Another State Tournament is in the books and the latest chapter reads like so many before: Arctic Blast secures another title. There's one big story left to write at Nationals, so let's get down to business breaking down each team's chances in Cheeseland with three weeks to go. To make it fun, your humble scribe has assigned two theme songs for each team. One describes their performance at the MN State Tourney, and one predicts a future possibility at Nats. Read on!
(teams listed below in alphabetical order)
Arctic Blast
State -Executed with robotic precision, AB’s strategy appeared to be: score early, controlled O-zone possession (eg play keep away). On to the next.
Nationals – Rinse & repeat. If it ain’t broke…
Bee Squad
State - The semi-final was an electric, high-paced match-up that saw Bee’s capitalize on their offensive opportunities and neutralizing an intense second half blitz from L’Equipe.
Nationals - Goals in transition & on special teams are how Bees get on the board. Finding a few more of these, or even a 5-5 zone possession goal will put this squad on the podium.
Gray Ducks
State – Leave the state results in the past, learn from the mistakes.
Nationals - Recent weather has been gray skies for the Gray Ducks, but much like the MN spring weather, broomball ups and downs are fleeting. Manifest sunshine in badger country.
L’Equipe
State - Been a minute since L’Equipe’s core members have been on the ice all together for a tourney. Having a healthy, full crew was evident in the style & tempo L’Equipe was able to impose over the weekend.
Nationals - When scoring early and in the driver’s seat, this team is near unbeatable. Set the tempo at the jump, and execute a lock down possess and defend to finish.
Wicked Sisters
State - Obviously, did not participate in the MN state tourney. This team played at Syracuse back in January, coming away with a 2-3 record, with every game’s score 1-0.
Nationals - The MN teams may overlook this skilled crew. Perhaps there is an advantage of unfamiliarity, as the Nordic state lineups don’t face these players ~25x per year.