skip navigation

Velocity 3v3: Bantam Preview and Predictions

By Tony Scott, 09/05/14, 5:45AM CDT

Share

Sneak Peak at the Who's Who of Metro Bantam AA

Always one of the more fun events YHH covers each year is the Velocity 3 v 3 trilogy. A collection of Association based teams playing 3 on 3 hockey against other teams a month or so before the real action gets underway at Bantams, PeeWees and Squirts. Last year, the Elk River Elks beat a Waconia team made up of mostly Holy Family kids in a low scoring thriller. Jax Murray and Ben Meyers were outstanding for the Elks last year. 

This year, the YHH lens will likely be pointed toward Edina and Minnetonka. Two of the likely top teams in Minnesota Bantam AA next season. YHH received the rosters of the teams and sees the field as a two team race with three or four dark horses. Besides the Hornets and Skippers, watch out for STMA and Centennial. Both rosters are laden with second year players with players that have logged a lot of ice time together the last six years. 

Red Pool

Each team plays 4 pool games with the Pool Winners playing each other in the Championship Sunday. We name the first pool the Red Pool. An evenly balanced Pool with no prohibitive favorite.

Teams

Centennial
Chaska/Chanhassen
Eden Prairie
Elk River
Maple Grove

Best Game: Centennial vs. Elk River (District 10 battle Friday Night at 6:40)

Dark Horse: Maple Grove - very young team, but will be in every game they play.

Favorite: Centennial - deep experienced team, must get by MG, ER, and EP to gain finals.

Black Pool

We name the second pool the Black Pool. A better name should be the Black and Blue Pool. A great field of five teams, all with some high end talent. 

Teams

Duluth East
Edina
Jefferson
Minnetonka
STMA

Best Game: Minnetonka vs. Edina (Classic D6 battle of top teams next year - 8:00 Friday night).

Dark Horse: STMA, returning all players from a team that won it's Region and finished top 5 as PeeWee AA two years ago. Very tough kids who won't back down to anyone.

Favorite: Minnetonka has a bunch of talent...will that translate to wins this weekend? Tune in this weekend, YHH says so.

The Call

Championship: Tonka knocks off Centennial. 

Don't be surprised if Edina finds a way out of the Black Pool and wins the whole tournament. Normally a team missing Tabor, Lagerstrom, Sillianoff, Madden, and Phillips wouldn't stand a chance in this event...but never count out this group of kids when it comes to winning.

If Centennial isn't in the Final on Sunday, it could be Maple Grove or Elk River...both teams are young but very talented. 

Players to Watch

Centennial: Hayden Brickner, pure goal scorer...likely to be on top of the Scoring Leader list this weekend.

Eden Prairie: Jake Olson, quick forward and relentless worker...Olson will be a big factor for the Eagles this weekend.

Elk River: Jack Perbix, arguably one of the best PeeWees last season...will have no problem adjusting the speed and physical play at Bantams.

Edina: Lewis Crosby, a talented goal scorer who will be a pain in the neck to opponents all weekend.

Jefferson: Hunter Jacobs, great hands...fluid skater with a powerful shot. Jags missing some stars this weekend, but will compete.

Minnetonka: Ryan Elder, fun player to watch...can score at will in a 3 v 3 format.

Maple Grove: Michael McNeil, versatile player who has great ice presence...won't light up the scoreboard, but will help his team on every shift.

STMA: Blake Spetz, crafty Centerman who has a nose for the net..has great vision and the ability to set up his teammates.

MIA

A few teams are missing impact players this weekend. Besides the Edina players mentioned above, here are few others not rostered in Eden Prairie this weekend:

Andrew Erwin, Eden Prairie

Matt Jaglo, Maple Grove

Nathan Johannes, Bloomington Jefferson

K'Andre Miller, Minnetonka

Princeton Oppong, Bloomington Jefferson

Recent MN YHH News

  • 2024 Girls Goalie of the Year

  • By YHH Staff 04/20/2024, 4:00pm CDT
  • The Hill-Murray netminder backstopped the Pioneers to this year's Class AA state championship game, and will take her talents to the Ivy League next season.
  • Read More
  • Something no one can take away

  • By Peter Odney 04/17/2024, 12:30pm CDT
  • Originally from Grand Rapids, Justin Kerr found his confidence - and Division I interest - first on the outskirts of St. Louis and then in the North American Hockey League.
  • Read More
  • 2024 AHCA Awards

  • By Peter Odney 04/12/2024, 2:15pm CDT
  • Bennett Morgan, Roger Godin, and Keith Hendrickson were honored in St. Paul by the American Hockey Coaches Association for their contributions to the sport.
  • Read More