Class A Rankings Week #3 (12/11/2022): Follow on Twitter @ClassAHockeyGuy for more Minnesota High School Class A News and Notes……..enjoy the rankings!
1. Hermantown (7A) (2-0-1)
Past Week Results: T 3-3 Centennial
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 vs Duluth Marshall, 12/16 @ Rosemount
The Hawks received some tough news after the Champions Cup that leading returning scorer Senior Kade Kohanski sustained a serious wrist injury and will miss the next 4-6 weeks. Hermanrtown’s depth will now be tested even more and it was this past weekend as the Hawks went into AA Centennial without Kohanski and without goalie Dane Callaway in net and found themselves down 3-1 in the third period. They were able to show character and tie the game with just 8 seconds left in regulation but overall the result was not overly impressive. This week they will breeze by Duluth Marshall but the game at Rosemont is scary especially after the vulnerability they showed vs Centennial this weekend.
2. Warroad (8A) (5-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-0 Rock Ridge, W 3-2 OT Grand Rapids
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 vs. #5 East Grand Forks
The Warriors went over to the Iron Range for a pair of games on the weekend. They started their trip off hot as they rolled past Rock Ridge 7-0 on Friday night. Jayson Shaugabay and Carson Pilgrim each had big 4 point nights and the Warriors top line continued its dominant display over opponents. The Warriors finished the week with their most impressive win of the year so far. Falling behind 2-0 to the best defensive team in AA and yet the Warriors on the road found a way to chip away at the lead and win the game 3-2 in overtime. This week a huge game as they take on top 8A contender East Grand Forks at home.
3. Mahtomedi (4A) (5-1-0)
Past Week Results:W 7-4 St. Michael Albertville, W 3-1 South St Paul
Upcoming Schedule: 12/15 @ Hill Murray
The Zephyrs started the week by winning a shootout over AA St Michael Albertville 7-4. Carter Haycraft and Charlie Drage each had two goals as the Zephyrs are starting to get their full line up back and showing off their biggest strength this year which will be their offensive depth. They followed up their 7 goal output by struggling to score with Section 4A South St Paul in their home opener but they were able to come away with a 3-1 win. This week there’s just one game and it will be a good early season test as the Zephyrs, who continue to prepare to be ready to take out the top two at state, when they take on AA Conference opponent Hill Murray.
4. Orono (2A) (4-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-0 Bloomington Jefferson, W 4-3 OT #12 New Prague
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 vs #6 Northfield, 12/15 @ Minneapolis, 12/17 vs. Waconia
The Spartans got their week started with a sound 4-0 win over Bloomington Jefferson in their home opener. Backup goalie Johnny DeLong continued his good play in the net picking up the shutout in Brock Peyton’s absence to build the confidence of this group early in the season. The Spartans then traveled to ranked New Prague and found themselves in a 2-0 deficit after 1 period. Orono showed a lot from that point on as they dominated the rest of the way and were able to claw back and win a good overtime game in the West Metro Conference. This week is full of challenges for the Spartans. A Top 10 showdown with Northfield highlights the week but the more important games are the two Section 2A games that follow the big game on Tuesday.
5. East Grand Forks (8A) (4-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-0 Crookston, W 3-0 Grand Forks Central
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 @ #2 Warroad, 12/17 @ #19 Alexandria
The Greenwave had a very good week picking up a Section 8A win on the road blowing out Crookston to start their week. A five goal first period set the tone and EGF goalie Chase Mero picked up the shutout in the win. They then picked up a big win over border rival Grand Forks Central in their pursuit of the Gambucci Cup. Chase Mero picked up his second shut out of the week. This week East Grand Forks hits the road with a huge 8A match up at Warroad before finishing up their week at Alexandria.
6. Northfield (1A) (4-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 12-1 Red Wing, W 4-1 Faribault
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 @ #4 Orono, 12/16 vs Osseo, 12/17 vs Spring Lake Park
The Raiders continued their wrecking ball tour of 1A opponents this week as they have now outscored them 24-2 in three games. The week started with a blow on the road over Red Wing as Northfield’s Jake Geiger had a very nice 6 point night (3 goals and 3 assist) to lead the way. They took care of business against Faribault to end the week and move up a slot in the rankings. This week they have a very big Top Ten matchup with Orono which should give us a better feel on this team and then they finish up with two lower tier AA clubs at home.
7. Little Falls (5A) (3-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-2 #19 Alexandria, W 6-3 #18 Chisago Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 @ Princeton, 12/15 vs St Cloud Cathedral, 12/16 @ #18 Rock Ridge
The Flyers picked up a huge morale win on the road at Alexandria, a place that has haunted them for years, to start their week. The Flyers were led by Matt Filippi’s 4 four goals and they picked a very good win that will come in handy come march if they reach their desired destination this winter. The Flyers then finished a strong week by beating a solid Chisago Lakes team 6-3 on their home ice behind Carter Oothoudt big 4 point night. This week is a busy and tough one for the Flyers with trips to Princeton and Rock Ridge but the biggest game being a showdown with St Cloud Cathedral at home.
8. Providence Academy (2A) (4-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-3 Minneapolis, L 2-3 #17 Hutchinson
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 @ Armstrong/Cooper, 12/17 vs Duluth Marshall
The Lions behind the scoring prowess of Louie Wehmann and John Hendrickson Providence scored six 2nd period goals to put the game vs Minneapolis out of reach and pick up another key Section 2A win. However, the week did not finish as planned as the Lions dropped a crucial section game and were upset on the road by Hutchinson. One game does not define a team, but this loss does raise serious questions about this team’s ability to win a low scoring tight physical game. This week they play a sneaky good AA Armstrong/Cooper team which will give them trouble before finishing up with Duluth Marshall.
9. Detroit Lakes (8A) (4-1-1)
Past Week Results: W 4-0 Park Rapids, W 8-2 Prairie Centre, T 5-5 #9 Thief River Falls
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 vs. Bemidji, 12/15 vs. Northern Lakes, 12/16 @ Crookston
The Lakers started a busy week doing exactly what they needed to do, picking up a complete game road win at Conference and 8A opponent Park Rapids 4-0. The Lakers continued to roll as they took down Prairie Centre at home convincingly 8-2. Detroit Lakes had a great opportunity to secure a top three seed in 8A when they led 5-3 in the third period over Thief River Falls, however, the two-goal lead slipped away late but they carried the play more to get the slight nod over the Prowlers. Bemidji will be a good test for them this week and an important 8A game at Crookston to finish the week.
10. Thief River Falls (8A) (2-2-1)
Past Week Results: L 0-2 Bemidji, T 5-5 #9 Detroit Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 vs. Crookston, 12/16 @ Gentry Academy, 12/17 @ Totino Grace
The Prowlers were shutout on the road to open their week in a game against Bemidji. The Lumberjacks controlled the pace of play throughout the game and the Prowlers were unable to ever really threaten them after they took a 1 goal lead midway through the first period. The Prowlers then showed some resilience as they overcame a two-goal deficit twice to tie Detroit Lakes and stay just behind them in the rankings behind the big 4 point night of Junior Max Alt. This week they have an 8A game at home vs. Crookston before traveling to the metro to take on two AA Privates.
11. Hibbing (7A) (4-3-1)
Past Week Results: T 3-3 Duluth Denfeld, L 1-2 OT Rochester Mayo, W 12-1 Red Wing
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 @ Greenway
Hibbing had another busy three game week with the opening game being the most important and very even and back and forth game Hibbing did hold a 3-2 lead over Denfeld in the third, but they could not hang on and had to settle for a tie in a critical 7A seeding game. They then lost a close game at home to AA Rochester Mayo in overtime which showed their scoring issues against the better teams, but they were able to get the offense on track against a struggling Red Wing team to finish the week (1-1-1). This week just one game but it is important for 7A seeding as they head to Greenway.
12. New Prague (1A) (2-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-5 Bloomington Kennedy, L 3-4 OT Orono
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 @ Faribault, 12/15 @ Rochester Mayo, 12/17 vs Chaska
The Trojans got off to a fast start against Bloomington Kennedy jumping out to a 6-0 lead at one point however, things did get interesting but New Prague was able to hold on to the win. New Prague then finished the week by giving their best swing at high rated Orono. The Trojans did jump out 2-0 but were unable to hold on to the lead and lost in a very tough overtime battle. A good showing for them and this week they have a 1A game with Faribault followed by two AA opponents in Rochester Mayo and Chaska on the schedule.
13. Delano (6A) (1-3-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-0 Southwest Christian
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 vs Litchfield Dassel Cokato, 12/15 @ Breck, 12/17 vs. Hutchinson
Delano picked up its first win of the year in its first Section 2A game when they soundly beat Southwest Christian 6-0. Will Brown had a big 5-point night to lead the way and Drew Dorsey picked up the shutout in net. This week is huge for the Tigers as they play three important Section 2A games and with a good week they could get an early hold of a top two seed which will be important come Section 2A Playoff time.
14. St. Cloud Cathedral (5A) (2-3-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-2 Princeton, W 7-1 Duluth Marshall
Upcoming Schedule: 12/15 @ #7 Little Falls, 12/17 @ Rock Ridge
The Crusaders broke out of their early season scoring funk, scoring only 1 goal in their first three games, by putting up 7 goals apiece in their two wins this week. Cathedral was able to pick up a Section 5A win by blowing out Princeton and followed that up with a rout of Duluth Marshall. This week brings a huge Section 5A game when the Crusaders take a trip to Little Falls in what could be a Section Final preview and they also take a trip to Rock Ridge where they will need to play well to win.
15. Litchfield Dassel/Cokato (2A) (4-0-1)
Past Week Results: T 4-4 River Lakes, W 7-1 Bloomington Kennedy
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 @ #13 Delano, 12/15 @ New Ulm, 12/17 vs Breck
The Dragons enter the week after a good (4-0-1) start to their year which includes a good win over Monticello. Their blemish if you want to call a tie that was letting River Lakes back in a game they lead by three. However, they rebounded nicely, beating up fellow 2A Bloomington Kennedy. Now they have a jam-packed week full of tests first heading to Delano then going to unbeaten New Ulm and finishing with an improving Breck squad. We will see if they can stay in the rankings after a very tough upcoming week.
16. Duluth Denfeld (7A) (2-2-1)
Past Week Results: T 3-3 #11 Hibbing, L 1-6 Cloquet, L 4-5 Superior
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 vs Rock Ridge, 12/15 @ Superior
The Hunters started off their busy week well by coming back to tie Hibbing in a back-and-forth Section 7A battle where they staged a third period comeback, but the game was unable to be settled and ended in a tie. After that though they suffered their first two losses of the year as they got off to a slow start and were blown out by 7AA Cloquet. They followed that with a ugly 5-4 loss to Superior. Not sure what to make of the Hunter they give up way too many goals but will keep them here for now. Need to pick up some wins next week with 7A Rock Ridge and the rematch with Superior.
17. Hutchinson (2A) (3-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-2 #8 Providence Academy, W 4-0 River Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 vs Minneapolis, 12/16 @ Sauk Rapids, 12/17 @ #13 Delano
A week ago, the majority of the Hutchinson hockey team was playing football in the Prep Bowl which explains the hideous loss to Willmar on the schedule. A week later though they pulled off the biggest upset in Class A knocking off Providence Academy and followed that up with a win over a sneaky decent River Lakes team to earn a spot in the rankings. This week two must win games vs Minneapolis and Sauk Rapids before a big showdown at Delano to finish the week.
18. Chisago Lakes (4A) (0-1-1)
Past Week Results: T 2-2 Monticello, L 3-6 #7 Little Falls
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 vs Pine City, 15 @ Princeton
The Wildcats finally got their season going in a very good contested game with a tough Monticello team. Chisago Lakes was able to tie the game in the third period but had to settle for tie even after controlling good portions of the overtime. The Wildcats then traveled to Top 10 Little Falls and took on the Flyers and while they did take an early lead they were unable to deal with Flyer Forecheck and ended up dropping a tough game 3-6. Tying and losing to those teams will get them prepared for the 4A Playoffs. This week two winnable Mississippi 8 Conference games against Pine City and Princeton.
19. Alexandria (6A) (0-3-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-7 #7 Little Falls
Upcoming Schedule: 12/15 @ River Lakes, 12/17 vs #5 East Grand Forks
The Cardinals go crashing down in the rankings this week as they lost to ranked Little Falls at home for the first team in almost a decade. While Alexandria has lost to three high quality teams the concern here is the way they are losing, giving up 19 goals in three games. They will need to fix their back-end issues fast as this week they play a sneaky tough River Lakes team on the road before hosting highly rated and tough East Grand Forks at home.
20. Fergus Falls (6A) (2-2-0)
Past Week Results: L 1-4 Sartell, W 5-2 Sauk Rapids
Upcoming Schedule: 12/13 @ Brainerd, 12/15 vs Willmar
The Otters had an up and down week as they dropped one to a solid AA Sartell on the road. The game turned on a controversial goal where the net appeared to be off but the goal still stood and the Otters were unable to provide much more offensive resistance after that. The Otters did rebound to pick up a road win at Sauk Rapids to end their week after falling behind early Fergus Falls rallied and finished their week with a win. This week they continue their CLC schedule with the bigger of the two games being against 6A hot starting Willmar at the end of the week.
The Next 5 in Class A Week #3-
Two Rivers (4A) (6-0-1)- The Warriors haven’t played anyone yet but they are unbeaten and if they keep winning at some point they are going to work their way into the top 20.
New Ulm (3A) (5-0-0)- The Eagles won their 50th consecutive Big South Conference game. We know they can win in their weak conference but can they beat anyone else? Big test vs #15 LDC this week.
Mankato East (3A) (1-4-0)- The Cougars finally picks up a win but they badly need to start to get on a roll as they are still the favorite to win Section 3A.
Albert Lea (1A) (2-2-0)- Got routed by Rochester Century and the Rock Ridge game win looks less impressive a week later. Still keep an eye on this veteran 1A team.
Monticello (5A) (1-3-1)- The Moose showed they are a tough team this week with tie vs #17 Chisago Lakes and win over a good Cambridge Isanti team.