As we approach the final weekend of our Major Division season for the 2018 Bantam Elite League, I wanted to offer some additional insight into the league play from the past three weeks and preview the playoff matchups that kick off Friday night at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis. The main objective of this league and the organizational processes behind it are to offer a competitive and healthy game environment to support elite player preparation for their upcoming season. Regardless of the outcome of the playoffs and who gets crowned league champions, we feel confident that our goal was definitely achieved.

For many players, parents, and fans of the league, the win-loss records, and individual player points is a popular discussion topic, as it should be. Big point-producers and game-winning goal-scorers should be proud of their accomplishments. But for those that like to watch the game a little more closely, here are some different measures of value that you may have noticed. 

While the Bruins struggled to string wins together in the first half of the season, there has been plenty of bright spots on the roster and the way this team has played. Improvements to the team defense, especially by the forwards, has helped the B’s earn more possession time as of late. Forwards Barrett Hall and team points leader Drew Fisher have each brought a consistent presence in this regard. While it is not a recorded stat, I would guess that Hall is one of the league-leaders in shots blocked. The B’s are coming around at the right time finishing their games in St. Cloud without a loss, including a win over North Dakota. They will give their opponent all they can handle on Friday night.

Team North Dakota has maintained one of the top spots in the standing since the start of the season (they finished third overall). While they definitely benefit from some major point producers (three players in the top eight for league scoring), their unit as whole brings a high compete level and hungry forecheck every night. Forwards Jackson Ekblad and Jaksen Panzer are effective F1s (first man to the puck) on a shift-to-shift basis, while defensemen Jacob Grandstand and Dillon Kuntz are tough customers in their own zone.

Finishing at the top of regular season standings is Great Plains, an offensive powerhouse that hasn’t lost since the first weekend of games (a great battle against North Dakota). Even more impressive is the fact they do not have any players in the top eight in league scoring. This forward group moves the puck very well and knows how to produce high-probability scoring chances. Rarely do you see them waste their puck possession with bad angle shots or selfish decisions. Charlie Stramel’s overall impact on both sides of the puck and his versatile shooting/playmaking abilities make him one of the top forwards in the league.

Team Wisconsin's win-loss record doesn't show much, but this is undoubtedly one of the most improved teams over the course of the season. Through their first four games, this team averaged 6.75 goals against while they are down to 4.3 in their last 6. Head Coach Brian Rafalski has proven to be a strong teacher and communicator to his boys in helping improve their defensive-zone play as well as their offensive organization. Blue-liners Ian Engell, Colton Jamison, and Josh Austin have shown improved value down the stretch. They face an uphill battle against Great Plains in the quarterfinals.

The Sharks and Penguins are one of the most intriguing games on Friday, and not just because it’s the 4th/5th seed matchup. Both squads have shown elite levels of play at different times of the season. The Sharks’ game log includes several points of interest, including wins over the second-ranked Kings and No. 3 North Dakota as well as a pair of 1-goal losses to No. 1 Great Plains and ND. Besides that, their largest goal differential on a loss was only three goals all season. There are a number of strong puck-movers on this team that all contribute a good amount of offensive possession on most nights. While none have particularly high point totals, forward Jack Hanson, as well as defensemen Brady Yakesh and Carter Theissen, have all show strong instincts with the puck and consistent intensity levels. I expect these three to make a difference when it matters most in a playoff atmosphere.

The boys in blue (Penguins) aren’t exactly going into playoffs on fire, but an undefeated 2-0 season record against this Sharks team should give them confidence going into Friday night. The underrated goaltending due of Trevor Boschee and Liam Sebek has kept their boys in every game, never losing by more than three goals all season. This team also benefits from forwards Max Burkholder and Willy Johnson that showcase a high compete-level in every zone. If the Penguins can bring their southwest grit from the drop of the puck, then we could be in store for an awesome battle.

For better or worse, the Kings are known in some circles as the “WWE” of the BEL - dramatic pregame costumes, no shortage of personality on the bench, absolutely electric offensive firepower, big hits, and lead changes galore. The Kings have arguably the highest upside of any team in the league. A mostly selfless roster than feeds off momentum, this group includes an astonishing five players in the top seven league scoring leaders. And that list doesn’t even include elite defensemen, Ryan Chesley and Roy Johnson. Despite a low point total, Chesley’s physical tools, overall awareness and compete level make him one of the most valuable players in the league. But the Kings have shown a difficulty in keeping a lead. Their Friday opponent, the North Stars, almost capped off an incredible comeback against them while up in Bemidji. Down 6-1, the boys from the north battled back only to lose in the shootout (the Kings also have a few impressive comeback wins of their own.

The North Stars’ season has been an interesting one. Despite only recording three wins, their on-ice product has shown considerably more value than one might think. Of all BEL teams, the North Stars lead all in losses (eight) by two goals or less. Coach Ben Weiand helps organize an underrated roster into a strong team at both ends of the ice. Besides leading his team in points, forward Max Strand offers a lot to like in terms of play away from the puck and long-term upside. Defenseman Trey Ausmus also brings a good deal of value to the ice and will look to make things tough on the Kings' forwards in the quarterfinals. 

If you want to witness some of the top young prospects in the state, the BEL quarterfinal action starts at 3:00 pm on Friday at Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus and is open to the public. Saturday’s slate will include semifinals in the morning and the league championship at 4:00 pm. You can stay up to date with game scores and updated matchups at our league website or by following the official BEL twitter account @bantamelite along with @YouthHockeyHub.

Wes Jirovec is a league director of the BEL for both the Major and Minor Divisions, as well as a program director at MAP Hockey.