C’mon Reds. At least I sort of saw it coming. The Stars vs Lakers game was pretty exciting too.

1985 Kellogg Cup Playoffs: First Round - Twin Cities North


#8 St. Cloud Bearcats vs Mora Dalecarlians
UPSET ALERT! The top ranked team in the region, the St. Cloud Bearcats, have had their season come to an unexpected halt in the very first round. Fellow Granite Hockey League member Mora was given the 16 seed and used it as a bit of motivation as they did all the little things right in this one. The Dalas struck twice in the first period to set themselves in a good position going forward. The Cats got one back in the second, but Mora converted on the man advantage to make it a 3-1 game. St. Cloud gave it their all in the third, outshooting Mora 19-2 in the period and burying one early in the period. But Mora was able to hold on somehow, surviving the onslaught to clinch the upset win. Mora moves on, knocking off GHL champs St. Cloud 3-2.

Fergus Falls Cyclones vs Mounds View Gunners
We had a classic on our hands in Fergus Falls as the Cyclones and Gunners battled for 60 minutes only for the score to be tied at three. Overtime kept the same fast pace as regulation with both teams getting shots early in the period. The Clones drew a powerplay 4:39 into the period, giving Fergus a golden opportunity. They won the draw in the offensive zone and set up before taking a shot from the point that was pushed aside by the Gunner goaltender. His defenseman scooped it up and dumped it down the ice. It was a two man race for the puck after bouncing off the end boards. The Fergus defenseman was first to it, but he had his pocket picked by the Mounds View forward who took the puck to the slot and beat the goalie five hole. The 1,300+ in attendance were silent as the Mounds View bench erupted. The Gunners pull off the win on the road, topping Fergus Falls 4-3 in overtime.

#20 Alexandria Norsemen vs Arden Hills Americans
Arden Hills was making their first playoff appearance in team history, and it wasn't an easy game by any means. The Norsemen were bigger, faster, and just an overall better hockey team. Alexandria had no problem picking apart the inexperienced Americans, lighting the lamp thrice on their way to a 3-0 shutout victory.

Lino Lakes Herons vs Plymouth Militia
Lino Lakes has shown that they are capable of winning in the post season, doing so in both of their prior seasons, and this year was no different. The Herons were just too much for the Militia defense to handle, allowing 4 goals against. It's always tough to win when you let up that many goals, let alone against a team like Lino Lakes. Plymouth was able to avoid a shutout with a deflection in the second, but it would be one of the few highlights for them on the night. The final horn eventually sounded to confirm the 4-1 score, sending Lion Lakes to the second round for the third straight year.


#11 Maplewood Retrievers vs Coon Rapids Bandits
There will be no Cinderella run for Coon Rapids this year, brought to a quick and decisive end in the first round to Maplewood. The Goldies put on a clinic in this one, outshooting the Bandits 42-15 on their way to a 5-0 route. Maplewood moves on in convincing fashion as they look to get back to the Super Series for the 4th time in team history.

Roseville Rockets vs Stillwater Volunteers
A couple East Metro rivals went at it in Roseville to see who's season would stay alive. These teams know each other very well so it was no surprise to see a low scoring affair when it matters most. The Rockets buried a rebound late in the first to open the scoring. It wasn't until midway through the third period that Stillwater would finally get one past the Roseville netminder. The Vols had outshot the Rockets all game long despite being down a goal, and after tying the game you could see the momentum begin to swing in favor of the visitors. The final horn sounded to send us to overtime with the score tied at one. The puck was dropped and we were underway. A few minutes passed and Stillwater was beginning to get some sustained pressure. After scooping up the puck in center ice, the Vols went on the attack, dropping the puck to the winger cutting through the middle with speed. He made a move around a Rocket defenseman and lofted a shot high blocker side. The goalie got a shoulder on it, but it wasn't enough as it hit the underside of the netting behind the bar. The referee signaled goal to the dismay of the Roseville faithful. Stillwater moves on, knocking off their league rivals with a 2-1 overtime win.

#13 Brooklyn Park Panthers vs Blaine Spartans
UPSET ALERT! Down go the North Metro Champs. The Blaine Spartans had been on a bit of a skid to end their regular season, dropping to fourth in the Northeast, but their playoff experience really showed when it mattered. The Spartans have made the last two Super Series for a reason and they showed that here, outplaying one of the top teams in all of the MAHL in their home building. Blaine jumped out to a 3-0 lead before BP knew what had hit them. Eventually the Panthers would wake up a bit and get on the board, but a defensive collapse would give one right back to the Spartans to retake their 3 goal lead. When the final horn sounded it was the visitors from Blaine up 4-1, sending them to the second round.

Anoka Warriors vs White Bear Lake Braves
This was just an overall great hockey game. Lots of action, two evenly matched teams, and a little bit of physical play just to remind you it's the playoffs. Anoka broke first blood in the first period, converting on an odd man rush. White Bear was able to tie it up though in the second, making it 1-1. The third was back and forth with both teams getting their looks at goal. The Warriors had the puck in the offensive zone late in the game, looking for a shooting lane. It was worked up to the point for a clap bomb on goal. The save was made, but the rebound was picked up by a Dub in front to smacked at it a couple times before it finally squeezed past the goal line to put Anoka up with under 2 minutes to play. White Bear Lake pulled their goalie after getting offensive zone possession, but Anoka knocked it free and took control, going the other way and dumping it into the empty net to secure the victory. Anoka wins their first playoff game in 4 years, advancing to the Section Final by a score of 3-1.

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1985 Kellogg Cup Playoffs: First Round - Twin Cities South


#1 St. Paul Victorias vs Chanhassen Badgers
The St. Paul Auditorium was sold out to watch the top ranked V's take on playoff newcomers, Chanhassen. St. Paul got out to an early lead, putting together a picture perfect first period to lead 3-0 after 20 minutes. The Badgers got on the board in the second, but the V's got it right back to make it 4-1. Mark Parker scored for St. Paul only 36 seconds into the third period. Chanhassen was able to get one back with the man advantage, but it would only be a consolation prize as St. Paul moves on with a convincing 5-2 victory over the Badgers.

Minnetonka Muskies vs Apple Valley Cardinals
These two evenly matched foes face off for the first time ever in front of a packed house at Minnetonka Arena. The tone was set in the first with both teams making sure to finish their checks, getting the physical play going early. Shots were low for both squads and nobody would get on the scoreboard until the visitors got a lucky bounce with 8:08 left to play in the game. Apple Valley had control in the Minnetonka zone, getting it to the point for a one timer. The shot was blocked by a Musky defensemen, but the ricochet was picked up by a Cardinal who wasted no time putting it on goal, putting it in the back of the net before the goalie could recover. Apple Valley was buzzing for the rest of the game, pressuring Tonka anytime they touched the puck, forcing multiple turnovers. The Muskies pulled their goalie in a last ditch attempt to tie the game, but the Cardinals were able to get control and convert on the empty net. Apple Valley advances, shutting out Minnetonka 2-0 on the road in a physical battle.

#14 St. Louis Park Louies vs Eden Prairie Pumas
Two towns only 15 minutes from one another meeting in the post season for their first battle ever. The Louies were heavy favorites coming in with EP having never won a playoff game (in their one prior playoff game), but to the Pumas credit, they held their own. St. Louis Park was held off the scoreboard through two despite outshooting Eden Prairie 27-19 after 40 minutes. The Blues could only be held off for so long though, burying a rebound a couple minutes into the third to put a crooked number on the board. The Louies seemed to switch their game plan up after taking the lead, playing much less aggressive and forcing EP to do something. The Louies were able to hold on, knocking out Eden Prairie by a score of 1-0.

#16 Burnsville Bucks vs Como Sea Lions
We had a great hockey game on our hands in Burnsville as the Bucks welcomed the Sea Lions of Como. It started out slow with no score until late in the opening period when the Bucks found the back of the net on the powerplay to lead 1-0 after 1. Como would get a powerplay goal of their own in the second to tie it up, but Burnsville was able to retake the lead in the final minute of the second, swinging the momentum firmly in their favor as they went into the third. The crowd was rocking as the puck was dropped for the final period. The Bucks came out flying and got a couple chances right away. It wouldn't be long before one eventually beat the Como goaltender to make it 3-1 Burnsville. The Sea Lions didn't go quietly, but the Bucks had all of the momentum plus nearly 1,500 fans cheering them on. Como clawed out a rebound goal in the waning minutes of play, but they couldn't get the second to force overtime. The final horn sounded and the party started in Burnsville, the Bucks are moving on with a 3-2 win.


#4 Bloomington West Terriers vs Eagan Oaks
UPSET ALERT! West Metro Hockey League Champs and #4 ranked Bloomington West has seen their Cup dreams come to a sudden stop. Eagan has been slowly building into a bit of a power over the past couple years, and this win should definitely help with that reputation. The Oaks struck first and held a one goal lead until the Terriers finally tied it in the third period. The horn sounded and we went to overtime at the BIG to see who's season will continue and who is going home. Just a few seconds after the 6 minute mark of overtime, Eagan entered the West zone on a 2 on 1. The Terrier defenseman laid out in the middle of the slot, blocking any chance of a pass. The Oak winger was forced to take the shot, picking his spot and letting it rip, beating the goaltender completing the upset for Eagan as they look to make their 3rd consecutive Super Series.

#25 Minneapolis Millers vs Richfield Roosters
It was the first time the Millers have met the Roosters in a game, and it will likely be a game Richfield will want to forget. Minneapolis was simply better, outskating and outworking the Cocks. The Millers lit the lamp early and often, scoring once in the first and third along with two in the second. Richfield managed to prevent the shutout on one of their 14 shots for the game, but it wouldn't be nearly enough to overcome the Mighty Millers. Minneapolis moves on, beating Richfield by a score of 4-1.

#12 South St. Paul Mavericks vs Rosemount Wolfhounds
UPSET ALERT! In their very first playoff game in team history, the Rosemount Wolfhounds have managed to take out one of the top teams in all of the MAHL in South St. Paul. The Mavericks were a real force to be reckoned with during the regular season and were expected to make a push for their first Kellogg Cup since 1941. So when they came out in the first round looking flat, it was a shock to the 1,200+ there to watch. Rosemount, though inexperienced, were feeding off the energy, looking like kids as they smiled on the bench and on the ice, just genuinely enjoying the experience. Of course it helps when you're winning which is exactly what happened here. I don't know if the Mavericks just looked past the Hounds or if it was a fluke game, but whatever the reason the result was not what they had hoped for. When the final horn sounded it was the visiting Wolfhounds who were on top, taking down the Mavericks by a final score of 3-1.

#22 Mound Marauders vs Edina Cake Eaters
Former West Metro rivals before Mound's move to the HHL, these two teams still know each other very well. There was no love lost and it was clear with both teams taking shots at the other and finishing their checks. Edina has historically had the Marauders number, especially in the playoffs having won both of their prior playoff meetings in convincing fashion (6-3 in 1979 and 6-1 in 1983), and this year was no different. Despite having home ice and being the team ranked in the top 25, Mound was unable to do anything about the Cake Eaters on either side of the ice. Edina rattled off four unanswered goals as they hold Mound off the scoreboard completely, embarrassing the Marauders on home ice with a 4-0 shellacking to send the Cake Eaters to the Section Final.

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1985 Kellogg Cup Playoffs: First Round - South


#9 Rochester Mustangs vs Cannon Falls Artillery
Cannon Falls, making their first playoff appearance in team history, had quite the hurdle ahead of them facing off against the top ranked team in the South Region in Rochester. The Mustangs were just the more skilled and experienced of the two, and they made sure to keep things simple, giving the Artillery nothing to build on. It was a slow chopping away by the Mustangs, one goal in the first, another in the second, and one more for good measure in the third to all but clinch the win right then and there. Cannon Falls was held to 15 shots on goal for the game, none getting past the Rochester netminder. The Stangs move on, shutting out VHL foes Cannon Falls by a final score of 3-0.

Northfield Outlaws vs Eau Claire Rubber Kings
Northfield was making their first home playoff appearance in 7 years as they took the ice to take on Eau Claire. Unfortunately for the Outlaws, their party would come to an end rather quick with the Rubber Kings lighting the lamp on their first shot of the game, adding a second only 2 shots later to jump out to a commanding two goal lead right off the bat. Eau Claire made it a three goal game late in the period, silencing the 1,500+ in attendance as we went to the second. Northfield regrouped in the locker room, surely getting a chewing from their coach. The Outlaws drew a powerplay a couple minutes in and made it count, getting on the board. A breakaway made it a one goal game and Northfield was beginning to look like they were beginning to take over. A late goal for the Kings would dampen those hopes, down 4-2 after two. Eau Claire could smell blood and came out hard in the third, looking to put this game away. The Outlaws were caught on their heels a bit, but their goalie was able to bail them out a couple of times. He could only do so much though as Eau Claire finally buried a rebound to take a three goal lead. Northfield would have no answer for the remainder of play, falling to Eau Claire 5-2.

#24 Marshall Pheasants vs Faribault Flickertails
The Pheasants came up just short a year ago, losing in the Kellogg Cup Final, and they look determined as hell to get back. Faribault was just the unfortunate team who happened to play Marshall in the first round. The Fightin' Pheasants were dynamic on offense and dominated control of the puck. It was a rather one sided game with the Flickertail goalie facing 38 shots in the game. When the dust settled the scoreboard reflected the play on the ice with Marshall comfortably in front, shutting out Faribault by a score of 4-0.

New Ulm Bavarians vs Lake Elmo Bluejays
The Bavarians were firing on all cylinders right from the get-go. New Ulm popped home two in the opening period of play, but they didn't stop there. The Diamonds lit up the Lake Elmo goal, finding the back of the net three more times in the second and once in the third for a grand total of six. Lake Elmo was able to net one in the second, but this was definitely not the game the Jays had hoped for. New Ulm moves on with a convincing 6-1 blowout of Lake Elmo.


#15 Sioux Falls Packers vs Hudson Bengals
This was definitely a much closer game than most had anticipated when the brackets were released. Despite only being in their second season of existence, Hudson proved the doubters wrong by hanging with one of the top teams in the MAHL for 60 minutes. The Bengals were able to keep the game tied for most of the game. It finally collapsed when a Packer beat the Hudson goalie over the shoulder on a snipe from the hashmarks with 4:50 left in the game. The nearly 5,000 in attendance pushed their team for the final minutes of play, erupting when the Hogs put home the empty netter with 26 seconds left to play. Sioux Falls survives and moves on, besting Hudson by a score of 4-2.

Hastings Rivermen vs Brookings Buffaloes
Two teams with plenty of post season experience facing off for the second time in the past three years. This was a battle through a through, with both teams making sure to finish their checks and go hard in the corners. The result was a low shot, and even lower scoring, game. We were still scoreless at the end of regulation, sending us to overtime in Hastings. The puck was dropped for OT and we were underway. Over half of the period past with still no goals. It wasn't until Brookings took a shot from the top of the circle that took a deflection off a Riverman's stick and beat the Hastings goaltender that we finally had a goal. The Buffaloes leaped over the bench to celebrate with their teammate and goalie, Brookings moves on with a 1-0 overtime win over the SCHL Champs.

#17 St. Peter Governors vs Worthington Zephyrs
UPSET ALERT! What a way to get your first playoff win, taking down the 17th ranked Blue Earth Hockey League Champions on the road. It was a great hockey game from a viewers perspective, with both teams playing at the top of their game and plenty of scoring chances. The Governors broke first blood, converting on an odd man rush in the second to open the scoring. Worthington tied it up on the powerplay in the third period. The momentum swung in favor of the visiting Zephyrs after they evened the score. The Zephs worked it around the offensive zone getting pucks on net. A shot from the point was blocked by a Governor, but his clearing attempt was snatched by a Zephyr who passed it to his teammate down low. He caught the pass and stepped out toward the slot, getting a shot off before a defenseman could get his stick on him. The shot beat the goalie on the blocker side, ringing it off the far post and in with 7:26 left in regulation. Worthington went into a defensive shell after taking the lead, but it paid off as the Governors were held off the scoreboard. The final horn sounded to send Worthington to the second round, upsetting St. Peter by a score of 2-1.

Mankato Moose vs Red Wing Chiefs
Goals were coming early and often in this one with the Moose and Chiefs combining for 8 goals in the game. As the score would suggest, this was a high paced game with both teams getting plenty of offensive zone chances. Mankato scored first, answered by Red Wing. The Moose got the next two, but the Chiefs would get one back before Mankato made it 4-2 heading into the third. Red Wing pulled back to within one midway through the period, but a Moose goal with under 5 minutes to play essentially clinched the win for Mankato. The final horn rang out and the crowd erupted in cheer, Mankato is moving on, knocking out Red Wing 5-3.

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TC North Predictions

Mora over Mounds View

Maplewood over Stillwater

Anoka over Blaine

Lino Lakes over Alexandria