Class A Rankings Week #2 (12/04/2022) Follow on Twitter @ClassAHockeyGuy for more Minnesota High School Class A News and Notes……..enjoy the rankings!
1.) Hermantown (7A) (2-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-3 Cretin Derham Hall, W 3-1 Hill Murray
Upcoming Schedule: 12/10 @ Centennial
The Class A Defending Champion Hawks got their season underway and things looked shaky early on down 3-1 in the first period against CDH but it was all Hawks after that as they scored 5 unanswered goals on their way to a very nice opening win against a top tier AA team. They followed that up with even a more impressive win over Hill Murray and showed their program depth and grit all weekend. The Hawks show they are still the team to beat in Class A with a major statement weekend. This coming week another AA game as they play at Centennial.
2.) Warroad (8A) (3-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-4 #3 Mahtomedi
Upcoming Schedule: 12/9 @ #18 Rock Ridge, 12/10 @ Grand Rapids
The Warriors only had one game this week and it was a big matchup as they went toe to toe with the Zephyrs in a rematch of last year’s great OT State Semifinal Classic. Things did not start out good for the Warriors as they dug themselves a 2-0 deficit early in the game but they took over the game after that lead by Jayson Shaugabay and Carson Pilgrim the Warriors scored the games next five goals and never looked back and picked up a very big statement 7-4 win over Mahtomedi. This week Warroad heads to the Iron Range to take on Rock Ridge and Grand Rapids and should be favored in both games.
3.) Mahtomedi (4A) (3-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 6-3 #4 East Grand Forks, 12/3 @ # 2 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 12/8 @ St. Michael Albertville, 12/10 vs South St Paul
The Zephyrs had a slow start up north as they fell behind 1–0 after a period to EGF on the road. However, they scored four second period goals on the way to a very nice road win over a good Class A Greenwave team 6-3. The Zephyrs then played the following afternoon and did jump out on Warroad 2-0 but the skill level of the Warriors became too much for Mahotmedi to handle. Nothing to be ashamed of by coming away with a split in road trip to two top tier 8A teams. This week they have AA STMA before finally having their home opener against 4A South St Paul.
4.) Orono (2A) (2-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 #12 Little Falls, W 8-5 #6 Alexandria
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 vs Bloomington Jefferson, 12/9 @ #15 New Prague
The Spartans started their season quickly as Bradley Walker scored 2 goals in the first 24 seconds to give Orono a quick lead that they would not surrender on their way to a good opening road win over a ranked Little Falls team. On Saturday they scored 8 times and showed a very tough and physical style and an excellent top line to finish a great weekend road trip. They did this while missing star Sr. goalie Brock Peyton who looks to get back in a few weeks as he recovers from a knee injury setback suffered this fall. Once they get him back watch out for Orono. This week they have two Metro West Conference games and look to continue to build off a great start.
5.) Providence Academy (2A) (3-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 10-2 Southwest Christian, W 11-3 vs. Wadena Deer Creek
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 vs Minneapolis, 12/8 @ Hutchinson
Looking for scoring power just watch this Lions team who moved up the rankings this week after two more dominant wins and they have scored an eye popping 27 goals in just three games. On Thursday they picked up another early season Section 2A win behind the hat tricks of offensive stars John Hendrickson and Louie Wehmann when they blew out Southwest Chrisitian. They did not slow down on Saturday as they put 11 more goals on a veteran WDC team to start the year (3-0). This week they have two important Section 2A games as they look to continue their red hot scoring pace.
6.) East Grand Forks (8A) (2-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-2 OT #10 Detroit Lakes, L 3-6 #3 Mahtomedi
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ Crooskton, 12/8 vs Grand Forks Central
The Greenwave picked up a big Section 8A win when they knocked off Detroit Lakes in OT to start their week off. Despite controlling most of the game and outshooting DL 48-14 East Grand Forks found themselves in overtime but behind Junior D Grady Magner’s 2 goals, including the GWG in OT, the Greenwave were able to get a big win at home. The Greenwave could not continue the momentum though as after taking an early lead over the Zephyrs they got worn down and fell on their home ice by 3 goals. This week they have a trip to 8A Crookston and then begin their annual rivalry with the Grand Forks teams across the border.
7.) Northfield (1A) (2-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 8-0 Rochester Lourdes
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ Red Wing, 12/10 vs Faribault
The Raiders continued their strong start to the season as they routed fellow 1A contender Rochester Lourdes on their home ice behind Kamden Kaiser’s hattrick to a big 8-0 win. Northfield is showing that they are serious State contenders and their Mahtomedi close loss last week was better compared to EGF ahead of them so they could argue to be even higher in the rankings. This week they should continue to roll as they face two more 1A teams when they head Red Wing before finally having their home opener against Faribault to end the week.
8.) Thief River Falls (8A) (2-1-0)
Past Week Results: L 0-7 Roseau, W 8-3 Sauk Rapids, W 2-0 St Cloud Cathedral
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ Bemidji, 12/9 vs #10 Detroit Lakes
The Prowlers got routed on the road by a hot starting Rams team up in Roseau to open their year. They were able to rebound this weekend and sweep their trip to central Minnesota by picking up a win over Sauk Rapids but it was alarming to see them give up 5 goals in the process, very uncharacteristic of Prowler teams. They did wrap up the weekend trip with a very sound 2-0 win at Cathedral which they looked much more like the typic Prowler teams we are accustomed too. They enter the Top 10 this week with good tests against Bemidji and a big one vs 8A Detroit Lakes.
9.) Alexandria (6A) (0-2-0)
Past Week Results: L 3-4 Sartell, L 5-8 #4 Orono
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 vs #12 Little Falls
The Cardinals opened their season dropping their home opener to AA Sartell. The Cards fell behind early and were never able to even up the game and dropped a tough one to start their season. They followed that up by getting beat by a good Orono team at home. While they still are the favorite in 6A this week, the question marks we had with the team about who takes over in net were exposed. They will need to do much better than this week as they gave up 12 goals in two games that is not going to allow them to beat good teams. I still believe this is a top ten team though and this week they will get a chance to get back on track against a ranked Little Falls team at home where they have owned the Flyers.
10.) Detroit Lakes (8A) (2-1-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-3 OT #4 East Grand Forks, W 4-3 OT Kittson Central
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ Park Rapids, 12/8 vs Prairie Centre, 12/9 @ #8 Thief River Falls
The Lakers hung around against East Grand Fork in a big Section 8A Matchup. Despite being heavily outshot and spending large chunks of their evening in their own zone they used a quick 2 minute strike near the end of the 2nd period to tie the game. However, an ill timed too many men on the ice call late in the OT gave EGF the powerplay they would use to win an important section seeding game. They then did look good at all on the road vs Kittson Central and found themselves down 3-1 going into the third but to their credit they found a way to win an ugly game. I am going to put them at 10 for now and see how they do this week with a game vs Thief River Falls looming.
11.) Hibbing (7A) (3-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 2-1. Cloquet, W 5-1 #17 Albert Lea, W 4-2 Minneapolis
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ Duluth Denfeld, 12/9 vs. Rochester Mayo, 12/10 vs. Red Wing
Hibbing had a great week picking up a very nice home win over 7AA Cloquet in overtime to get their busy week started. Behind the 2 points nights of forwards Broden Fawcett and Keeghan Fink the Bluejackets were able to pick up a much needed win early in the season. They kept their strong week rolling when they beat a strong 1A Albert Lea team 5-1 and then finished off the (3-0) week with a good win over Minneapolis to show this is a true top 15 caliber team. This week they have a big matchup with 7A rival Denfeld before hosting a pair of southern schools over the weekend.
12.) Little Falls (5A) (1-2-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-4 #5 Orono
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ #9 Alexandria, 12/8 vs #18 Chisago Lakes
The Flyers got off to a slow start falling into an 0-2 hole 24 seconds into the game vs. Orono which they were unable to dig out of. They did battle though and kept the game close but ultimately fell 4-2. This week it does not get any easier as they head to Alexandria which has become a house of horrors for them over the year before hosting a ranked Chisago Lakes team at home in what should be two more good contests.
13.) Duluth Denfeld (7A) (2-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-4 Minneapolis
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ #11 Hibbing, 12/8 @ Cloquet, 12/10 vs Superior
Welcome back to the Top 20 Hunters I think I may have been too hard on Denfeld at the start of the year as while they did graduate a ton of talent they appear to still have a few pieces left to make another good run at in 7A this year and they are off to good (2-0) start. Seniors Andrew Larson and Kaden Postal are leading the offensive attack and this week will tell us a lot more about them. The game against Hibbing to start the week will be circled to watch to get a better feel for both top contenders in 7A.
14.) Delano (6A) (0-3-0)
Past Week Results:L 1-4 Buffalo
Upcoming Schedule: 12/8 @ Southwest Christian
Delano dropped another game this week to AA rival Buffalo and while they look lost right now I am not going to totally give up hope on this team. This version of the Tiger doesn’t have a ton of skill and they are going to have to find some production other than Will Brown. The program and staff is too good not to improve as the year goes along but right now it’s a rebuilding year for the Tigers. They have a must win 2A game this week against SWC.
15.) New Prague (1A) (1-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 7-4 Dodge County
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ Bloomington Kennedy, 12/9 vs #5 Orono
The Trojans won a wild home opener over 1A Dodge County 7-4 and a game that became a shoot out. One of New Prague’s question marks this winter was in the net and if the opening game was an indicator they will have work to do there. However, they do pick up the win and now have Kennedy before a match up with top ranked Orono coming to town.
16.) Chisago Lakes (4A) (0-0-0)
Past Week Results: Idle
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 Monticello, 12/8 @ #12 Little Falls
The Wildcats are the only team in the state that has yet to play a game due to snow out of their only game this week. I am going keep them in the Top 20 for now looking at all they bring back but they will be tested this playing to tough 5A teams out of the gate I am not sure sitting around for two works will help or hurt them but be good to finally get a look at the Section 4A Runner ups from a year ago this coming week.
17.) Albert Lea (1A) (2-1-0)
Past Week Results: L 1-5 Hibbing, W 6-4 Rock Ridge
Upcoming Schedule: 12/8 vs Rochester Century
The Tigers took a swing up to the Iron Range and after a rough opener against Hibbing Albert Lea picked up one of the more surprising wins of the week when they took down Rock Ridge. Albert Lea brings back almost everyone from Section 1A Runner up team and looks to be one of the main contenders to Northfeild to get back to state. They earned the right to be recognized this week and have a tough matchup this week in their only game against AA Rochester Century.
18.) Rock Ridge (7A) (1-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 Greenway, L 4-6 Abert Lea
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ International Falls, 12/9 vs #2 Warroad
The Wolverines found themselves in a surprising battle with 7A Greenway. The game was tied 2-2 heading into the third period but ultimately Rock Ridge was able to pull away with 2 shorthanded goals being the difference in the game and it was a good 7A win for the Wolverines to pick up at home. However, they fell behind Albert Lea early and were never able to get in control of a game they lost to the 1A Tigers. They drop in the rankings as I’m still trying to get a read on this group but they have a big test vs Warroad at the end of this upcoming week.
19.) Fergus Fall (6A) (1-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-1 Northern Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 @ Sartell, 12/6 @ Sauk Rapids
The Otters showed they still have enough left to be a contender in 6A when they knocked off Northern Lakes in their only game of the week. They don’t have a ton of scoring but 3 year Starter Ben Swanson will give them a chance and they should be top 3 seed in 6A with a good chance at the Section Final. This week they head to AA Sartell and then 5A Sauk Rapids in CLC action.
20.) Waconia (2A) (4-0-0)
Past Week Results: W 2-1 OT Breck, W 4-3 OT Cambridge
Upcoming Schedule: 12/6 vs Coon Rapids, 12/8 vs Minneapolis, 12/9 @ St Louis Park
The Wildcats who went (5-19-1) last winter are a program that has little to no tradition. Seeing Waconia off to a (4-0) start including their first ever school win vs Breck and big win over 5A contender Cambridge they earned the right to be mentioned in the top 20 even if it is only for a week. This week they have a tough Coon Rapids team on the docket as well as a big 2A game vs Minneapolis as they look to battle for a four seed this winter.
The next 5 in Class A Week #2-
Litchfield Dassel Cokato (2A) (3-0-0)- The Dragons had a good week going 3-0 and are off to a good start this year coming off a 16 win season a year ago this is a team to keep an eye on in 2A.
Mankato East (3A) (0-3-0)- The Cougars drop out of the Top 20 for now due to a slow start however they have played all AA teams and are still the favorite in 3A. I look for Mankato East to return to the Top 20 this winter. I just need to get a few wins under their belt.
Cambridge Isanti (5A) (1-1-0)- After pulling the big upset over Cathedral to start their season they dropped the next game against Waconia in OT to stay just outside the rankings but they look to be a factor in 5A this winter.
St Cloud Cathedral (5A) (0-3-0)- What an awful start for the Crusaders losing to Cambridge on home ice in a critical 5A game along with scoring only 1 goal in 3 games, just hard to figure out for a team that returned so much talent. They will be back in the Top 20 but a rough start right now.
Monticello (5A) (0-3-0)- The Moose are another 5A team off to a slow start but Coach Nelson will have this team there in the end. But like Crusaders they are struggling scoring but look for them to be a factor by the end of the year.
Class A 2022-23 Section Break Downs (12/4/22)
Section 1A Rankings (12/4/22)
1- Northfield (2-1-0)
2- New Prague (1-0-0)
3- Albert Lea (2-1-0)
4- Dodge County (2-2-0)
5- Rochester Lourdes (0-3-0)
6- Faribault (1-1-0)
7- La Crescent (2-2-0)
8- Winona (0-1-0)
9- Waseca (2-1-0)
10- Red Wing (1-3-0)
11- Austin (0-2-0)
Section 1A Outlook- Northfield blew out Rochester Lourdes on the Eagles home ice. New Prague beat Dodge County who then was able to beat La Crescent. Albert Lea had a good start going (2-1) to start the year and picked up a Section 1A win. Faribault won a nice game over Rochester John Marshall . Waseca went .500 on the week.On the other hand Red Wing, Winona and Austin all went winless on the week
Section 2A Rankings (12/4/22)
1- Orono (2-0-0)
2- Providence Academy (3-0-0)
3- Delano (0-3-0)
4- Litchfield Dassel-Cokato (3-0-0)
5- Waconia (4-0-0)
6- Minneapolis (0-2-0)
7- Breck (2-2-0)
8- Southwest Christian (0-1-0)
9- Mound Westonka (1-2-0)
10- Hutchinson (0-1-0)
11- Bloomington Kennedy (0-1-0)
Section 2A Outlook- Orono got off to a good start going (2-0) very two Top 15 teams. Delano continued to struggle and dropped to (0-3) on the year. Providence Academy stayed hot and got another Section win over Southwest Christian. Waconia is now (4-0) and beat Breck to pick up a big Section 2A win. Minneapolis dropped a pair of games to Iron Range teams. Mound Westonka was able to beat Bloomington Kennedy and Hutchinson will be glad to get their football player back now.
Section 3A Rankings (12/4/22)
1- Mankato East (0-3-0)
2- New Ulm (2-0-0)
3- Luverne (2-0-1)
4- Mankato West (1-0-0)
5- Marshall (0-4-0)
6- Windom (1-1-0)
7- Minnesota River (1-1-0)
8- Fairmont (0-1-0)
9- Worthington (0-1-0)
10- Redwood Valley (0-1-0)
Section 3A Outlook- Mankato East lost to AA Century to drop to (0-3). New Ulm continued its Big South domination, beating Worthington. Lueverne started hot and beat Marshall. Mankato West knocked off Minnesota River. Windom started the year .500and Fairmont, Worthington, and Redwood Valley all are still looking for their first win of the young season.
Section 4A Rankings (12/4/22)
1- Mahtomedi (3-1-0)
2- Chisago Lakes (0-0-0)
3- Simley (2-1-0)
4- Two Rivers (4-0-1)
5- St Paul Academy (0-1-0)
6- St Paul Highland Park (2-2-0)
7- South St Paul (1-2-1)
8- St Paul Johnson (1-2-0)
9- Northern Edge (0-4-0)
Section 4A Outlook- Mahtomedi went .500 up north against two of Class A’s elite teams. Simley beat Red Wing meanwhile their football team won the Prep Bowl. Two Rivers stayed hot improving to (4-0-1) to start the year. St. Paul Highland Park picked up a nice win over Rochester Lourdes. Meanwhile, South St. Paul, St Paul Johnson and St Paul Johnson all picked up losses on the week. While Northern Edge continues to have a very rough start to their year.
Section 5A Rankings (12/4/22)
1- Little Falls (1-2-0)
2- Cambridge Isanti (1-1-0)
3- St Cloud Cathedral (0-3-0)
4- Monticello (0-3-0)
5- River Lakes (1-1-0)
6- Princeton (1-1-0)
7- Pine City (2-0-0)
8- Mora (1-1-0)
9- Becker/Big Lake (3-0-0)
10- Sauk Rapids (0-2-0)
Section 5A Outlook- St Cloud Cathedral dropped to (0-3) only scoring 1 goal in three games and lost a critical game to Cambridge Isanti. Little Falls lost to a tough Orono in their home opener. Monticello dropped a tough to LDC River Lakes won while half their team of New London Spicer won the Prep Bowl on Miracle. Pine City was idle while Princeton hammered Mora. Becker Big Lake is (3-0) and beat Sauk Rapids to start the year.
Section 6A Rankings (12/4/22)
1- Alexandria (0-2-0)
2- Fergus Falls (1-1-0)
3- Northern Lakes (1-1-0)
4- Wadena Deer Creek (2-2-0)
5- Willmar (2-0-0)
6- Morris Benson (1-3-0)
7- Prairie Centre (0-1-0)
8- Breckenridge/Wahpeton (0-4-0)
Section 6A Outlook- Alexandria got off to a rough start going (0-2) and giving up 12 goals. Fergus Falls picked up a key section win over Northern Lakes. Wadena Deer Creek went .500 getting hammered by Providence Academy but beatingMorris Benson. Willmar went (2-0) and beat Breckenridge/Wahpeton. Prairie Centre dropped their opener to the Lightning.
Section 7A Rankings (12/4/22)
1- Hermantown (3-0-0)
2- Hibbing (3-2-0)
3- Duluth Denfeld (2-0-0)
4- Rock Ridge (1-1-0)
5- Greenway (1-3-0)
6- Proctor (1-2-0)
7- International Falls (0-2-0)
8- North Shore (0-1-1)
9- Ely (1-2-0)
10- Moose Lake (0-3-0)
Section 7A Outlook- Hermantown showed their strength as they won the Champions Cup again this winter to show they are still scary good. Hibbing went (3-0) this week and showed they are a good team this winter. Duluth Denfeld picked up a nice win again. Rock Ridge went.500 but beat Greenway who then upset Proctor. North Shore was idle this week while International Falls dropped a tough one to Lake of the Woods. Ely won over Ashland and . Moose Lake got hammered by Mora.
Section 8A Rankings (12/4/22)
1- Warroad (3-0-0)
2- East Grand Forks (2-2-0)
3- Thief River Falls (2-1-0)
4- Detroit Lakes (2-1-0)
5- Red Lake Falls (2-0-0)
6- Kittson Central (3-2-0)
7- Crookston (0-2-0)
8- Bagley/Fosston (1-2-0)
9- Park Rapids (1-1-0)
10- Lake of the Woods (1-1-0)
Section 8A Outlook- Warroad picked up a big win over Mahtomedi this week. East Grand Forks went .500 on their trip but picked up a big section win over Detroit Lakes. The Laker rebounded to beat Kittson Central in OT. The Bearcats picked up a big win over Crookston.The Pirates lost a tough OT game to Red Lake Falls. The Eagles also beat Bagley/Fosston this week. Park Rapids picked up a win over South St Paul and Lake of the Woods went.500 in their opening week.