The YHH Squirtacular kicks off Friday, its seventh event dating back to its origins of the State Squirt B tourney in the March of 2012. Each year a new story unfolds, and with this many great teams in one building, we know for sure it will be exciting.
No matter who your favorite team is, the result is sometimes secondary. Each team will come to the rink some great athletes and some pretty cool trading pins. Who ends up in the winner circle is a total mystery at both levels this year. Hermantown came to Blaine last year and claimed their first nameplate.
This year, Osseo-Maple Grove has two teams meaning their odds of a fifth title shrink a bit, but both will be a tough out the whole weekend.
Quenten Flores from Green Bay can really move the puck for the Jr. Gamblers
A total of eight teams come to Blaine from outside of Minnesota. Four at each level including two from Arizona and Nebraska and one each from Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Last year the Junior Coyotes won the Squirt B and the Dallas Stars Elite played some high-quality hockey. Pins from these teams will likely draw a great crowd.
The 2007 Junior Coyotes took home the hardware in Blaine last year.
Pool | Tony Pick | Peter Pick |
---|---|---|
A | Rogers | Mahtomedi |
B | White Bear Lake | OMG Crimson |
C | OMG White | Rochester Red |
D | Orono | Orono |
E | Minnetonka | Coon Rapids |
F | Edina (Green) | Roseville |
G | St. Louis Park | STMA |
H | Stillwater | Jefferson |
Watch out for Will Dosan and the Jags this weekend
Carson Clark, Orono
Athletic defenseman who can change the game.
Cameron Dean, Osseo Maple Grove (White)
Athletic big man who is not afraid to rush the puck to help his team.
Will Dosan, Bloomington Jefferson
May be the most complete player in the state. Fast with great vision, should make a huge impact in Blaine.
Austin Gibson, Rochester Red
Shut down defenseman with the ability to make plays with and without the puck.
Mason Jenson, Rogers
Fun player to watch. Plays full ice game with unselfish play is his calling card.
Junior Podein, St. Louis Park
Henry Lechner, Bloomington Jefferson
Smart player that makes others around him better. Will play both forward or defense.
Junior Podein, St. Louis Park
Dynamic player who is gifted in so many ways. It hasn't been proven scientifically, but many believe he has eyes in the back of his head.
Cade Sherman, Rosemount
Great looking power forward who has great hands and grit.
Sam Spehar, Edina White
Great speed and puck possessor who can change a game with a ridiculous pass or snipe.
Tre Peck, Orono
Amazing hands combined with a very high compete level.
Bryce Wiitala, Minnetonka
Power forward with a great shot. Tonka has a lot of weapons, Wiitala is the bomb.
It's been well documented that Tony likes Orono and Peter likes Osseo-Maple Grove (Crimson). The top two Squirt B teams look to be Stillwater and the Junior Coyotes. Tony took the Coyotes in a repeat and Peter took the Ponies.
Some fun potential quarterfinal games include:
Rogers v. Jefferson
OMG Crimson v. St. Louis Park
OMG White v. Roseville
Orono v. Minnetonka
Don't forget a few great pool play games:
Orono has to get past Edina White AND Blaine. OMG Crimson plays unknown Chicago Bruins and White Bear in pool B.
Tony Says Orono will carry the skates away Sunday