It was a chaotic week within Class A and in the end going back to an old reliable program at #1 with some new faces entering the lower part of the Top 10. Week #8 Rankings Below:
1. Hermantown (9-4-3)
Past Week Results: T 3-3 OT #17 Proctor, W 6-0 #5 St Cloud Cathedral, W 4-1 #3 Warroad
Upcoming Schedule: 1/17 @ #4 Hibbing/Chisholm, 1/18 vs Shakopee
The Hawks had the alarm bells go off to start the week when they let a three goal lead slip away vs Proctor and had to settle for a tie at home. However, maybe it was the wake up call this group needed as they then went and made a statement beating both Cathedral and Warroad by multiple goals to send the message they are still a force in Class A. They have not lost to a Class A team yet this year and with all the chaos this week will place them back up here for now but they will be tested immediately with the big YHH Friday Night Ice Game vs Hibbing on the docket this week.
2. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (13-2-0)
Past Week Results: W 3-2 Duluth Marshall, L 1-2 OT Sartell
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ Grand Rapids, 1/17 @ #13 Orono
The Lumberjacks had a decent week as they beat a Duluth Marshall squad that has given many in Class A trouble to start the week. However, a loss to Sartell on their Hockey Day was less than inspiring. Will give them the benefit of the doubt that it was a game on outdoor ice which is a huge variable to take into account. They are one of three remaining teams that has yet to lose a Class A game this year so they hold steady at thai spot but they will have a major test with a trip to Orono at the end of next week.
3. Warroad (10-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 2-1 Roseau, W 9-1 Crookston, L 1-4 #1 Hermantown
Upcoming Schedule: 1/16 @ #8 East Grand Forks, 1/18 vs West Fargo Sheyenne (ND)
The Warriors started the week well taking down Roseau and Crookston but they had their recent hot streak snapped by Hermantown at home to end the week. Overall, they have been playing good hockey and the game vs the aforementioned Hawks was an excellent Class A game. They move up this week with all the chaotic results around them but they will have this tested immediately as they have the first of two big matchups vs EGF this coming week with seeding implications on the line.
4. Hibbing/Chisholm (10-6-0)
Past Week Results: W 4-1 #15 Northern Lakes, L 3-5 Spring Lake Park/Coon Rapids, L 1-4 Grand Rapids
Upcoming Schedule: 1/17 vs #1 Hermantown
Hibbing exhibited some growing pains this week. They opened their tough three games in three night stretch well as they blew open the game in the middle frame vs Northern Lakes to add another good Class A win to the resume. However, it was not pretty after that as they fell flat vs SLP/CR and lost a third period lead in a game you just can’t lose at home. They then got taken down by a strong Grand Rapids to end the weekend. The talent is there but consistency has not been so far but they can wash away all that disappointment with a good showing this week as they get their shot at #1 Hermantown on their home ice under the spotlight of YHH Friday Night Ice.
5. St Cloud Cathedral (8-6-2)
Past Week Results: L 1-3 #9 Little Falls, L 0-6 #1 Hermantown, W 2-1 #6 Monticello
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ #15 Northern Lakes, 1/17 @ Holy Family
The Crusaders had a chaotic week that produced an upset loss to Little Falls where the Flyers goalie stole the show. Then they inexplicably started the backup goalie at Hermantown and got rocked despite outshooting the Hawks. Then they came home and of course knocked off the unbeaten Moose for their biggest win of the season. The record is ugly but they will slot in here for now and they have another tough week ahead with trips to ranked Northern Lakes and Holy Family.
6. Monticello (13-1-1)
Past Week Results: W 5-0 Becker/Big Lake, W 7-1 Cambridge-Isanti, L 1-2 #5 St. Cloud Cathedral
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ Pine City, 1/16 vs #20 Chisago Lakes
The Moose suffered their first loss of the week and it was a painful one for not only their Section 5A Seeding but also in these rankings as all the teams ahead of them have a win or tie vs SCC on the year. The loss also exposes the one flaw of Monticello and that is if they get in a hole early do they have enough offense to dig out of it. That will be a question for them to answer as we move later into the season but for now they will look to get back on track this week with some Mississippi 8 Conference action upcoming.
7. Northfield (10-2-1)
Past Week Results: W 3-0 Owatonna
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 vs Rochester Mayo, 1/18 @ Red Wing
Northfield cruised to another win in their only action of the week as they took down Owatonna with ease. The Raiders just continue to rack up wins in the Big Nine Conference and that theme should only continue this week as they have two more conference opponents both of which should not pose much of a challenge but the game with Red Wing will be important for Section 1A seeding purposes down the road.
8. East Grand Forks (7-6-1)
Past Week Results: W 1-0 #18 Detroit Lakes
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ Roseau, 1/16 vs #3 Warroad, 1/17 vs Wayzata
Here comes the Greenwave? After a win over Detroit Lakes this week, to avenge their worst loss of the early part of their season, they’re continuing play well of late; as they are (5-1-1) in their last 7 games and both PageStat and the Coaches Poll have forgiven them for their early season overtime loss to Delano, so it feels time to move them past the Tigers. The ultimate test of their recent good play comes this Thursday, the first of two with 8A rival Warroad, but first they have to contend with the Rams and they also will have a visit from the tough Trojans to make this a challenging overall week.
9. Little Falls (7-4-1)
Past Week Results: W 3-1 #5 St Cloud Cathedral, L 4-7 Duluth Denfeld, W 3-2 OT #17 Proctor
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 vs #21 Alexandria, 1/17 @ #22 Thief River Falls, 1/18 @ Crookston
The Flyers had a good week overall as they picked up two Top 20 Class A wins with the upset over Cathedral being an eye opener to start the week. They did fall to Denfeld with the backup goalie in net but they rebounded with a good win over Proctor. This team is all over the map but they move into the Top 10 due to the others around them just not winning and have wins over the Crusaders and Orono make them sit here for now. Big week ahead as all three games will be tough for a team that just doesn’t score much.
10. Waseca (13-0-1)
Past Week Results: W 6-0 Red Wing, W 5-4 Minnesota River, W 15-0 Worthington
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ New Prague, 1/16 @ Rochester Lourdes, 1/18 vs #16 Luverne
Yes I know this is a stretch but with everyone else to possibly put here losing games why not give Class A’s last unbeaten team some love. Waseca continued to do what they should be doing with their schedule and that’s beating the teams they should beat. They did get pushed a little by Minnesota River but overall it’s been smooth sailing. Now this week will serve up the best test yet for this young Bluejays crew as they take on a decent New Prague crew before a big Section 1A game with Lourdes team and then finish up with a Big South Conference rematch with ranked Luverne.
11. Delano (6-8-0)
Past Week Results: W 5-4 Chanhassen, L 2-8 Lakeville South
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 vs Southwest Christian/Richfield, 1/16 vs #14 Minneapolis, 1/18 vs Hutchinson
Delano was able to start their week by battling back to end their losing skid in a win over Chanhassen, however, any positive vibes were quickly erased as they were blown out by Lakeville South on the road to end the week. Now they get back to Class A competition this week, as a reminder, the Tigers only have losses to solid AA teams and Class A teams ranked ahead of them. The game vs Minneapolis this week sticks out as a big one and I am holding off on moving this team dramatically until after next week.
12. Mahtomedi (4-9-1)
Past Week Results: L 0-3 Minnetonka
Upcoming Schedule: 1/15 vs South St Paul, 1/16 @ St Thomas Academy, 1/18 @ Two Rivers
The Zephyrs got shut out by Minnetonka in their only action this week, which surprisingly despite their anemic offense, averaging only two goals a game, was the first time they were held scoreless on the year. So hard to rank this team as they have been competitive with all the Top 10 in Class A but the overall record is getting uglier by the week due to a much tougher SOS than most in Class A. A reprieve with a game vs Section 4A South St Paul before more AA games this coming week.
13. Orono (8-6-2)
Past Week Results: W 4-2 New Prague
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 vs Chaska, 1/17 vs #2 Cloquet/Esko/Carlton
The Spartans took care of business this week in their first Metro West Conference game of the year as they beat New Prague in their only game action. Orono is the middle ground of these rankings; they played just about every team in the Class A Top 15 and are pretty solid at this spot in the rankings based on their wins, losses and ties. They have another Metro West Conference game vs a struggling Chaska group before they welcome in Cloquet/Esko/Carlton to end the week, the last time a ranked Section 7A team visited they shocked many in Class A with an upset win and they will look to do the same against Lumberjacks this coming week.
14. Minneapolis (8-3-3)
Past Week Results: Idle
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 vs Holy Angels, 1/16 @ #11 Delano
The 612 crew took a week hiatus after suffering their first losing streak of the year in the previous week. Now they will come out of their mini midseason break with two stiff tests as they will take on a very good Holy Angels club before heading to Delano for a big time Section 2A showdown and yet another chance for Minneapolis to get that marquee Class A win their resume lacks at the moment.
15. Northern Lakes (8-4-0)
Past Week Results: W 2-0 Superior, L 1-4 #4 Hibbing/Chisholm, W 5-2 Duluth Marshall
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 vs #5 St Cloud Cathedral, 1/16 @ #19 River Lakes, 1/18 @ #21 Alexandria
The Lightning had a solid week which started by downing Superior (Wis.) and while they fell to Hibbing the road they rebounded with their best win of the year taking down a Duluth Marshall team that has played many of the Top 20 in Class A to reaffirm their credentials here. They now have their toughest week of the season as they take on three straight Top 25 Class A teams with the finale at Alexandria most likely determining who is the #1 seed in Section 6A come playoff time.
16. Luverne (12-2-1)
Past Week Results: W 9-0 Fairmont, W 3-2 OT Albert Lea, W 3-0 Mankato East
Upcoming Schedule: 1/16 vs Redwood Valley, 1/8 @ #10 Waseca
Roll Cards Roll continued a quality run with three more wins this week which included a big one over Mankato East to end the week, which will boost their Section Seeding stock, and they took care of two other opponents who they should be beating as well. Not all was good though as they lost their leading scorer to injury and his health will be critical moving forward. This week presents the big rematch with Waseca to end the week which should be an excellent game.
17. Proctor (8-7-1)
Past Week Results: T 3-3 OT #1 Hermantown, L 2-3 OT #9 Little Falls
Upcoming Schedule: 1/16 @ Rock Ridge
The Rails had a great start to the week as they shocked many in Class A as they dug out of a three goal deficit and tied Hermantown on the road. However, they failed to build on that momentum as they were on the other side of the coin to end the week when they blew a two goal late and then fell in overtime against Little Falls. No relief this week as they have a very tough game against a red hot Rock Ridge squad.
18. Detroit Lakes (7-6-1)
Past Week Results: L 0-1 #8 East Grand Forks, W 8-1 #24 Sauk Rapids
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 vs Red Lake Falls, 1/16 vs Brainerd
The Lakers dropped a tough one at home to East Grand Forks to begin the week which really hurts for playoff positioning as the winner of the second game in season split generally gets the nod for the higher seed. They did show some life to end the week as they blew out a decent Sauk Rapids team on the road to end the week to break out of their twoo week offensive funk. Now they have a big game vs Red Lake Falls as the Eagles are a dangerous 8A team that the Lakers need a win as it will be their final section game of the year and a win should secure a top three seed.
19. River Lakes (10-3-2)
Past Week Results: W 8-2 Willmar, L 4-5 OT #24 Sauk Rapids, W 5-4 Princeton
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, 1/16 vs #15 Northern Lakes
The Stars started the week well blowing by Willmar but the upset loss at home to Section 5A Sauk Rapids midweek could be killer come seeding time as losing the 2nd game of a season split usually means a lower position. However, they can still win other 5A games left like the important one they got over Princeton the next night to control their fate for home ice in the Quarterfinals. This week they have a game they should win vs LDC before a very good test vs Northern Lakes to end the week.
20. Chisago Lakes (8-4-2)
Past Week Results: W 8-0 Southwest Christian/Richfield, W 8-2 Princeton, T 2-2 OT St Paul Highland Park
Upcoming Schedule: 1/14 @ Cambridge-Isanti, 1/16 @ #6 Monticello
The Wildcats looked to be moving up in the rankings this week after good showings against Southwest Christian/Richfield and Princeton, but the tie to St Paul Highland Park killed any momentum for Chisago Lakes. They have enough decent wins to stay afloat here for now, but this bears watching. This week they have a big rematch with Monticello in a game they could really use a good showing in.
Next Five Notable Teams
Alexandria (6-6-0)- Alexandria just like they always do is off and running in the 2nd half of the season as they are now (4-0-0) post Christmas and this week they got a big Section 6A win over Fergus Falls and then the CLC sweep of Brainerd. Now playing their best hockey of the season the Cards will have a series of challenges this upcoming week with a trip to ranked Little Falls, a conference rematch with a solid Sartell and they end the week with the big rematch vs Northern Lakes and the winner most likely claiming the #1 seed in Section 6A
Thief River Falls (5-8-0)- The Prowlers had more up and down results this week which is a theme of their season. They did start the week on a good note by getting the sweep over Crookston which should give them the #4 seed in Section 8A. However, they wrapped up the week getting beat pretty handily by Grand Forks Red River, which isn’t a terrible result, but again they just can’t seem to put a good stretch of winning hockey together yet at this point.
Providence Academy (9-6-1)- The Lions continued their up and down play which is expected from a young group. They were able to get the key win over Breck to still have a firm grip on the #4 seed in Section 2A. However, they got blown out by Blake to end the week which again just seems like part of the growing pains for this group. This week is the big rematch with Breck and if they win that one they will lock up home ice for the 2A Quarterfinals.
Sauk Rapids-Rice (7-6-1)- The Storm have some serious warts on their resume like losses to Becker/Big Lake and Pine City. However, they have some quality wins over Thief River Falls, Fergus Falls and River Lakes and an impressive tie with Little Falls to help them slot in here for now. The week is a busy one with the important game being vs Mora/Milaca for 5A seeding purposes.
International Falls (10-3-0)- The Broncos are having a really good year and with everyone else in the portion of the rankings losing it felt like a good time to get them some recognition this week. International Falls is one of the traditional programs that demographics and population has changed the narrative of this one time powerhouse. They should only continue to win looking at their schedule and they are young so this could be a team to watch make a bigger jump next season.
Class A Section by Section Rankings Week #8
Section 1A Ranking (1/12/25)
1- Northfield Raiders (10-2-1)
2- Waseca Bluejays (13-0-1)
3- Dodge County Wildcats (6-7-0)
4- Albert Lea Tigers (8-5-0)
5- Rochester Lourdes Eagles (7-5-1)
6- Winona Winhawks (8-4-0)
7- Austin Packers (7-5-0)
8- La Crescent-Hokah Lancers (4-8-1)
9- Red Wing Wingers (1-13-2)
10 – Faribault Falcons (3-9-1)
1A Summary- Northfield won their only game of the week outside of the section. Waseca & Albert Lea got Section 1A wins over Red Wing but the Wingers did pick up a 1A win over Faribault. Rochester Lourdes got a Section 1A win over Winona but the Winhawks got a 1A win over Austin but the Packers got a 1A sweep of the Falcons. Dodge County got the Section 1A sweep of La Crescent-Hokah.
Section 2A Ranking (1/12/25)
1- Delano Tigers (6-8-0)
2- Orono Spartans (8-6-2)
3- Minneapolis (8-3-3)
4- Providence Academy Lions (9-6-1)
5- Breck Mustangs (3-9-0)
6- Litchfield Dassel Cokato Dragons (6-8-0)
7- Mound Westonka White Hawks (7-8-0)
8- Hutchinson Tigers (3-8-1)
2A Summary- Delano went (.500) outside of the section. Orono won their only game of the week outside of the section. Providence Academy got an important Section 2A win over Breck. Litchfield Dassel Cokato got the Section 2A win over Mound Westonka. Hutchinson had a tie in their only game outside of the section.
Section 3A Ranking (1/12/25)
1- Luverne Cardinals (12-2-1)
2- Mankato West Scarlets (4-8-1)
3- Mankato East Cougars (6-9-0)
4- Minnesota River Bulldogs (6-7-0)
5- New Ulm Eagles (8-6-0)
6- Marshall Tigers (5-11-0)
7- Windom Eagles (4-9-1)
8- Worthington Trojans (4-11-0)
9- Redwood Valley Cardinals (2-11-0)
10- Fairmont Cardinals (0-10-0)
3A Summary- Luverne got Section 3A wins over Mankato East & Fairmont this week. New Ulm beat both Redwood Valley & Marshall but the Tigers got a 3A win over Worthington. The Tojans did beat the Cardinals earlier in the week. Windom got a 3A win over RWV. Minnesota River went (2-1-0) outside of the section and Mankato West was idle this week.
Section 4A Ranking (1/12/25)
1- Mahtomedi Zephyrs (4-9-1)
2- Chisago Lakes Wildcats (8-4-2)
3- Southwest Christian/Richfield Stars (4-6-1)
4- St Paul Academy Spartans (3-8-0)
5- Simley Spartans (7-7-0)
6- South St Paul Packer (4-8-1)
7- St. Paul Highland Park Scots (4-9-1)
8- Bloomington Kennedy Eagles (1-12-0)
4A Summary- Mahtomedi lost their only game outside of the section. Chisago Lakes got Section 4A wins over Southwest Christian/Richfield and 4A tie with St Paul Highland. Simley got Section 4A wins over the Scots and South St Paul. St Paul Academy & Bloomington Kennedy both went winless outside of the section.
Section 5A Ranking (1/12/25)
1- St Cloud Cathedral Crusaders (8-6-2)
2- Monticello Moose (13-1-1)
3- Little Falls Flyers (7-4-1)
4- Pine City Dragons (8-5-1)
5- Sauk Rapids Storm (7-6-1)
6- River Lakes Stars (10-3-2)
7- Princeton Tigers (4-10-0)
8- Becker/Big Lake Eagles (2-9-2)
9- Mora/Milaca Mustangs (5-10-0)
5A Summary- Little Falls got Section 5A wins over St Cloud Cathedral but the Crusaders got a 5A win over Monticello. Sauk Rapids got the huge 2nd win of a 5A season split with River Lakes but the Stars did rebound to get a 5A win over Princeton. Pine City went .500 outside of the section and Becker/Big Lake & Mora/Milaca both went winless outside of the section.
Section 6A Ranking (1/12/25)
1- Northern Lakes Lightning (8-4-0)
2- Alexandria Cardinals (6-6-0)
3- Fergus Falls Otters (8-6-0)
4- Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades (6-9-1)
5- Willmar Cardinals (6-9-0)
6- Prairie Centre North Stars (8-5-0)
7- Morris/Benson Storm (4-11-0)
8- Wadena Deer Creek Wolverines (3-8-0)
6A Summary- Northern Lakes went (2-1-0) outside of the section. Alexandria got a Section 6A win over Fergus Falls. Breckenridge/Wahpeton & Prairie Centre both got 6A wins over Morris/Benson. Willmar and the Blades both got Section 6A wins over Wadena Deer Creek which makes the above ranking feel solid as of 1/12/25.
Section 7A Ranking (1/12/25)
1- Cloquet/Esko/Carlton Lumberjacks (13-2-0)
2- Hermantown Hawks (9-4-3)
3- Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets (10-6-0)
4- Proctor Rails (8-7-1)
5- International Falls Broncos (10-3-0)
6- Moose Lake Rebels (7-6-0)
7- Greenway Raiders (5-6-0)
8- North Shore Storm (5-11-0)
9- Ely Timberwolves (3-10-0)
7A Summary- Hermantown & Proctor skated to a Section 7A tie. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton went (1-1-0), Hibbing/Chisholm went (1-2-0) & International Falls went (2-0-0) outside of the section. Greenway got a needed 7A win over North Shore. Moose Lake & Ely both went winless outside of the section.
Section 8A Ranking (1/12/25)
1- Warroad Warriors (10-4-1)
2- East Grand Forks Greenwave (7-6-1)
3- Detroit Lakes Lakers (7-6-1)
4- Thief River Falls Prowlers (5-8-0)
5- Crookston Pirates (8-6-1)
6- Red Lake Falls Eagles (13-3-0)
7- Bagley/Fosston Eagles (8-6-0)
8- Kittson County Central Bearcats (5-7-1)
9- Park Rapids Panthers (4-10-0)
10- Lake of the Woods Bears (1-12-0)
8A Summary-Warroad & Thief River Falls both got Section 8A wins over Crookston.East Grand Forks picked up the important 2nd win of 8A season split with Detroit Lakes. Red Lake Falls got Section 8A wins over Kittson Central & Park Rapids. Bagley/Fosston picked up two wins outside the section and Lake of the Woods went winless outside the section.
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