Edina, though, is his pick to win the Class 2A title. He likes the Hornets’ overall talent and depth. That would mean an end to Roseau’s storied undefeated season, 29-0 and counting after destroying Blaine 8-0 in a quarterfinals game.
Sonmor has been watching every state tournament since 1966. He said it’s much more difficult now for one player to dominate the tournament like Boucha and other legendary old timers once did. The reason is there are so many other skilled players that bring more competitiveness and balance to the tournament scene. Today’s players, he believes, are the best ever.
What doesn’t change are rivalries including the regular season meetings of Roseau and Warroad, a community that long ago labeled itself as Hockey Town USA. “When you think about all-time rivalries in sports, Roseau versus Warroad is as good as it gets,” Sonmor said.
During the 2007-08 regular season, the Rams defeated the Warriors twice, 5-2 and 8-0. The two communities are absorbed by hockey all year. When one populace travels to the other’s home town on game day, there aren’t many folks left in the community whose team is on the road, Sonmor said.
It was better, of course, years ago when it was a one class tournament, not two. Now it’s not possible for Warroad to mix it up with Edina and Roseau. But the Warriors won their opening tournament game on Wednesday and are after a third Class 1A title in six years. Warroad defeated Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato 4-0 to advance to the semifinals today at 11 a.m. against Duluth Marshall.
No wonder Sonmor describes this as a “most enjoyable” time of the year.