Rogers impressive in early goings with wins over Andover, Shakopee

We know it’s a long season and the boys Class AA rankings will change throughout. But so far Rogers has earned the early royalty of being crowned the top team in the state. They Royals defeated Andover 2-1 and then beat No. 2 Shakopee 5-2 (empty netter), proving not just that their pre-season ranking of No. 3 wasn’t justified, but perhaps they weren’t given enough love.

Rogers held Shakopee’s offensive juggernaut at bay with a strong defensive performance, especially on special teams where they killed off four penalties against the Sabers talented power play.

Rogers came out flying outshooting Shakopee 17-5 in the opening frame and getting goals from Cam Lubke and Mason Jenson. In the second, after pressure was applied by Shakopee in the opening minutes, Rogers’ Parker Deschene buried a shot to make it a 3-0 game.

The Sabers battled back when Tristin Wassengeso took a pass from Cooper Simpson and snuck a quick backhand past Rogers goalie Wyatt Knott.

But Rogers’ Matty Hauser scored from just in front of his bench to make it a 4-1 game. Simpson scored later in the second to make it 4-2, but Jenson added an empty netter to seal the win. Nolan Geerdes had four assists for the Royals.

Rogers takes over the top spot from defending champion Edina who split their first two games, beating Maple Grove 5-0 to start the season and then losing 4-1 to Moorhead.

Cretin-Derham Hall, loaded with talent this season, has not played yet and jumped into the No. 2 spot. Moorhead is at No. 3 after beating Edina and then losing to Wayzata,, who is ranked No. 9 in the early season coaches polling.

With lots of hockey to play, many of these teams will shift up and down in the rankings, knowing that what really matters is who is playing their best come mid February when section hockey begins.

Class AA Boys Rankings – Presented by Tradition Companies

Other Teams Receiving Votes: Elk River/zimmerman, Rock Ridge, Holy Family, Centennial, Chanhassen, Bemidji, Gentry Academy.