so everyone knows Lasalle and how they swept through every1 they played this year including the other top teams from other states....

is there a nation wide ranking and where do the fall ??

googled it and the most recent rankings I found was from 2006 and had O'Hara above La Salle. Neither cracking the mendoza line (200)

This is something for Matt Sacks a PA Hockey to debate their the um experts.

I don't know of any state national ranking systems, but I can tell you that ushsho.com ranks the Valley Forge Minutemen club team as 34th in the nation. Those rankings aren't very exact, though.

I can tell you this - for the first time in history a public school (Reading High) won the Super 8 in the state of Massachusetts (their state tournament). On the way to the title both Catholic Memorial (#1 seed) and BC High (perennial favorite and defending champ) were beaten. BC High beat Fairfield Prep 3-1 this year (who La Salle beat at Mt St Charles 6-0) and Catholic Memorial lost to Mt St Charles 5-4 (who La Salle didn't play this year directly but beat last year) and beat La Salle Academy of RI 4-2 (who La Salle beat 2-0 at MSC), so I think they could hang with the big boys of New England. They lost in a shoot out to perennial NH State champ Bishop Guertin (who won their 2nd straight state title this year)last year at Mt St Charles. As for the upper midwest, your guess is as good as mine. I know Delbarton, who La Salle tied 3-3 after blowing a lead, fared pretty well in a couple exhibitions in Minnesota. I've seen a couple of those teams on TV and think La Salle could skate and hit with them, but most of those teams go 4 lines deep.

Sorry Pez....I'm um no expert on nationwide high school hockey. I watch the Eastern and Central Penn Teams as well as South Jersey. Cant tell you much about the rest of the country other than what I read. I would not attempt to rank teams that I have not seen.

And um this "expert" is the reason you got to play in the Flyers Cup this year.

Careful, pez. You've got.. another year or two of HS hockey, right?

Don't blackball yourself!

Hey Matt, last year you had the votes for Best Goalie, Best Freshmen, Best Forward etc on the website in like... early March I think though I could be wrong. Are they going to come out for this season or are we skipping 'em this year?

There's always controversy (I have helped in this regard) and now that States are tucked away, we could see some interesting stuff!

This is a great subject. Remember one thing, that the only try High School Hockey Championship is the Chicago Showcase and the defending champion is Team Pittsburgh. It's a little skewed because the Division 1 kids out of Minnesota and Mass and some other states do not play.

The problem with having a true National High School Championship is the restrictions by the National High School Federation on number of games. Otherwise, we could make it happen.

The National Invitational Scholastic Showcase brings teams from Eastern Pa, Western Pa, New York [USA], Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Texas and Florida together and for the 2008 Tournament, we have interest from Arizona [Champs and Rocky Mountain District Champs], Missouri, Maryland. We would like to get teams from Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Islamd, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and more,

The idea is that we could eventually get the Massachusetts and Minnesota teams to enter. The roadblock is rules and start dates. Our tournament is December 5-7 and everyone is playing hockey, the problem is not all of the teams are able to travel to New York. I am working with Philadelphia folks to possibly conduct another NISS tournament in Philly to attract the teams from the Northeast.

Any Volunteers ?

NAtional Rankings

http://www.ushsho.com/

quote:

Originally posted by plym_20:
I don't know of any state national ranking systems, but I can tell you that ushsho.com ranks the Valley Forge Minutemen club team as 34th in the nation. Those rankings aren't very exact, though.

I can tell you this - for the first time in history a public school (Reading High) won the Super 8 in the state of Massachusetts (their state tournament). On the way to the title both Catholic Memorial (#1 seed) and BC High (perennial favorite and defending champ) were beaten. BC High beat Fairfield Prep 3-1 this year (who La Salle beat at Mt St Charles 6-0) and Catholic Memorial lost to Mt St Charles 5-4 (who La Salle didn't play this year directly but beat last year) and beat La Salle Academy of RI 4-2 (who La Salle beat 2-0 at MSC), so I think they could hang with the big boys of New England. They lost in a shoot out to perennial NH State champ Bishop Guertin (who won their 2nd straight state title this year)last year at Mt St Charles. As for the upper midwest, your guess is as good as mine. I know Delbarton, who La Salle tied 3-3 after blowing a lead, fared pretty well in a couple exhibitions in Minnesota. I've seen a couple of those teams on TV and think La Salle could skate and hit with them, but most of those teams go 4 lines deep.

plym_20 ---
Taking absolutely nothing away from La Salle, who, I agree, can play with anyone, Fairfield Prep did not have a strong team this year. I saw them play twice. Even when they have a "normal" year for them, this year's LaSalle team as well as the top tier of "A" could play with them. A lot of you will think I'm crazy. But eastern Pa. high school hockey is better than many think it is. This year's Henderson, Perkiomen Valley, East (2nd half anyway), perhaps Rustin...all would have beaten not only this year's Fairfield Prep team more often than not, but also would have played any recent Fairfield Prep straight up. We have a lot of very good teams...we just don't realize it!

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Sacks:
Sorry Pez....I'm um no expert on nationwide high school hockey. I watch the Eastern and Central Penn Teams as well as South Jersey. Cant tell you much about the rest of the country other than what I read. I would not attempt to rank teams that I have not seen.

And um this "expert" is the reason you got to play in the Flyers Cup this year.

Well you and PA Hockey seem to know more about the teams in this area than most

Thanks for the FC help, and sorry if we made you look bad after the Garnet Valley directors cup game. (If it's any consolation I'm still getting teased in school because of that game)

I think it matters if we are talking public teams or private. I think Pa public teams could play with any public schools outside of Minnesota. Private schools are a little diff. Prep schools in new England drawl kids from all over the country not just the area. I dont think Lasalle could even hang with teams like Kent, Avon, Salisbury, Taft or Exeter.

quote:

Originally posted by hhfan:
plym_20 ---
Taking absolutely nothing away from La Salle, who, I agree, can play with anyone, Fairfield Prep did not have a strong team this year. I saw them play twice. Even when they have a "normal" year for them, this year's LaSalle team as well as the top tier of "A" could play with them. A lot of you will think I'm crazy. But eastern Pa. high school hockey is better than many think it is. This year's Henderson, Perkiomen Valley, East (2nd half anyway), perhaps Rustin...all would have beaten not only this year's Fairfield Prep team more often than not, but also would have played any recent Fairfield Prep straight up. We have a lot of very good teams...we just don't realize it!

I know Fairfield Prep was on a down year this year but they did still play BC High tough, who went into the Super 8 in Mass as a #4 seed. In addition, Fairfield Prep did manage to win the 1st Division state title in CT this year (playing as an 11 seed in the state tournament bracket). So although they weren't as strong this year as previous years, they're still a pretty good hockey team and a very good program.

On a side note - I think we're going to start seeing a lot of those teams come south for games because of the increase in caliber of PA and NJ HS Hockey. If someone could put together a top level tournament we could have the chance to see some very good hockey.

quote:

Originally posted by raha127:
I think it matters if we are talking public teams or private. I think Pa public teams could play with any public schools outside of Minnesota. Private schools are a little diff. Prep schools in new England drawl kids from all over the country not just the area. I dont think Lasalle could even hang with teams like Kent, Avon, Salisbury, Taft or Exeter.

raha ---
For once, you and I are in complete agreement. I don't think any of the public or parochial schools anywhere can compete with the top New England Prep schools you named ...and add Choate, Tabor, sometimes Hotchkiss, and some others. I'm also not saying that Henderson and Perk. Valley would be effective against LaSalle this year. But LaSalle is in a class by themselves. Our top public and parochial schools are equal to or better than their counterparts in Ct. and New York, for sure. I think a major reason for that is that Ct. prohibits AAA and Junior play during the high school season and New York severely discourages it through the high school coaches, who are acting in their own best interests.

quote:

Originally posted by plym_20:

quote:

Originally posted by hhfan:
plym_20 ---
Taking absolutely nothing away from La Salle, who, I agree, can play with anyone, Fairfield Prep did not have a strong team this year. I saw them play twice. Even when they have a "normal" year for them, this year's LaSalle team as well as the top tier of "A" could play with them. A lot of you will think I'm crazy. But eastern Pa. high school hockey is better than many think it is. This year's Henderson, Perkiomen Valley, East (2nd half anyway), perhaps Rustin...all would have beaten not only this year's Fairfield Prep team more often than not, but also would have played any recent Fairfield Prep straight up. We have a lot of very good teams...we just don't realize it!

I know Fairfield Prep was on a down year this year but they did still play BC High tough, who went into the Super 8 in Mass as a #4 seed. In addition, Fairfield Prep did manage to win the 1st Division state title in CT this year (playing as an 11 seed in the state tournament bracket). So although they weren't as strong this year as previous years, they're still a pretty good hockey team and a very good program.

On a side note - I think we're going to start seeing a lot of those teams come south for games because of the increase in caliber of PA and NJ HS Hockey. If someone could put together a top level tournament we could have the chance to see some very good hockey.

In re Fairfield Prep, I couldn't agree with you more. They normally go into the CIAC D-1 Tourney the top seed, though last year late in the season they barely eked out at 1-0 OT win over the eventual Ct. D-2 Champs. Immaculate HS, a school with a total boys enrollment of 200!
in re your side note, I agree with you. One good place to start is to get the Iceline Annual Christmas to expand it's field by a few teams and cast a wider net. They already get a team ot two from the DC area and one or two, I think, from NY. I don't know the Iceline people or I'd speak with them.

Interscholastic Hockey Today USA
United States High School Hockey’s Championship Website
www.pahockey.us
and
Pa Hockey
Pennsylvania’s # 1 Interscholastic Hockey Website
www.pahockey.net
……….proudly announces the 3rd Annual ………….

National Invitational Scholastic Showcase
December 5-7, 2008 ~ Jamestown Savings Bank Arena – Jamestown, NY

The Pa Hockey Foundation is sponsoring the National Invitational Scholastic Showcase event on December 5th - 7th, 2008 at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena in Jamestown, New York. With the 2008 State Championships in over 43 States across the United States being competed across the country, we are working toward a unique event featuring some of the top High School Hockey programs in the country for a three-day event during the 2008-2009 season. Your school is invited to apply for participation in a 16-24 team showcase of the top Varsity high school teams from across the United States. This event will host the best teams regionally and nationally to compete for the Governor’s Cup at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena in New York.

This Invitational event will be open to State Champions, Finalists, Semi-Finalists and Exempt Champions and we will attempt to limit to a total of four to six schools from any particular area [State or Region] to ensure that each school participating will face three out-of-state opponents in the preliminary round of competition. The tournament will be played on 2-3 rinks in prime time for this round robin event. The Pa Hockey Network plans to Webcast the event LIVE on the Pa Hockey www.pahockey.net Website including a pre-tournament preview, a Skills Competition, the Medal Round Semi-Finals and Governor’s Cup Final.

Invitations will be sent to State Champions, State Finalists and State Semi-Finalists from across the United States in June of 2008. If a school is interested in participating in this event, it should mail or e-mail a fully executed ‘Letter of Interest’ to the Pa Hockey Foundation NO LATER than June 30th, 2008. Schools will be notified of their acceptance and will be further given instructions, when the tournament field and waiting list are completed by June 30, 2008. In addition, we invite you to consider the
13th Annual Pa Hockey Scholastic Showcase at the Center Ice Arena in Delmont, Pennsylvania being held December 28-31, 2008, that will feature the top teams in Western Pennsylvania and additional schools regionally and nationally [Tournament Details are below].

Should you have any questions, please contact Jeff Mauro at 412-848-3750 [Cell Phone] E-Mail at JEFFMAURO@AOL.COM.






National Invitational Scholastic Showcase
December 5-7, 2008 ~ Jamestown Savings Bank Arena – Jamestown, NY

LETTER OF INTEREST
Important Dates:
Ø Letter of Interest filed with Pa Hockey = June 30, 2008 [By Mail or E-Mail] (1)
Ø Invitations = July 1, 2008 (2)
Ø Verbal Commitment Date = DUE by July 15, 2007 (3)
Ø Advanced Registration Fee = $ 300.00 DUE by July 31, 2008 (4)
Ø Total Entrance Fee = $TBA DUE by September 30, 2008 (5) {Pending # of Teams]
Ø USA Hockey and League Rosters DUE by October 15, 2008 (6)

SCHOOL NAME _____________________________________________
DIVISION: Varsity
Contact Person: ______________________Address:____________________________
City: ________________________ State:____________________Zip: _____________
Phone: H ____________ W ____________ E-Mail __________________________

Head Coach: _________________________Address:____________________________
City: ________________________ State:____________________Zip: _____________
Phone: H ____________ W ____________ E-Mail __________________________
YOUR SCHOOL PLAYS UNDER THE FOLLOWING ASSOCIATION:
USA HOCKEY ________ National High School Federation________ Prep __________
IMPORTANT NOTE: NISS may be a 4 game minimum if increased to 24 teams and will play some games at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa.

Our Club is interested in participating in the 2008 Interscholastic Hockey Today Scholastic Showcase on December 5, 6, and 7, 2008 in Jamestown, NY
Step 1 – Participant Acknowledgement and Letter of Interest (1)

Head Coach _____________________________________ Date ___________________

Club President or Representative _____________________ Date ___________________
Step 2 – Participant Application and Deposit [INVITATION (2 &3)]
Entrants should mail or E-MAIL the ‘Letter of Interest’ with a check for $300.00 ADVANCED REGISTRATION (Make the check payable to the “Pa Hockey Foundation”).

Step 3 – Final Payment and Rosters (4,5&6)
Entrants should mail (Pa Hockey P.O. Box 10598 Pgh, Pa. 15235) a check for the FINAL PAYMENT and ALL Rosters to the “Pa Hockey Foundation”

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM WITH A CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO:
Pa Hockey Foundation – P.O. Box 10598, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15235
National Invitational Scholastic Showcase
3rd Annual Governor’s Cup
December 5-7, 2008 ~ Jamestown Savings Bank Arena – Jamestown, NY
Where Champions start their journey to Glory!
Our 2007 Field included:
Ø 2008 Illinois State Blackhawk Cup Champions [Glenbrook North], Finalist [New Trier Green] & Final 4 [St Rita]
Ø 2008 Indiana AAAAA Finalist [Hamilton SE]
Ø 2008 Ohio State Finalists [Gilmour Academy]
Ø 2008 Florida Panthers Cup Champions [North Broward Prep]
Ø 2008 New York Large School Finalists [Niagara Wheatfield]
Ø 2008 Flyers Cup Finalists [Holy Ghost Prep]
Ø 2008 Penguins Cup Finalists [Bethel Park]
Ø 2008 Dallas Metroplex Champions [Jesuit College]

2008 State Championship Invitees and Criteria:
Ø All State Champions and State Finalists who compete at the Interscholastic Level through the National High School Federation and USA Hockey
Ø If your State has over 25 schools eligible for their respective State Championship and your school reached the final four in 2008, please apply for consideration
Ø If your State has over 50 schools eligible for their respective State Championship and your school reached the Elite 8 four in 2008, please apply for consideration

Former State Championship Invitees:
Governor’s Exemption Invitees [Multiple Champions Exemptions – 25 Schools]:
Ø Service ~ Alaska - 8 Alaska State Championships
Ø Fairfield Prep ~ Connecticut - 11 Connecticut State Championships
Ø Park Tudor ~ Indiana - 7 Indiana State Championships
Ø St Dominic ~ Maine – 23 Maine State Championships
Ø Waterville ~ Maine – 23 Maine State Championships
Ø DeMatha ~ Maryland - 9 Maryland State Championships
Ø Detroit Catholic Central ~ Michigan – 8 Michigan State Championships
Ø Eveleth ~ Minnesota – 7 Minnesota State Championships
Ø Roseau ~ Minnesota – 6 Minnesota State Championships
Ø International Falls ~ Minnesota – 6 Minnesota State Championships
Ø Edina ~ Minnesota – 6 Minnesota State Championships
Ø Warroad ~ Minnesota – 4 Minnesota State Championships
Ø DesMet ~ Missouri – 13 Missouri State Championships
Ø Notre Dame ~ New Hampshire – 19 New Hampshire State Championships
Ø Bergen Catholic ~ New Jersey – 3 New Jersey State Championships
Ø Brick Twp ~ New Jersey – 6 New Jersey State Championships
Ø Lakewood St Edwards ~ Ohio - 9 Ohio State Championships
Ø Bowling Green ~ Ohio - 6 Ohio State Championships
Ø Meadville ~ Pennsylvania - 8 Pennsylvania State Championships
Ø Bethel Park ~ Pennsylvania - 5 Pennsylvania State Championships
Ø Bishop McCort ~ Pennsylvania - 5 Pennsylvania State Championships
Ø Huron ~ South Dakota – 13 South Dakota State Championships
Ø Superior ~ Wisconsin - 13 Wisconsin State Championships
Ø Madison Memorial - 8 Wisconsin State Championships

If you surf Comcast and have the right sports package, some of the high school championship games from the Midwest have been broadcaqst.