So far, so good.  Shocking to see the Bearcats miss the cut after so many years...but I got a feeling they'll be back sooner than later.  Also elated to see the CHAMPS are still lookin' strong and like they could make it back-to-back!

Question: The Quad City Trophy is awarded to whichever team finishes the highest in the Iron Range League standings between the four teams...since league champs Virginia are one of those four teams, how did Chisholm manage to win it?  Did the trophy rules change or did Virginia decide not to participate in the trophy series anymore?

1981/82 Regular Season - Twin Cities Region


Roseville picked up right where they left off last year, convincingly winning the East Metro for the second straight season. It was White Bear Lake and Maplewood in second and third with the placement once again coming down to the final game of the year with the Braves holding on on home ice to win back the Barrel and hold their place in second. Sneaking into the final playoff spot is Stillwater who has been on fire as of late, going 8-1-1 in their final ten games to shoot past New Brighton and Little Canada. The rest of the league was all about even, but there wasn't much to talk about for any of them.


The back and forth at the top of the North Metro continues with Brooklyn Park taking back the top spot in the NMHL to win their second crown. Anoka came just short, finishing 2 games behind the Panthers in second, but the Warriors were able to best their arch rivals from Coon Rapids in the season series to claim the War Drum. The Bandits may not have won the drum, but they had a good season none the less, finishing in third. Coming in the final playoff slot are the Wayzata Wolverines who will be making their first playoff appearance in team history. Missing the cut but still having solid years were Blaine, Plymouth, and Elk River. Osseo and Golden Valley were the epitome of mediocre all year long and it resulted in a lousy year for both teams. Brooklyn Center took a big step back this year after contending for a playoff spot last year. Some are wondering if last year was a fluke, but only time will tell. The usual suspects were again the bottom three going New Hope, Crystal, and finally Maple Grove to round out the league.


After years of being so close, Eau Claire has finally won the St. Croix Hockey League. The Rubber Kings were just the best team in the league, leading in goals scored by more than 30 to the next closest team. Cottage Grove came in second with Hastings not far behind in third, both having respectable years but not looking incredible by any means. It was a three team fight for the four spot between the Rapids, Bluejays, and Sawyers with River Falls clinching it to make their first ever post season appearance. It was another rough year for the Chippewas who just can't seem to catch a break, winning only 2 games on the year.


Uh oh everyone, St. Paul might be back... The V's rise to power can mainly be attributed to a new dynamic duo of Paul Housley and Mark Parker who emerged as some of the top point getters in all of the MAHL in Housley's rookie season and Parkers sophomore. The Blues convincingly kept the Milk Jug, sweeping the Saints, and won back the Veterans cup after 3 years in Minneapolis. The Vulcans also had a great season, taking home the Holy War and City of Lakes trophies as well as finishing in second. West St. Paul looked a step or two slower than years past with father time finally beginning to effect the heavily veteran team. Despite this, the Waves were still able to come in third and keep the Wood Slab. Falcon Heights just refused to give in despite a late season push from Highland Park, sending the Raptors to their second straight playoffs. Highland Park was oh so close, but finishing fifth leaves them on the outside looking in despite winning the Cannonball over West St. Paul. Como and Minneapolis were both alright, but failed to live up to their potential. South St. Paul showed some promising signs with their young group making some progress despite having a losing record. The Saints had another rough season, but it was really a tough year for the Bakers who had hoped to be contending for a playoff spot at the beginning of the season only to finish dead last.


The Terrible Terriers have won their first ever West Metro Hockey League title, thanks in large part to a great defensive core with some offensive threats up front. Richfield was actually in first for most of the season, but a lackluster January caused them to drop to second and they never recovered in the standings. Edina is still here and still a good hockey team. The Cake Eaters are an interesting team because they play very well as a unit, do not be surprised if they make a run in the playoffs, especially after their early exit last year. Tonka climbed back into the top four after a 2 year absence. Bloomington had a good year as well, finishing above .500, but unfortunately they just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs as they finish in 5th. SLP, Hopkins, and Mound were all just ok, which isn't good enough in the West Metro. Eden Prairie was once again in last, extending their wooden spoon streak to an impressive 8 straight years.

Let me know what you think, comments are appreciated!

ProsecutorMilesEdgeworth wrote:

Paul Housley? Hmmmmm...

You might have heard of his cousin who was taken by the Sabres 6th overall in last years draft

1981/82 League Rankings


Now we wait to hear the final power rankings from our MAHL Analysts

1982 MAHL Power Rankings


Also receiving votes: Eau Claire-11, White Bear Lake-8, East Grand Forks-8, Warroad-7, Brookings-7, West St. Paul-5, Mankato-5, Anoka-4, Maplewood-4, Rochester M-2, Willmar-1