Hockey Hurtin' in Eau Claire.

Checking last night's games, wow! Both Eau Claire Memorial and Eau Claire North were knocked out of the playoff race to state in last night's prep games.

The Superior Spartans, seeded as seventh, took out number two Eau Claire Memorial, while Chippewa Falls dropped North.  Winner of the 6th and 7th seed will likely face state champs Hudson, who've been ranked number one in division one all year long.

This is the second year, first non-pandemic related, that Wisconsin boys high school hockey is playing in a two-tiered division of larger and smaller schools.  Last year, Superior played in Division One.  Not sure if the school population grew, or if they just chose to play "up" as they compete with the higher caliber northern Minnesota teams throughout much of the season, but pretty much the best hockey in the state is in Division One Section One now, northwestern Wisconsin.

Superior had that poor seeding because they have a losing record this year, but they beat New Richmond, in NR's friendly confines celebrating the 50th anniversary of their program.  Some things never change.

NR is competing in the Division Two smaller schools sectional.  Amery will play at New Richmond next to see who plays the winner of Rice Lake - Hayward, with that winner advancing to state.

https://www.wisconsinprephockey.net/page/show/6702621-boys-2021-2022-