A Rankings for 1/30/22
Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2022 10:55 am
Class A Ranking Week #10 (1/30/2022)
1- Hermantown (7A) (17-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-2 East Grand Forks, W 8-0 Proctor, L 3-6 Maple Grove
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Cloquet, 2/5 @ Totino Grace
The Hawks jumped out a 5-0 lead over East Grand Forks midway through the 2nd period and never looked back after that as they cruised to a home victory. Max Plante had two goals in the winning effort while brother Zam Plante had three assists to lead the way. The Hawks kept rolling through section 7A teams as they routed the Rails at home easily and were led by Ty Hanson’s two goal night from the blue line. The Hawks were beaten by Maple Grove at home on Saturday which did raise a few eyebrows but nothing alarming. This week the Hawks should cruise against two meddling AA programs.
2- Warroad (8A) (16-3-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 Roseau, T 4-4 Moorhead
Upcoming Schedule: 2/4 @ Thief River Falls, 2/5 @ Grand Forks Central
The Warriors lost the rematch with their long rival neighbors Roseau 3-4 in a game that they never led. Jayson Shaugabay and Daimon Gardner each scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game but it was Roseau who would score late in the third to take the win and split the season series. Warroad was just mere seconds away from what would have been their signature win vs Moorhead on Saturday however the Spuds tied it let and that is where the score stayed. This week they have a big 2nd round 8A matchup with TRF before venturing into North Dakota the following day.
3- Mahtomedi (4A) (9-9-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-1 Tartan, L 3-4 Hastings, L 2-8 Benilde St Margrets
Upcoming Schedule: 2/2 vs Eden Prairie, 2/5 vs St Michael Albertville
The Zephyrs were able to display some offense again for the 2nd consecutive game as they rolled over Tartan 6-1. Carter Haycraft had a hat trick and Mahtomedi won a good conference road game. The Zephyrs let one slip away against Hastings as they were able to grab a 3-2 lead with a big 2nd period but Hastings came storming back though in the third to lose. Hastings is a nice AA team but one I would think Mahatomedi expected to beat and they had the lead entering third usually with Dardis that means shut down time but that wasn’t the case in this one. Benilde used a 5 goal second period outburst to blow out the Zephyrs and get Dardis yanked in a game they were never really in. Two more AA games this week it will be curious to see how they rebound from Saturday's rout.
4- Minneapolis (2A) (12-4-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 Breck
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 vs Hutchinson, 2/1 @ Osseo, 2/3 vs Waconia, 2/5 @ Dodge County
Minneapolis suffered one of the bigger upsets of the year vs a Section 2A game when they dropped a clunker to struggling Breck at home. Breck scored with 1:34 remaining to lift Breck to a 4-3a huge upset over Minneapolis in a game that is sure to clutter up the Section 2A Seeds. Minneapolis jumped out early and was leading until late in the third when Breck staged their big comeback. Minneapolis now has a busy week ahead as they start the week with a few make up games from earlier postponements and finish by traveling south. I kept them at four for now, I know the Breck loss if horrid, however they have wins over #6 Delano, #7 Alexandria, #11 Providence Academy, #15 Orono & #17 Mankato East which is better than anyone else’s resume below.
5- Detroit Lakes (8A) (13-4-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 Wadena Deer Creek, W 10-0 Lake of the Woods
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Breckenridge/Wahpeton, 2/3 @ Wadena Deer Creek, 2/5 vs Brainerd
The Lakers used a big three goal first period to jump out ahead of Wadena Deer Creek and never look back as they were able to stay unbeaten in the Mid-State Conference and got help from Cooper Moore’s four point night. They then blew out Lake of the Woods in a Section 8A game where Jordan Fields nice four point night helped rout the Bears on the road. I am stuck on the Lakers as they have such a soft schedule. They really only played 7 games against solid teams and they are (3-4-0) in those games they are (10-0-0) vs. the Mid-State Conference and the Bottom seeds of 8A. Their best resume wins are split with Fergus Falls and a tight one goal win over TRF. They have three more wins on the schedule it would appear this week. I can't move them over Minneapolis as like Providence Academy their overall record is nice but they lack quality wins and SOS like the others in the Top 10.
6- Delano (2A) (12-6-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-5 Holy Family, W 5-1 Southwest Christian
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Mound Westonka, 2/5 vs Armstrong/Copper
The Tigers' historic struggles against Holy Family continued as they were swept by the Fire on home ice. The Fire used a big three goal 2nd period to pull away and claim the Conference Title most likely with the sweep. The Tigers did rebound behind Cole Schmidt’s three point night to get a good 5-1 win over 2A SWC. This week they have two more games on the schedule that they should win. The Tigers are a tough team to read as they are the 3 seed in 2A but I think many would still consider them the favorite to get to State come playoff time.
7- Alexandria (6A) (10-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 8-3 Willmar, W 2-1 Sauk Rapids
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 vs Little Falls, 2/5 @ Duluth Denfeld
Alexandria slept walked through the first period at Willmar and found themselves down shockingly 0-3 after 1 period. Luckily it was against Willmar and they were able to rattled off eight straight goals behind Brycen Berg’s 4 point night to get the win. The Cards continued the uninspired play from Willmar as they barely scraped by struggling Sauk Rapids 2-1 as Brycen Berg again had 2 critical points to help save Alexandria from an embarrassing road loss. Not a great week but they move up due to others losing. Big games this week vs two teams coming off upsets from the week before will be good tests vs the Cards who seem to play to the level of their competition.
8- Fergus Falls (6A) (13-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 Sauk Rapids, W 6-0 Wadena Deer Creek
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Sartell, 2/3 @ Willmar, 2/5 vs Bemidji
The Otters were able to jump out to 3-0 lead over Sauk Rapids and never relinquished the lead as they beat the Storm 4-2. Isaac Johnson’s two point night was enough to help lead the Otters to the win. The Otters then got two goal from Michael DeBrito to cruise past Section 6A WDC for a solid section win. This week they get back into the CLC with what should be a good rematch against Sartell and then they play 6A Willmar before wrapping up with Bemidji. The Otters will look to continue their recent momentum and stretch of solid play.
9- Cambridge- Isanti (5A) (14-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-1 Princeton, W 4-3 OT Little Falls, T 3-3 Irondale
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 vs St Paul Highland Park, 2/3 vs Northern Edge, 2/5 vs Northern Lakes
Cambridge swept their Section 5A neighbors with ease to claim the bragging rights in the “Rusty Skates” rivalry. The Blue jackets broke up a 2-1 game with a big third period effort to get the road win. Cambridge stunned Section 5A favorite Little Falls on the road. Things looked bleak as they were down 2-3 with 1:50 to go the Bluejackets committed a penalty and were without the services of Freshman star netminder Sibell who left with an injury. Yet Cambridge found a way to win on the road behind Will O'Donovan shorthanded goal to tie and Finn Overby’s OT GWG and now Cambridge is in the driver seat for the #1 seed in 5A. They did finish the week tying lowly Irondale and honestly the health of Jaxon Sibell is the key to this team. They are (13-1-0) when he starts and (1-2-1) in games he does not if he is out Cambridge is in big trouble and will struggle this week with three games they should win normally.
10- Little Falls (5A) (18-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 Thief River Falls, L 3-4 OT Cambridge, W 9-5 Mound Westonka
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Alexandria, 2/3 vs River Lakes
The Flyers jumped out to 4-1 lead over the Prowlers only to see TRF claw their way back into the game after that. Thief River Falls was able to get on the power play down 1 with about a minute to go in the game but they were not able to find the equalizer and the Flyers escaped with a one goal win. The Flyers dropped a tough one vs Section for Cambridge as they were in control on the PP up 1 with 1:50 to go and the BlueJackets freshman star netminder out injured yet somehow at home they lost the lead and the game and the #1 seed possibly. The Flyers did rebound to win a wild game vs Mound Westonka on Saturday. I know dropping them to 10 seems harsh but the two teams ahead of them own the head to head win and well the Alexandira rematch could solidify this new spot. The bigger game though is vs 5A River Lakes who has a history of upsetting the Flyers big week for them.
11- Providence Academy (2A) (16-4-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-5 Blake, W 5-2 Breck
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Minnehaha Academy
The Lions were swept in conference play by Blake however, they did put up a better fight this time around Johnny Hendrickson’s goal in the second period actually gave Providence a brief 3-2 lead. After that though it was all Blake as they scored 3 unanswered goals to pull away for the win. Providence did rebound and pick up a good Section 2A win over Breck on Saturday behind Josh Mogeni’s three point night. However, this team doesn't have a real strong resume of actual big wins vs Quality Class A Teams. They seem to be destined to win 20 games in the regular season and be the 4 seed in a very tough 2A.
12- Duluth Denfeld (7A) (13-7-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-2 International Falls, L 2-6 Rock Ridge, L 3-5 Gentry Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Greenway, 2/4 vs Sartell, 2/5 vs Alexandria
The Hunters were dominant as they used a big four goal second period effort to pull away from fellow 7A International Falls 7-2. Simon Davidson’s two goal effort led the big offensive night for Denfeld as they secured another 7A win. The good vibes were short lived though as the Hunters were soundly defeated on home ice by improving section 7A Rock Ridge. The Wolverines scored two goals in each period and were able to come away with the big 7A wn. The Hunters had a much better effort vs Gentry the second time around but it ultimately wasn't enough and they finished the week on a two game losing streak This week Duluth Denfeld’s stock is fading fast and they really don't own any big wins they have a must win game vs. Greenway before a tough weekend series with CLC’s Sartell and Alexandria coming to town.
13- East Grand Forks (8A) (7-11-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-6 Hermantown, W 9-2 Kittson Central, W 8-0 Greenway
Upcoming Schedule:1/31 vs Bemidji, 2/3 vs Grand Forks Red River, 2/4 vs Roseau
The Greenwave got their week off to a rough start as they again gave up more than 5 goals and were blown out on the road by the State’s top team in Hermantown. The Greenwave finally got back into the win column as they thumped 8A Kittson Central behind Jaksen Panzer’s 7 point night. EGF followed that up by blowing out Greenway at home 8-0 to show they are still a very capable team. Redemption week for the Greenwave coming up as they play the teams who all beat them earlier this year good baramtert to see how much they have improved playing their tough schedule.
14- Northfield (1A) (11-5-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 OT Mankato East, W 9-4 Albert Lea, L 1-2 Rochester Mayo
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Rochester John Marshall, 2/5 Owatonna
Northfield was able to outlast Mankato East in a great Southern Class A hockey match up. Both teams made impressive pushes as the Cougars took a 2-1 lead in the third only to fall behind 2-3 before tying it up and sending it to overtime. It was Northfield’s Kamden Kaiser who played the hero as his second goal of the night was the OT winner for the Raiders. Northfield held off Section 1A contender Albert Leas in a wild game where they scored the go ahead goal with 1 second remaining in the second period to put them ahead 5-4. They did not look back from there and used a big third period effort to put the game away behind Spencer Klotz’s seven point night. The loss to Mayo is well what it is but Northfield looks to be on track to represent Section 1A at State. This week they have two more winnable games in the Big 9 Conference.
15- Orono (2A) (10-9-1)
Past Week Results: W 7-2 New Prague, W 5-1 Waconia
Upcoming Schedule: 2/2 @ St Louis Park
Orono got back to .500 as they torched a New Prague team that they struggled to tie early this winter. Connor Lang’s three pint night helped get the Spartans so much needed offensive life as they rolled on the road to a win. The Spartans they creeped over .500 with a sweep of Section 2A Waconia as Bradley Walker did his thing and led Orono to victory as he has done a lot this winter. Orono looks to be on track for the 2 seed in 2A. This week they face St Louis Park who beat them earlier this year. I am assuming this is a game they will want to win to show improvement.
16- Chisago Lakes (4A) (14-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 10-4 Pine City, W 4-1 St Paul Academy, W 5-3 Dodge County
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Hopkins, 2/5 @ Thief River Falls
The Wildcats kept their offensive engine running as they routed Pine City at home 10-4. Nicholas Helland & Ryan Schmidt each had six points in Chisago Lakes big home ice win. The Wildcats used a big three goal first period to jump out to a nice lead over SPA they were able to take care of business from there and pick up a much needed Section 4A win. They wrapped up a good week by traveling to Dodge County and getting a nice road win. This week the match up vs TRF will help tell us a lot more about this team.
17- Mankato East (3A) (12-6-0)
Past Week: L 3-4 OT Northfield, W 2-0 Red Wing
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 vs Rochester Century, 2/5 vs Rochester Mayo
The Cougars gave Northfeild everything they had in a really good Southern Hockey Class A Game. The Cougars took a lead in the third period and fought back to send the game to overtime in a game where they outshot the Raiders 31-24. The Cougars did rebound and picked up a 2-0 win over Red Wing in a game that was tied 0-0 for a good position before Andrew Bastian scored the GWG late in the third to help the Cougars avoid the upset. Two Rochester teams this week who both beat the Cougars earlier this year let's see if they can show growth and pick up some wins in the rematches.
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18- St. Cloud Cathedral (5A) (11-9-0)
Past week: W 4-3 Monticello, W 5-2 Rochester Lourdes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Mora
The Crusaders picked up a critical Section 5A win over Monticello to allow them to still control their destiny for the #1 seed in 5A. The game featured a few momentum swings but in the end the Crusaders assured themselves of top three seed and maybe even better come section time. The Crusaders then were able to come back in the third period in game they were down one and score 4 unanswered goals to get past Rochester Lourdes as Nolan Widman’s 2 goal night led the way. Only one game this week vs Mora a key Section 5A road game as the Mustangs have been hot of late.
19- Thief River Falls (8A) (10-9-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 Kittson Central, L 3-4 Little Falls, W 4-3 Greenway, W 2-1 Hibbing
Upcoming Schedule: 3/4 vs Warroad, 3/5 vs Chisago Lakes
Thief River Falls got their busy week off to an interesting start as they were tied 2-2 after 2 periods of play with the bottom of 8A Kittson Central Luckily sophomore Braydin Lund continued his recent offensive surge and scored 2 third period goals to help the Prowlers win 5-2. They played the next night in Little Falls and fell behind 1-4 in the 2nd they did battle back however and had the better part of play in the third but they ended up one goal short. The Prowlers were able to jump out to a lead very Greenway but the Raiders closed the gap late and made the game interesting but Thief River Falls was able to hang on for the win. The Prowlers grinded out a good win over Hibbing to end a very nice week and get over .500 the first time this year. Two good tests this week as they host ranked Warroad and Chisago Lakes.
20- Simley (4A) (14-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 Two Rivers, W 4-1 South St Paul
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 vs St Paul Academy, 2/5 @ St Thomas Academy
Simley continued its dominance in Section 4A play as they beat Two Rivers 5-2 behind Casey Seidl’s two goal night to carry the Spartans to another Section 4A win. The Spartans continued to pick up wins over Section 4A teams as they were able to sneak past South St Paul 4-1. The game was 2-1 until the Spatans used two goals in the last minute to ice the game and pick up another big section win. This week they face another 4A team before hitting the road for a big test vs AA STA.
The Next Five Notable Class A Teams- .
New Ulm (3A) (15-5-0)- Winning the Big South Conference games they should win and looking to be locked into a Section Final 3A showdown with Mankato East. .
Rock Ridge (7A) (8-8-1)- Playing better of late took Minneapolis to the wire, tied Providence Academy and then blew out Duluth Denfeld this week. We knew there was talent at the start of the year and now the new co-opt appears to be settling in.
Albert Lea(1A) (13-5-0)- Rough week as the Faribault loss is not good but again not much else to choose from at this point.
Red Lake Falls (8A) (13-6-0)- Why not mention them having a very nice year and even getting votes in the LPH Poll.
Mora (5A) (14-4-2)- Another team worth mentioning the Mustangs are (13-1-1) in their last 15 games and have the State’s Leading point getter in Parker Mitchell.
1- Hermantown (7A) (17-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-2 East Grand Forks, W 8-0 Proctor, L 3-6 Maple Grove
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Cloquet, 2/5 @ Totino Grace
The Hawks jumped out a 5-0 lead over East Grand Forks midway through the 2nd period and never looked back after that as they cruised to a home victory. Max Plante had two goals in the winning effort while brother Zam Plante had three assists to lead the way. The Hawks kept rolling through section 7A teams as they routed the Rails at home easily and were led by Ty Hanson’s two goal night from the blue line. The Hawks were beaten by Maple Grove at home on Saturday which did raise a few eyebrows but nothing alarming. This week the Hawks should cruise against two meddling AA programs.
2- Warroad (8A) (16-3-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 Roseau, T 4-4 Moorhead
Upcoming Schedule: 2/4 @ Thief River Falls, 2/5 @ Grand Forks Central
The Warriors lost the rematch with their long rival neighbors Roseau 3-4 in a game that they never led. Jayson Shaugabay and Daimon Gardner each scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game but it was Roseau who would score late in the third to take the win and split the season series. Warroad was just mere seconds away from what would have been their signature win vs Moorhead on Saturday however the Spuds tied it let and that is where the score stayed. This week they have a big 2nd round 8A matchup with TRF before venturing into North Dakota the following day.
3- Mahtomedi (4A) (9-9-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-1 Tartan, L 3-4 Hastings, L 2-8 Benilde St Margrets
Upcoming Schedule: 2/2 vs Eden Prairie, 2/5 vs St Michael Albertville
The Zephyrs were able to display some offense again for the 2nd consecutive game as they rolled over Tartan 6-1. Carter Haycraft had a hat trick and Mahtomedi won a good conference road game. The Zephyrs let one slip away against Hastings as they were able to grab a 3-2 lead with a big 2nd period but Hastings came storming back though in the third to lose. Hastings is a nice AA team but one I would think Mahatomedi expected to beat and they had the lead entering third usually with Dardis that means shut down time but that wasn’t the case in this one. Benilde used a 5 goal second period outburst to blow out the Zephyrs and get Dardis yanked in a game they were never really in. Two more AA games this week it will be curious to see how they rebound from Saturday's rout.
4- Minneapolis (2A) (12-4-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 Breck
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 vs Hutchinson, 2/1 @ Osseo, 2/3 vs Waconia, 2/5 @ Dodge County
Minneapolis suffered one of the bigger upsets of the year vs a Section 2A game when they dropped a clunker to struggling Breck at home. Breck scored with 1:34 remaining to lift Breck to a 4-3a huge upset over Minneapolis in a game that is sure to clutter up the Section 2A Seeds. Minneapolis jumped out early and was leading until late in the third when Breck staged their big comeback. Minneapolis now has a busy week ahead as they start the week with a few make up games from earlier postponements and finish by traveling south. I kept them at four for now, I know the Breck loss if horrid, however they have wins over #6 Delano, #7 Alexandria, #11 Providence Academy, #15 Orono & #17 Mankato East which is better than anyone else’s resume below.
5- Detroit Lakes (8A) (13-4-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-1 Wadena Deer Creek, W 10-0 Lake of the Woods
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Breckenridge/Wahpeton, 2/3 @ Wadena Deer Creek, 2/5 vs Brainerd
The Lakers used a big three goal first period to jump out ahead of Wadena Deer Creek and never look back as they were able to stay unbeaten in the Mid-State Conference and got help from Cooper Moore’s four point night. They then blew out Lake of the Woods in a Section 8A game where Jordan Fields nice four point night helped rout the Bears on the road. I am stuck on the Lakers as they have such a soft schedule. They really only played 7 games against solid teams and they are (3-4-0) in those games they are (10-0-0) vs. the Mid-State Conference and the Bottom seeds of 8A. Their best resume wins are split with Fergus Falls and a tight one goal win over TRF. They have three more wins on the schedule it would appear this week. I can't move them over Minneapolis as like Providence Academy their overall record is nice but they lack quality wins and SOS like the others in the Top 10.
6- Delano (2A) (12-6-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-5 Holy Family, W 5-1 Southwest Christian
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Mound Westonka, 2/5 vs Armstrong/Copper
The Tigers' historic struggles against Holy Family continued as they were swept by the Fire on home ice. The Fire used a big three goal 2nd period to pull away and claim the Conference Title most likely with the sweep. The Tigers did rebound behind Cole Schmidt’s three point night to get a good 5-1 win over 2A SWC. This week they have two more games on the schedule that they should win. The Tigers are a tough team to read as they are the 3 seed in 2A but I think many would still consider them the favorite to get to State come playoff time.
7- Alexandria (6A) (10-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 8-3 Willmar, W 2-1 Sauk Rapids
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 vs Little Falls, 2/5 @ Duluth Denfeld
Alexandria slept walked through the first period at Willmar and found themselves down shockingly 0-3 after 1 period. Luckily it was against Willmar and they were able to rattled off eight straight goals behind Brycen Berg’s 4 point night to get the win. The Cards continued the uninspired play from Willmar as they barely scraped by struggling Sauk Rapids 2-1 as Brycen Berg again had 2 critical points to help save Alexandria from an embarrassing road loss. Not a great week but they move up due to others losing. Big games this week vs two teams coming off upsets from the week before will be good tests vs the Cards who seem to play to the level of their competition.
8- Fergus Falls (6A) (13-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 Sauk Rapids, W 6-0 Wadena Deer Creek
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Sartell, 2/3 @ Willmar, 2/5 vs Bemidji
The Otters were able to jump out to 3-0 lead over Sauk Rapids and never relinquished the lead as they beat the Storm 4-2. Isaac Johnson’s two point night was enough to help lead the Otters to the win. The Otters then got two goal from Michael DeBrito to cruise past Section 6A WDC for a solid section win. This week they get back into the CLC with what should be a good rematch against Sartell and then they play 6A Willmar before wrapping up with Bemidji. The Otters will look to continue their recent momentum and stretch of solid play.
9- Cambridge- Isanti (5A) (14-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-1 Princeton, W 4-3 OT Little Falls, T 3-3 Irondale
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 vs St Paul Highland Park, 2/3 vs Northern Edge, 2/5 vs Northern Lakes
Cambridge swept their Section 5A neighbors with ease to claim the bragging rights in the “Rusty Skates” rivalry. The Blue jackets broke up a 2-1 game with a big third period effort to get the road win. Cambridge stunned Section 5A favorite Little Falls on the road. Things looked bleak as they were down 2-3 with 1:50 to go the Bluejackets committed a penalty and were without the services of Freshman star netminder Sibell who left with an injury. Yet Cambridge found a way to win on the road behind Will O'Donovan shorthanded goal to tie and Finn Overby’s OT GWG and now Cambridge is in the driver seat for the #1 seed in 5A. They did finish the week tying lowly Irondale and honestly the health of Jaxon Sibell is the key to this team. They are (13-1-0) when he starts and (1-2-1) in games he does not if he is out Cambridge is in big trouble and will struggle this week with three games they should win normally.
10- Little Falls (5A) (18-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 Thief River Falls, L 3-4 OT Cambridge, W 9-5 Mound Westonka
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Alexandria, 2/3 vs River Lakes
The Flyers jumped out to 4-1 lead over the Prowlers only to see TRF claw their way back into the game after that. Thief River Falls was able to get on the power play down 1 with about a minute to go in the game but they were not able to find the equalizer and the Flyers escaped with a one goal win. The Flyers dropped a tough one vs Section for Cambridge as they were in control on the PP up 1 with 1:50 to go and the BlueJackets freshman star netminder out injured yet somehow at home they lost the lead and the game and the #1 seed possibly. The Flyers did rebound to win a wild game vs Mound Westonka on Saturday. I know dropping them to 10 seems harsh but the two teams ahead of them own the head to head win and well the Alexandira rematch could solidify this new spot. The bigger game though is vs 5A River Lakes who has a history of upsetting the Flyers big week for them.
11- Providence Academy (2A) (16-4-1)
Past Week Results: L 3-5 Blake, W 5-2 Breck
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Minnehaha Academy
The Lions were swept in conference play by Blake however, they did put up a better fight this time around Johnny Hendrickson’s goal in the second period actually gave Providence a brief 3-2 lead. After that though it was all Blake as they scored 3 unanswered goals to pull away for the win. Providence did rebound and pick up a good Section 2A win over Breck on Saturday behind Josh Mogeni’s three point night. However, this team doesn't have a real strong resume of actual big wins vs Quality Class A Teams. They seem to be destined to win 20 games in the regular season and be the 4 seed in a very tough 2A.
12- Duluth Denfeld (7A) (13-7-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-2 International Falls, L 2-6 Rock Ridge, L 3-5 Gentry Academy
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Greenway, 2/4 vs Sartell, 2/5 vs Alexandria
The Hunters were dominant as they used a big four goal second period effort to pull away from fellow 7A International Falls 7-2. Simon Davidson’s two goal effort led the big offensive night for Denfeld as they secured another 7A win. The good vibes were short lived though as the Hunters were soundly defeated on home ice by improving section 7A Rock Ridge. The Wolverines scored two goals in each period and were able to come away with the big 7A wn. The Hunters had a much better effort vs Gentry the second time around but it ultimately wasn't enough and they finished the week on a two game losing streak This week Duluth Denfeld’s stock is fading fast and they really don't own any big wins they have a must win game vs. Greenway before a tough weekend series with CLC’s Sartell and Alexandria coming to town.
13- East Grand Forks (8A) (7-11-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-6 Hermantown, W 9-2 Kittson Central, W 8-0 Greenway
Upcoming Schedule:1/31 vs Bemidji, 2/3 vs Grand Forks Red River, 2/4 vs Roseau
The Greenwave got their week off to a rough start as they again gave up more than 5 goals and were blown out on the road by the State’s top team in Hermantown. The Greenwave finally got back into the win column as they thumped 8A Kittson Central behind Jaksen Panzer’s 7 point night. EGF followed that up by blowing out Greenway at home 8-0 to show they are still a very capable team. Redemption week for the Greenwave coming up as they play the teams who all beat them earlier this year good baramtert to see how much they have improved playing their tough schedule.
14- Northfield (1A) (11-5-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-3 OT Mankato East, W 9-4 Albert Lea, L 1-2 Rochester Mayo
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Rochester John Marshall, 2/5 Owatonna
Northfield was able to outlast Mankato East in a great Southern Class A hockey match up. Both teams made impressive pushes as the Cougars took a 2-1 lead in the third only to fall behind 2-3 before tying it up and sending it to overtime. It was Northfield’s Kamden Kaiser who played the hero as his second goal of the night was the OT winner for the Raiders. Northfield held off Section 1A contender Albert Leas in a wild game where they scored the go ahead goal with 1 second remaining in the second period to put them ahead 5-4. They did not look back from there and used a big third period effort to put the game away behind Spencer Klotz’s seven point night. The loss to Mayo is well what it is but Northfield looks to be on track to represent Section 1A at State. This week they have two more winnable games in the Big 9 Conference.
15- Orono (2A) (10-9-1)
Past Week Results: W 7-2 New Prague, W 5-1 Waconia
Upcoming Schedule: 2/2 @ St Louis Park
Orono got back to .500 as they torched a New Prague team that they struggled to tie early this winter. Connor Lang’s three pint night helped get the Spartans so much needed offensive life as they rolled on the road to a win. The Spartans they creeped over .500 with a sweep of Section 2A Waconia as Bradley Walker did his thing and led Orono to victory as he has done a lot this winter. Orono looks to be on track for the 2 seed in 2A. This week they face St Louis Park who beat them earlier this year. I am assuming this is a game they will want to win to show improvement.
16- Chisago Lakes (4A) (14-3-1)
Past Week Results: W 10-4 Pine City, W 4-1 St Paul Academy, W 5-3 Dodge County
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Hopkins, 2/5 @ Thief River Falls
The Wildcats kept their offensive engine running as they routed Pine City at home 10-4. Nicholas Helland & Ryan Schmidt each had six points in Chisago Lakes big home ice win. The Wildcats used a big three goal first period to jump out to a nice lead over SPA they were able to take care of business from there and pick up a much needed Section 4A win. They wrapped up a good week by traveling to Dodge County and getting a nice road win. This week the match up vs TRF will help tell us a lot more about this team.
17- Mankato East (3A) (12-6-0)
Past Week: L 3-4 OT Northfield, W 2-0 Red Wing
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 vs Rochester Century, 2/5 vs Rochester Mayo
The Cougars gave Northfeild everything they had in a really good Southern Hockey Class A Game. The Cougars took a lead in the third period and fought back to send the game to overtime in a game where they outshot the Raiders 31-24. The Cougars did rebound and picked up a 2-0 win over Red Wing in a game that was tied 0-0 for a good position before Andrew Bastian scored the GWG late in the third to help the Cougars avoid the upset. Two Rochester teams this week who both beat the Cougars earlier this year let's see if they can show growth and pick up some wins in the rematches.
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18- St. Cloud Cathedral (5A) (11-9-0)
Past week: W 4-3 Monticello, W 5-2 Rochester Lourdes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/31 @ Mora
The Crusaders picked up a critical Section 5A win over Monticello to allow them to still control their destiny for the #1 seed in 5A. The game featured a few momentum swings but in the end the Crusaders assured themselves of top three seed and maybe even better come section time. The Crusaders then were able to come back in the third period in game they were down one and score 4 unanswered goals to get past Rochester Lourdes as Nolan Widman’s 2 goal night led the way. Only one game this week vs Mora a key Section 5A road game as the Mustangs have been hot of late.
19- Thief River Falls (8A) (10-9-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 Kittson Central, L 3-4 Little Falls, W 4-3 Greenway, W 2-1 Hibbing
Upcoming Schedule: 3/4 vs Warroad, 3/5 vs Chisago Lakes
Thief River Falls got their busy week off to an interesting start as they were tied 2-2 after 2 periods of play with the bottom of 8A Kittson Central Luckily sophomore Braydin Lund continued his recent offensive surge and scored 2 third period goals to help the Prowlers win 5-2. They played the next night in Little Falls and fell behind 1-4 in the 2nd they did battle back however and had the better part of play in the third but they ended up one goal short. The Prowlers were able to jump out to a lead very Greenway but the Raiders closed the gap late and made the game interesting but Thief River Falls was able to hang on for the win. The Prowlers grinded out a good win over Hibbing to end a very nice week and get over .500 the first time this year. Two good tests this week as they host ranked Warroad and Chisago Lakes.
20- Simley (4A) (14-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 Two Rivers, W 4-1 South St Paul
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 vs St Paul Academy, 2/5 @ St Thomas Academy
Simley continued its dominance in Section 4A play as they beat Two Rivers 5-2 behind Casey Seidl’s two goal night to carry the Spartans to another Section 4A win. The Spartans continued to pick up wins over Section 4A teams as they were able to sneak past South St Paul 4-1. The game was 2-1 until the Spatans used two goals in the last minute to ice the game and pick up another big section win. This week they face another 4A team before hitting the road for a big test vs AA STA.
The Next Five Notable Class A Teams- .
New Ulm (3A) (15-5-0)- Winning the Big South Conference games they should win and looking to be locked into a Section Final 3A showdown with Mankato East. .
Rock Ridge (7A) (8-8-1)- Playing better of late took Minneapolis to the wire, tied Providence Academy and then blew out Duluth Denfeld this week. We knew there was talent at the start of the year and now the new co-opt appears to be settling in.
Albert Lea(1A) (13-5-0)- Rough week as the Faribault loss is not good but again not much else to choose from at this point.
Red Lake Falls (8A) (13-6-0)- Why not mention them having a very nice year and even getting votes in the LPH Poll.
Mora (5A) (14-4-2)- Another team worth mentioning the Mustangs are (13-1-1) in their last 15 games and have the State’s Leading point getter in Parker Mitchell.
