Final power rankings: Hockey
Ian Thomas Jansen-Lonnquist, for the Free Press
OK, I think I’ve procrastinated enough. Time to unveil the final power rankings of the 2009-10 high school winter season.
I’ll start with boys and girls hockey. I’ll post the final basketball rankings tomorrow at some point.
Boys hockey
1. Spaulding (16-6-2): Is there any question about the Tide finishing the year as the state’s top team? Spaulding put together a splendid tournament, capping it with the Division I state championship by defeating defending champion CVU.
2. Champlain Valley (13-9-2): A late-season swoon was soon forgotten come playoff time. The Redhawks regrouped for a strong run at trying to defend their crown. They fell one 15-minute period short. But No. 2 ain’t so bad.
3. Essex (17-3-1): Their one-and-down 2010 playoff was a surprise. However, at No. 1 in our rankings before the playoff started, the Hornets had another outstanding campaign. Still worthy of a spot here.
4. North Country (14-7-1): A leap from Division II to Division I didn’t bother the Falcons. N.C. made the Gut and gave CVU a battle once there.
5. Missisquoi (19-4): Missisquoi finally broke through in boys hockey with a championship, blanking Stowe in the Division II final. MVU had zero Division II losses during its title-worthy season.
Girls hockey
1. BFA-St. Albans (15-4-4): The Division I title returned to BFA after missing the final for the first time in school history last year.
2. Spaulding (18-4): Another tough championship-game loss for the Crimson Tide. Plenty of star power returning, however, so expect Spaulding to be in the mix next season.
3. Champlain Valley (16-5-1): The Redhawks had a five-win improvement from last season to this on — plus a Kreitzberg appearance. They were a mainstay in our rankings this winter, too.
4. Essex (13-7-2): The defending champs lost in the semifinals. Alas, they did avenge regular-season losses to Hartford in the quarterfinals.
5. U-32 (21-1-1): It’s nice to win a state championship. It’s also nice to redeem a regular-season loss in the championship. U-32 did both.
Alex Abrami
John A. Fantino
Kevin Commo
Mike Donoghue
First of all, bravo Alex for having the tenacity and (at times) the thick skin to see this venture through the entire season.
You did a great job of fueling a well-informed discussion that seldom drifted into the morass that often plagues these types of online discourses.
That said, I’m prepared to take issue with a couple of your final choices.
First of all, I’m an ardent BFA supporter, but Spaulding was the better girls hockey team in the state championship game and therefore would be my pick as the top team. Doesn’t mean BFA’s title is tainted – in fact, it means just the opposite – BFA’s title is an amazing accomplishment given the disparity in play in the title game.
I also take issue with Essex being No. 3. In my opinion, the team with the best record in Division I was the best team. Doesn’t mean Spaulding isn’t deserving of the title – they earned it by beating BFA and CVU, but Essex’s first-round defeat only means they weren’t the best team on that given day. They still dominated the regular season and if the tournament was played five more times, I’d bet they’d win at least three of the five.
Here’s hoping you continue to post rankings in the spring – it was a great addition to the winter sports landscape!
Cold Hollow Photo boy
March 10, 2010 at 3:12 am
Alex – thanks for a great season, your efforts and due diligence. It was entertaining at times and I will miss the lively board discussions on Hockey Power Rankings. Now that I’ve given you your accolades I am going to agree with CHP boy in regards to the comments on Spaulding girls. BFA may have the title, but Spaulding in my book is the #1 Team. My Final Power Rankings are as follows: #1: Spaulding #2: BFA #3: Essex #4: U-32 (you refer to Spaulding returning plenty of “star power,” U32 returns 100% of their team) #5: CVU. Boys #1: Spaulding #2: Essex #3: CVU #4: NCU #5: St. Albans. Thanks Again!
Sports Guru
March 10, 2010 at 11:24 am
Great job Alex. This was alot of fun and what a message board should be all about!!
john
March 10, 2010 at 11:45 am
Thanks for the kinds words everybody. It was a lot of fun to do every week this winter.
I look forward to the spring.
I’ll post final basketball rankings at some point today/tonight.
Alex Abrami
March 10, 2010 at 12:03 pm
It is great to see that Missisquoi finally receives a little recognition after going undefeated in the Lake Division. Stowe was in the spotlight all season long but was no match against Missisquoi in the finals. After watching the finals game I am a believer in Missisquoi. They dominated Stowe and wanted the game more.
Hockey Nut
March 10, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Alex,
Great job….I really enjoyed all the commentary. Looking forward to some D-1 baseball coverage this spring.
Patin
March 11, 2010 at 8:39 am