Vikings keeping the horn on the helmet

Good Morning readers I am sorry I haven't posted in a long time. I have been sick and have had a hard time looking at the computer for long periods of time. Well if your a Vikings fan you heard that the Vikings made some changes to there uniforms.

Well some big news came in from owner Ziggy Wilf the Vikings are keeping the horn on the helmet and not changing it to the Vikings head. Ziggy said that they weren't taking the horn off they were just going to add some yellow to the horn. Other changes with the uniform could include dark pants with the home uniform. Other changes might include a third alternative jersey.

I have gotten a lot of comments in my Mock Draft predictions and I will be making changes to it next week. People have been sending me emails about why certain teams take certain people I have my reasons and I do in depth studying of teams and see potential in some players. More Mock Draft predictions next week.

More Minnesota Sports News

The Minnesota Wild lost a heart breaker last night at the GM Place in Vancouver Canucks. With literally 6 seconds on the clock in the third period Anson Carter of the Canucks scored the game winning powerplay goal. This team needs two more scorers because Rolston and Gaborik can't score all the goals.

The Minnesota Timberwolves won last night againest the Orlando Magic. Ricky Davis had a big game, but it looks like the Timberwolves will have a big lottery pick.

First 2 rounds mock draft 1.0

1. Houston Texans Reggie Bush, RB, USC =

2. New York Jets(trade with Saints) Matt Leinart, QB, USC =

3. Tennessee Titans Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt

4. New Orleans Saints(trade with Jets) A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St. =

5. Green Bay Packers Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St. =

6. San Francisco 49ers D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia

7. Oakland Raiders Vince Young, QB, Texas

8. Buffalo Bills Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland

9. Detroit Lions Michael Huff, DB, Texas =

10. Arizona Cardinals Winston Justice, OT, USC

11. St. Louis Rams Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon

12. Cleveland Browns Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.

13. Baltimore Ravens LenDale White, RB, USC

14. Philadelphia Eagles Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St.

15. Atlanta Falcons Jimmy Williams, S, Va Tech =

16. Miami Dolphins Tye Hill, CB, Clemson =

17. Minnesota Vikings Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St.

18. Dallas Cowboys Chad Jackson, WR, Florida =

19. San Diego Chargers Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina

20. Kansas City Chiefs Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St. =

21. New England Patriots DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis

22. Denver Broncos(from Washington) Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn =

24. Cincinnati Bengals Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan

25. New York Giants Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa

26. Chicago Bears Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA

27. Carolina Panthers Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota

28. Jacksonville Jaguars Antonio Cromartie, DB, Florida St.

29. Denver Broncos Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College =

30. Indianapolis Colts Joseph Addai, RB, LSU

31. Seattle Seahawks Max Jean-Gilles OG, Georgia

32. Pittsburgh Steelers Nick Mangold, C, Ohio St. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

33. Houston Texans Eric Winston, OT, Miami

34. New Orleans Saints DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama

35. New York Jets Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St.

36. Green Bay Packers Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio St.

37. San Francisco 49ers Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami =

38. Oakland Raiders Claude Wroten, DT, LSU

39. Tennessee Titans D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland

40. Detroit Lions Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, Cal

41. Arizona Cardinals Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green

42. Buffalo Bills Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas

43. Cleveland Browns Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.

44. Baltimore Ravens Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee

45. Philadelphia Eagles Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP

46. St. Louis Rams Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame

47. Atlanta Falcons Darryl Tapp, DE/OLB, Va Tech =

48. Minnesota Vikings Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina

49. Dallas Cowboys Darnell Bing, S USC

50. San Diego Chargers Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona St.

51. Minnesota Vikings Brodie Croyle QB, Alabama

52. New England Patriots Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno St.

53. Washington Redskins Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa =

54. Kansas City Chiefs Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami

55. Cincinnati Bengals Dominique Byrd, TE USC

56. New York Giants Anthony Fasno, TE, Notre Dame

57. Chicago Bears Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise St.

58. Carolina Panthers Deuce Lutui, OG, USC

59. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska

60. Jacksonville Jaguars Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA

61. Denver Broncos Greg Eslinger, C, Minnesota

62. Indianapolis Colts Davin Joseph, OG, Oklahoma

63. Seattle Seahawks Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St.

64. Pittsburgh Steelers Martin Nance, WR Miami (OH)

Minnesota Vikings building with quality players

Hi Readers I have been on vacation for a few days so I have been letting my blog slip a little bit. So today we are going to talk some Minnesota Vikings football. I like where this team is going.

We are cutting the bad players out of our system and adding quality leaders and players. We cut Daunte Culpepper, Moe Williams, Brian Williams, and Michael Bennett. And we added players like Steve Hutchinson, Koren Robinson, Ryan Longwell, and Chester Taylor. I like what Childress is doing with this team building around a strong running game and a proven Superbowl Quarterback.

We have seven draft picks in the upcoming draft to get the following postions filled. These positions are in order of importance:

1. Backup Quarterback (future Quarterback)
2. Coverage Linebacker
3. Offensive Lineman Depth
   
4. Third Cornerback
5. Safety
6. Runningback Depth
7. Tight End Depth

Overall I do have to say if you were going to build a team to win with hard running and defense this is what the team would look like. Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss are all-star players but two players don't make a team.

Other Minnesota Sports News:

The Minnesota Wild won last night againest the Calgary Flames last night. Erik Westrom played his first NHL game in a Wild uniform and he looked good. Marion Gaborik scored two goals and Brian Rolston added another. Look for the Wild to miss the playoffs but make a splash in the next offseason.

The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Miami Heat last night on the shoulders of Ricky Davis. This team is not going to make the playoffs and look for them to get a good draft pick and add more depth to this team.

The Minnesota Twins play at noon today againest the Reds. Look for MLB teams to start making cuts soon, or start making trades for needed postions and depth.

Full First Round Mock Draft

Good Morning Readers well here it is my first full first round Mock Draft of the year. Notice the arrows meaning players are moving up and down on the Draft chart. Hope everybody enjoys it.

1. Houston Texans Reggie Bush, RB, USC =

2. New York Jets (traded the Saints) Matt Leinart, QB, USC

3. Tennessee Titans Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt

4. New Orleans Saints (traded the Jets) A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio St. =

5. Green Bay Packers Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina St. =

6. San Francisco 49ers D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia

7. Oakland Raiders Vince Young, QB, Texas

8. Buffalo Bills Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland

9. Detroit Lions Michael Huff, DB, Texas

10. Arizona Cardinals Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.

11. St. Louis Rams Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon

12. Cleveland Browns LenDale White, RB, USC

13. Baltimore Ravens DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis

14. Philadelphia Eagles Winston Justice, OT, USC

15. Atlanta Falcons Jimmy Williams, S, Va Tech

16. Miami Dolphins Tye Hill, CB, Clemson

17. Minnesota Vikings Ernie Sims, LB, Florida St.

18. Dallas Cowboys Chad Jackson, WR, Florida =

19. San Diego Chargers Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St. =

20. Kansas City Chiefs Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida St. =

21. New England Patriots Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa

22. Denver Broncos(from Washington) Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn

24. Cincinnati Bengals Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia

25. New York Giants Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, North Carolina St.

26. Chicago Bears Darnell Bing, S, USC =

27. Carolina Panthers Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota

28. Jacksonville Jaguars Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College

29. Denver Broncos Antonio Cromartie, DB, Florida St.

30. Indianapolis Colts Joseph Addai, RB, LSU =

31. Seattle Seahawks DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama

32. Pittsburgh Steelers Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina

Good Ridance Daunte Culpepper

Good Morning Readers, well you should all know by now that Daunte Culpepper has been traded to the Miami Dolphins for there 2nd Round Draft Pick. If you know me and have read past articles on Daunte Culpepper and this guy was a cry baby.

So where do we go now? Well we build a team around a strong defense and strong offensive run. That's what teams do to win in this league. Would you give up two allstar players to get a Superbowl and a new Stadium? The answer for me is yes. The Patriots lost Curtis Martin, Dree Bledsoe, and Terry Glenn and won three Superbowls and the key to this league is draft correctly and find players that can play your system and are all leaders.

The Draft is next month look for Brad Childress to find a new gem quarterback. I did a mockdraft and I think it is coming together nicely so far I have:

First Round

• Chad Greenway Iowa LB: Not a true MLB but has the senses to play on all linebacker positions. Plays hard great tackler, great speed, and has a real sense for the game. Could be taken between 1st to 15th draft picks.
• Winston Justice, OT USC: The Vikings could look to free agency to fill their needs on the offensive line, but if they don’t, they could address the position early in the draft..
• Ernie Sims FSU LB: Also not a true MLB but has great speed, and is a great tackler, he does have some off the field issues. Could be taken between 15th and 45th.
  
• Eric Winston, Miami (FL) OT: The Vikings need a lot of help on the offensive line, and Winston could step in and play immediately. He possesses great size and intelligence, and can play either on the left or right side.
• Jay Cutler, QB Vanderbilt: Cutler has received a lot of hype since the Senior Bowl, and another team could be tempted to move up once he gets out of the top ten.

Second Round (2 picks)

• D'Qwell Jackson Maryland LB: A true MLB with speed and good size. Typical Maryland linebacker came from the same system as E.J. Henderson. Could be taken between the 20th and early second round.
• Adul Hodge Iowa LB: This guy is a monster he can play the run and pass. He is a machine smart and can smell out a play. He runs very well, but can be stopped if doesn't play with big linemen. Could be taken between the 10th and 45th picks.
• Brodie Croyle Alabama QB: Croyle enters his senior year at Alabama coming off season-ending knee surgery a year ago. Despite an injury that plagued him in 2003, Croyle set the single-season record for pass attempts (341), was second in completions (182), 2nd in passing yards (2,303) and tied for the single-season passing touchdown mark (16).
• Bernard Pollard Purdue S: A big time big ten safety was a cornerstone for that Purdue defense. Good size and speed and looks like a monster in the back field. Could be taken between 25th and 50th draft picks.
• Taitusi Lutui USC OG: The offensive line was a big problem area and this guy could be the next David Dixon for them.
• 
  
• Jason Allen Tennessee S
: His size and speed makes him an intriguing prospect at corner, but he might be more suited for safety.
• 
  
• Max Jean-Gilles Georgia OG: A very experienced blocker, Max Jean-Gilles has blocked against the top defenses of the SEC his entire career. Jean-Gilles doesn’t have the best mobility because of his large stature. He needs to react quicker to the play and hold his blocks longer.

More Minnesota Sports News:

The Minnesota Wild fell last night againest the Edmonton Oilers. I watched the game and the Refs cost the Wild a win last night. I think if they would have called that Walz goal a actual goal then we had some momentum to win. The Wild make there own destiny and they need to win to make the playoffs.

Vikings making SOME moves

Hi Readers, it looks like the snow storm is over in the cities. Sorry I didn't post yesterday but it was a heck of a day in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Vikings have made some moves and look for them to make some more.

Well the Vikings signed Ben Leber and Ryan Longwell proving that they got a great young kicker and a proven run-stopping linebacker. After signing those two they went after the future power runningback of this organization Chester Taylor who has 4.1 yard average and proven stats to be a catching threat in the backfield.

One of the Vikings biggest signings is keeping Koren Robinson in Purple and giving him a big contract. It looked like the Vikings were rolling and then they signed Steve Hutchinson to the offer sheet. This deal is very interesting because it is the largest deal in the OG spot in NFL history. I like this deal in two ways and the Vikings are making Seattle squirm and maybe getting Steve Hutchinson in a power move.

So what else do they need a Safety, Middle Linebacker, Nickle Cornerback, Tight End, Offensive Tackle, and a third Quarterback. Players that are coming in to Winter Park are Will Demps S Baltimore Ravens, Craig Nalls QB Green Bay Packers, William Henderson FB Green Bay, and other just rumored players.

So I would give the Vikings a B grade so far in free agency. And I think Daunte Culpepper is going to be traded before the end of the day.

Other Minnesota Sports Notes:

The Minnesota Wild play the Edmonton Oilers again tonight. Look for the Wild to try to get another win againest the last playoff team. If the Wild make a push to make the playoffs the Wild Moght have a chance to make the playoffs.

The Minnesota Twins play the Philadephia Phillies today at noon. Look for the Twins to keep on rolling in spring training.

The Minnesota Timberwolves keep on falling, but it isn't he worse thing in the world because the more they lose the better lottery pick they get in the draft.

Bye Bye Daunte Culpepper

Good Morning Readers I hope you are enjoying the Minnesota Boys State Tournment speculation. Today I am going to talk to the Biggest Crybaby in Minnesota and I am not talking about former Timberwolves Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell, I am talking about former Minnesota Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper.

In an expressive email yesterday Daunte Culpepper made it plain and clear that he wants to be traded or released and have nothing to do with this team. And I say trade his butt to another team or just release him. I have been a Culpepper supporter for the last three seasons and have taken grief from my friends and family for supporting him. I supported through the Boat scandel and even last week but he has broken my spirit for him and needs to be traded or released.

Why does he need to be traded, one is he gives up and doesn't stick in there when the going gets tough. Once the Vikings picked Brad Childress for Head Coach Daunte didn't want to support him. In games where we needed a comeback he never gave us one. He is a money grubbing player who thinks one or two years make him a allstar player who should get super bonuses. he only thinks about himself and not his team or teammates. He had surgery on three of his ligaments in his knee and players with that injury take at least two years to come back to full strength. And lastly he is not our leader and has tough times controlling his emotions.

So who will want him the teams I hear in talks are the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams and Oakland Raiders. But Culpepper has made such a debacle of this his trade value is almost zero and he needs the Minnesota Vikings to pull the trigger. I think if we can get anything for him lets just pull the trigger and do it. We can find new talent and build a team that wants to be a team. So Goodbye Daunte Culpepper and hopefully you enjoy your payoff with some other team.

Other Minnesota Sports Notes:

Doug Risebourgh pulled another big Minnesota Wild trade yesterday with the Dallas Stars to get 26 year old Martin Skoula and 24 year old Shawn Belle one of the Stars biggest prospects. And all we had to give up is 28 year old Willie Mitchell and a 2nd Round Draft pick.


Minnesota Highschool Boys Hockey team:

Blaine 7, Lakeville North 2

Cretin-Derham Hall 5, Eagan 2

Grand Rapids 7, Roseau 4

Hill-Murray 5 Minnetonka 4

So who is going to win the State AA Boys Highschool Hockey Tournament

1AA: A very competitive division with most of the teams losing lots of there talent. Rochester Century is the narrow favorite with Marshall and Rochester Mayo coming from behind. This section is going to be a dog fight and sadly the winner is not going to make it to the second round of the State Tournment.
New Outlook: It is a dog fight between Rochester Century 9-10-1, Marshall 13-6-0, and Rochester Mayo 10-8-1. I going to stay with my prediction of Rochester Century to make it to state, but once there not making it out of the first round.

WHO WON: Lakeville North won the section and I was completly wrong on this one. 0-1

2AA: Tartan went to State last year and lost most of there talent in the off-season. Cretin-Derham Hall has a very soild team, but I like Hastings and Woodbury in this division they are returning the most talent and have come a long way in there programs. Watch out for St.Paul Johnson they have some talent and they have been to State before.
New Outlook: Well the overall dominate team of this division is Cretin-Durham Hall with a 17-3-1 record, there big competition is either Woodbury 13-6-2 or St. Paul Johnson with a 13-5-2 record. The under horse team is Hastings with a 10-8-2 record and was a pre-season favorite.

WHO WON: Cretin-Durham Hall won the section and my newoutlook was correct.1-1

3AA: I was superised that White Bear Lake took a early exit last year in the tournment. This is a two team race between White Bear Lake and the power house of Hill Murray, this is going to be a very interesting section and I think the winner between these two teams will be in the State Tournment Finals. Also watch out for that dang Centennial.
New Outlook: Hill Murray on all accounts are heading back to state with an impressive 17-1-1 record. There only competition looks like White Bear Lake 11-7-2, and Centinnial 10-8-2. If Hill Murray wins there section look for them to take state.

WHO WON: Hill Murray won the section and my original outlook was correct. 2-1

4AA: Wayzata is the big team to beat in this section with Blaine and Osseo a close 2nd and 3rd. This is another division where they have lost many of there seniors to graduation. This is going to be a beating with Wayzata getting ready for a tournment birth.
New Outlook: This section is another weak section and it is between Wayzata 12-8-0, and Blaine 15-4-0. I think Blaine is going to take this section, but there not going to make it to far up the state brackets.

WHO WON: Blaine won the section and my original outlook was correct. 3-1

5AA: Holy Angels wants to repeat and has a very good chance too. They are returning many juniors and seniors and both of there goalies. Apple Valley has a chance to beat them but it is probably not going to happen. Rosemount is another big team in this section but I think Holy Angels is too big and strong to loss out.
New Outlook: Like I said before Holy Angels is a bigger stronger team and should win this section easy with a 15-1-2 record so far. The other teams with a chance Rosemount 11-7-1 and Eagan 11-7-1. I am looking for a Holy Angels vs. Hill Murray final at state.

WHO WON: Eagen won the section and I was completly wrong. 3-2

6AA: Minnetonka looks like a pretty good team this year, but they will have to beat Bloomington Jefferson to get to State. I think Minnetonka has a very good chance returning most of there talent and goalies. But Bloomington Jefferson has the experience and the pristege of being to state many times. Watch out for Eden Prairie and Chaske in this section too.
New Outlook: This section is a three way dog fight between big dog Bloomington Jefferson 14-4-1, Minnetonka 11-8-0, and Eden Prairie 14-2-2. I think Bloomington Jefferson is going to win this section but Minnetonka could give them some problems.

WHO WON: Minnetonka won the section and I was completly wrong. 3-3

7AA: Duluth East is the top range team and should return to state. Elk River now joins there section and could make a run at state. This division is going to be a two team race since Cloquet and Grand Rapids lost lots of talent . East has two soild lines and seems to find talent around the range.
New Outlook: This section is very competitive section with four teams with great records having a chance to win the section. Duluth East has a 14-5-1 record and has played some hard teams. Elk River switched sections and has a 13-4-2 record, Cloquet a team that I have downplayed has a 16-3-1 record and has looked strong in the division. And finally Grand Rapids has a 12-7-0 record and has a chance to make the section finals.

WHO WON: Grand Rapids won the section and I was completly wrong. 3-4

8AA: Moorhead lost alot of talent and will have to work really hard to make it back, they lost there starting goalie to another team and looks like they won't repeat. So enter Roseau who has been working hard to get back on top. They have lots of talent returning and should make it to state again. Buffalo switched sections and could have a chance to make it to state.
New Outlook: This is a two team race between Roseau 17-4-0 and just had a tough loss againest Warroad, and Moorhead who is 13-4-1 and has lost most of there big name players. I think Roseau will win this section but look for a dog fight againest Moorhead.

WHO WON: Roseau won the section and I was correct. 4-4

So the winners for Minnesota Boys Hockey section AA are:

1. Lakeville North
2. Cretin-Durham Hall
3. Hill Murray
4. Blaine
5. Eagen
6. Minnetonka
7. Grand Rapids
8. Roseau

So who plays who today:

First game 1A verus 4A: This should be a barn burner with Blaine coming up on top. Look for Lakeville North to fall to the consolation bracket. I like Blaine's schedule and the fact they have played some big teams helps in the season.

Second game 2A verus 5A: This is the game of the day Cretin-Durham Hall againest power house Eagen. Look for a high scoring game with the Eagan coming out with this one. Look for the winner of this won to play Blaine in a tough game.

Third game 3A verus 6A: Hill-Murray and Minnetonka look for Hill-Murray to take this one in a low scoring affair. Hill-Murray has been cruising and look for them to go far in this tournment.

Fourth game 7A and 8A: Roseau and Grand Rapids square off in a northwoods matchup tonight. Look for the Rams to win this one big.

Yesterday Winners:

• Little Falls 6, Man. East/Loyola 5

• Duluth Marshall 4, Blake 2

• St. Thomas Acad. 3, Orono 2, OT

• Hermantown 4, Thief River Falls 3

So who is going to win the State A Boys Highschool Hockey Tournament

1A Original: I am going to say that one of the Mankato teams are going to win this section . With Mankato East getting the nod over Mankato West. Albert Lea was the section winner last year and there team was week verus a dominate Warroad team, but they looked good againest the range team.
New Outlook: The Mankato teams are not doing as well as planned and it looks like last years winner Albert Lea is going to make a soild run at the section. With a record of 9- 9-0 Albert Lea is not going to make a big splash in the tournament. Also look out for Marshall with a soild record of 13-4-0.

WHO WON: Mankato East won the section and my original outlook was correct. 0-1

2A Original: Duluth Marshall is going to repeat they only graduated a couple kids and there team was very soild in the tournament. Duluth Denfield might make a play at Duluth with returning there top line and a good goalie but I think Marshall will take this one.
New Outlook: Duluth Marshall is killing there opponents in the section they have to be the favorite in the section with a 15-1-1 record and they have played some tough games and some tough teams.

WHO WON: Duluth Marshall won the section and I was correct all the way. 1-1

3A Original: Rochester Lourdes has looked good in past years and has a soild chance this year of returning. St. Thomas was last years mystery team at state you might remember Jordan Schroeder that young freshman. Redwing is returning so good scorers and could come back to the tournament with soild scorers.
New Outlook: Well I told you earlier this year this is a three team race between Red Wing 12-3-2, St. Thomas 11-4-1, and Rochester Lourdes 9-6-2. I think St. Thomas will return to state they have had the stronger schedule and conference.

WHO WON: St. Thomas won the section and my original outlook was correct. 2-1

4A: Little Falls and Fergus Falls have been coming to the tournament for many years this section is the worst section. Alexandria moved down from AA and looks like they might take a run at state. This section is horrible and these schools are going to battle it out for a first round exit.
New Outlook:Well I told you earlier this year this is a three team race between Alexandria 9-10-0, Little Falls 13-3-1, and Fergus Falls 9-4-2. I think Alexandria will make it to state with a tougher schedule.

WHO WON: Little Falls won the section and I was completly wrong on this one. 2-2

5A: Blake is going to be the team to beat in this section. This section one of the competitive in the state with Breck and Grace right behind them. Grace went to state last year and lost to Warroad in the finals in overtime one of the best games in state history. St. Louis Park might be the darkhorse in this division and could have a chance to make it.
New Outlook: This is the most competitive section in the state with Blake 9-7-2, Breck 11-6-0, Totino Grace 11-6-0, and St. Louis Park 14-2-1. I like Breck in this section Blake has slowed down and looks like they have troubles this year.

WHO WON: Blake won the section and I was completly wrong on this one too. 2-3

6A: Another section where a AA school moved down and has the chance to go to state. Faribault moved down from AA and looks like the favorite in this section. Orono has been the state leader for many years and will give Faribault a run for his money. Mound went to state last year and they had a late run to make it to state.
New Outlook: It looks like Faribault is going to win this section they have a 12-5-1 record and still have played some big schools on the way. Orono 10-7-1 and Holy Family 10-8-2 might have a chance but look for Faribault to win this section.

WHO WON: Orono won the section and I was completly wrong on this one too. 2-4

7A: Another great three way battle to make it to state Virgina/Iron Mountain/Buhl the state winners last year only lost Niskaneen to UMD but returned most of there team. Hibbing is also a soild team and wants to go back to state. Hermantown is going fast and might have the best chance to upset the two big mining towns.
New Outlook: Well I told you earlier this year this is a three team race between Virgina/Mountain Iron/Buhl 15-3-0, Hibbing 9-8-0, and Hermantown 15-2-0. I think Virgina/Mountain Iron/Buhl will return to state they have had the stronger team than the others.

WHO WON: Hermantown won the section and I was completly wrong on this one too. 2-5

8A: Warroad lost a lot of talent and is going to have to work hard to win again. They are returning Marvin but they have a new goalie, new defense, and new fowards. Thief River Falls is the favorite but they have a 25 year old curse to break. They have the most talent in the section and should go to state. Lake of the Woods is the dark horse they have Beller back and players that are smart and a good Fort Francis goalie.
New Outlook: Thief River Falls is the favorite to win state at a 12-4-0 and beating Warroad 9-6-2 and East Grand Forks 6-10-1 it looks like the Prowlers will make back to state after 40 years.

WHO WON: Thief River Falls won the section and I was correct all the way. 3-5

So the winners for the Minnesota Boy Hockey section single A are:

1. Mankato East
2. Duluth Marshall
3. St. Thomas Academy
   
4. Little Falls
5. Blake
6. Orono
7. Hermantown
8. Thief River Falls

So who plays who today:

First game 1A verus 4A: This should be a barn burner with Mankato East coming up on top. Look for Little Falls to fall to the consolation bracket. I like Mankato East schedule and the fact they have played some big teams helps.

Second game 2A verus 5A: This is the game of the day Duluth Marshall againest power house Blake. Look for a high scoring game with the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers coming out with this one. And the loser of this one is going to be the winner of the consolation bracket.

Third game 3A verus 6A: St. Thomas and Orono look for St. Thomas to take this one in a low scoring affair. St. Thomas has been cruising and look for them to go far in this tournment.

Fourth game 7A and 8A: Thief River Falls and Hermantown square off in a northwoods matchup tonight. Look for the Prowlers to beat the Hawks in a close matchup.

We will miss you Kirby Puckett

It's a sad day in the eyes of many Minnesota Twins fans as number 34 Kirby Puckett went to the field of dreams in the sky. He was a hero to many and was the best clutch player in Minnesota History. Stories to remember :

The Debut: Twins catcher Tim Laudner was in the clubhouse in Anaheim, Calif., to play the Angels when Puckett arrived for his first day in the big leagues.

"He came in and didn't have enough money to pay the cab fare," Laudner, 47, recalled Monday. "He said, 'If you guys want me in the lineup tonight, somebody had better go out and pay the cab.' It was something like $90. Puck had taken the cab from LAX (the airport) to Anaheim, and he had spent all his money on his minor league buddies the night before when he was told he was going to the big leagues."

The center fielder provided a sign of things to come when he went 4-for-5 in his major league debut on May 8, 1984, becoming the ninth player in history to collect four hits in his first game.

The Catch: First, he made a leaping catch against the Metrodome's outfield Plexiglas in the third inning and robbed Ron Gant of an extra-base hit, saving a run from scoring. Then, in the 11th inning, Puckett became the ninth player in major league history to win a World Series game with a home run, hitting a changeup from Charlie Leibrandt over the outfield wall and pumping his arms in celebration as he rounded the bases.

The homer: In the clubhouse before World Series Game 6, with the Twins down three games to two, Puckett told his teammates to "jump on my back. I'll carry you." He led off the bottom of the 11th with a home run to left, propelling his team into Game 7 and an eventual second World Series championship in five years.

The weekend: On Aug. 29-30, 1987, Puckett went 10-for-11 over two games at Milwaukee, setting an AL record and tying the modern-day major league record for hits in two consecutive games. In the Sunday game, he went 6-for-6 and stole a grand slam from Robin Yount.

And Finally he said:

"Kirby Puckett's going to be all right," he said in 1996. "Don't worry about me. I'll show up, and I'll have a smile on my face. The only thing I won't have is this uniform on. But you guys can have the memories of what I did when I did have it on."

God just needed a allstar center fielder for his baseball team and he got a good one.

Get Well Kirby Puckett

Good Morning Readers, our prayers go out to Kirby Puckett, he suffered a stroke this weekend and is in critical condition in Scottsdale Arizona. I would like to say he was a sports idol in Minnesota and is the number one clutch player in Minnesota State history. So Kirby we know your tough and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

He always gave a clutch hit or catch he was a proven leader that players and fans looked up too. He is a Minnesota icon before players started making so much money. He loved Minnesota and had many opportunties to go to a bigger market and make some more money. I like to say he was a person that was down to earth and wanted to prove his worth. He was only 5' 9'' but he has a heart 100 times the size.

So get well Kirby Puckett and I know you will get through this. You are a tough athlete and person and I know you can get through this. So if you are reading this keep him in your mind and remember all the things he did for Minnesota Sports. So Kirby we know your tough and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Other Minnesota Sports News:

The Minnesota Wild won yesterday 5-3 againest the Colorado Av's. Wes Walz scored a couple goals to win againest the Colorado Av's. It looks like the Wild are playing straight .500 hockey are going to miss the playoffs by 4-6 games. On other news the Minnesota Wild released Alexander Daigle. And picked up Mattias Weinhandl from the New York Islanders organization.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have seemed to figured out a rotation that works and they beat the Golden State Warriors. Look for the Timberwolves to miss the playoffs and to be in good shape for the playoffs.

The Minnesota Vikings are getting ready for the free agency but it looks like free agency won't start to Thursday. The Vikings signed Willie Offord to a 2 year contract and a backup center from the Jets. Look for the Vikings to make a big splash in the free agency market.

Minnesota Wild are falling fast

Hello Loyal Readers it has been a rough week and I haven't been blogging much lately and now I am back on the wagon. I watched the Minnesota Twins in there first Grapefruit league game last night. Also with that I watched the Minnesota Wild fall off the playoff map.

I was thinking after the game this team should not make a trade if there 8 or more points back. They have a good situation going and don't need to trade players to competitors if they are out of the playoff race. I have been a big advacate for trading players but the more I think about it I don't think any trade could push this team in the playoffs.

The players I feel bad for is Marion Gaborik and Brian Rolston who are having giant seasons for the Wild. Look for the Wild to keep on falling as Manny is playing poorly and maybe they should play Dwayne Roloson a little more and get a little more competitive spirit in the clubhouse.

When you are playing Alex Henry as a forward it is going to be a losing season. Look for the Wild to revamp in the offseason. And with Alex Henry as a forward you might ask who isn't playing well that would be Alexander Daigle and Stephane Vellieux. So Jacque Lemaire why are you playing defensemen when you need scoring?

Other Minnesota Sports News:

I watched the Minnesota Twins beat up on the Boston Red Sox last night on FSN in Grapefruit league action. I liked the lineup I was impressed by Joe Mauer, Johan Santana, Carlos Silva, Jason Barlett, Torri Hunter, Darrell May, and Lew Ford. I wasn't impressed by Tony Batistia, Gabe White, Nick Punto, and Jason Pridle.

The Minnesota Timberwolves keep having issues on and off the field. Anthony Carter got arrested last night for drunk driving. This team needs to go into the offseason with a new plan and a high draft pick. It looks for Rashad McCants is coming along and they just need a plan to make it all work.