Section 4AA

[wbmd]

wbmd?? What's your take with the Ponies stumbling a bit?? Could they be even looking at a 5 seed behind NSP?? Or is your opinion still #3 a possibility or #4 safe?????

Surprised!! Especially with the Ponies getting blasted by Forest Lake on home ice. I would still give them the 4 seed at this point over North St. Paul. Stillwater plays a tougher overall schedule than the Polars.

[youngblood08]

I'm on record as saying the Pioneers are in trouble. Not just because they dropped a game tonight against a decent STA team, but because this team has not developed as the season has gone on. They beat teams early in the year because they had more talent, well, I've seen that gap close as the season has gone on. Hill's power play is brutal and has been most of the year. On top of that, they are getting banged up down the stretch. I will not be shocked if they drop one of their remaining games before sections. Right now, my opinion is White Bear is the team to beat. Hopefully HM can grind it out over the next couple of weeks and get things together in sections.

Suddenly my feet are getting very cold??? As for my squad, every team has stumbled this year. But this is not a good time for this.

[BodyShots]

I'm on record as saying the Pioneers are in trouble. Not just because they dropped a game tonight against a decent STA team, but because this team has not developed as the season has gone on. They beat teams early in the year because they had more talent, well, I've seen that gap close as the season has gone on. Hill's power play is brutal and has been most of the year. On top of that, they are getting banged up down the stretch. I will not be shocked if they drop one of their remaining games before sections. Right now, my opinion is White Bear is the team to beat. Hopefully HM can grind it out over the next couple of weeks and get things together in sections.

Suddenly my feet are getting very cold??? As for my squad, every team has stumbled this year. But this is not a good time for this.

I thought you were saying Stillwater was stumbling early because of injuries. Is that still there issue, of is it something else.

[Spooge]

I'm on record as saying the Pioneers are in trouble. Not just because they dropped a game tonight against a decent STA team, but because this team has not developed as the season has gone on. They beat teams early in the year because they had more talent, well, I've seen that gap close as the season has gone on. Hill's power play is brutal and has been most of the year. On top of that, they are getting banged up down the stretch. I will not be shocked if they drop one of their remaining games before sections. Right now, my opinion is White Bear is the team to beat. Hopefully HM can grind it out over the next couple of weeks and get things together in sections.

Suddenly my feet are getting very cold??? As for my squad, every team has stumbled this year. But this is not a good time for this.

I thought you were saying Stillwater was stumbling early because of injuries. Is that still there issue, of is it something else.

My guess is that he's referring to the goalie situation being in limbo. Not many teams are still trying to figure out that position at this late stage.

[youngblood08]

I was reffering to PPGs notes, Did some place freeze over?

As for us we will be all right. Varsity goalies needed a wake-up call, JV goalies deserved some playing time. Defeil has been lights out for 2 years on the JV team. Cates has done well also. Unfortunately the timing wasn't the greatest.

[livindahockeydream4life]

so if thee standings stay as is who will be playing who?
what will the brackets look like

[mngophs04]

I hate to say it, but can anyone tell me what nights the semis and section finals will be played for 4AA? I am having a hard time making sense of the mhshl website listings for which date is a semi, final, etc...

[wbmd]

I hate to say it, but can anyone tell me what nights the semis and section finals will be played for 4AA? I am having a hard time making sense of the mhshl website listings for which date is a semi, final, etc...

The MSHSL site shows the two 4AA semis will both be played on Wednesday, March 3, with both of the 5AA semis on Tuesday, March 4. For the first time in memory, the MSHSL site also shows that the 4AA final will be at 7:00 on Friday, March 5 with the 5Aa final at 9:00

[Pioneerprideguy]

PPG, how much do you see the Tartan/Woodbury game being a factor with Stillwater/Tartan? as a common opponent, Woodbury cleaned up on them early and Tartan's non conference schedule and schedule is pretty weak. They also lost to MV and took Park to OT? You see any of that moving Stillwater ahead of them?

You also have the MV/NSP faceoff at the end of the season?

I would put Tartan 3, Still 4 with the winner of NSP/MV at 5. Tartan & Stillwater are very similiar teams. But here's the reality (at least mine). The SEC coaches out-number the CSC conference and will likely vote along those lines. This tilts things in favor of Stillwater (4-3). Como & the Saints may end up deciding things. Como played a CSC team and got drilled by NSP. They also played a SEC team (East Ridge) and lost by a goal. Como may look at Stillwater's recent 1-0 win against East Ridge and knock them down. This would balance the vote (4-4). So now we hear from the Saints. They didn't play anyone from the SEC, but they did play NSP & also got drilled. Vote for Tartan and they get the #3 seed.

In the end, it won't matter as the top 4 teams should advance which will make for 2 solid semi games.

[northstars10]

Youngy, even though the JV goalies have done well they did not deserve playing time in front of the starting varsity goalies. I know both of them and Pennella is still top 10 in the state for save percentage... Stillwater should have the 2 seed locked up but no, of course Housley has to go and play his shaky younger goalies in such a big game against WBL at home. It's starting to become difficult to watch and I now have absolutely no idea what Mr. Housley plans on doing when it comes section time. It has been 5 games and he still has not switched the goalies back.

[Northsider]

nevermind...

[Goldfishdude]

Youngy, even though the JV goalies have done well they did not deserve playing time in front of the starting varsity goalies. I know both of them and Pennella is still top 10 in the state for save percentage... Stillwater should have the 2 seed locked up but no, of course Housley has to go and play his shaky younger goalies in such a big game against WBL at home. It's starting to become difficult to watch and I now have absolutely no idea what Mr. Housley plans on doing when it comes section time. It has been 5 games and he still has not switched the goalies back.

NorthStars..... I ALMOST was going to question Housley before the WBL game when he was standing behind me about the goalie situation. I chit-chatted with him about a miniute, but thought... "Nahhh.. I won't ask him." When you are the opposing team like I am, and same thing with the Forest Lake game when Skoog was inserted in nets ahead of Gaffey, and if I questioned the coaching decisions, I can only guess as to how you Ponie faithful must feel.

I thought Pennella was the key to the success of the Ponies this year. Cotter started out slow, but came on, but Pennella hasn't played since December at varsity, has he? When he had a 26-save shutout over WBL JV a week or so ago, it was like he was just playing in warmups, and made everything look easy.

I don't know what they did to fall out of favor with Housley, but if he thinks the youngsters like Diefel and Cates are the answers, he may find out they are not ready for the prime-time, and if Cotter and Pennella haven't had much varsity action the last month or so, Housely has put Cotter and Pennella in tough situations. How can he expect them to perform at the highest level when their game action has been limited?

[1parent]

Youngy, even though the JV goalies have done well they did not deserve playing time in front of the starting varsity goalies. I know both of them and Pennella is still top 10 in the state for save percentage... Stillwater should have the 2 seed locked up but no, of course Housley has to go and play his shaky younger goalies in such a big game against WBL at home. It's starting to become difficult to watch and I now have absolutely no idea what Mr. Housley plans on doing when it comes section time. It has been 5 games and he still has not switched the goalies back.

NorthStars..... I ALMOST was going to question Housley before the WBL game when he was standing behind me about the goalie situation. I chit-chatted with him about a miniute, but thought... "Nahhh.. I won't ask him." When you are the opposing team like I am, and same thing with the Forest Lake game when Skoog was inserted in nets ahead of Gaffey, and if I questioned the coaching decisions, I can only guess as to how you Ponie faithful must feel.

I thought Pennella was the key to the success of the Ponies this year. Cotter started out slow, but came on, but Pennella hasn't played since December at varsity, has he? When he had a 26-save shutout over WBL JV a week or so ago, it was like he was just playing in warmups, and made everything look easy.

I don't know what they did to fall out of favor with Housley, but if he thinks the youngsters like Diefel and Cates are the answers, he may find out they are not ready for the prime-time, and if Cotter and Pennella haven't had much varsity action the last month or so, Housely has put Cotter and Pennella in tough situations. How can he expect them to perform at the highest level when their game action has been limited?[/quote]

Are Pennella and Cotter even seeing time in the varsity practices?

[youngblood08]

It all comes down to lack of focus. They have been at the Varsity level since 10th grade and had no competition. No one besides themselves to push each other. I think they took a lazy approach to the way things were. Cotter stood on his head in CDH game but then came out and gave up a goal from outside the Blue Line vs Roseville. Pennella had a 3 goal lead vs Woodbury, I am not saying the goals that went in were quality ones by Woodbury but those are the ones Goalies have to keep out to make a difference.

I will stick to my opinion that Defeil deserved some Varsity time this year. JV is 14-1-1 he had only 1 loss last year at JV. The kid can play. I think the Team will be ready come Sections no matter who is in nets.

[Goldfishdude]

It all comes down to lack of focus. They have been at the Varsity level since 10th grade and had no competition. No one besides themselves to push each other. I think they took a lazy approach to the way things were. Cotter stood on his head in CDH game but then came out and gave up a goal from outside the Blue Line vs Roseville. Pennella had a 3 goal lead vs Woodbury, I am not saying the goals that went in were quality ones by Woodbury but those are the ones Goalies have to keep out to make a difference.

I will stick to my opinion that Defeil deserved some Varsity time this year. JV is 14-1-1 he had only 1 loss last year at JV. The kid can play. I think the Team will be ready come Sections no matter who is in nets.

That's good to hear, Youngy, because I want the Ponies to make some serious noise come sections...... Let's get to the Section Finals!!!

[BodyShots]

It all comes down to lack of focus. They have been at the Varsity level since 10th grade and had no competition. No one besides themselves to push each other. I think they took a lazy approach to the way things were. Cotter stood on his head in CDH game but then came out and gave up a goal from outside the Blue Line vs Roseville. Pennella had a 3 goal lead vs Woodbury, I am not saying the goals that went in were quality ones by Woodbury but those are the ones Goalies have to keep out to make a difference.

I will stick to my opinion that Defeil deserved some Varsity time this year. JV is 14-1-1 he had only 1 loss last year at JV. The kid can play. I think the Team will be ready come Sections no matter who is in nets.

That's good to hear, Youngy, because I want the Ponies to make some serious noise come sections...... Let's get to the Section Finals!!![/quote]

I feel sorry for you GFD. You have a new "favorite" SEC team and your hoping for a Section Finals game. Remember the good old days when you expected to play HM for a chance to go to STATE.

[Goldfishdude]

It all comes down to lack of focus. They have been at the Varsity level since 10th grade and had no competition. No one besides themselves to push each other. I think they took a lazy approach to the way things were. Cotter stood on his head in CDH game but then came out and gave up a goal from outside the Blue Line vs Roseville. Pennella had a 3 goal lead vs Woodbury, I am not saying the goals that went in were quality ones by Woodbury but those are the ones Goalies have to keep out to make a difference.

I will stick to my opinion that Defeil deserved some Varsity time this year. JV is 14-1-1 he had only 1 loss last year at JV. The kid can play. I think the Team will be ready come Sections no matter who is in nets.

That's good to hear, Youngy, because I want the Ponies to make some serious noise come sections...... Let's get to the Section Finals!!![/quote]

I feel sorry for you GFD. You have a new "favorite" SEC team and your hoping for a Section Finals game. Remember the good old days when you expected to play HM for a chance to go to STATE.

I kinda remember that, Body........ But my most recent memory was a SEMI-FINAL loss to H-M in the 2008-09 season, and if you remember correctly, I did not attend that game, because I found something more interesting to do - that should have told you my allegiance right there ...... I want to see Stillwater go to the finals this year, because that would mean my new favorite SEC team would beat my old favorite SEC team...... and then they will then play my favorite private school team. Soooooo, I win both ways. AND that means I get my team to state!!!

Besides, I was only a fan of WBL for one reason the past couple years - one player, and he graduated, and I am proud that fine young man is attending the same college where I graduated. Just as if Alex Ovechkin ever leaves the Washington Capitals, or Sid Crosby leaves the Penguins, I have no more reason to be a fan of the team.

[formerlybackofnet]

If Tartan wins out, and goes 16-8-1, couldn't they get the #2 seed?

[BodyShots]

If Tartan wins out, and goes 16-8-1, couldn't they get the #2 seed?

I would be very surprised. I don't think they have any wins over quality opponents.

[Pioneerprideguy]

If Tartan wins out, and goes 16-8-1, couldn't they get the #2 seed?

I would be very surprised. I don't think they have any wins over quality opponents.

If Tartan goes up to Duluth East and wins, that would be a quality win, but still not enough to put them at #2.

[formerlybackofnet]

If Tartan wins out, and goes 16-8-1, couldn't they get the #2 seed?

I would be very surprised. I don't think they have any wins over quality opponents.

If Tartan goes up to Duluth East and wins, that would be a quality win, but still not enough to put them at #2.

By the same token, could Stillwater get the #3 seed over Tartan?

[codyy33]

I think Tartan will be 3 and Stillwater 4. Stillwater has only one big win that i see and it was over Cretin and Tartan has defeated Marshall, Century, and SSP who are all decent teams. Plus I think Tartan's losses were against better teams, Hill-Murray x2, St Thomas x2, Mahtomedi x2 all are ranked in the top 5 of their class, Woodbury and SSP are also decent teams too.
I also think NSP will be 4 over MV even if they loose to them.
But it does't really matter to me becuase NSP, MV, Stillwater, and Tartan are going to meet in the quarterfinals and I think no matter what order you seed them the games will be close.

[youngblood08]

Tartan has a tie with MV, a loss to Woodbury and Park took them to OT. Yes Tartan losses were vs some good teams but they got worked in all of them. I also think last years loss in the first round will effect how coaches vote for Tartan.

Those are common opponents with Stillwater which stillwater has 2 wins over MV, loss and tie with Woodbury and 2 wins over Park. Based on strength of schedule Stillwater has the advantage.

NSP/MV tilt will only move one ahead of the other.

[wbmd]

I think Tartan will be 3 and Stillwater 4. Stillwater has only one big win that i see and it was over Cretin and Tartan has defeated Marshall, Century, and SSP who are all decent teams. Plus I think Tartan's losses were against better teams, Hill-Murray x2, St Thomas x2, Mahtomedi x2 all are ranked in the top 5 of their class, Woodbury and SSP are also decent teams too.
I also think NSP will be 4 over MV even if they loose to them.
But it does't really matter to me becuase NSP, MV, Stillwater, and Tartan are going to meet in the quarterfinals and I think no matter what order you seed them the games will be close.

Marshall? They're 11-12-1 on the season. Not really a great win for Tartan.

[codyy33]

Yeah, my bad about Marshall. I just looked at their schedule and they only have one semi decent win over Theif River Falls. I still think Tartan should be seeded high than Stillwater but we'll see.