AA Rankings for 12/22/24

[karl(east)]

It’s holiday tournament week!

1. St. Thomas Academy (8-0)
-The Cadets passed their most serious test to date, defeating Cretin to assert their spot at the top. After a warmup game they get two of their three closest pursuers in these rankings, which will be the ultimate test for this superb start to the season.
This week: Tradition Holiday Invite—Thurs vs. Lakeville North, Fri vs. #3 Edina, Sat vs. #4 Moorhead

2. Hill-Murray (7-0)
-Three-goal wins over Wayzata and White Bear keep the Pioneers on St. Thomas’s tail, playing sound hockey and handling all comers to date. While they’re in the state’s top holiday tourney this year, they did get the easiest draw possible, with Eden Prairie probably being the only one of the three who has a chance of keeping pace.
This week: Tradition Holiday Invite—Thurs vs. Prior Lake, Fri vs. Lakeville North, Sat vs. #10 Eden Prairie

3. Edina (7-1)
-It hasn’t always been as explosive as the teams above them, but the Hornets are methodically rolling along, with a blowout of Eden Prairie making up for a struggle to put away Elk River. It doesn’t get much tougher than this coming week, when they face three of the top five teams in the state.
This week: Tradition Holiday Invite—Thurs vs. #4 Moorhead, Fr vs. #1 St. Thomas Academy, Sat vs. #5 Cretin-Derham Hall

4. Moorhead (8-1)
-The Spuds let Warroad hang around; while it was a win, that’s enough to ding them and prevent a rise upward in this impressive top four. They’ve been absolutely sailing since the Turkey Trot a month ago, but it all ramps up now: can they beat Edina a second time, to say nothing of the top-ranked team in the state on Saturday?
This week: Tradition Holiday Invite—Thurs vs. #3 Edina, Fri vs. #10 Eden Prairie, Sat vs. #1 St. Thomas Academy

5. Cretin-Derham Hall (6-1-1)
-The Raiders lost to St. Thomas, but kept it interesting enough that it doesn’t cost them. Their visit to Prior Lake this week involves a little of everything, as they start out with respectable Eden Prairie and then get an easier outing against Prior Lake before wrapping up with one of the clear favorites in the early going.
This week: Tradition Holiday Invite—Thurs vs. #10 Eden Prairie, Fri vs. Prior Lake, Sat vs. #3 Edina

6. Rogers (8-1-1)
-The Royals put up 24 goals in two games as they thumped weaker competition, but a tie with Rock Ridge leaves a lot of questions about how this team will be able to finish off other front-line threats. In a sign of how far this program has come, they are now the clear favorites in a four-team tournament with two Lake Conference powers.
This week: Premiere Holiday Classic in the PIC—Thurs vs. Lakeville South, Fri vs. #14 Minnetonka, Sat vs. #11 Wayzata

7. Rosemount (10-0)
-The Irish keep doing what they need to do, handling Hermantown from start to finish to show they belong. Their Maple Grove opponents are not overwhelming, so they have a chance to just keep collecting wins and drift upward as other teams lose. The question of what they can do against said teams, however, will linger.
This week: Premiere Holiday Class in the Park/Grove—Thurs vs. Andover, Fri vs. Sartell, Sat vs. Champlin Park

8. Holy Angels (7-1)
-The Stars blasted Duluth East and then did enough against Prior Lake to keep the train going. Their draw in Maple Grove this week is not a terribly challenging one, with Champlin struggling against quality teams and Andover mired in a morass.
This week: Premiere Holiday Classic in the Grove—Thurs vs. Champlin Park, Fri vs. Andover, Sat vs. Sartell

9. Stillwater (8-1)
-The Ponies got things back on track with an offensive outburst against Benilde. They get to sit back and watch the carnage around them this week.
This week: Idle

10. Eden Prairie (6-3)
-The Eagles’ upward push hit a rough patch in Edina this past week, with a loss to Grand Rapids and a not terribly competitive showing against the Hornets. I don’t love keeping them here at #10, but there’s enough cloudiness among the teams below them that this feels more appropriate than pushing up someone else. Their slate in Prior Lake this week is utterly brutal.
This week: Tradition Holiday Invite—Thurs vs. #5 Cretin-Derham Hall, Fri vs. #4 Moorhead, Sat vs. #2 Hill-Murray

11. Wayzata (6-3-1)
-The Trojans’ week went according to rankings form, as they edged past Benilde in a tight battle to improve their 6AA positioning. They gave Hill-Murray a run later in the week, but came up short, and so continue to hover right outside the top ten. They get a crack at Lake Conference rival Minnetonka in a tournament format this week, but Saturday’s date with Rogers will be the real test of this team.
This week: Premiere Holiday Classic in the PIC—Thurs vs. #14 Minnetonka, Fri vs. Lakeville South, Sat vs. #6 Rogers

12. White Bear Lake (6-2-1)
-The Bears managed to avoid a blowout at the hands of rival Hill-Murray, but the game certainly showed a gap that will take a lot of work to overcome. No holiday tournament for the Bears, as is the norm, but they do host a Class A power.
This week: Sat vs. Hermantown

13. Grand Rapids (7-3)
-Braemar was host to the Carter Casey show this past week, as the Thunderhawks stole one against Eden Prairie and otherwise held true to form. They are spared any drama this week, and may be subject to other teams’ movement.
This week: Idle

14. Minnetonka (5-3-1)
-The Skippers struggled to put away St. Louis Park, and a tie with Shakopee further muddies the 2AA picture They are hanging in here as a contender, but have yet to find another level. More than one win this week will boost their standing, which may be a good place to be.
This week: Premiere Holiday Classic in the PIC—Thurs vs. #11 Wayzata, Fri vs. #6 Rogers, Sat vs. Lakeville South

15. Shakopee (6-3-1)
-While not a horrible result, the tie with Minnetonka leaves the Sabers still searching for another level, and it continues their run of rough results against 2AA competition. Their tournament draw isn’t that tough on paper, but it could be sneaky, as Benilde has been tough defensively and the other two are wounded teams that nonetheless have some skill they could use to cause problems.
This week: Premiere Holiday Class in the Park/Grove—Thurs vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Fri vs. Champlin Park, Sat vs. Andover

The Next Ten

Benilde-St. Margaret’s (4-3)
-A cruise past Champlin Park shows what this team can be at its best, but a loss to Wayzata has them in 4-seed position in 6AA right now, and they didn’t hold up very well against Stillwater’s attack, which drops them from the top 15. They face a lot of teams in and around them in the teens range in the rankings this week, with the Shakopee game offering a chance to prove something.

Maple Grove (5-4)
-The Crimson finished off Centennial in their only action this past week. They head into the Premiere with a relatively light slate of Holy Family, Chanhassen, and Benilde, which gives them a chance to gain some ground.

Park of Cottage Grove (5-2)
-A win against Holy Family has the Wolfpack nudging their way up the rankings, and their two losses are to top ten teams. Apple Valley/Burnsville is their only opponent this coming week.

Rock Ridge (6-3-1)
-This may be the biggest mystery team in the state, having lost to Little Falls and now tied Rogers in the span of two weeks. Clearly they can be dangerous, but can they muster any consistency? Their only game this week is against Buffalo.

Lakeville South (4-3)
-The Cougars took care of business in a couple of South Suburban conference games. They now enter a nasty stretch with five of their next six coming against top 15 teams, beginning with Rogers, Wayzata, and Minnetonka in the Skippers’ holiday round robin. Any sort of positive result there will be a good sign.

Bemidji (7-2)
-A clunker against East Grand Forks, a good team that has nonetheless had a rough start to the season, slows the Lumberjacks’ upward momentum. It’s not a horrible loss, but it is the sort of game a top 15 team should win. They rebounded with a win over Roseau to shore up their 8AA standing. They head to St. Cloud this week for an interesting slate, including section opponent St. Cloud, skilled but struggling St. Cloud Cathedral, and a very interesting Monticello team.

Gentry Academy (6-4)
-A win against Hibbing is a nice sign for the Stars. They have two winnable games in Blaine this week, though Duluth Marshall’s Hermantown tie suggests that one could be competitive.

Holy Family (4-3)
-Lost to Park, which sets them back a few spots here. Games with Maple Grove and Benilde this week give them a chance to make a move.

Champlin Park (5-3)
-It’s been feast or famine lately for the Rebels, who got thumped by Benilde but turned around and returned the favor to Centennial. They’ve got three top 15 teams this week in the Premiere, which gives them a chance to make an impression.

Roseville (6-4)
-Beat Blaine to creep their way back in here. Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids this week is a good test if you’re interested in how teams fall in this part of the rankings.

[Sparlimb]

East-Side Rankings for 12/22/2024

1. Saint Thomas Academy (8-0)
2. Hill-Murray (7-0)
3. Moorhead (8-1)
4. Edina (7-1)
5. Rosemount (10-0)
6. Stillwater (8-1)
7. Cretin-Derham Hall (6-1-1)
8. Rogers (8-1-1)
9. Eden Prairie (6-3)
10. Wayzata (6-3-1)
11. White Bear Lake (6-2-1)
12. Holy Angels (7-1)
13. Shakopee (6-3-1)
14. Grand Rapids (7-3)
15. Minnetonka (5-3-1)
16. Bemidji (7-2)
17. Benilde-St. Margaret (4-3)
18. Maple Grove (5-4)
19. Champlin Park (5-3)
20. Rock Ridge (6-3-1)

[elliott70]

East-Side Rankings for 12/22/2024

1. Saint Thomas Academy (8-0)
2. Hill-Murray (7-0)
3. Moorhead (8-1)
4. Edina (7-1)
5. Rosemount (10-0)
6. Stillwater (8-1)
7. Cretin-Derham Hall (6-1-1)
8. Rogers (8-1-1)
9. Eden Prairie (6-3)
10. Wayzata (6-3-1)
11. White Bear Lake (6-2-1)
12. Holy Angels (7-1)
13. Shakopee (6-3-1)
14. Grand Rapids (7-3)
15. Minnetonka (5-3-1)
16. Bemidji (7-2)
17. Benilde-St. Margaret (4-3)
18. Maple Grove (5-4)
19. Champlin Park (5-3)
20. Rock Ridge (6-3-1)

[Sparlimb]

East-Side question of the week:

Who is more likely to get to a section final this year: Andover, Rosemount or Holy Angels?

There is an argument for Andover.

[ryguyMN]

East-Side question of the week:

Who is more likely to get to a section final this year: Andover, Rosemount or Holy Angels?

There is an argument for Andover.

I’d say Andover with no standout team in 7AA.

[WestMetro]

Excellent job as usual !

Haven't see Spuds yet

AHA a little high ? Time will tell

Our group can't wait to see Karl in metro !

[HSHockeyPurist]

Top notch as always, Karl. Even my high school senior daughter impatiently reloads on Sun mornings to see where you've put her favorite teams. Can't argue with a single of your rankings. Think you are spot on. Things really heat up in January, looking forward to it

[East Side Pioneer Guy]

https://www.si.com/high-school/minnesot ... jftbgqn2e3

1. Hill-Murray (7-0)

Hill-Murray seems inevitable this season. After spotting two quick goals to No. 13 Wayzata on Tuesday, the Pioneers poured it on in periods two and three, ultimately walking away with a 5-2 victory. Ironically, things were smoother in their rivalry game against No. 14 White Bear Lake, taming the Bears offense in a 3-0 victory. This week they’ll head down to the Dakotah Center to take on Prior Lake, Lakeville North and No. 12 Eden Prairie in the Tradition Holiday Invite.

2. St. Thomas Academy (8-0)

The appetizer to the likely 3AA section championship lived up to the billing between the Cadets and No. 7 Cretin-Derham Hall on Saturday night, with STA edging out the Raiders 4-2 to stay perfect on the season. The Cadets will take on Lakeville North, No. 4 Moorhead and No. 3 Edina in the Tradition Holiday Invite this week.

3. Edina (7-1)

Edina went a perfect 3-0 last week, but it wasn't all easy. The Hornets made quick work of No. 12 Eden Prairie and No. 11 Grand Rapids but had to grind out a 2-1 victory over two-win Elk River/Zimmerman. They’ll get a couple days of rest before running the gauntlet that includes No. 4 Moorhead, No. 2 St. Thomas Academy and No. 7 Cretin-Derham Hall later this week.

4. Moorhead (8-1)

The Spuds brought the offensive firepower to the rink last week. An 11-0 rout of St. Michael-Albertville, parlayed with a 6-5 victory over Warroad cements their place in the top five heading into the holidays. What awaits them on the other side is one of the toughest three game stretches any team will face this season, with No. 2 St. Thomas Academy, No. 3 Edina and No. 12 Eden Prairie all on the docket.

5.Rogers (8-1-1)

The Royals let a late lead slip away against No. 22 Rock Ridge, ultimately settling for a 3-3 tie. While the top line has been as advertised through 10 games, depth still remains an issue for coach Brown’s squad. They’ll meet the top dogs from the Lake Conference this week in No. 9 Minnetonka and No. 13 Wayzata at the Primer Holiday Classic.

6. Rosemount (10-0)

A new team in section 3AA is starting to emerge. The Irish dominated the number one ranked class A team from pillar to post on Friday, outshooting Hermantown 40-21 en route to a 4-1 victory. Now it's onto the Holiday Classic, with Andover, Sartell and Champlin Park all in the Irish’s crosshairs.

7. Cretin Derham Hall (6-1-1)

Being the first team to go toe-to-toe with No. 2 St. Thomas Academy–even in a loss–won’t ding the Raiders any spots in this week's rankings. The level of opposition is more of the same this week, with No. 3 Edina, No. 12 Eden Prairie and Prior lake all on the schedule in the Tradition Holiday Invite.

8. Stillwater (8-1)

Any trepidation after the Ponies 3-1 win over two win Woodbury was wiped away after they put the boots to No. 18 Benilde-St. Margaret’s to the tune of 8-3. They’ll be one of the few teams idle this week, making their spot in the top ten likely held down into the new year.

9. Minnetonka (5-3-1)

The Skippers let an early 2-0 lead slip away against No. 16 Shakopee, ultimately settling for a 2-2 with their section foe. The game gave us a synopsis of what section 2AA has been like this season: muddled and unclear. This week coach Goldsworthy and the crew will play in the Holiday Classic against No. 5 Rogers, No. 13 Wayzata and Lakeville South.

10. Grand Rapids (7-3)

It was the Carter Casey show last week in Edina. The goaltender finished the weekend stopping 34 of 35 shots in a 2-1 win over No. 12 Eden Prairie, then shut out Elk River/ Zimmerman, stopping the 22 shots he saw. Casey and the Hawks will get a well deserved break this week, not stepping back into action until the new year.

[Mite-dad]

Looks like Moorhead might make a big jump. They are getting some impressive wins.