Class AA State Tourney Preview
It's the best time of the year again and we're here to preview all of the action for you. Coming off some exciting and possibly less exciting section games we'll break down the match-ups and tell you who we think has a shot to win it all.
Thursday Games
Game 1: (2) Maple Grove vs. Hill Murray
Maple Grove is making their first ever trip to the State Tourney. They are coming off a 15-1 drubbing of Blaine and seem to have plenty of momentum going in. Hill Murray has been a solid team all season but hasn't shown anything spectacular. The Pioneers have been one of the most consistent programs in the state and they are making their 25th appearance (including six of the last seven seasons). This game should be fairly entertaining but Maple Grove should have no problem moving on to the second round. MG wins 5-2.
Game 2: (3) Eagan vs. Moorhead
Eagan is making only their third trip to State, but they are coming off a very strong season and have some experience having taken 3rd place at last year's tourney. They are a top heavy team and have a couple of players that will be moving on to play D1. Moorhead is making it's 13th trip down to the cities but they are still seeking that elusive state title. They had a good season overall and bounced in and out of the top ten rankings. Eagan will have too much top end talent for the Spuds and I'm not sure that this game will be that close. Eagan wins 4-1.
Game 3: (1) Duluth East vs. Lakeville South
Duluth East will once again make the trek down I-35 to St. Paul. It will be their 19th overall and fourth consecutive appearance at state. The Greyhounds flirted with perfection this season and finished the year with only one loss at Minnetonka back on Hockey Day in Minnesota. Last season East took 2nd place at the tournament after a heartbreaking 3OT loss to Eden Prairie. They've been the number one team in state all season long and are hoping to make it official on Saturday night. Lakeville South looks to be the annual sacrificial lamb from Section 1AA. They are the only team in the tournament not ranked in the top 10. This is their second trip to the state tournament and they are once again facing an early exit. Justin Kloos is their only hope, but it won't be enough against the Hounds. Duluth East wins 7-3.
Game 4: (4) Edina vs. Benilde-St. Margaret's
This should be the most entertaining (i.e. most evenly matched) first round game. As crazy as it sounds Edina has been under the radar all season long. This will be the 23rd time the Hornets have made it to state including six consecutive seasons under Curt Giles. They finished the season with only five losses and cruised through sections without much trouble. Benilde is making only their fourth ever appearance at state but they have one of the most impressive records in tournament history. In their three previous trips to state they have managed to win two championships and finish third. They are also coming off an emotional section championship upset of Minnetonka in which their beloved Jabs was able to rejoin the team and take the ice to celebrate. A touching moment, but not enough to get the Red Knights past the Hornets. Edina wins 4-3.
Yes I realize that I went out on a limb and did not pick any upsets. But with so many of the top teams playing well right now I just don't see any upsets happening. Benilde over Edina would not shock me, but I'm sticking with my picks.
Feel Free to post your own picks in the comments and check back for an update of each day's AA action.
I agree with everything except I'm picking Hill-Murray to upset Maple Grove. MG has depth, but that doesn't come into play as much in the Tourney and I think H-M's firepower will make the difference.
ReplyDeleteGod, I hate to agree, but I think Hill will win as well. I also would not be "shocked" with a Moorhead victory, I would be suprised, but not shocked. I think the biggest incorrect prediction here is the 7-3 score of the East vs South game......you really think South will score 3 goals, really?.......really? Should be a great tourny this year, see you all there.
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ReplyDeleteLooks like we all made some great calls (I'm giving Dr. Dangles credit for Lakeville South's 3 goals even though he was wrong on every game) and some terrible ones.
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