Alternate History Sports » Minnesota Amateur Hockey League

Dan O'Mac · 1/18/2021 11:24 am

Superior Telegram Sports Report
After a first round of North Playoff action featuring a blowout by the rival Thunder Bay Giants, let's take a look at the knockout round in the Twin Cities, and a look ahead at the next round in the north.

In the Twin Cities, you will see the Hastings Rivermen take on the Minnetonka Muskies. The Rivermen have a bit of an edge between these two evenly matched teams, as they've been to the playoffs often in recent years. After a few years without winning the division, Hastings shows that they're still talented, and grab a 2-1 win.

The Cottage Grove Yellow Jackets are primed to welcome the River Falls Rapids to Minnesota, and although they're in the playoffs, I don't see River Falls pulling out the win over the Yellow Jackets. Cottage Grove wins this one 3-0.

Another newcomer is in the playoffs, as the Wayzata Wolverines will be hosted by the Falcon Heights Raptors. The Wolverines are getting better, but aren't there yet. I picture a close one nonetheless, with the Raptors winning 3-2.

Finally, the Twin Cities will see the Coon Rapids Bandits host the Stillwater Volunteers. The Vols are going to surprise the Bandits in this one, and pick up a 3-1 upset victory.

In the second round in the North, you'll see some really good hockey, as always for the North. We'll start with Winnipeg. The Monarchs pulled in the #1 see in the north, and will host the Sauk Rapids Bulldogs. In the battle of purple teams, the Monarchs are going to bully the Bulldogs, and are going to comfortably win 4-1.

The 8 vs 9 matchup between the Roseau Stars and the Coleraine Trout is going to be very good game. The Stars are a strong team, and won't look past the Trout to the rival Monarchs. I predict a 2-1 win by Roseau, but it won't be as close as the score indicates.

Coming off of a dominating win over Alexandria, the Thunder Bay Giants head into Fort Frances to take on the Trappers. This one will come down to whether Thunder Bay can keep up the goal scoring, as the Trappers are a very good team. I didn't rank Fort Frances in the top 10 in the state for no reason, and they're going to hold on in a high scoring affair, 4-3.

The Grand Forks Jets are set to play host to the Brainerd Lumberjacks. I feel the Jets are a touch underseeded in this one, and they're going to take it out on the 'Jacks, controlling the game offensively and defensively to notch a 3-0 win.

The Virginia Royals, who I ranked as the top team in the MAHL, is going to play host to the East Grand Forks Pointers. I ranked the Royals number one overall, and for good reason. The Pointers are a good team, and will be competitive for much of the game. But at the end, it'll be the Royals 2-1 to move on.

The Fargo Titans will journey into Minnesota for their first match to face the Fergus Falls Cyclones. The Titans are a team to watch in this playoffs. Although not a big upset, I'm taking the Fargo Titans over the Fergus Falls Cyclones 3-2.

The Lake Superior League Champion Cloquet Broncos are set to take on the International Falls Ice. The Broncos are a very good team, evidenced by their League Championship. But the Ice got into the playoffs by finishing in the top four of the toughest league in the MAHL. The Ice are going to pull off the upset in this one, with a 3-1 win.

Finally, your Superior Lakers are hosting one of two playoff games in the state of Wisconsin, as your defending champions are set to take on the Chisholm Flames. The champs have the experience advantage, and proved last year that they can get hot and go on a run. Do I think lightning can strike twice for back-to-back championships? It'll be hard. But I do think that Superior will beat the Flames and move on with a 2-1 win.

sportsfan7 · 1/18/2021 5:31 pm

Really putting me to shame here Dan

Dan O'Mac · 1/19/2021 3:36 pm

Superior Telegram Sports Report
Today on the Sports report, we're going to skip ahead and look at the South Bracket while we wait for the Twin Cities Knockout Round.

We'll start with the top-seeded Austin Mavericks hosing the Le Seuer Green Giants. The Green Giants are in here facing one of the most successful South region teams in MAHL history, and the team that locked down the top seed. The Green Giants will put up a fight, but the Mavericks will comfortably win 4-1.

The expansion Willmar Posse not only will play in the playoffs in their inaugural year, but host the Eagan Oaks. The Oaks may have had a miracle run in the past, and will look to start another one this year. I'm taking the Oaks in a minor upset 2-1.

The Inver Grove Heights Lions are going to head to Burnsville to take on their South Metro rivals and champion Bucks. The Lions were may have finished third, but they weren't that far back. The Bucks are going to lean on their playoff experience to knock off the Lions 2-1.

The Red Wing Chiefs head to South Dakota to face off against the Brookings Buffaloes. The Buffaloes are in familiar territory playing at home in the playoffs. I can't see the Buffaloes losing, and am taking Brookings 3-2.

In the battle of a pair of teams that know the playoffs, the New Ulm Bavarians host the Apple Valley Cardinals. The Bavarians have had a great season, and are deserving of the 2-seed. The Cardinals however, won't go down without a fight. This will be much closer than the ranking show, but New Ulm will walk away with a 1-0 win.

The only team from Rochester left, the Mustangs, will host the Mason City Musicians. The Musicians have been to the playoffs before, but haven't really had that breakthrough, signature win. This is it, the Musicians will upset the Mustangs 2-1.

The Sioux Falls Packers are set to host the Winona Wildcats. The Packers are going to be just too much for Winona in this one, and the Packers are going to pick up a 4-1 win.

Finally, the Mankato Moose are going to play host to the Hutchinson Crows. The Crows, much like the Posse, are surprisingly in the playoffs in their inaugural year. But unlike the Posse, the Crows are running into a perennial power in Mankato. The Moose are going to win, but it'll be another close one, 1-0.

Section30 · 1/20/2021 8:53 pm

1982 Kellogg Cup Playoffs: Knockout Round - Twin Cities

Hastings Rivermen vs Minnetonka Muskies
It was a sold out crowd at Hastings Civic Arena to watch the Hastings Rivermen take on the Minnetonka Muskies. This is the second time in the last 4 years that these two battled in the first round, with the Rivermen taking the first contest 4-3. This loss was fresh in the minds of Minnetonka who saw their season come to an end, so they had a little extra motivation for this one. The visitors struck first, beating the goalie short side 6:52 into the game. The Muskies would pop in a rebound late in the period to make it a 2-0 game heading into the second. Hastings was able to pull to within one thanks to a powerplay goal, but an odd man rush a few minutes later would give the 2 goal lead right back to Tonka. The Muskies were able to kill the clock down to the final buzzer in the third with neither team scoring. The Muskies hopped the boards to mob their goaltender having completed the upset, defeating Hastings 3-1.

Cottage Grove Yellow Jackets vs River Falls Rapids
It was a border battle rivalry at Cottage Grove Ice Arena as the Yellow Jackets welcomed their St. Croix Hockey League rivals River Falls. The scoring didn't take long with Cottage Grove lfinding the back of the net on their first shot of the game. It was 2-1 Jackets after one, but the Rapids had a rock solid second period that saw them score 4 times to leap past Cottage Grove and take a 5-3 lead heading into the third. The Yellow Jackets regrouped between periods and were noticeably more aggressive in the third, putting a shot on net and digging for the rebound to cut their deficit to one under a minute into the third. The crowd came to life and despite being behind, you just had that feeling that Cottage Grove was in a good position. The Yellow Jackets drew a powerplay just past the midway point of the period and after winning the draw set up a one timer that rang off the pipe and in to tie the game 5-5. It was all Jackets for the next few minutes until a shot from the point got through a maze of bodies in front and past the Rapids goaltender, rippling the netting and causing the arena to erupt. Cottage Grove held on for the final 5 minutes to complete the comeback and advance, defeating their rivals 6-5.

Falcon Heights Raptors vs Wayzata Wolverines
The puck was dropped at Oscar Johnson Arena and you could just see the difference in speed from the get go. Falcon Heights was dominant in the opening minutes of the period before roofing a shot from the slot to take the first lead of the game 5 minutes in. The Raptors would continue to pour it on in the second scoring twice in 2:10 to extend their lead to 3-0. Wayzata finally got a lucky bounce that helped get them on the board in the third, but a Falcon Heights 5 on 3 powerplay goal got it right back. The Wolverines slapped home a rebound in the low slot in the final minute of the game for their second goal of the game, but it was too little too late. The final horn sounded to confirm the victory for Falcon Heights, taking down Wayzata by a final score of 4-2.

Coon Rapids Bandits vs Stillwater Volunteers
This was a really even contest for the first 25 minutes or so with neither side able to break through despite numerous chances. Stillwater finally popped home the first goal of the game 5:09 into the second on a deflection in front. The goal seemed to have woken something up on the Coon Rapids bench because the Bandits responded with a goal on their very next shot, and then another a couple minutes later to jump in front 2-1. Coon Rapids kept it going in the third, shutting down the Vols on defense by keeping all their shots to the outside, and lighting the lamp twice more to extend their lead to 4-1. That would prove to be the final score of the game, sending Coon Rapids to the next round with a very solid win over Stillwater.

Shout out to Dan for his incredible reporting on the Playoffs thus far, I love it

Let me know what you think, comments are appreciated!

Dan O'Mac · 1/21/2021 10:06 am

Superior Telegram Sports Report
With the Knockout Round of the Twin Cities in the book, we can look ahead to the next round. Your humble reporter only went two and two with his picks, as the Minnetonka Muskies, Cottage Grove Yellow Jackets, Falcon Heights Raptors, and the Coon Rapids Bandits all advanced.

Speaking of the Minnetonka Muskies, their prize for beating Hastings is a trip to St. Paul to face the top seeded Victorias. The Muskies took advantage of penalties against Hastings, and they'll need to get that man advantage against the Vics to win. Unfortunately, I don't see them getting anything going against the top team in the Twin Cities, and the Victorias will grab a 3-0 win.

Our friends to the south, the Eau Claire Rubber Kings, are set to host the White Bear Lake Braves. These two are evenly matched, and the Kings playing at home is an advantage. I'm going to stick by our fellow Wisconsinites, and pick Eau Claire in a close one 3-2.

The Twin Cities Vulcans face a first round winner in the Yellow Jackets of Cottage Grove. The Vulcans have shed the issues that plagued them with the decision to change to St. Anthony, and are back as one of the top teams in the Twin Cities. The Vulcans aren't going to let the Yellow Jackets bury six in the net this time, and will pick up a 4-2 win.

The Brooklyn Park Panthers are set to host the Maplewood Retrievers. Brooklyn Park has been getting better, and earned the 5-seed in the Twin Cities. Unfortunately, they get a tough draw with a playoff hardened Retrievers team. The Retrievers are going to lean on that experience playing in a tough playoff bracket to keep it close, but Brooklyn Park is going to sneak out a close one 2-1.

Falcon Heights came out in the Knockout Round and dominated Wayzata, but the Bloomington West Terriers are just a much better team. If the Raptors can keep the aggressive play going in the second round, they can pull off the upset. I can't see Falcon Heights keeping it going for another 60 minutes, and have to pick the Terriers, 4-2.

Here is your game of the round. The Edina Cake Eaters host the West St. Paul Waves. Both these teams are consistently good, both of whom are aging, but very talented, and will be a tough out for any team. The arena will be loud in this one, but I've got to give the edge to the Waves. Expect to see the West St. Paul veterans kick it up a notch for the playoffs to take a 2-1 win.

The Roseville Rockets will then host the Coon Rapids Bandits. The Bandits looked really good in beating Stillwater, but Roseville is just too good. They know that any of a few teams could've been given the 2-seed, and feel they earned it over the others. The Rockets are going to come out to prove it, and win 4-0.

Finally, the Richfield Roosters are set to host the Anoka Warriors. These two teams are no strangers to the playoffs, and should put on a good game. I like the Roosters in this one, however. I feel Anoka might be a touch overrated based on name value at this point, and won't be able to keep up with their opponents. I've got Richfield winning, 3-1.

Section30 · 1/29/2021 12:53 am

1982 Kellogg Cup Playoffs: First Round - North

#1 Winnipeg Monarchs vs Sauk Rapids Bulldogs
Welcome to Winnipeg, Sauk Rapids. The Monarchs were in full control from the first drop of the puck to the final horn. The Bulldogs were absolutely no match for the top ranked team in the MAHL, managing to get only 5 shots on goal. Winnipeg on the other side netted themselves five goals to cruise to a 5-0 blowout win and advance to the section final.

#12 Roseau Stars vs #13 Coleraine Trout
The Green Army was in full force at a sold out Roseau Memorial Arena to witness their Stars take on the Coleraine Trout. The atmosphere was absolutely electrifying in the opening period despite no goals being scored, and it only got worse for the visitors when the Stars poked home a rebound early in the second to open the games scoring. The next several minutes were all Stars, but the Brookies survived and were able to draw a penalty a few minutes later. The Trout were unsuccessful on the pp, but having held the zone they were able to keep the tired Stars on the ice long enough to wear them down and create a chance that resulted in a one timer finding the back of the net to tie the game at one. The teams took the ice for the third echoed by booming "Lets Go Stars" chants. Roseau drew a powerplay midway through the period and got their best men out on the ice. They won the draw and set up in the offensive zone, working it around the top of the zone looking for an open man or shot. It was dished to winger Sven Erickson who made a move to get into the slot where he took a shot that beat the goalie under the arm to put Roseau up 2-1. The Green Army came alive again and only fueled on the already buzzing Stars. The puck was loose in the slot after a shot was blocked, it was gathered by a Star and passed to the point for a one timer past the netminder to push their lead to 2. Coleraine had no answer and time eventually ticked down to zero, Roseau swarmed veteran netminder Tim Baumgartner in celebration, having knocked off Coleraine by a final score of 3-1.

#5 Fort Frances Trappers vs #24 Thunder Bay Giants
It was a battle of Canucks in Fort Frances as the Trappers took on their countrymen from Thunder Bay for the first time since 1977. The first time these two met, the Giants were able to squash the Trappers 4-0, but the fifth ranked team in the MAHL was looking to get some payback in this one. It was an evenly matched first except for a 2 minute span about 6 minutes in where the Trappers took complete control of the play and looked like they were running a powerplay. The end result was a go ahead goal that carried into the period break. Fort Frances wasted no time in the second, scoring on their first shot of the period to extend their lead to two. A third goal in the second felt like the final dagger in the Giants season, but a Thunder Bay goal with 5 minutes left gave them a bit of hope late. The Trappers were able to shut it down defensively though for the rest of the game, holding onto their 3-1 lead to advance.

#7 Grand Forks Jets vs #22 Brainerd Lumberjacks
Jets vs Jacks, there was a fair amount of hype heading into this matchup and boy did it live up to the hype. It was a back and forth battle for 60 minutes with both sides exchanging opportunities. We found ourselves tied at two apiece at the end of regulation, Grand Forks leading in shots 29-25. The puck was dropped for overtime and we picked p right where we left off. It wasn't until just before the midway point of the period that someone was finally able to end it. Brainerd picked off a breakout pass in the offensive zone and turned it into a quick odd man rush that led to a one time deflection past the floundering goalie and into the back of the net. The arena was in a stunned silence as Lumberjacks flung over the boards to mob their teammate. Brainerd upsets Grand Forks with a 3-2 win in overtime.

#3 Virginia Royals vs East Grand Forks Pointers
It was looking like the Royals might actually have a test on their hands early with the Pointers scoring twice in the first ten minutes of the game to suck the life right out of a sold out Miners Memorial Arena. Unfortunately for East Grand Forks, Virginia was bound to wake up eventually and once they did it was all Royals. The blues made it a one goal game late in the first and went on to score once in the second and thrice in the third to flip the game on its head and wind up winning by a final score of 5-2.

#11 Fergus Falls Cyclones vs #19 Fargo Titans
If you are a fan of goalie duels then this game was the one for you. Fergus Falls and Fargo both had numerous scoring chances throughout the game, but the netminders for both squads went back and forth one upping each other with incredible save after incredible save. Fergus Falls was the only team to get one past them tonight, slapping at a puck in the low slot until it eventually found its way behind the goalie and across the line. That one goal would turn out to be enough as their goalie held on and got the shutout to send the Cyclones to the second round.

#4 Cloquet Broncos vs #25 International Falls Ice
If you are a fan of high scoring, back and forth, hockey then this game was the one for you. Both of these teams are ranked and for good reason. The offenses for both sides were on full display with the two combining for 10 goals on the night. Cloquet was just the more well rounded team at the end of the day, netting two more goals than the Ice to advance and keep their season alive. The Broncos won by a final score of 6-4.

#9 Superior Lakers vs #21 Chisholm Flames
Down Goes Superior! The Chisholm Flames pull off the upset on the road, coming back after falling behind 1-0 in the first to score three unanswered goals in the second and third to carry them past the Superior Lakers and into the second round. The Flames hopped the boards to celebrate with their goalie as time expired, knocking off the defending champions 3-1.

Section30 · 1/29/2021 1:17 am

Second Round Preview - North

#1 Winnipeg Monarchs vs #12 Roseau Stars
Two Northland Hockey League rivals that know all about one another will do battle one more time to see who's headed to Bloomington and whos heading home. Will the top ranked Monarchs make their return to the Super Series? Or will Roseau slay Goliath and end the drought of their own?

#5 Fort Frances Trappers vs #22 Brainerd Lumberjacks
These two have only played each other once, back in the Lumberjacks very first season. The Trappers won that one 4-2, but a lot has changed since then. The Trappers have the edge on paper, but I wouldn't count out Brainerd, especially after taking down a very good Grand Forks Jets team. Will the Trappers catch themselves a Super Series birth? Or will Brainerd cut their season short?

#3 Virginia Royals vs #11 Fergus Falls Cyclones
Iron Range champs vs Granite champs. Virginia is the favorite being the #3 team in all of the MAHL, but Fergus Falls is definitely capable of competing with them. Will the Royals make it 3 Super Series in the last 4 years? Or will Fergus Falls prove the doubters wrong and make their first ever Super Series appearance?

#4 Cloquet Broncos vs #21 Chisholm Flames
The new kids on the block from Cloquet proved they can compete in the playoffs, but they need to get past the King Slayers from Chisholm in order to reach the Super Series. Chisholm has garnered a bit of a reputation over the past few seasons for taking down higher ranked opponents come playoff time. It started 3 years ago with them upsetting Grand Forks, fast forward two years and they knock out heavily favored East Grand Forks and Winnipeg and now this year taking down the defending champs from Superior. Will the Broncos ride to Bloomington? Or will the Flames keep their playoff magic going with another upset?

Let me know what you think, comments are appreciated!

Kingsfan11 · 1/29/2021 2:37 am

Wow, Superior going down this early, congrats to the Flames. Winnipeg is proving why they are the first seed with that dominant win over an overmatched Sauk Rapids team.

Dan O'Mac · 1/29/2021 10:52 am

Superior Telegram Sports Report
Sad news from the north playoffs. For those of you not in attendance, the Chisholm Flames came to Superior and knocked off your Lakers three to one. It'll be a long off-season of "what if" and "what went wrong" here in Superior, as the Lakers were the higher seeded and favored team. But let's look ahead to the next round.

Winnipeg Monarchs vs Roseau Stars
How they got here:
Winnipeg: second round over Sauk Rapids
Roseau: second round over Coleraine
Expect some hard-hitting, low-scoring, Northland hockey in this one. The records don't matter when rivals clash, but that doesn't mean that the talent on the Stars is quite at the same level as the Monarchs. This will be a close one either way, and with a trip to the Super Series on the line, it could easily go either way.
Prediction: Winnipeg 2-1

Fort Frances Trappers vs Brainerd Lumberjacks
How they got here:
Fort Frances: second round win over Thunder Bay
Brainerd: second round win over Grand Forks
Brainerd is coming off the biggest upset in the second round, as they knocked off the 5th seeded Jets. Things don't get any easier in this round, as they have to travel to Fort Frances to take on the Trappers. I'm giving the edge to Fort Frances in this one, but would not be surprised to see the Lumberjacks win.
Prediction: Fort Frances 3-2

Virginia Royals vs Fergus Falls Cyclones
How they got here:
Virginia: second round win over East Grand Forks
Fergus Falls: second round win over Fargo
Virginia is who yours truly had ranked #1 in the MAHL, and I fully expect them to win. But Fergus Falls will make it a game, with a goalie who is playing as well as a brick wall. Virginia, however, will find all the cracks they need to put some goals on the scoreboard.
Prediction: Virginia 2-0

Cloquet Broncos vs Chisholm Flames
How they got here:
Cloquet: second round over International Falls
Chisholm: second round over Superior
The Broncos are riding a high-octane offense right now, and running into the team that eliminated the defending champions, Chisholm. The Flames are coming in hot, pun intendeed, and with the North's history, someone unexpected is going to make it through to the Super Series. My pick on that is the Flames. The Broncos are going to put up their goals, but the Flames will match them. I'll say this will be a high-scoring game that heads to Overtime.
Prediction: Chisholm 5-4

sportsfan7 · 1/29/2021 1:04 pm

Some more predicitions

St Paul Victorias over Minnetonka
"Ducks Fly Together" as the Flying V's catch the Muskies

Bloomington West over Falcon Heights
The Terriers trash the Falcons

Roseville over Coon Rapids
The Rockets blast off to a victory over the Bandits

Twin Cities over Cottage Grove
Still attempting to put the "Curse of St Anthony" to rest, the Vulcans beat the Yellow Jackets

Brooklyn Park over Maplewood
The Retrievers unsuccessfully chase the Panthers

Richfield over Anoka
Up at the crack of dawn, the Roosters defeat the Warriors

West St Paul over Edina
The Waves sink the Eaters

White Bear Lake over Eau Claire
The Brave lay siege to the castle and take the Kings

Last edited by sportsfan7 (1/29/2021 1:05 pm)

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