After studying the invite brackets for the six age groups we cover (’99 to ‘o4) for the Independent Cup one age group really stands out.  The 2002 pool has some very strong Elite teams.  The other 5 pools are not as well stocked as tournaments we’ve covered earlier this Spring.

The ’02 field has Miracle Gold, Machine Black, Legacy, EuroAmerica, Manitoba Mustangs and Rapid Fire. Any of these teams can win the tournament.  All are top level teams, which will make for some exciting games come Sunday. The Mustangs, if loaded with the same fire power as the Stars and Stripes squad are the tournament favorite.  The ’02 Legacy team has really started to play well lately…would not be surprised if they take the whole thing. YHH thinks the EuroAmerican team will win first prize come Sunday afternoon.
Was disappointed in the ’03 field…only four teams in what seems to be a huge class of elite kids in Minnesota.  The Miracle Gold has played really well lately, I’m sure they will win it all. No one can stop the ’04 Miracle Gold this weekend.  This group won’t be challenged until late in the North American tourney in Winnipeg.  The ’00 Reebok Nats is a group that has played better and better each week.  They beat the Machine Black a couple weeks ago in the Independent on Sunday…we think this will be their weekend. The ’99 Nats have always been a strong group. They will be tested, but find a way to win.

’99: Reebok Nats >North Dakota Blackhawks

’00: Reebok Nats > Competitive Edge

’01: Machine Black > Thunder Bay

’02: EuroAmerican > Legacy

’03: Miracle Gold > Ice Clams (yes, that’s their name)

’04: Miracle Gold > Manitoba Mustangs

To find all scores from all of the tournament games visit their site here.  YHH will not be doing live scoring and updates this weekend. We will however will be posting new Rankings, presented by Walser, on Monday.