Well, the Brewers didn't repeat last year's run...but they put forward another FANTASTIC season nonetheless.  I'm ready to see what they've got in store in the years to come (perhaps their first Valley League title?)

Of the teams remaining, I'm rooting for the Robins...

1966 Kellogg Cup Playoffs; Second Round


Minneapolis Millers vs Edina Cake Eaters
The Mighty Millers flexed their muscles in the first, building a hefty 3-0 lead after 1. Edina made things closer for the remainder of the game, outscoring Minneapolis 2-1 in the final two periods, but ultimately losing the game 4-2 and missing out on the Super Series yet again.

Twin Cities Vulcans vs St. Paul Victorias
Crosstown rivals, these two go way back and despite the overall record between the two is dramatically in favor of the V's, this one went to the Vulcans in a double overtime thriller by a score of 3-2. They battled back and forth throughout regulation, ending the game tied 2-2. The first overtime came and went and there was yet to be a winner. The Victorias were called for too many men on the ice during a bad line change, giving the Vulcans a powerplay chance. That was all they needed to finally pop one home and secure the victory, ending St. Paul's Super Series streak at 4.

St. Paul Saints vs Mankato Moose
The Saints fell behind early on a fortunate deflection that slid through and gave Mankato the lead. Both teams would get one more in the first, heading into the second with a score of 2-1 Mankato. The second was the Saints for the most part, out shooting the Moose 10-4 in the period, taking the led at 3-2 after 2. Mankato was down, but they pulled it together between periods and came out for the third doing everything right, and it resulted with two quick goals to stun St. Paul and regain the lead. Mankato was able to kill off the rest of the clock to secure their place in the Super Series.

Rochester Robins vs Sioux Falls Packers
Two of the biggest cities in the southern region were going at it in Rochester. The visitors got the scoring started, albeit not until the third period, firing a hard shot that beat the goalie blocker side. The Packers put the dagger in when they won the faceoff after the Robins pulled their goalie, sending it down the ice and into the empty net, securing the win for the underdog Packers who get back to the Super Series.


Winnipeg Monarchs vs Grand Rapids Moose
Winning the Kellogg Cup last season really increased the popularity of the Monarchs among the masses of Winnipeg, who began showing up to support in greater numbers this season. This game was the first time the Monarchs managed to sell out the entire lower bowl of the 10,000 seat Winnipeg Arena, selling approximately 6,800 tickets (standing room included). The atmosphere was electric and the Moose knew they needed to get on the board early to quiet the crowd. The first was mainly in the Grand Rapids zone, but they kept Winnipeg off the board. The second was when the Moose took advantage of a powerplay, burying a one timer and taking the lead. The lead wouldn't last however, with the Monarchs knotting things back up late in the period. The third was again controlled by Winnipeg, but Grand Rapids persisted. Overtime was required and it began as more of the same. The Monarchs had open lanes and took their shots with purpose. One of these shots finally beat the goalie, rippling the back of the net and sending Winnipeg back to the Super Series.

Roseau Stars vs Cloquet Broncos
In what is becoming a bit of a playoff rivalry, the Stars and Broncos faced off yet again, this time with Roseau getting the upper hand at home and making it count, knocking off Millen and the Broncos with a 2-1 win.

Thief River Falls Railers vs Thunder Bay Giants
Thief River Falls seemed to have solved the Giants impenetrable defense, netting three goals, one in each period, on their way to a 3-2 victory over a very good team from Thunder Bay.

Duluth Voyageurs vs Ely Black Bears
Duluth got things started with an early goal from Williams, building on said lead late in the third on the powerplay. Ely regrouped in the second, making adjustments on defense and switching up some lines. The changes worked, allowing Ely to tie things up before Duluth took the lead at the end of the second. Ely crawled back again in the third, managing to tie the game yet again and force overtime. Duluth and Ely went back and forth at the beginning of overtime, but neither tried anything fancy, not wanting to make any mistakes. The Black Bears finally made a move, getting past a Voyageur and giving Ely a 3 on 2 chance. The skater dropped the puck for his teammate who waited a second before shooting, throwing off the goalies timing, and winning the game for the Black Bears, sending them to their first Super Series.

Let me know what you think, comments are appreciated!

RIP to the Monarchs. The Packers are on fire

Well, there go the Cake Eaters... Apparently, every team I pick is going to lose, but I'm going to root for the Railers now.

I'm pullin for the Monarchs the rest of the way!