The Red Raiders were themselves raped and pillaged, by a hoard of Wildcats. St Ignatuis expertly dismantled the Raiders in a commanding 4-0 shut out on the 26th. This game you would have thought was an Ignatius home game. The Wildcats have heaping loads of winning tradition and fan base. While the Wildcats now have a firm grip on the Red Norths regular season title, I still believe the Red Raiders have it in them to unseat the Wildcats. The Raiders keep improving and learning at every turn, and when these two face each in likely district play it will be some game.
Walsh has the commanding lead on the side. With 49 goals for and 11 against in league play, Walsh is the Dominate #1 team in Cleveland.
Northwest Ohio finds the number one team in the state, Toledo St. Johns prepairing for district play and their run for another State Title. The hands down favorite Titans have yet to play to their full potential. League nemesis Sylvania Northview heads in to this weekend reeling after near loss to Bowling Green. The Bobcats, the states team of record, have not been the same since the early 90's but they are not down, and not out. They were trailing the Wildcats 3-1 heading in the the thrid where the Bobcats struck quickly and tied up the game. Pushing the Wildcats into a corner. A physical contest and very heated. Then at the sound of the final horn, the Wildcats up 5-3, a bit of fisticuffs broke out. Leaving Sylvania down 3 players heading in to this weekends wrap up of league play. 1 player is done for the season having had his final DQ. Odds are the Trojans will take down the Wildcats when they face off at the Cube this weekend. A team to watch, that is heating up, is Bowling Green. Fausnaugh faced 50+ shots in this game, and if he gets rolling, could be a Nate Gay second coming. Which when you add in the developing fire power up front, you end up with Bobcat contenders.
Rankings 1-29-13
1. Toledo St. Johns Titans (22-8-0, GF 141, GA 52)
2. Walsh Jesuit (7-1-1 49 Gf, GA 11)
3. St. Ignatius ( 20-6-3 GF 105, GA 53)
4. Olentangy Orange (26-5-0 GF 160, GA 51)
5. Shaker Heights Red Raiders (19-4-0 GF 111 GA 34)
6. Sylvania Northview (18-7-0 GF 110, GA 51)
7. Olentangy Liberty
8. Hudson
Raw Rankings
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Shaker Heights
3. St. Ignatius
4. Walsh
5. Sylvania Northview
Last week
1. Toledo St Johns Titans
2. Shaker Heights Red Raiders
3. Hudson
4. Olentangy Orange
5. Walsh Jesuit
6. St. Ignatius
7 . Sylvania Northview
8. Olentangy Liberty.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Orange rolls on
Olentangy Orange just keeps on rolling down in the Capital Conference. Orange squared off against Olentangy Liberty and Findlay on January 8th and 9th. Orange Pioneers rolled past Capital Conference foe, rival and would be front running Liberty in a 1-0 game. The next night the Pioneers battled with Northwest Ohio's Findlay Trojans. Where they won the 2-1 contest.
The Pioneers are the defending Capital Conference Champions and have a solid grip on a repeat effort.
In Cleveland on the 23rd Lake Catholic downs University School 3-2 in overtime.
Walsh Jesuit wins handily over Holly Name 4-1
Looking at the way State is shaping up, I thought it might be fun to look at what the line could be right now on the State High School Championship. I was unable to find any line on High School hockey so, based on historic performance and current trending this seems reasonable.
Toledo St. Johns 3/1
Shaker Red Raiders 7/1
Walsh Jesuit 8/1
St. Ignatius 12/1
Olentangy Orange 31/1
Sylvania Northview 14/1
Hudson 25/1
Olentangy Liberty 50/1
University School 30/1
Rocky River 24/1
The Pioneers are the defending Capital Conference Champions and have a solid grip on a repeat effort.
In Cleveland on the 23rd Lake Catholic downs University School 3-2 in overtime.
Walsh Jesuit wins handily over Holly Name 4-1
Looking at the way State is shaping up, I thought it might be fun to look at what the line could be right now on the State High School Championship. I was unable to find any line on High School hockey so, based on historic performance and current trending this seems reasonable.
Toledo St. Johns 3/1
Shaker Red Raiders 7/1
Walsh Jesuit 8/1
St. Ignatius 12/1
Olentangy Orange 31/1
Sylvania Northview 14/1
Hudson 25/1
Olentangy Liberty 50/1
University School 30/1
Rocky River 24/1
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Competitive Ballance & Private Vs Public Schools.
There has been a lot going on about Private Schools Vs. Public Schools where Ohio State Championships are the topic of conversation. There should be. The Reality is when you take a school that has open access to entire regions population, and in some cases the whole of the USA. Then have those teams squaring off against teams created out of the population of 5 square miles you will not be able to reach any kind of balance. Private schools are supposed to be better, in academics, college placements and athletics. Public schools are handicapped by every thing from the Federal to the grossly over funded state pension plans, that not only take money from education, but athletics and all after school enrichment programs.
I am not going to attempt, to tread on any topic other than Ice Hockey. Hockey, is what I write about. Competitive balance in ice hockey in Ohio is far more close than not. Again the steps that need to be taken are straight forward.
1. Ohio High School hockey needs to Join USA hockey.
2. Establish TWO (2) Championship levels. AA and A Where by the teams in the AA level would or should include. Toleod St. Johns, Toledo St. Francis, Sylvania Northview, Bowling Green, Findlay, Anthony Wayne ( a stretch they need to take), Walsh, Shaker Heights, Rocky River, St. Ed's, Gilmour, Universty School, Strongsvill, Lake Cathloic, St.Ignatius, Mentor, Padua, Holly Name, Hudson, Olentange Libery, Olentangy Orange, Dubline Jerome, Dublin Coffman, Upper Arlington, Cincinati Moeller.
Two Divisions Red and Blue the look would be
Red:
1. Toledo St. Johns, 2. Walsh, 3. University School, 4. Shaker heights, 5. Olentangy Liberty, 6. lake Cathloic, 7. Strongsville, 8. Dublin Jerome,9. Findlay, 10. St. Eds, 11. Upper Arlington 12. St Francis
Blue
1. Sylvania Northview 2. St. Ignatius, 3. Bowling Green, 4. Anthonywayne, 5. Rocky River, 6. Olentangy Orange, 7. Hudson, 8. Dublin Coffmann, 9. Mentor, 10. Padua, 11. Holly Name, 12. Gilmour 13 Cincinati Moeller.
The season should consist of two starting tournaments. Where by Red and Blue would each face other, in some random selection. Then League play where each team, in each league would play each team once. Followed by 5 cross division games. Then each division would play a play off to determine rank. Following the playoff the teams who finish #1&2 each receive first round byes. Teams finishing #1 will remain as host teams, #2 teams will be placed in the other divisions brackets as #2 seeds. Then those teams ranked 3-8 will be placed in round 2 brackets. Teams 9-12 will be placed into round 1 play in brackets where the winners of those games will play teams Ranked 1 and 2 in round two. All teams that finish in blue ranked 3-8 are placed in the blue bowl, all Red teams 3-8 are in the red bowl, each bracket in round two consists of one red, and one blue drawn randomly. Teams will then commence playing down until the final team from either side is remaining for championship. Where by said Champion would be eligible for the USA hockey High School Championships and represent Ohio.
As far as a few other tweaks go, for hockey, it is only fair to allow any student who so transfers from any none AA school to a AA to be allowed to play imitatively if that transfer is completed prior to the start of the academic school year.
That any student who so transfers from a AA Public to a AA private, or AA private to a Public be forced to sit out one full season unless that transfer takes place prior to his Freshman year, but not applying should the student transfer from AA to A or A to AA ever in any circumstance.
That at the conclusion of every season, AA teams must declair their intent to return to AA, that any A team may apply for AA status.
That a board of Governors be established and its membership be maintained as 4 head coaches from each division. That said board may vote to remove any team from AA for lack of performance. That said board would also server as a Rules committee considering their understanding and love of the game.
Hockey is unique among all sports. Ohio Hockey has not been modernized since the 80's. This lack of attention has had negative impacts on our student athletes. Its time to make some sweeping changes, and adaptions to achieve competitive balance in hockey.
I am not going to attempt, to tread on any topic other than Ice Hockey. Hockey, is what I write about. Competitive balance in ice hockey in Ohio is far more close than not. Again the steps that need to be taken are straight forward.
1. Ohio High School hockey needs to Join USA hockey.
2. Establish TWO (2) Championship levels. AA and A Where by the teams in the AA level would or should include. Toleod St. Johns, Toledo St. Francis, Sylvania Northview, Bowling Green, Findlay, Anthony Wayne ( a stretch they need to take), Walsh, Shaker Heights, Rocky River, St. Ed's, Gilmour, Universty School, Strongsvill, Lake Cathloic, St.Ignatius, Mentor, Padua, Holly Name, Hudson, Olentange Libery, Olentangy Orange, Dubline Jerome, Dublin Coffman, Upper Arlington, Cincinati Moeller.
Two Divisions Red and Blue the look would be
Red:
1. Toledo St. Johns, 2. Walsh, 3. University School, 4. Shaker heights, 5. Olentangy Liberty, 6. lake Cathloic, 7. Strongsville, 8. Dublin Jerome,9. Findlay, 10. St. Eds, 11. Upper Arlington 12. St Francis
Blue
1. Sylvania Northview 2. St. Ignatius, 3. Bowling Green, 4. Anthonywayne, 5. Rocky River, 6. Olentangy Orange, 7. Hudson, 8. Dublin Coffmann, 9. Mentor, 10. Padua, 11. Holly Name, 12. Gilmour 13 Cincinati Moeller.
The season should consist of two starting tournaments. Where by Red and Blue would each face other, in some random selection. Then League play where each team, in each league would play each team once. Followed by 5 cross division games. Then each division would play a play off to determine rank. Following the playoff the teams who finish #1&2 each receive first round byes. Teams finishing #1 will remain as host teams, #2 teams will be placed in the other divisions brackets as #2 seeds. Then those teams ranked 3-8 will be placed in round 2 brackets. Teams 9-12 will be placed into round 1 play in brackets where the winners of those games will play teams Ranked 1 and 2 in round two. All teams that finish in blue ranked 3-8 are placed in the blue bowl, all Red teams 3-8 are in the red bowl, each bracket in round two consists of one red, and one blue drawn randomly. Teams will then commence playing down until the final team from either side is remaining for championship. Where by said Champion would be eligible for the USA hockey High School Championships and represent Ohio.
As far as a few other tweaks go, for hockey, it is only fair to allow any student who so transfers from any none AA school to a AA to be allowed to play imitatively if that transfer is completed prior to the start of the academic school year.
That any student who so transfers from a AA Public to a AA private, or AA private to a Public be forced to sit out one full season unless that transfer takes place prior to his Freshman year, but not applying should the student transfer from AA to A or A to AA ever in any circumstance.
That at the conclusion of every season, AA teams must declair their intent to return to AA, that any A team may apply for AA status.
That a board of Governors be established and its membership be maintained as 4 head coaches from each division. That said board may vote to remove any team from AA for lack of performance. That said board would also server as a Rules committee considering their understanding and love of the game.
Hockey is unique among all sports. Ohio Hockey has not been modernized since the 80's. This lack of attention has had negative impacts on our student athletes. Its time to make some sweeping changes, and adaptions to achieve competitive balance in hockey.
January 22 2013 Ohio High School Rankings
In order to have a good begining, its important I feel to see where have been. So here are our rankings from 1-14-2013
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Shaker Heights Red Raiders
3. Walsh Jesuit
4. Olentangy Orange
5. Sylvania Northview Wildcats
6. St. Ignatius Wildcats
7. Hudson
8. Olentangy Liberty
This weeks rankings are * again based upon in large the current play off structure. The top four are your likely state semi final teams. We do however see some interesting movement, with Hudson jumping up to 3rd and Walsh sliding. But more interesting, is that Sylvania Northview has slid to 7th. While still the models clear Northwest Ohio's likely runners up. Should they manage to up end the Titans in district play, there is no model that shows the Wildcats repeating a state Championship. So Sylvania fans should enjoy the banner raising at Tamoshanter this Saturday, as it may be a while before the next one. Sylvania is just incapable of keeping pucks out of their net, and incapable offsetting that with what is only acceptable scoring up front.
1. Toledo St Johns Titans
2. Shaker Heights Red Raiders
3. Hudson
4. Olentangy Orange
5. Walsh Jesuit
6. St. Ignatius
7 . Sylvania Northview
8. Olentangy Liberty.
Top eight teams in the state * again these are the best 8 High School programs in the state, calculated mathematical as to how they would likely finish based upon a quality playoff system where each divisions champ, stayed home, and hosted one teams from each of the remaining 3 districts, allowing the top 4 teams from each district to play in a "sweet 16" in stead of just granting passage to each districts champ to states, considering how weak some districts are as a whole, but still granting play off spots to those teams and the opportunity to earn their way.
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Shaker Heights
3. Walsh Jesuit
4. Hudson
5. St. Ignatius
6. Rocky River
7. Sylvania Northview
8. University School.
Big games this weekend:
1. Husdon at Walsh 5:45 pm at Kent State. This game has huge implications as a win by Hudson will solidify their position in that top four
2. 1-26 Is another big game, huge. Shaker and St. Ignatius. Have the Red Raiders cultivated enough of a winning tradition, and the confidence to up end the Wildcats and solidfy themselves at top the Cleveland teams?
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Shaker Heights Red Raiders
3. Walsh Jesuit
4. Olentangy Orange
5. Sylvania Northview Wildcats
6. St. Ignatius Wildcats
7. Hudson
8. Olentangy Liberty
This weeks rankings are * again based upon in large the current play off structure. The top four are your likely state semi final teams. We do however see some interesting movement, with Hudson jumping up to 3rd and Walsh sliding. But more interesting, is that Sylvania Northview has slid to 7th. While still the models clear Northwest Ohio's likely runners up. Should they manage to up end the Titans in district play, there is no model that shows the Wildcats repeating a state Championship. So Sylvania fans should enjoy the banner raising at Tamoshanter this Saturday, as it may be a while before the next one. Sylvania is just incapable of keeping pucks out of their net, and incapable offsetting that with what is only acceptable scoring up front.
1. Toledo St Johns Titans
2. Shaker Heights Red Raiders
3. Hudson
4. Olentangy Orange
5. Walsh Jesuit
6. St. Ignatius
7 . Sylvania Northview
8. Olentangy Liberty.
Top eight teams in the state * again these are the best 8 High School programs in the state, calculated mathematical as to how they would likely finish based upon a quality playoff system where each divisions champ, stayed home, and hosted one teams from each of the remaining 3 districts, allowing the top 4 teams from each district to play in a "sweet 16" in stead of just granting passage to each districts champ to states, considering how weak some districts are as a whole, but still granting play off spots to those teams and the opportunity to earn their way.
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Shaker Heights
3. Walsh Jesuit
4. Hudson
5. St. Ignatius
6. Rocky River
7. Sylvania Northview
8. University School.
Big games this weekend:
1. Husdon at Walsh 5:45 pm at Kent State. This game has huge implications as a win by Hudson will solidify their position in that top four
2. 1-26 Is another big game, huge. Shaker and St. Ignatius. Have the Red Raiders cultivated enough of a winning tradition, and the confidence to up end the Wildcats and solidfy themselves at top the Cleveland teams?
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
BGSU 4 Notre Dame 1
BGSU is developing talent. They likely wont be a good first half, or
first quarter team for a few more seasons. Yet, BGSU may just be one of the
most dangerous teams in the CCHA right now. They are moving the puck
well. They are seeing the ice well. They have solid goal tending.
They are relentless, just battle and have far more skill than is apparent. As BG's third and fourth lines gain confidence
with every shift, and the staff with them BG is acquiring depth. Depth
they lack at the start of every season. It is from this depth they are
gaining the ability to play 3 periods with any team, any time, any
where. It will not be a surprise to see BG knocking on the doors of the
final CCHA Mason Cup. A prize, which for the Falcons would be fitting,
as it was under his own guidance that BGSU's era's of dominance began,
so it would be only fitting that the final resting place for the Mason
Cup, be with the CCHA's, own Ron Mason founding Falcons.
I know this is a bit out what I normally put up here on the site. You must understand, that I was at last weeks BGSU's Win over Niagra, last weeks upending of the Wolverines, and now at this dismantling of the Irish. As my son comented " if you put a big red tomatoe on top of Jackson suit, you would not mis seeing his face, its that red." That red, all night, in fact " Jeff, you may need to visit your Dr....seriously, that's just not healthy."
Now I know schools like the Irish put a lot, I mean a lot into their pregame scouting and prepairations. I am just shocked. Shocked by how the Irsih played. They had to know BGSU goalie Andrew Hammond's GAA is at its lowest when teams are crashing the net and him. He just gets off on it. Yet they dumped him twice each period. The Falcons skated with a level of determination and skill that the had last year in thier run to the Joe. A level of skill they had in the glory days of the greats that graced ice. BGSU is back friends, and now is the time to secure seats, for as they enter the new WCHA you can bet on one thing. Lots of NCAA appearances.
BGSU is up against another solid Western MI squad this weekend. Friday @ BGSU, Saturday @ Western. A quality weekend for the Falcons would be taking half these points as Western is coming off a split with Lake State. BGSU will then be at Miami, hosting the Lakers ( a sweep would be solid), home and home with MSU ( again Sweepable), at Ferris ( a likely split based on history) hosting Northern ( a likely split) then finishing at the Irish. BG is in posiiton to host a first round game best I figure, and last year battled all the way to the CCHA final, and nearest in a long time NCAA birth.
I know this is a bit out what I normally put up here on the site. You must understand, that I was at last weeks BGSU's Win over Niagra, last weeks upending of the Wolverines, and now at this dismantling of the Irish. As my son comented " if you put a big red tomatoe on top of Jackson suit, you would not mis seeing his face, its that red." That red, all night, in fact " Jeff, you may need to visit your Dr....seriously, that's just not healthy."
Now I know schools like the Irish put a lot, I mean a lot into their pregame scouting and prepairations. I am just shocked. Shocked by how the Irsih played. They had to know BGSU goalie Andrew Hammond's GAA is at its lowest when teams are crashing the net and him. He just gets off on it. Yet they dumped him twice each period. The Falcons skated with a level of determination and skill that the had last year in thier run to the Joe. A level of skill they had in the glory days of the greats that graced ice. BGSU is back friends, and now is the time to secure seats, for as they enter the new WCHA you can bet on one thing. Lots of NCAA appearances.
BGSU is up against another solid Western MI squad this weekend. Friday @ BGSU, Saturday @ Western. A quality weekend for the Falcons would be taking half these points as Western is coming off a split with Lake State. BGSU will then be at Miami, hosting the Lakers ( a sweep would be solid), home and home with MSU ( again Sweepable), at Ferris ( a likely split based on history) hosting Northern ( a likely split) then finishing at the Irish. BG is in posiiton to host a first round game best I figure, and last year battled all the way to the CCHA final, and nearest in a long time NCAA birth.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Weekend wrap up, Ohio High School Hockey Rankings 1-14-2013
IN the Captial confernce the next date of importance is Feb 1st. Olentangy Orange, and Liberty will face each other for the 2nd time this season. The first was the "The Thrilla, at the Chilla" I am confident this meeting will be no less exciting. Both teams took care of business this weekend and are the clear leaders.
In Cleveland on Saturday Hudson took control of their desteniy, in a manner of speaking. As they beat Walsh 1-0 on their home ice. Hudson needs to keep winning to stay in the hunt, and win they did again on Sunday. Holly Name was beaten by Hudson, in a game that helps Hudson stay in the picture, with a 3-1 to final. Shaker left Strongsville looking to rename to property of Shaker as the Red Raiders clobbered them 11-2, where the two goals had to been scored between periods with the Raiders in the locker room. The Raiders also downed St. Eds on 4-3 on the 11th. St. Ignatius beat Lake Catholic, 1-0 . Big games ahead: 1-26 St. Ignatius at Red Raiders 4:45pm. 1-30 Walsh at Rocky River 815pm to round out the remaining big games in Clevelands regular season
In Toledo, the defending state champion Wildcats, beat St. Johns 1-0. The Wildcats then beat Findlay 4-2 the next evening. The Titans have one remaining league game against St. Francis on the 26th. The Knights are back in the dark ages this year and look to finish dead last in league play. The Wildcats play an improving BG squad on the 26th, then play Findlay, St Francis and Bedford on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of Feb to close out the season. We all can give praise that the insane playoff is again gone, again failed and hopefully buried in the desert. All signs point to Northwest Ohio winning a 3rd straight. The only question being, Titans or Wildcats?
This weeks Rankings for 1-14-2013
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Shaker Heights Red Raiders
3. Walsh Jesuit
4. Olentangy Orange
5. Sylvania Northview Wildcats
6. St. Ignatius Wildcats
7. Hudson
8. Olentangy Liberty
Again the top 4 are the likely State contenders.
The Pure rankings if we had a quality play off system where the best four teams would make states is quite different. Using a modle that gives league champions home ice in the play offs then disburses 2nd, 3rd, and 4th each indvidually to seperate districts.
the picure that returns is
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Sylvania Northview
3. St Ignatius
4. Walsh
or
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Sylvania Northview
3. Hudson
4. Walsh
or
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Sylvania Northview
3. Rocky River
4. Shaker
or
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Shaker
3. Walsh
4. Sylvania Northview
Power Rankings for top 8
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Sylvania Northview
3. Shaker Heights
4. Walsh Jesuit
5. Hudson
6. St. Ignatius
7. Rocky River
8. University School
In Cleveland on Saturday Hudson took control of their desteniy, in a manner of speaking. As they beat Walsh 1-0 on their home ice. Hudson needs to keep winning to stay in the hunt, and win they did again on Sunday. Holly Name was beaten by Hudson, in a game that helps Hudson stay in the picture, with a 3-1 to final. Shaker left Strongsville looking to rename to property of Shaker as the Red Raiders clobbered them 11-2, where the two goals had to been scored between periods with the Raiders in the locker room. The Raiders also downed St. Eds on 4-3 on the 11th. St. Ignatius beat Lake Catholic, 1-0 . Big games ahead: 1-26 St. Ignatius at Red Raiders 4:45pm. 1-30 Walsh at Rocky River 815pm to round out the remaining big games in Clevelands regular season
In Toledo, the defending state champion Wildcats, beat St. Johns 1-0. The Wildcats then beat Findlay 4-2 the next evening. The Titans have one remaining league game against St. Francis on the 26th. The Knights are back in the dark ages this year and look to finish dead last in league play. The Wildcats play an improving BG squad on the 26th, then play Findlay, St Francis and Bedford on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of Feb to close out the season. We all can give praise that the insane playoff is again gone, again failed and hopefully buried in the desert. All signs point to Northwest Ohio winning a 3rd straight. The only question being, Titans or Wildcats?
This weeks Rankings for 1-14-2013
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Shaker Heights Red Raiders
3. Walsh Jesuit
4. Olentangy Orange
5. Sylvania Northview Wildcats
6. St. Ignatius Wildcats
7. Hudson
8. Olentangy Liberty
Again the top 4 are the likely State contenders.
The Pure rankings if we had a quality play off system where the best four teams would make states is quite different. Using a modle that gives league champions home ice in the play offs then disburses 2nd, 3rd, and 4th each indvidually to seperate districts.
the picure that returns is
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Sylvania Northview
3. St Ignatius
4. Walsh
or
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Sylvania Northview
3. Hudson
4. Walsh
or
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Sylvania Northview
3. Rocky River
4. Shaker
or
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Shaker
3. Walsh
4. Sylvania Northview
Power Rankings for top 8
1. Toledo St. Johns
2. Sylvania Northview
3. Shaker Heights
4. Walsh Jesuit
5. Hudson
6. St. Ignatius
7. Rocky River
8. University School
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Friday night 1-11-13 action
The story from the Northwest Ohio Red Division is the rematch between the St. Johns Titans and the Northview Wildcats. As you read in last weeks posting, the Titan beheaded the Wildcats in a comanding 4-0 shut out win. This weekend is a different tail.
The Titans came out on fire in the first period and dominated the pace, the play and out shot the Wildcats quite handily. They did not find the twine, neither did the Wildcats. I will also point out that both teams, in both games and honestly threw this whole season have had no physical presences what so ever. This may well be in part to the god awful officiating, where the stripes call contact to the head on ever hit. Understandably, that is a dangerous play. But in all but two of those calls I have witnessed has their been any. Contact to the head is NOT when the player being checked, has his snap forward into the should of the checker. It IS if a checker leads and makes first contact to the head, period. A check from behind, is NOT when a player turns at the last moment, but when we see hit like Shaker heights put on a BGHS player. This is reportedly his second offense, and should be eliminated from all future contest. Off my little rant, now and back on track, it is clear that both the Wildcats and Titan struggle in the physical game, and when tested physically have struggled.
Dew, the Sylvania Northview goalie played well enough last night to garner a shut out, but the better goalie was in the SJJ net. Having shut down numerous quality chances by himself! Top D lastnight for me was # 20 Junior Baily Bregitiam for the Wildcats. He has a great frame, good mobility, speed, and puck possesion. Best I figure at this point both of these teams will be far and a way defensivily set for next year with stables of quality JR D men. Both have sound vetran goalies to return. A fair amount of Forwards. What seems to be eluding the Wildcats this year, is a natural goal scorer. They just strugle even presented with quality chances, and rarely have numbers getting to the net. St Johns has goal scorers, and always gets numbers at the net.
while in no way was it an impressive, nor dominating win for the Wildcats and their armada of coaches. It was in fact a win. Thus setting the stage for the North West playoffs. That snap shot should look like this
1.St. Johns 2.Sylvania Northview
3. Findlay 4. BGHS
There will of course be the obligatory, dangerous and unacceptable mess of these teams having to face the likes of Springfield, Freemont, etc.. It is ridiculous, considering the large and honestly insurmountable gap with in the state between the elite teams and none. The States coaches need to say enough is enough and end this madness. Two TITLES befitting two clearly identifiable levels of play need to be established. Is it going to take a serious, and potentially life threatening injury to bring upon this change?
Shaker and St. Eds played a nice tilt last-night, a win that really commemorates the rise of the Red Raiders. The Riaders goals came off the tape of Joey Yoder, Connor Siwik, Jacob Shick, and John Longman. The 4-3 win and 28 shots on net is a great step forward in finalizing the look we will see from Cleveland in the playoffs. What is the danger for Raiders moving forward? Still working on establishing that winning culture, that takes more than two good seasons. Defensiveily the Raiders D play soft, with two much gap and indecision in the offensive zone, which lead to giving up quality chances, on Eric Sterner who tightens up in the big games having only a .86 Save percentage and 3.25 GAA. For Shaker to not only reach the State Finals, but make it out of districts he is going to have get better, and the team in front of him will have to sacrifice some bodies, as their numbers on blocked shots are not good enough.
Tonight's Walsh and Hudson game will be effects as Hudson and Walsh both need this win for the same reason. To establish themselves. It is going to a fun one to watch.
Capital play last night found Orange idle in league play. Liberty however ripped Coffman a new one, I am guessing the Coffman players all are now inked with a property of Liberty tattoo. The 5-1 rout makes it clear, no one in the Capital conference and hang either team. Orange is playing St. Charles tonight, and Orange can not afford to let up, and needs to dismantle them.
Dew, the Sylvania Northview goalie played well enough last night to garner a shut out, but the better goalie was in the SJJ net. Having shut down numerous quality chances by himself! Top D lastnight for me was # 20 Junior Baily Bregitiam for the Wildcats. He has a great frame, good mobility, speed, and puck possesion. Best I figure at this point both of these teams will be far and a way defensivily set for next year with stables of quality JR D men. Both have sound vetran goalies to return. A fair amount of Forwards. What seems to be eluding the Wildcats this year, is a natural goal scorer. They just strugle even presented with quality chances, and rarely have numbers getting to the net. St Johns has goal scorers, and always gets numbers at the net.
while in no way was it an impressive, nor dominating win for the Wildcats and their armada of coaches. It was in fact a win. Thus setting the stage for the North West playoffs. That snap shot should look like this
1.St. Johns 2.Sylvania Northview
3. Findlay 4. BGHS
There will of course be the obligatory, dangerous and unacceptable mess of these teams having to face the likes of Springfield, Freemont, etc.. It is ridiculous, considering the large and honestly insurmountable gap with in the state between the elite teams and none. The States coaches need to say enough is enough and end this madness. Two TITLES befitting two clearly identifiable levels of play need to be established. Is it going to take a serious, and potentially life threatening injury to bring upon this change?
Shaker and St. Eds played a nice tilt last-night, a win that really commemorates the rise of the Red Raiders. The Riaders goals came off the tape of Joey Yoder, Connor Siwik, Jacob Shick, and John Longman. The 4-3 win and 28 shots on net is a great step forward in finalizing the look we will see from Cleveland in the playoffs. What is the danger for Raiders moving forward? Still working on establishing that winning culture, that takes more than two good seasons. Defensiveily the Raiders D play soft, with two much gap and indecision in the offensive zone, which lead to giving up quality chances, on Eric Sterner who tightens up in the big games having only a .86 Save percentage and 3.25 GAA. For Shaker to not only reach the State Finals, but make it out of districts he is going to have get better, and the team in front of him will have to sacrifice some bodies, as their numbers on blocked shots are not good enough.
Tonight's Walsh and Hudson game will be effects as Hudson and Walsh both need this win for the same reason. To establish themselves. It is going to a fun one to watch.
Capital play last night found Orange idle in league play. Liberty however ripped Coffman a new one, I am guessing the Coffman players all are now inked with a property of Liberty tattoo. The 5-1 rout makes it clear, no one in the Capital conference and hang either team. Orange is playing St. Charles tonight, and Orange can not afford to let up, and needs to dismantle them.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Ohio High School Hockey Rankings Jan 7 2013
There was a substantial amount of action over the weekend. Still to come tonight is a tilt between Toledo St. Francis and Bowling Green. St. Johns knocked off the Sylvania Wildcats, Olentangy Orange toppled Olentangy Liberty in the "Thrilla at the Chilla", on the 4th Rocky River and Hudson play to a tie, then Rocky River Falls to Holy Name 4-3. St. Ignatius Downs US 2-1.....So just where does that set the new stage?
Jan 7th 2013
1. Toledo St. Johns 8-0 in NW Ohio League hosting Sylvania Northview Jan 11th
2. Cleveland St. Ignatius hosting Lake Catholic on the 12th and at Shaker on the 26th
3. Walsh Jesuit - at Mentor on the 11th, and at Hudson on the 12th
4. Olentangy Orange -hosting Worthington on the 11th and at St. Charles on the 12th. Time to move up to Red guys.
5. Sylvania Northview at Toledo St Johns Jan 11, hosting Findlay Jan 12
6. Rocky River- at Padua Jan 13th, at Mentor Jan 25
7. Shaker Heights Big battle with St Ed's on Jan 11 then hosting Strongsville on the 13th
8 Olentangy Liberty- At Dublin Coffman Jan 11th then at Dublin Jerome Jan 12 to tough games.
* Holy Name is nearly cracked in here, on a three game win streak and ever so close. They play Padua on Jan 11 and Hudson on Jan 13.
History and how things are stacking up.
2011-2012 Northview Wildcats Championship team 32-1-3 Goals For 167 Goals Against 49
2010-2011 Toledo St Francis Knights Championship Team 34-4-1 Goals For 208 Goals Against 82*
2009-2010 Cleveland St. Ignatius Championship Team 30-7-3 Goals For 157 Goals Against 68
Toledo St. Johns 19-5-0 Goals For 116 Goals against 39
Sylvania Northview 14-5-0 Goals For 97 Goals Against 39,
Cleveland St. Ignatius 13-6-3 Goals For 74 Goals Against 45
Shaker heights 13-4-0 Goals For 80 Goals Against 25
Olentangy Orange 14-5-0 Goals For 91 GOals Against 40
Olentangy Liberty 13+3-5 Goals For 93 Goals Against 37
Rankings 1-2-2013
1. Toledo St Johns averaging 5.27 GF/Game and 1.31 GA/game
2.Shaker Heights Consistency and no winning culture established are concerns
3. Rocky River
4 Olentangy Liberty It is my firm belief that this will come down to a battle between Orange and Liberty
5. Sylvania Northview -every indication at this juncture that this years State Champion will again be from North West Ohio, in a battle between Toledo St Johns and Northview.
6. Walsh Jesuit some key wins bump them up to crack in to the rankings by .023 .
7. St. Edwards
8. Olentangy Orange
Jan 7th 2013
1. Toledo St. Johns 8-0 in NW Ohio League hosting Sylvania Northview Jan 11th
2. Cleveland St. Ignatius hosting Lake Catholic on the 12th and at Shaker on the 26th
3. Walsh Jesuit - at Mentor on the 11th, and at Hudson on the 12th
4. Olentangy Orange -hosting Worthington on the 11th and at St. Charles on the 12th. Time to move up to Red guys.
5. Sylvania Northview at Toledo St Johns Jan 11, hosting Findlay Jan 12
6. Rocky River- at Padua Jan 13th, at Mentor Jan 25
7. Shaker Heights Big battle with St Ed's on Jan 11 then hosting Strongsville on the 13th
8 Olentangy Liberty- At Dublin Coffman Jan 11th then at Dublin Jerome Jan 12 to tough games.
* Holy Name is nearly cracked in here, on a three game win streak and ever so close. They play Padua on Jan 11 and Hudson on Jan 13.
History and how things are stacking up.
2011-2012 Northview Wildcats Championship team 32-1-3 Goals For 167 Goals Against 49
2010-2011 Toledo St Francis Knights Championship Team 34-4-1 Goals For 208 Goals Against 82*
2009-2010 Cleveland St. Ignatius Championship Team 30-7-3 Goals For 157 Goals Against 68
Toledo St. Johns 19-5-0 Goals For 116 Goals against 39
Sylvania Northview 14-5-0 Goals For 97 Goals Against 39,
Cleveland St. Ignatius 13-6-3 Goals For 74 Goals Against 45
Shaker heights 13-4-0 Goals For 80 Goals Against 25
Olentangy Orange 14-5-0 Goals For 91 GOals Against 40
Olentangy Liberty 13+3-5 Goals For 93 Goals Against 37
Rankings 1-2-2013
1. Toledo St Johns averaging 5.27 GF/Game and 1.31 GA/game
2.Shaker Heights Consistency and no winning culture established are concerns
3. Rocky River
4 Olentangy Liberty It is my firm belief that this will come down to a battle between Orange and Liberty
5. Sylvania Northview -every indication at this juncture that this years State Champion will again be from North West Ohio, in a battle between Toledo St Johns and Northview.
6. Walsh Jesuit some key wins bump them up to crack in to the rankings by .023 .
7. St. Edwards
8. Olentangy Orange
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Titans slay Wildcats
The 2010-2011 State Champion Northview Wildcats were slayed by the Titans.
The beheading took place at Tamoshanter and while in the early going it was dominated by the Wildcats. Lots of pressure and good quality chances, but no one would finish. Not even in a 5 on 3 situation. The game eeked over to the Titans ever so steadily. They wore on the Wildcats. Then on a PP the goals started coming. Then with their heads laying softly upon the alter, the Titans beheaded the reigning district and state champion Wildcats with a commanding 4-0 win.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
The Olentangy battle....round one
The the Thrilla at the Chilla,
The battle between leading Capital confrence favorites goes to my favorite and defending Confrence Champions. Olentangy Orange won last night over the Olentangy Liberty. It had to go to over time, because these teams are so evenly matched. Final 2-1
The battle between leading Capital confrence favorites goes to my favorite and defending Confrence Champions. Olentangy Orange won last night over the Olentangy Liberty. It had to go to over time, because these teams are so evenly matched. Final 2-1
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Ohio High School Hockey Rankings
Starting off the 2013 year this is how the landscape is shaping up. 1-2-2013
our last ranking
Dec 19 2012
1. Sylvania Northview
2. Shaker Heights
3. Rocky River
4. Olentangy Liberty
5. St. Johns Jesuit
6. St. Edwards
7. Walsh
8. Olentangy Orange
This week 1-2-2013
1. Toledo St Johns averaging 5.27 GF/Game and 1.31 GA/game
2.Shaker Heights Consistancy and no winning culture established are concerns
3. Rocky River
4 Olentangy Liberty It is my firm belief that this will come down to a battle between Orange and Liberty
5. Sylvania Northview -every indication at this juncture that this years State Champion will again be from North West Ohio, in a battle between Toledo St Johns and Northview.
6. Walsh Jesuit some key wins bump them up to crack in to the rankings by .023 .
7. St. Edwards
8. Olentangy Orange
Big Games
1-4-2013 Olentangy Orange and Olentangy Liberty * southern showdown
1-5-2013 Northview and St. John* This season has the similar appearance to the St Francis 2010-2011 Title when the only team to up end the high octain St Francis Knights was Sylvania Northview. Northview beat the Knights twice in Regular season play, but failed to seal the deal in districts.
1-5-2013 Holly Name and Rocky River
1-5-2013 St Ignatius and U. School
1-11-2013 Shaker and St Edwards* Does Shaker have what it takes to have the winning culture and consistency to make it to states? A win over a rebuilding St. Eds is a good start, a loss and its not likely from this point forward in the season.
* denotes games with likely impact to State Picture
our last ranking
Dec 19 2012
1. Sylvania Northview
2. Shaker Heights
3. Rocky River
4. Olentangy Liberty
5. St. Johns Jesuit
6. St. Edwards
7. Walsh
8. Olentangy Orange
This week 1-2-2013
1. Toledo St Johns averaging 5.27 GF/Game and 1.31 GA/game
2.Shaker Heights Consistancy and no winning culture established are concerns
3. Rocky River
4 Olentangy Liberty It is my firm belief that this will come down to a battle between Orange and Liberty
5. Sylvania Northview -every indication at this juncture that this years State Champion will again be from North West Ohio, in a battle between Toledo St Johns and Northview.
6. Walsh Jesuit some key wins bump them up to crack in to the rankings by .023 .
7. St. Edwards
8. Olentangy Orange
Big Games
1-4-2013 Olentangy Orange and Olentangy Liberty * southern showdown
1-5-2013 Northview and St. John* This season has the similar appearance to the St Francis 2010-2011 Title when the only team to up end the high octain St Francis Knights was Sylvania Northview. Northview beat the Knights twice in Regular season play, but failed to seal the deal in districts.
1-5-2013 Holly Name and Rocky River
1-5-2013 St Ignatius and U. School
1-11-2013 Shaker and St Edwards* Does Shaker have what it takes to have the winning culture and consistency to make it to states? A win over a rebuilding St. Eds is a good start, a loss and its not likely from this point forward in the season.
* denotes games with likely impact to State Picture
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The arduous path
This is the path less taken, for it is the most arduous. The rocky, slippery, steep path and there is no turning back. You have but one of three out comes. 1. You quit. 2. The game is taken away from you. 3. You succeed.
The road to NCAA hockey is just that simple. You leave your family, your life long friends and maybe your lover. 'Normal" life is on hold. Your buddies will be at college parties, telling tales of chasing skirts, the poker game and job prospects. You will be working out, putting in extra reps, trying to not grip your stick to tightly seeking that elusive point, or save, that catches the eye of the watchers. All the while knowing that today, this game, this shift is one of the last. Your time is limited in this world. YOU have an expiration date, and day of reckoning ahead. That dreaded day your phone has not rung and or you turn 21 and the game passes you by.
Your goal? Having your phone ring and learning that you, have just been offered a place among one of 132 D1 & D3 NCAA teams. One player of 3300. A last man standing of sorts. The last of the 1%ers. You live by one rule. You must to survive. You must live in the moment. Turn a deaf ear to the people who wonder and ask why, as it is to hard to repeatedly explain your dream, your ambition. Moment to moment, no stopping, no time to look back, and no second chances. The game of men is upon you. Each striving for the same prize, and only a handful each season are asked to come play NCAA hockey.
more to come.......
The road to NCAA hockey is just that simple. You leave your family, your life long friends and maybe your lover. 'Normal" life is on hold. Your buddies will be at college parties, telling tales of chasing skirts, the poker game and job prospects. You will be working out, putting in extra reps, trying to not grip your stick to tightly seeking that elusive point, or save, that catches the eye of the watchers. All the while knowing that today, this game, this shift is one of the last. Your time is limited in this world. YOU have an expiration date, and day of reckoning ahead. That dreaded day your phone has not rung and or you turn 21 and the game passes you by.
Your goal? Having your phone ring and learning that you, have just been offered a place among one of 132 D1 & D3 NCAA teams. One player of 3300. A last man standing of sorts. The last of the 1%ers. You live by one rule. You must to survive. You must live in the moment. Turn a deaf ear to the people who wonder and ask why, as it is to hard to repeatedly explain your dream, your ambition. Moment to moment, no stopping, no time to look back, and no second chances. The game of men is upon you. Each striving for the same prize, and only a handful each season are asked to come play NCAA hockey.
more to come.......
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