king1869 wrote:SportsDoc wrote:You can't argue that the East has dominated the West the past decade in the First Round at State. But there are some variables here that could work in Bismarck and expanding even the West's favor. For one, the West is deeper top to bottom than it was 10 years ago, so there are fewer "cake" Conference games, which toughens teams up for a run at State. Second is that the coaching in the West has gotten better, which makes not only for better skill in the players, but better discipline and attitude, too. Third, and I think this is most important for a team like Bismarck, they have Mike Peluso behind the bench. He is calm, but intense. He brings some things to the table for any team he might coach that even East coaches can't match. He's played and excelled in a State Title Game, he's played and starred in the WCHA and he's played in the NHL. He will not be intimidated at the State Tournament, and his players will pick up on that and respond accordingly. Does this mean he will win, no, but he will not be outcoached and I don't believe he will lose a game he should win. That certainly has not been the case in the West the past decade. Players will eventually mirror their coach. So, when I see West coaches like Burckhard in Minot, Bratlien in Williston and Olson and Peluso in Bismarck, I think the West will at least have a greater opportunity to play to their ability at State, which I don' think they have always done recently. Will that translate into any quality First Round wins? Don't know, time will tell. But, when the West becomes more competitive, it will be better for HS hockey in ND, including the East.
Didnt bismark lose to williston?
Yes, and that's part of my point. The best team can be beat by other West teams. If fielding a full roster, BHS is still the best team in the West. But, Williston, Century and Minot can all beat BHS, and they don't need BHS to lay an egg to do it.
I was at the game. It was well played by both teams. BHS had more shots, but Williston had better chances. Plus, at that game that day, Williston's goalie was the better of the two. Add in that it was BHS's third game in four nights at three different rinks in three different cities and that the team went home between each game and you have what happened.
I will say BHS is not the same team without Romanick. If he is lost or less than 100%, they are much more vulnerable.