- Warroad (8A) (15-3-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 Duluth Denfeld
Upcoming Schedule: 1/27 vs Roseau (HDMN)
The Warriors took down Duluth Denfeld at home this week in their only action. Warroad was able to wear down the Hunters and the opportunistic PK unit helped lift them to their 15th win of the year. Now they have another full week of practice to prepare for their big rematch with their arch rivals the Roseau Rams on the States biggest stage Hockey Day Minnesota this upcoming weekend in what will be a great game in test for Class A’s number one team.
Class A Resume: Key Wins: #2 Hawks, #4 EGF OT, #5 Maht, #6 Orono, #7 Delano, #14 TRF Key loss: #3 SCC OT
- Hermantown (7A) (11-4-2)
Past Week Results: W 8-1 #15 Hibbing/Chisholm, L 2-3 White Bear Lake
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 vs Superior (Wis.), 1/26 vs St. Thomas Academy, 1/27 vs Maple Grove
The Hawks like a few other teams had a (.500) week at home. They won the important game which was an absolute rout over 7A Hibbing/Chisholm to start the week. They then dropped a tight one goal game to White Bear Lake at the end of the week which really doesn’t factor into these rankings much. Their Class A Resume has them still sitting at strong #2 in the State and they will have another busy week with plenty of tests at all which included a weekend bookend of STA and Maple Grove.
Class A Resume: Key Wins: #3 SCC, #4 EGF, #5 Mah, #7 Delano, #12 Proctor OT, #17 Hibbing Key loss: #1 Warroad
- St. Cloud Cathedral (5A) (13-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 13-1 Mankato East, W 4-0 Princeton
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 vs #14 Little Falls, 1/26 @ #8 Northfield
The Crusaders had a relatively easy week as they routed two opponents on the road taking down Mankato East and Princeton. The victory over the Tigers was big as it was also a section win and their starting goaltender returned from injury in the game and the Crusaders appear to be in really good shape for the stretch run. Now the schedule will toughen back up as they have games with #14 Little Falls and #8 Northfield with the latter being a big Class A showdown in the spotlight of “YHH’s Friday Night Ice” to end the week.
Class A Resume: Key Wins: #1 Warroad OT, #4 EGF, #6 Orono, #13 CEC, #10 Alex Key Losses: #2 Hawks & #7 Delano
- East Grand Forks (8A) (12-5-1)
Past Week Results: T 4-4 Roseau, W 4-0 Duluth Denfeld
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 @ Grand Forks Central, 1/25 vs Crookston
The Greenwave continue to be on a tear since the turn of the calendar to 2023. This week EGF took on the Rams and played a great back and forth game that Roseau needed to do all they could to settle with a tie. They followed that effort up by just overwhelming Duluth Denfeld in a very good home effort to end the week and this is a team to watch as they are coming on strong as we get closer to playoff time. The Class A resume has them sitting solidly at #4 again this week and they will have a chance to avenge one of their early season losses when they take on Grand Forks Central this week and then finish with a Section 8A Seed game vs Crookston.
Class A Resume: Key Wins: #5 Maht, #7 Delano, #14 TRF Key Losses: #1 Warroad OT, #2 Hawks, #3 SCC & #13 CEC
- Mahtomedi (4A) (7-9-0)
Past Week Results: L 0-4 Eden Prairie
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 @ Chisago Lakes, 1/25 vs. Hill Murray
The Zephyrs only had one game on the docket and it was a tough matchup vs a red hot Eden Prairie team. The game was one in which Mahtomedi was unable to get much accomplished and they were shut out at home by Eagles. As far as Class A resume and this A ranking the game really doesn’t give much of an idea. As always, going off Class A Resume and the head to head win over the State’s #6 team and OT loss to the State’s #1 team will leave the Zephyrs here for now. This upcoming week brings a big Section 4A game with the last year to year’s section runner up in Chisago Lakes before finishing up with another challenging game vs a traditional power in Hill Murray.
Class A Resume: Key Wins: #6 Orono & #13 CEC Key Losses: #1 Warroad OT, #2 Hawks, #4 EGF & #7 Delano OT
- Orono (2A) (12-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-1 #20 Southwest Christian/Richfield, W 6-3 Bloomington Jefferson
Upcoming Schedule: 1/24 vs St Cloud Public, 1/27 vs Waconia
The Spartans are banged up missing two top centers and a defenseman yet they keep finding ways to win to their credit. They were able to be a good #20 Southwest Christian/Richfield before dispatching of Jefferson to end the week. Was shocking to see Orono drop in the coaches poll as their Class A Resume has them firmly at #6 right now with no wins to any of the top 5 teams but no losses to any Class A teams below them. They play more games next week that won’t impact this ranking much when they take on St Cloud Public and Waconia next week as they look to get healthy before playoff time.
Class A Resume: Key Wins: #7 Delano, #8 NFLD, #9 Monti, #10 Alex, #15 LF, #20 SWC Key Losses #1 Warroad, #3 SCC & #5 Maht
- Delano (2A) (10-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 3-1 Hutchinson, L 1-2 Lakeville South
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 vs Litchfield Dassel Cokato, 1/25 @ Chaska, 1/27 vs Mound Westonka
The Tigers had a solid (.500) week as they were able to win the important game over Section 2A Hutchinson and then played Lakeville South tough but ending up dropping a one goal game to the Cougars which doesn’t really impact the Class A Rankings too much. The Tigers have an argument to be higher but they should not be any lower than #7 when looking at the Class A resume as they have more impressive wins within Class A than the Raiders and have no losses to teams ranked below them. This week they have a busy three game week with important 2A seeding games vs LDC and Mound Westonka as the highlight.
Class A Resume: Key Wins: #3 SCC & #5 Maht OT Key Losses: #1 Warroad, #2 Hawks, #4 EGF & #6 Orono
- Northfield (1A) (12-1-2)
Past Week Results: W 4-0 Rochester Mayo, W 4-0 Red Wing
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 vs Mankato East, 1/26 vs #3 St Cloud Cathedral
The Raiders did what they needed to do again this week much like Monticello below them Northfield is winning lots of games against a schedule that to this point does not have many ranked opponents on it. This week they took out 1 win Mayo and 3 win Red Wing which is all they can do. However, when looking at overall resume they lost the head to head to Orono and dont have nearly the same resume and they don’t have the high quality wins of Delano. They are for now a good fit at #8 in Class A. That all can change this week as they get a big chance to shake things up when they take on #3 St Cloud Cathedral in Youth Hockey Hub’s “Friday Night Ice” at the end of the week.
Class A Resume: Key Wins: #9 Monti & #17 Hibbing Key Loss: #6 Orono
- Monticello (5A) (14-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-1 Pine City, W 7-6 OT Chisago Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 @ Providence Academy, 1/25 @ Hutchinson
The Moose continue to just win games as they have now increased their win streak to ten straight games while it has come at the expense of not many ranked Class A teams. While the games themselves this week were not the prettiest the end results were the same as they found ways to win vs Pine City and Chisago Lakes which should all but secure a Mississippi 8 Conference Title for them. Now this upcoming week they have their toughest test in a long time as they take on a dangerous team in Providence Academy on the road before wrapping up the week at Hutchinson.
Class A Resume: Key Win: #15 LF Key Losses: #6 Orono & #8 NFLD
- Alexandria (6A) (7-8-1)
Past Week Results: W 3-2 Brainerd, L 0-4 Sartell
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 @ Willmar
The Cards played two CLC Conference games and went (.500) the results didn’t really help or hurt the Cards stock as far as Class A Rankings are concerned. They did start the week with a good comeback win over Brainerd but the momentum was quickly halted when they were shut down by Sartell at the end of the week. They are still (5-3-0) in Class A and right now look like the #1 seed and favorite to return to the Class A Tourney for the 3rd straight year. This week they can help that cause as they only have one game, a Section 6A match up with Willmar.
Class A Resume: Key wins: #15 LF (2nd meeting) & #16 NL Key Losses: #3 SCC, #6 Orono & #15 LF (1st meeting)
- Luverne (3A) (14-1-0)
Past Week Results: L 5-6 New Prague, W 6-2 New Ulm
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 @ Worthington, 1/26 @ #15 Little Falls, 1/27 @ Cambridge Isanti
Roll Cards Roll suffered their first loss of the year this week when they played a random neutral site game on Tuesday vs New Prague. In a thriller of a game Luverne was simply out scored by the Trojans in the end. However, to their credit they did not dwell on the loss and went into New Ulm and blew out the Eagles for the 2nd time this year to take a huge step forward in securing the #1 seed in 3A. Now they have their toughest test of the season as after a short trip to neighbor Worthington they head up to Central MN for a showdown with #15 Little Falls which should give us a better indication on where this team falls within the overall Class A Landscape.
Class A Resume: Key Win: #19 Dodge County Key losses- None in Class A
- Proctor (7A) (12-6-0)
Past Week Results: L 1-4 Rock Ridge
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 vs Ely, 1/26 @ Tartan
The Rails lost their only game of the week and a good contest with Rock Ridge. Proctor was right in the game until the end when the Wolverines were able to put empty net goals in to ice the game. Overall, the result like many for Class A teams this week is not one that hurts them or helps them much in these rankings. Overall the Rails have had a great year and the Class A resume has them just outside the Top 10. They should be able to get back on track this week as they have two very winnable games when they take on 7A Ely and struggling Tartan.
Class A Resume: Key Wins: #15 LF, #16 NL, #18 SWC Key Losses: #2 Hawks OT, #13 CEC, #17 Hibbing, #23 Breck
- Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (7A) (9-9-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-3 OT Grand Rapids, L 0-4 Holy Angels
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 vs Rock Ridge, 1/26 @ Bemidji
The Lumberjacks stock continues to fall as they dropped their 3rd game in row this past week and are (2-6-0) in their last 8 games. They were just a mere 40 seconds away from a big win over Grand Rapids before they unraveled and lost it quickly in OT and that was followed by a lackluster road loss to Holy Angels. They still have the best Class A resume of teams 8-25 as they are (3-2-0) with wins over #4 EGF, #12 Proctor and #15 Hibbing. The problem is they dont play many Class A games and with only one remaining all year vs #2 Hermantown they will be a tough team to rank but have shown they can win the Class A elite teams better than any other team down in this part of the ranking to keep them from falling too far. More AA action this week with Rock Ridge and Bemidji.
Class A Resume: Key Win: #4 EFG, #12 Proctor, #17 Hibbing Key losses- #3 SCC & #5 Maht
- Thief River Falls (8A) (10-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 14-0 Kittson County Central, W 6-2 #14 Little Falls, W 4-1 Fergus Falls
Upcoming Schedule: 1/25 vs Waseca, 1/26 vs Greenway, 1/27 vs #15 Hibbing/Chisholm
The Prowlers rebounded nicely from the rock bottom moment of their season last week. Thief River Falls for the first time all year finally got their full healthy lineup on the ice this week and they rattled off three straight wins and the offense got going as well as they blew out 8A KCC and then dominated #15 Little Falls before rolling by Fergus Falls to end the week. The Class A resume got a big boost and this is a team to watch as they will have three more games this week with the big showdown vs #17 Hibbing/Chisholm as one to watch next weekend.
Class A Resume: Key Win: #15 Little Falls, #25 DL Key Losses: #1 Warroad, #4 EGF, #16 NL Key Tie: #3 SCC
- Little Falls (5A) (12-6-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-2 #16 Northern Lakes, L 2-6 #17 Thief River Falls, W 4-1 Crookston
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 @ #3 St Cloud Cathedral, 1/26 vs #11 Luverne
The Flyers had another up and down week to right at #15 this week in Class A. They started the week on a great note and they controlled the game vs #16 Northern Lakes through and picked up a nice convincing win. However, they finished the week on a less than stellar note as they were blown out at home by #14 Thief River Falls and then struggled to pull away from Crookston. Now they have a big week as they take on Section 5A Rival #3 St Cloud Cathedral before finishing up by hosting #11 Luverne which should be a great barometer Class A Ranking game.
Class A Resume: Spilt #10 Alex Key Win: #16 NL, #17 Hibbing Key Losses: #6 Orono, #9 Monti, #12 Proctor & #14 TRF
- Northern Lakes (6A) (11-5-0)
Past Week Results: L 2-5 #15 Little Falls, 7-6 River Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: Idle
The Lightning had a disappointing week overall as they were thoroughly outplayed on the road to start vs #15 Little Falls and were unable to get much done as they fell to a better Flyers team. They did rebound with a win but it was not easy vs River Lakes as they needed all 51 minutes in a defense optional track meet game where they scored the game winning goal in the last 20 seconds of the game. The win is nice but the stock did take a hit this week a bit. This is still a very good team with a week off to hopefully get more healthy before they return to the ice with a bid road trip to ranked Cathedral on tap in two weeks.
Class A Resume: Key wins: #14 TRF & #18 SWC Key Losses: #3 SCC, #12 Proctor, #10 Alex, #15 LF
- Hibbing/Chisholm (7A) (11-7-0)
Past Week Result: L 1-8 #2 Hermantown, W 5-0 North Shore
Upcoming Schedule: 1/22 vs Duluth Marshall, 1/25 vs Superior, 1/26 vs Crookston, 1/27 @ #17 Thief River Falls
Hibbing had two important 7A games this week and did about as expected. They started the week by going into the angry Hawk nest and got routed by Class A’s #2 team but this young group’s credit they were resilient and bounced back to pick up a needed win over the presumed Section 7A #5 seed in North Shore on the road to end the week. The overall Class A resume lacks a lot of big wins besides the road win over #12 Proctor but they still appear to be in line for the 7A #3 seed and could make a run come section time. In a weird scheduling situation after taking a full week off previously they now are going to cram in four games this week with a long road trip to #17 Thief River Falls at the end of their very busy week.
Class A Resume: Key wins: #12 Proctor Key Losses: #2 Hawks, #8 NFLD, #13 CEC & #15 LF
- Southwest Christian/Richfield (4A) (11-5-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-2 Litchfield Dassel Cokato, L 1-3 #6 Orono, W 4-2 Breck
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 vs Mound Westonka, 1/25 @ Providence Academy, 1/27 vs St Paul Highland Park
The Stars had themselves a nice week as they were able to pick a good two wins which included a nice road victory over Breck, a team just outside the Top 20, to end the week. While they did drop a tough home contest to #6 Orono they still move up this week as they continue to build a nice Class A Resume and are looking more and more like the #2 seed in Section 4A. Another busy three game coming up with the game at Providence Academy being the big one to take note of but the 4A clash with St Paul Highland Park will be big for seeding purposes.
Class A Resume: Key wins: #19 DC, #21 MPLS, #23 Breck Key Losses: #6 Orono, #7 Delano, #12 Proctor, #16 NL
- Dodge County (1A) (13-6-0)
Past Week Results: W 9-0 South St Paul, W 4-1 Fergus Falls, W 4-2 Detroit Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 vs Mankato West
The Wildcats come crashing into the Top 20 this week as they have now won 8 of their last 9 games and are red hot of late. They were able to get three more wins this week as they destroyed an improving South St Paul team and then took a northern swing and took down Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes to make the move into the Top 20 for the first time this year. Now things slow down a bit as they have just one game this week, a winnable one vs Mankato West and the high scoring Wildcats will look to stay hot at home.
Class A Resume: Key wins: #20 La Crescent, #25 DL Key Losses: #11 Luverne & #18 SWC
- La Crescent-Hokah (1A) (15-1-0)
Past Week Results: W 10-2 Faribault, W 5-2 Aquinas/Holmen (Wis.)
Upcoming Schedule: 1/23 vs Black River Falls (Wis.), 1/27 @ Fairmont
The Lancers are having an incredible year and at some point when you continue to win the games on your schedule you deserve some recognition. La Crescent moved into the Top 20 this week for the first time ever as they took down Faribault and Aquinas/Holmen and they now have 15 wins on the season. This is a great story in Class A and they should continue to rack up wins this week on their record setting season as they take Black River Falls this week before finishing up with a trip to Fairmont.
Class A Resume: Key wins: 15 wins in 16 games Key Losses: #19 DC
Next Five Notable Teams-
- Minneapolis (2A) (5-10-0)- The 612 crew picked up another win this week and they have now won two in a row after an extended losing streak. As said before Minneaplis should not be overlooked as while their record is ugly they are (5-3-0) within Class A and still control their destiny to be top three seed in an always tough Section 2A but they will need to win the head to head with Breck at the end of the week to keep it that way.
- Providence Academy (2A) (6-12-0)- The Lions showed again this week their inconsistencies as they lost a head stretching game to SPA but then turned around and won the all important 2nd meeting over Breck which should give them the #4 seed and home ice for the third matchup vs the Mustangs in the 2A QF Game. Now they can shake things up as they have games vs #9 Monticello and #18 SWC this week. Don’t be shocked to see Louie and the Lions pull a big upset or two by this time next week.
- Breck (2A) (11-8-1)- The Mustangs fell flat in their big week to move into the Top 20. They did start the week with a win but then dropped a crucial seed game to Providence Academy to possibly lose home ice come playoff time and then were beaten at home by #18 SWC to end the week. Now they have a must win vs Minneapolis in their only game of the week as if they lose that one they will be locked into the #5 seed in Section 2A.
- Red Lake Falls (8A) (11-3-0)- The Eagles have now won 5 in a row and deserve some mention this week as they were able to knock off Detroit Lakes this week and could have a very strong argument for the #4 seed in Section 8A come playoff time. They have played really well since returning from the cities over christmas time when they took 5th place at the Herb Brooks Classic. They control their fate now for home ice in the playoffs as they have rematches with their earlier 8A losses yet remaining and should look to continue their recent hot stretch looking forward.
- Detroit Lakes (8A) (9-8-1)- It was an ugly week for the Lakers as they may have lost home ice for the playoffs with an upset loss to Red Lake Falls and then dropped the finale of the week to Dodge County. They are now (2-4-1) in 2024 and will need to get their season turned around here fast as they are not trending in the right direction currently.
BHS Class A 2023-24 Section Break Downs Week #9 (1/21/24)
Section 1A Rankings (1/21/24)
1- Northfield (12-1-2)
2- Dodge County (13-6-0)
3- La Crescent-Hokah (15-1-0)
4- Winona (10-4-0)
5- Albert Lea (8-8-1)
6- Rochester Lourdes (6-11-0)
7- Waseca (9-7-0)
8- Faribault (6-10-0)
9- Austin (4-13-0)
10- Red Wing (3-13-1)
Section 1A Outlook- Northfield got Section 1A win over Red Wing this week. Dodge County picked up three wins outside the section this week. La Crescent kept winning and picked up a 1A win over Faribault this week. Winona also beat the Falcons this week. Albert Lea got a 1A in over Austin and Rochester Lourdes picked up a big 1A win over Waseca this week.
Section 2A Rankings (1/21/24)
1- Orono (12-5-0)
2- Delano (10-6-1)
3- Minneapolis (6-10-0)
4- Providence Academy (6-12-0)
5- Breck (11-8-1)
6- Mound Westonka (7-9-1)
7- Hutchinson (4-10-2)
8- Litchfield Dassel-Cokato (3-13-1)
Section 2A Outlook- Orono had another two win week outside of the section. Delano was able to pick up the 2A head to head win over Hutchinson. Minneapolis won their only game outside the section. Providence Academy picked up the massive 2nd win in a season split with 2A Breck. Mound Westonka got a nice 2A win over Litchfield Dassel-Cokato to end the week.
Section 3A Rankings (1/21/24)
1- Luverne (14-1-0)
2- New Ulm (12-4-0)
3- Mankato East (8-8-1)
4- Mankato West (6-9-2)
5- Minnesota River (9-5-0)
6- Marshall (9-9-0)
7- Worthington (3-10-0)
8- Windom (4-14-0)
9- Fairmont (2-17-0)
10- Redwood Valley (0-16-0)
Section 3A Outlook- Luverne got the season sweep over 3A New Ulm this week. Mankato East got the big head to head 3A win over Minnesota River. Mankato West went winless outside of the section. Marshall got a 3A win over winless Redwood Valley. Worthington picked up a big head to head 3A win over Windom but the Eagles were able to get a 3A win over Fairmont to not drop too far down in the section rankings.
Section 4A Rankings (1/21/24)
1- Mahtomedi (7-9-0)
2- Southwest Christian (11-5-0)
3- Chisago Lakes (8-9-0)
4- South St Paul (6-10-0)
5- St Paul Highland Park (8-9-0)
6- St Paul Academy (5-11-0)
7- Simley (3-14-1)
8- Bloomington Kennedy (4-12-0)
Section 4A Outlook- Mahtomedi lost their only game of the week outside the section. Southwest Christian went (2-1-0) outside the section. Chisago Lakes & Bloomington Kennedy went (.500) outside the section and St Paul Academy picked up two wins in non section action. South St Paul, St Paul Highland Park & Simley all went winless on the week.
Section 5A Rankings (1/21/24)
1- St Cloud Cathedral (13-4-1)
2- Monticello (14-2-0)
3- Little Falls (12-6-0)
4- Princeton (9-8-1)
5- River Lakes (8-7-2)
6- Pine City (8-10-0)
7- Sauk Rapids (7-8-3)
8- Becker/Big Lake (8-6-0)
9- Mora/Milaca (10-8-1)
Section 5A Outlook-. St Cloud Cathedral picked up a 5A blow out over Princeton this week. Monticello earned the 5A sweep of Pine City but the Dragons picked up the needed 2nd win in a season split with 5A Becker/Big Lake. Little Falls went (2-1-0) outside the section. River Lakes went (.500) in non section games and Mora/Milaca and Sauk Rapids skated to a 5A tie this week.
Section 6A Rankings (1/21/24)
1- Alexandria (7-8-1)
2- Northern Lakes (11-5-0)
3- Fergus Falls (5-11-0)
4- Willmar (5-11-1)
5- Morris Benson (8-8-0)
6- Prairie Centre (5-11-1)
7- Breckenridge/Wahpeton (5-11-0)
8- Wadena Deer Creek (3-11-0)
Section 6A Outlook- Alexandria went (.500) outside the section in CLC Conference action. Northern Lakes also went (.500) outside the section. Fergus Falls got swept in a weekend series vs teams outside the section. Willmar had a big week picking up 6A wins over both Wadena Deer Creek & Morris Benson. Breckenridge/Wahpeton had a good (2-1-0) week outside the section as they continue to improve while Prairie Centre went winless on the week in non section action
Section 7A Rankings (1/21/24)
1- Hermantown (11-4-2)
2- Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (9-9-0)
3- Hibbing (11-7-0)
4- Proctor (12-6-0)
5- North Shore (7-7-2)
6- Ely (12-7-0)
7- International Falls (4-10-1)
8- Greenway (2-13-2)
9- Moose Lake (5-11-0)
Section 7A Outlook- Hermantown picked up a rout over 7A Hibbing/Chisholm but the Bluejackets did rebound to pick up a 7A win over North Shore to end the week. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton lost two more games outside the section to AA teams and Proctor also lost their only game outside the section to a AA team. Ely got the season sweep of 7A International Falls but the Broncos rebounded to pick up a big 7A win over Greenway. Moose Lake went (1-2-0) in games outside the section this week.
Section 8A Rankings (1/21/24)
1- Warroad (15-3-0)
2- East Grand Forks (12-5-1)
3- Thief River Falls (10-6-1)
4- Red Lake Falls (11-3-0)
5- Detroit Lakes (9-8-1)
6- Park Rapids (10-3-3)
7- Crookston (8-7-0)
8- Lake of the Woods (11-5-0)
9- Bagley/Fosston (5-11-0)
10- Kittson County Central (2-17-0)
Section 8A Outlook- Warroad won their only game of the week outside the section. East Grand Forks went unbeaten outside the section as well. Thief River Falls rebounded with a big three win week which included an 8A win over Kittson County Central. Red Lake Falls picked up a massive 8A win over Detroit Lakes. Crookston & Lake of the Woods both picked up 8A wins over Bagley/Fosston. Park Rapids now has a 12 game unbeaten streak as they won more games outside the section this week.