Prep Hockey’s End of Season Report Card (Part 4)
Rochester Century/John Marshall (22-6-2): B+ This Century/JM team had an incredible inaugural season, earning a state tournament berth thanks in part to this team’s ability to go on tears throughout the season. For starters, Century/JM kicked off its season winning…
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Continue ReadingRochester Century/John Marshall (22-6-2): B+
This Century/JM team had an incredible inaugural season, earning a state tournament berth thanks in part to this team’s ability to go on tears throughout the season. For starters, Century/JM kicked off its season winning 10 of its first 11 games, roaring out to a record that was comparable with the best of the best statewide. There were admittedly a few hiccups along the way, but not many, and Century/JM entered the postseason with an excellent record and a group of stars to boot. After a trio of decisive wins over Rochester Mayo, Farmington and Lakeville South, Century/JM was in the state tournament in the team’s first year as a combined front. Despite being handily defeated in both games of the state tournament, this team’s accomplishment is one worth celebrating. Aiden Emerich, Ole Fevold, Jonathan Burmester and Brock Clarey all finished with over thirty points a piece, anchoring what proved to be an excellent, state-caliber attack.
Luverne (24-3): B
Arguably the best team in the state to not make the tournament, Luverne’s dream season was abruptly thwarted by Marshall, who not only upset them, but did so in the section semifinals of all games. Luverne may have been upended in less-than-optimal fashion, but its season was still full of exciting moments and star skaters, and deserves to be highlighted nonetheless. Of Luverne’s three losses, all three were by only one goal, and the 24 wins this team picked up were dominant to say the least. Some box scores from Luverne’s lopsided wins include a 12-1 win over Austin, an 18-2 victory over Worthington and an 18-1 thrashing over Redwood Valley. A team that averaged a whopping 7.67 goals per game, Luverne’s absurdly efficient attack was fueled by Owen Sudenga Owen Sudenga Forward Luverne | 2024 State MN (79 points), Patrick Kroski Patrick Kroski 6'1" | Forward Luverne | 2024 State MN (60) and Max Domagala (52). This team may not have made the state tournament, but make no mistake, Luverne was one of the scariest teams for any opponent to face across all of Class A.
Sartell (18-7-1): B
Similar to Luverne, the Sartell Sabres fell victim to an early postseason upset, a section quarterfinal loss at the hands of Buffalo. However, also like Luverne, this team had an excellent year as a whole, and deserve to be commemorated for it. The Sabres may not have had the most dynamic attack, but with top notch forwards like Tony Colatrella and Baylor Stebbins Baylor Stebbins 5'11" | Forward Sartell | 2024 State MN , this team still had enough talent to let the defense do its thing. The Sartell defense allowed only 1.96 goals per game and was highlighted by Noah Hacker Noah Hacker 5'9" | Goalie Sartell | 2024 State MN , a goalie who boasted a 16-7-1 record, five shutouts and an impressive .933 save percentage. The Sabres may have been dispatched in the first round of the postseason, but their regular season record and dominant athletes on all ends of the ice will still give this team a favorable end of season grade.
La Crescent-Hokah (24-3): B
Seemingly the theme of the article at this point, La Crescent-Hokah was another team that had an unbelievable regular season, but fell just short at the wrong time. Despite losing to Dodge County in the Section Semifinals, the Lancers were still brilliant for the majority of their season, an explosive team that averaged over seven goals per game throughout the year. Headlined by Wyatt Farrell Wyatt Farrell 5'7" | Forward La Crescent | 2024 State MN ‘s 92 points and Noah Gillette’s 86, the Lancer attack eviscerated almost any defense unfortunate enough to get in its way. The Lancers amassed double digit points in seven different games, an unprecedented number that included a three game stretch in which they outscored their opponents by a combined score of 36-3. On top of this, La Crescent-Hokah’s defense was stout, allowing only 20 shots a game on average and holding opponents to a measly 2.22 goals per game. All in all, the Lancers had an electrifying season that ended on an unfortunate hiccup, hence the reason they will finish with a B grade in spite of such an excellent record.