Section 1A
My preseason prediction: Mankato West
Final: #1 Albert Lea vs. #3 New Ulm
Prediction: New Ulm knocked off my prediction in the semifinal thanks to some great goaltending. New Ulm's goalie will give them a chance, but I think Albert Lea has too much talent and will win a game that will end up closer than it should be.
Section 1AA
My preseason prediction: Lakeville North
Final: #1 Rochester Century vs. #2 Lakeville North
Prediction: Century won the earlier meeting between these teams by a score of 4-3, but I'll stick with my preseason prediction and say Lakeville North wins.
Section 2A
My preseason prediction: Duluth Marshall
Final: #1 Duluth Marshall vs. #2 St. Cloud Cathedral
Prediction: Cathedral had an upset win over Marshall earlier this year, but Marshall is one of the top teams in Class A, and I think they'll win the game.
Section 2AA
My preseason prediction: Cretin-Derham Hall
Final: #1 Cretin-Derham Hall vs. #2 Woodbury
Prediction: Cretin dominates this section, and it would be a huge upset if they didn't win.
Section 3A
My preseason prediction: St. Thomas Academy
Final: #1 St. Thomas Academy vs. #2 Red Wing
Prediction: These two teams met early in the season and STA won a close game. I think the Cadets will win.
Section 3AA
Preseason Prediction: Hill-Murray
Final: #4 White Bear Lake vs. Hill-Murray/Centennial
Prediction: White Bear has lost a number of heartbreakers to Hill recently. I think it's the Bears time, and they'll be the ones to beat Hill-Murray in overtime.
Section 4A
Preseason Prediction: Little Falls
Final: #1 Little Falls vs. #2 Fergus Falls
Prediction: Fergus was able to upset Little Falls earlier this season, but I think the Flyers will be prepared this time, and their talent advantage will carry them back to state.
Section 4AA
Preseason Prediction: Blaine
Final: #1 Blaine vs. Maple Grove/Anoka
Prediction: I'll stick with Blaine.
Section 5A
Preseason Prediction: Totino-Grace
Final: #4 Totino-Grace vs. #3 Blake
Prediction: This is a tough one to pick. I'll stick with my preseason pick of T-G.
Section 5AA
Preseason Prediction: Holy Angels
Final: #1 Holy Angels vs. #2 Burnsville
Prediction: Holy Angels is the easy pick, and it would be a huge upset if they lost.
Section 6A
Preseason Prediction: New Prague
Final #1 Orono vs. #2 New Prague
Prediction: It would be an upset, but I'll stick with my prediction of New Prague.
Section 6AA
Preseason Prediction: Edina
Final: #1 Edina vs. #2 Eden Prarie
Prediction: Edina and their Super Sophs will probably win this one.
Section 7A
Preseason Prediction: Hermantown
Final #1 Hermantown vs. #2 Hibbing
Prediction: Hermantown is a big favorite and should probably win.
Section 7AA
Preseason Prediction: Elk River
Final: #1 Cloquet vs. #3 Grand Rapids
Prediction: Cloquet was lucky to sneak by Elk River, despite not playing their best game. I'll take Grand Rapids to win in a very good game.
Section 8A
Preseason Prediction: Warroad
Final: #1 Warroad vs. #2 Thief River Falls
Prediction: I think Warroad will pay back TRF for the tough loss in last year's section final.
Section 8AA
Preseason Prediction: Roseau
Final: #1 Moorhead vs. #2 Roseau
Prediction: Moorhead beat Roseau twice this year, but I think the Rams will pull off the upset in the section final.
