Between now and Christmas things in 1AA will really start to take shape. Early on it looks like the teams are forming 2 groups: Mayo, Century, Lakeville North, Farmington, and Owatonna on top; JM, Winona, Dodge Cty, and Lakeville South a notch below.
Farmington sits at 2-0 in the section but their wins have come aginst 2 of 3 worst teams in the section. They play Mayo and Owatonna prior to Christmas then are done with games against 1AA teams until playoffs. If the Tigers are to get a top 4 seed they probably need to win both.
Owatonna beat Mayo already this season and have Century, JM, and Farmington in the next 2 weeks. They don't play a Lakeville school so the Huskies need to win these games. Much like Farmington, Owatonna can really help themselves in the next 2 weeks.
Lakeville North is 2-1-1 but their wins haven't come against great Lake teams. Century is 1-2 though a 6 goal loss to Edina isn't bad, a 5 goal win over Austin isn't great. With Owatonna and Lakeville South this week Century can get some momentum going with a couple of wins.
Mayo beat JM, but I have to temper that a bit knowing 4 of their 7 goals came on the power play and after seeing their undisciplined play against Owatonna I don't know what to make of the Spartans. Talent without discipline won't get you very far. Up front Mayo is very talented but they can't afford lapses.
Mayo, Century, Lakeville North, and Lakeville South all have to play each other this year. Without a doubt the 2 Lakeville schools play the toughest schedule and in the end they'll probably end up with more losses than the top Big Nine teams which makes these games so important. JM, Winona, and Lakeville South all have enough games remaining against 1AA teams to greatly improve their position so a bad early start isn't going to hurt them very much if they turn things around.
Early on there doesn't seem to be a dominant team which will make for an interesting season.
1AA
Moderators: Mitch Hawker, east hockey, karl(east)
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hockeyfan002
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probably the best outline you could have given for this section. i take it you really follow it as you really seem to know what you are talking about. im anxious to see farmington against mayo and owatonna as they have crushed two fo the weaker 1AA teams. but as you said the next couple of weeks will pretty much determine what happens as far as seeding for this section.
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EaglehockeyI
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1AA
some of the top 1A teams could shed some light on where they're at too.
lourdes goes to farmington tues. next week red wing plays them, with west going to owatonna and century @ albert lea. owatonna already beat albert lea and faribault, so some common 1A matchups could start to show who the real contenders are. so far the huskies are the surprise team in that section.
lourdes goes to farmington tues. next week red wing plays them, with west going to owatonna and century @ albert lea. owatonna already beat albert lea and faribault, so some common 1A matchups could start to show who the real contenders are. so far the huskies are the surprise team in that section.
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SEMinnHockeyNut
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Goldy - Decent analysis. However, Mayo only had 2 PP goals against JM. All four goals were even strength in a penalty-free 1st period. Mayo only scored 3 goals in the 2nd period and the only penalty in the 3rd came when a certain undisciplined Mayo player took a dumb penalty.
Mayo is talented up front with Thauwald and Alexander; throw in Whitney and Fisher as players that overachieve, but most of the other forwards are average ability and skill. The defense must play better and should - Anderson and Weber have offensive skill, but need to play tougher in their own end, while the others play defense. Yaggy showed against Owatonna he could win a game come playoffs time.
Century - I have not seen them play yet; they lost a ton, but have a decent enough core to make it to St. Paul; Ewing is the most experienced goalie in the Big Nine when it comes to pressure. Ordahl is solid; Faupel, Anderson, Lund might be enough up front.
Lakeville North and Lakeville South will contend. South has a tough goalie who could steal a game; they also have a few guys that played Elite II's and could surprise. It is my understanding that North will have trouble scoring even against average teams.
Owatonna might be the surprise; however, they had two big games in nets to beat Albert Lea and Mayo; can that continue? Will Fish rotate them all year? If he does in the playoffs, will it work? The Huskies don't have depth, so a couple of injuries puts them in the middle of the Big Nine and 1AA.
Farmington is the dark horse; however, they only beat JM by 4; to be honest, had Mayo played to their potential they could have beat JM by 8 goals instead of 5. Last year Farmington was weak, have they really improved that much?
Winona might be the surprise team. They will play some teams tough. Their top line is a top end line for the Big Nine - Nadeau can put the puck in the net; if you look at stats, goaltending is an issue (saves %).
Dodge County and JM are probably on the bottom right now. JM has no depth, Dodge County lost all their top guys. They play each other and that could determine who gets seeded higher.
Even though this is a 1AA thread, it looks like JM, Austin, and Mankato East are the worst three teams in the Big Nine this year.
Mayo is talented up front with Thauwald and Alexander; throw in Whitney and Fisher as players that overachieve, but most of the other forwards are average ability and skill. The defense must play better and should - Anderson and Weber have offensive skill, but need to play tougher in their own end, while the others play defense. Yaggy showed against Owatonna he could win a game come playoffs time.
Century - I have not seen them play yet; they lost a ton, but have a decent enough core to make it to St. Paul; Ewing is the most experienced goalie in the Big Nine when it comes to pressure. Ordahl is solid; Faupel, Anderson, Lund might be enough up front.
Lakeville North and Lakeville South will contend. South has a tough goalie who could steal a game; they also have a few guys that played Elite II's and could surprise. It is my understanding that North will have trouble scoring even against average teams.
Owatonna might be the surprise; however, they had two big games in nets to beat Albert Lea and Mayo; can that continue? Will Fish rotate them all year? If he does in the playoffs, will it work? The Huskies don't have depth, so a couple of injuries puts them in the middle of the Big Nine and 1AA.
Farmington is the dark horse; however, they only beat JM by 4; to be honest, had Mayo played to their potential they could have beat JM by 8 goals instead of 5. Last year Farmington was weak, have they really improved that much?
Winona might be the surprise team. They will play some teams tough. Their top line is a top end line for the Big Nine - Nadeau can put the puck in the net; if you look at stats, goaltending is an issue (saves %).
Dodge County and JM are probably on the bottom right now. JM has no depth, Dodge County lost all their top guys. They play each other and that could determine who gets seeded higher.
Even though this is a 1AA thread, it looks like JM, Austin, and Mankato East are the worst three teams in the Big Nine this year.
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hockeyfan002
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forgot to click the quote but you said "to be honest mayo didnt play their best game and farmington only beat jm by 4. well who's to say that was farmingtons best game? from what i heard jm got two extremely luck goals. plus the shots were something like 45-15. i'd say thats a pretty good butt kicking
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eagle4life9
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I think it will probably come down to the two Lakeville schools in the finals.
All three Rochesters and down this year and every year we hear people talk Farmington up only to see them exit in the first round.
As for Owatonna I think they are legit, they were young last year and beat Lakeville South at the end of the year. If they start grooving towards the end of the year I might change my pick.
Lakeville North is going to have problems scoring but that doesn't mean they arent going to score. They have a few kids up front who are pretty good players but they dont have alot of size. With them its going to be Johnson and Grose making plays at D and their goalie keeping opponents scores low enough for their forwards to do just enough.
It is almost the same way with South, Binder and Hostad are good defensemen and Hakan is a phenomonal goalie. They need Chris Cass to score alot for them especially after they cut Cam Naasz because of off ice issues when he was one of their better players last year.
All three Rochesters and down this year and every year we hear people talk Farmington up only to see them exit in the first round.
As for Owatonna I think they are legit, they were young last year and beat Lakeville South at the end of the year. If they start grooving towards the end of the year I might change my pick.
Lakeville North is going to have problems scoring but that doesn't mean they arent going to score. They have a few kids up front who are pretty good players but they dont have alot of size. With them its going to be Johnson and Grose making plays at D and their goalie keeping opponents scores low enough for their forwards to do just enough.
It is almost the same way with South, Binder and Hostad are good defensemen and Hakan is a phenomonal goalie. They need Chris Cass to score alot for them especially after they cut Cam Naasz because of off ice issues when he was one of their better players last year.
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minnesotahockeyfan
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I think its a little to early to classify the top from the bottom in this section....take the 2 lakeville schools for example. North is 2-1-1. They beat the two bottom feeders in the lake and tied the other. There only loss was to a top 10 team in Burnsville. South is 1-3-1. With their win coming against a common opponent with North in Eagan. 2 of their 3 losses have been to top 20 teams, with their tie also coming against a top 20 team.
I would say moving North to the top or South to the bottom at this point is a little to early. Wait until there are some games played between the lakeville schools and the rochester schools. Then I think we can start to rank them.
I would say moving North to the top or South to the bottom at this point is a little to early. Wait until there are some games played between the lakeville schools and the rochester schools. Then I think we can start to rank them.
Owatonna really had a nice week, not only did they beat 3 good teams, they beat them on the road. For now at least Mayo and Century will be chasing them and puts the Huskies in a good position. Also for what it's worth, in games against Century and Mayo Owatonna was the better team. that may not be the case later in the season but the Huskies are playing really well now.
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pioneerhockey12
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f
i wonder if Lakeville norths win over EP tonight makes them the early favorite in this section?
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HShockey2180
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eagle4life9
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Lakeville Norths win over EP definately makes them one of the favorites. They showed that they can compete (and score) with one of the better teams in the conference. If they can keep winning games there supposed to win and get another upset or two (which they are the team to do that because of there good D and goaltending) they could find themselves above .500 and maybe 6th in the Lake. And 6th in the Lake is pretty good considering Burnsville, EP, Eastview, Rosemount, and Jefferson are all good team.
Owatonna is the other team that is proving themselves as a favorite. I know the sections is a LONG ways away but I would not want to play the Huskies right now. After they went on the road and beat Mayo, Century and Albert Lea they showed that they are ready to possibly win the Big 9 and get a one seed in this section, BUT they have to keep winning and not let Mayo or Century catch them.
Between those two they would probably be the front runners for the 1 seed right now.
South-1-4-1 and not playing very well
Century/Mayo-lost to Owatonna
Farmington-I honestly dont know a lot about them but every year people talk about runs they will make and every year they lose right away so until something good happens I dont believe in them.
Owatonna is the other team that is proving themselves as a favorite. I know the sections is a LONG ways away but I would not want to play the Huskies right now. After they went on the road and beat Mayo, Century and Albert Lea they showed that they are ready to possibly win the Big 9 and get a one seed in this section, BUT they have to keep winning and not let Mayo or Century catch them.
Between those two they would probably be the front runners for the 1 seed right now.
South-1-4-1 and not playing very well
Century/Mayo-lost to Owatonna
Farmington-I honestly dont know a lot about them but every year people talk about runs they will make and every year they lose right away so until something good happens I dont believe in them.
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HOCKco.Gary
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natedog228
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- Location: Farmington, MN
Normally I don't like ripping the officiating, but the fact is when any team from the northern part of the section (Lakeville(s), Farmington) visit Rochester, the officiating is absolute garbage. About time a Rochester squad was on the other side for a change.HOCKco.Gary wrote:1AA is starting to shape up by South beating Century 3-2. South had 40+ shots and Century had around 25. South did have some friendly home officiating though.
I'm not saying that offciating is the reason those northern teams struggle in rochester, just saying that the officiating doesn't help any...
Current Rankings (my opinion):
Owatonna
Lakeville North
Rochester Mayo
Farmington
Lakeville South
Rochester Century
Owatonna is the front runner at this point but realistically, any of these 6 have a shot to win the section
The refs who do Big Nine member games in Rochester are never from Rochester, the linesman might be but the referees aren't. Usually they're from the cities or Faribault. The Rochester schools use the Minneapolis officals association, the same association many conferences and schools use. Lourdes does on occasion use Rochester guys as referees and the Kiwianas tournament also uses Rochester guys, but regular games involving JM, Mayo, and Century use the MOA. (It could be the St. Paul group now that I think about)
Nice win for Lakeville South last night, ref aided or not.
Owatonna is still unbeaten, Mayo and Farmington have a big game Saturday night. Owatonna travels to JM Saturday as well.
Nice win for Lakeville South last night, ref aided or not.
Owatonna is still unbeaten, Mayo and Farmington have a big game Saturday night. Owatonna travels to JM Saturday as well.
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eagle4life9
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Honestly I dont think Century is a very good team at all. At least right now they arent. You cant lose 12 seniors and be a legit team to start. Those kids need to play together and maybe they will have a shot at the end but last night they looked down right BAD.
As for South the only shot they have is to ride Hawk which could easily happen. Other than that they are also a pretty weak team. No offense other than Cass who just got back from suspension.
As for South the only shot they have is to ride Hawk which could easily happen. Other than that they are also a pretty weak team. No offense other than Cass who just got back from suspension.
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Lucia4President
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rochcentury908
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I do agree here...it's still very much up for grabs. While Owatonna beat Century + Mayo, they weren't decisive victories (Century a little more so than Mayo...). Century is missing two seniors (Madden + Hahn), and while those two aren't exactly Mr. Hockey-caliber, they definitely help in the depth category--which Century has none of right now.HOCKco.Gary wrote: Current Rankings (my opinion):
Owatonna
Lakeville North
Rochester Mayo
Farmington
Lakeville South
Rochester Century
Owatonna is the front runner at this point but realistically, any of these 6 have a shot to win the section
Just glad we don't have to worry about JM this year...
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SEMinnHockeyNut
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- Location: Rochester
I would say tomorrow night's game between Mayo and Farmington is a pretty big game early in the season. Mayo has not exactly lived up to the preseason billing they had - I have to admit I am a bit surprised since they had quite a bit coming back - only really losing 3 forwards in Matt Alexander, Sackett, and Hurley. Of course the biggest hole is the one left by Donohue. However, Yaggy played great against Owatonna.
The Huskies have turned some heads with their impressive wins.
Lakeville North turned heads by beating Eden Prairie. I was surprised Lakeville South outshot Century by such a wide margain, but it is too early in the season to write off the Century Panthers.
It is a six team race, with Winona, JM, and Dodge County bringing up the rear.
I hate to say it but this is how I would rank them based upon the early games:
Lakeville North
Owatonna
Lakeville South
Mayo
Farmington
Century
Winona
JM
Dodge County
The Huskies have turned some heads with their impressive wins.
Lakeville North turned heads by beating Eden Prairie. I was surprised Lakeville South outshot Century by such a wide margain, but it is too early in the season to write off the Century Panthers.
It is a six team race, with Winona, JM, and Dodge County bringing up the rear.
I hate to say it but this is how I would rank them based upon the early games:
Lakeville North
Owatonna
Lakeville South
Mayo
Farmington
Century
Winona
JM
Dodge County
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eagle4life9
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Marty McSorely
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REF's
Goldy the Minneapolis Ref Assoc. went defunct last year. The games are now covered by SE Mn Officials.
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hockeyfan002
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SEMinnHockeyNut
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- Location: Rochester
Yes, I am a Rochester fan - mainly a Mayo fan, but I want the Spartans, Century Panthers, and Rockets to do well before I want the two Lakevilles that is for sure.
It is a long season and just starting out though. I am anxious to see the Mayo/Farmington game tonight if I can convince my wife that it is an appropriate use of my time!
It is a long season and just starting out though. I am anxious to see the Mayo/Farmington game tonight if I can convince my wife that it is an appropriate use of my time!
Mayo vs. Farmington
Mayo 6, Farmington 2
Strange game. In the first period, it seemed like everything the teams shot went in until Farmington had its third goal of the period waved off because the net was off. Then the scoring stopped.
Mayo's Yaggy started very shakey in goal. He hadn't made a save when that non-goal went in. But he seemed to get revived by that waved off goal and shut the door from then on, looking very good in the process.
Mayo's Alexander had an awesome game, 3 goals and 2 assists I think. He's a funny player. Seems almost nonchalant, then wires one in. Doesn't seem too interested in checking either but he makes things happen on offense. Mayo's Thauwald is a very nice forward too. Scored twice.
Mayo is sloppy though and if Farmington had hit the net more often, or if Yaggy hadn't played so well when they finally did, the score would have been much closer.
Strange game. In the first period, it seemed like everything the teams shot went in until Farmington had its third goal of the period waved off because the net was off. Then the scoring stopped.
Mayo's Yaggy started very shakey in goal. He hadn't made a save when that non-goal went in. But he seemed to get revived by that waved off goal and shut the door from then on, looking very good in the process.
Mayo's Alexander had an awesome game, 3 goals and 2 assists I think. He's a funny player. Seems almost nonchalant, then wires one in. Doesn't seem too interested in checking either but he makes things happen on offense. Mayo's Thauwald is a very nice forward too. Scored twice.
Mayo is sloppy though and if Farmington had hit the net more often, or if Yaggy hadn't played so well when they finally did, the score would have been much closer.
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SEMinnHockeyNut
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- Location: Rochester
Goaler -
You are right - very strange game and a sloppy game, not to mention chippy. Strange officiating. The refs would miss blatant penalties - such as the Farmington guy kicking out Flott's skates right before the waved off goal and the obvious boarding/checking from behind Hoppenworth had on the Farmington kid, but then they called weak slashing, intereference, etc....sometimes I just don't understand what refs are looking at, etc....not to rip them too bad, but they were very inconsistent.
The penalties were very lopsided - Mayo had way more and if you watched the game closely Farmington got away with a ton of cheap stuff.
When Mayo came to play, they dominated. The 1st period was all in Farmington's end - the shots were 15-5. Yaggy looked like he was on another planet the 1st period - as were a few of Mayo's defenseman.
I thought Mitch Anderson played well, but the other D for Mayo need work on the mental game. Yaggy played great in the 3rd when Farmington pressed - typical 3rd period push when down by 3 goals.
When Alexander and Thauwald play, they are dominate; also the play of Fisher and Whitney is so underlooked by many - they are annoying and persistent.
Farmington had some nice players - I especially liked little #3 - that kid can sure skate. However, they need to work on their mental toughness because their PP opportunities were in their own end - guys standing around not supporting, etc. The only 2 goals the Tigers had were given to them - one the Mayo defense handed the puck over and Yaggy let slip through him - the other one was a PP goal they got when Schbauer tripped over something mysterious right in his own circles.
You are right - very strange game and a sloppy game, not to mention chippy. Strange officiating. The refs would miss blatant penalties - such as the Farmington guy kicking out Flott's skates right before the waved off goal and the obvious boarding/checking from behind Hoppenworth had on the Farmington kid, but then they called weak slashing, intereference, etc....sometimes I just don't understand what refs are looking at, etc....not to rip them too bad, but they were very inconsistent.
The penalties were very lopsided - Mayo had way more and if you watched the game closely Farmington got away with a ton of cheap stuff.
When Mayo came to play, they dominated. The 1st period was all in Farmington's end - the shots were 15-5. Yaggy looked like he was on another planet the 1st period - as were a few of Mayo's defenseman.
I thought Mitch Anderson played well, but the other D for Mayo need work on the mental game. Yaggy played great in the 3rd when Farmington pressed - typical 3rd period push when down by 3 goals.
When Alexander and Thauwald play, they are dominate; also the play of Fisher and Whitney is so underlooked by many - they are annoying and persistent.
Farmington had some nice players - I especially liked little #3 - that kid can sure skate. However, they need to work on their mental toughness because their PP opportunities were in their own end - guys standing around not supporting, etc. The only 2 goals the Tigers had were given to them - one the Mayo defense handed the puck over and Yaggy let slip through him - the other one was a PP goal they got when Schbauer tripped over something mysterious right in his own circles.