WCH Top Ten
Last week's ranking in parenthesis
1. Wayzata (1)
2. Edina (2)
3. Eden Prairie (3)
4. St. Thomas Academy (8)
5. Burnsville (4)
6. Benilde-St. Margaret's (10)
7. Duluth East (6)
8. Apple Valley (5)
9. Maple Grove (NR)
10. Minnetonka (9)
Key Results: Edina def. Burnsville 5-4, Eden Prairie def. Apple Valley 6-3, Benilde def. Hill-Murray 3-1, Wayzata def. Duluth East 2-1 (OT)
Comments: Wayzata and Edina hang on to the top two spots by pulling out some close one-goal games against very good teams. Eden Prairie has been impressive, but not quite against the same competition. St. Thomas makes a big move up as some of the other big schools knock each other off. Minnetonka hasn't been impressive, but has won both of their games.
The most touching hockey story of the week came in last Saturday's game between Elk River and Anoka. Prior to the game, Anoka held a small ceremony for former Elk River Blue Line president Jon McLaughlin, who died unexpectedly this past August. McLaughlin grew up playing hockey in Anoka, and his brother is an assistant coach at Anoka. Elk River ended up winning the game 5-4 in overtime. The overtime goal was the first career varsity goal for McLaughlin's oldest son, Jered.
Games of the Week
Cretin-Derham Hall at Duluth Central, Tuesday 7:30pm Amsoil Arena
Tickets are going to be hard to come by when Minnesota-Duluth plays their first ever game at Amsoil Arena later this month against North Dakota. For fans that don't want to wait, here's an opportunity to get into the new arena for a game at a much cheaper price.
Blaine at #9 Maple Grove, Thursday 7:30pm, Maple Grove Community
Normally I'd advise staying away from Maple Grove at all costs during the holiday shopping season, but this game is too good to pass up. The winner becomes the early favorite in Section 5AA this year.
#10 Minnetonka at Eagan, Saturday 7:15 Eagan Arena
Results so far this year have me leaning towards thinking that I overrated Minnetonka, while vastly underrating Eagan. This game should put that theory to the test.
Did you know Eagan once considered itself the Onion Capital of the United States back in the 1880s? Then they became the proud home of Northwest Airlines. Now I bet they wish they could go back to the onion thing.