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Semi final action complete...it's a Roseville vs. Hill Murray final for the 4AA crown.
There was a long string of Ms. Hockey winners attending the "U" that was broken by Thunstrom and Chute, but the last three have gone on to be Gophers. It is hard to compare the three Gopher commits that you mentioned, because Ramsey has the best supporting cast, Lorence plays on a less-talented team, and Bona's squad is about in the middle. If Ramsey was on a weaker team, would she adjust her game to carry more of the load offensively? Earlier in the year I thought that she was the favorite to win, but Bona and Coon Rapids have had a very strong campaign. As for the other two, Kuehl had an awesome year, but Mound-Westonka's schedule is down a notch from the others. Sylvester's team is so loaded offensively that it gets tough to say how valuable any one player may be. One of the more even groups of five finalists that I can remember.
I had very similar feelings watching the Roseville / Stillwater semi...but for ALL high school games I've ever watched, the officiating leaves much to be desired, IMO. I've pretty much come to expect questionable officiating in the high school game.
The officials seemed to take turns favoring one team, then the other. I am thankful that they didn't call a penalty every time a Stillwater player fell and their fans howled -- I thought I was watching a game at the DECC.
While there were questionable calls in that game, Stillwater did have a great chance with a late 4-on-3 and even a few seconds of 5-on-3 to tie it up. IMO, not pulling the goalie sooner was a coaching gaffe. Sometimes, coaches get too consumed with hollering at the officials and forget to coach their team.I think it is 12 with an asterisk. Annamarie Holmes went to Princeton, IIRC, and Winny Brodt played a year at UNH before transferring to Minnesota.
I'd like to see Bona win as well, but I'm biased because she had a monster game against a strong opponent in the only game that I saw her play this year. Of the three, Lorence may be the one to make the biggest impact next season.
The officials didn't cost Stillwater the game...but the Ponies clearly got jobbed out of 3-4 power plays that should have been. Despite that, Stillwater didn't take advantage of their domination in play as they should / could have. Roseville 'tender played well. Stillwater got away with a few clear infractions of their own as well. I think the officiating in high school hockey for the girls is largely substandard...while you have to appreciate those that do it. I'd guess compensation is minimal.The officials seemed to take turns favoring one team, then the other. I am thankful that they didn't call a penalty every time a Stillwater player fell and their fans howled -- I thought I was watching a game at the DECC.