
The Andover game was not close match. Andover outshot Rapids 38-15 and won the game 6-1 which in hockey is losing by a significant margin. Enough with the nonsense!

Teams in the section improving are the following:
Andover
Duluth Marshal
Elk River
East