If getting a 9th pair of Uggs for your daughter is important, or getting a steal on your husband's next fanny pack, then Black Friday is a National holiday. But if watching hockey is your thing, then yesterday was even better. Before 4:00, just about every youth team in Minnesota had already lined up once.  At 4:00 the Gophers hosted their hated rivals to the east and at 7:00 the Wild took on Colorado's young guns.  Talk about a good deal.

YHH was all over the metro watching Squirts, PeeWees and Bantams. The text messages were flying in the tweets were flying out.  At KMART they use to have a Blue Light Special. In hockey there is a Red Light Special. We saw plenty of lights being lit up and some great saves, too.

Hopkins: Edina, Jefferson, Eden Prairie, and STMA all advanced.  The only surprise being how easy Jefferson won over Orono.

Forest Lake: Both North Branch and Mahtomedi win Friday and appear headed for Championship Game.

North Metro: OMG makes Egg Salad out of Anoka winning 10-0 (last year, Blaine knocked off then #1 OMG in first game of year, I donned an egg on my head). 

Mounds View: Edina White takes out Champlin Park, looks to be headed to tourney final come Sunday.  

Eden Prairie: A big day and a few surprises in EP.  Stillwater took #2 Chaska Chan to the limit.  The StormHawks needed a late Ethan Benz goal to it, 1-1. Sibley superstar Bendan McFadden was missing Friday and will likely miss the whole weekend, thus reducing the Warriors chances for Bracket Play. The Warriors still played well. Prior Lake knocked off Rochester 3-1 in the nightcap, thus earning them a spot in Bracket Play. Lots of mystery still left in the Stillwater, Andover, and CC Pool Saturday and the Minnetonka/EP game will be big in the North pool. Edina looks to cruise in the East pool.

Predicted Final 4: Edina, Chaska Chan, Prior Lake, and Minnetonka.

Burnsville: This tournament is shaping up into some great Saturday drama.  Three pools, all with Pool Winners yet decided.  Yesterday, Rosemount added it's second Pool victory by beating Alexandria.  Jefferson added their second by beating Woodbury in a shootout. The three Pool winners and one Wild Card advance to Bracket Play.

Predicted Final 4: Minneapolis, Rosemount, Lakeville South, and Jefferson.

Eden Prairie: We spent most of our time at EP watching the Bantams on Saturday.  We saw STMA play host Eden Prairie to 2-2 tie.  Both teams had their chances to win.  EP carried the play, but never really had too many great chances or second  or third shot opportunities.  STMA counter punched really well, they made the most of their opportunities and still had a few good chances late to win it.  The North Pool tie breaker will likely come down to who can get a bigger goal differential or fewest goals allowed to advance between EP and STMA. Prior Lake scored three straight goals to erase a two goal deficit to knock off OMG. Minnetonka and Stillwater both won Friday meaning their game means a lot Saturday morning and the Lakeville South vs Wayzata game Saturday also will decide who advances.

Predicted Final 4: STMA, Wayzata, Prior Lake, and Stillwater

U10 Cake Eater: Northfield with a surprising win over Wayzata in pool play. Andover knocked of the Raiders and look to win that pool.  Edina Green and Minnetonka tied in a great game, both will likely advance with 2-0-1 records. Stillwater will like advance, they could be the best team in the field.

Predicted Final 4: Minnetonka, Edina Green, Stillwater, and Andover.

U12 Cake Eater: White Bear Lake and Edina crusing through pool play. Those two teams are on a collision course this weekend.  Stillwater and Minneapolis lock horns Saturday for a berth in Bracket play.  The loser could potentially miss out on the Bracket party.