The last week of action could definitely tweak my sectional predictions. There are still some pivotal games to be played before the coaches convene to cast their votes. The current seeding process is far from perfect, and the time and effort coaches put into filling out their list and building their case is vastly different. It is however a human process, and not an emotionless computer program. And because emotions are involved it is a flawed process.

My process was virtually without emotion, and I can admit it was not quite as thorough as when I was part of that voting process. That required researching eight teams, not 85. A lot will be made about predictions and even more once the brackets are released, but the truth is, if you plan to get to the state tournament, you will have to beat some very good teams, and I never believed it mattered what order you beat them.

Sectional One Final at Altoona?

I found it difficult to believe that the WIAA would schedule potentially the highest profile and highly attended boy’s section final at Hobbs in Altoona. I reached out to the WIAA to confirm it was Altoona and not Hobbs in Eau Claire, and at this time it is indeed Altoona. Jack Beschta indicated that they were aware of the situation, “Altoona's capacity may be limited depending on the potential matchup,” he said. “I will monitor this as we continue throughout the tournament.”

In talking with Altoona Hobbs rink manager Brandon Koehler, who played for me at Wausau East, he explained that RAM (Regis/Altoona/McDonell) had put in for the D2 section final, because at the time they were a D2 school. When they got moved up to D1 the sectional final came with them. Koehler has serious reservations about Altoona being able to handle a section final that could potentially contain two very large high schools with a high demand for tickets. “I mean we could handle everything but the people,” admitted Koehler. “Our ice is probably one of the best ice surfaces in the state. I'm not worried about the ice conditions, it's the capacity.”

Section One contains three of the top ranked teams in the state right now in Hudson, SPASH and Wausau West. They also happen to be high schools with high enrollments along with others in the section like Eau Claire North and Memorial and Chippewa Falls. A seating capacity of 900 is likely to literally leave a lot of fans out in the cold. Stay tuned…

East – Merrill Breaking Up

The East/Merrill United co-op will dissolve at the end of this season. The co-op, made up of Wausau East and Merrill players, began in 2016. Merrill decided this past week to dissolve the co-op. Merrill athletic director Christopher Hahn confirmed Merrill will field their own team next year. The move leaves East in limbo with not enough players to make their own team next year. The Wisconsin Valley Conference has already turned down the request for East and West to co-op.

espite the combining of the two schools, EMU was never able to elevate themselves into the contender category. They won just one playoff game in their nine years prior to this season. They compiled a 40-166-1 record with last season’s 9-16 record, the best in the tenure. Brian Bednarczyk, who took over behind the bench this season is the fifth head coach in the ten-year history of the co-op.

The Wausau East program began in 1972 and made three straight trips to the state tournament. They have not been back since. The program has existed for 54 years. What a crime it will be to see the program potentially come to an end. The Lumberjack’s last winning season was 2010-11 when they set a school record for wins with a 20-5 season. More to come on this…

Hilltoppers Climbing Higher

When Drew Kjos took over the Onalaska/La Crosse team this past summer he was just twenty-five years old replacing a veteran coach of more than thirty years in Oak Moser. Both names will ring a bell for most in the Coulee region as Moser coached for many years in Tomah and Kjos played for the La Crosse Logan/Central co-op. Kjos played for four years and finished with 92 games, 69 goals, and 62 assists. However, things were different now than when he graduated because his team and Onalaska are now a new co-op program. “My goal moving back home was the hope I could bring back a La Crosse high school hockey team as I had played for,” admitted Kjos. “I soon found that should not be my goal as the landscape of Wisconsin high school hockey had changed a lot since I played. I realized very quickly a co-op for Onalaska-La Crosse was the best thing. It keeps us competitive and gives us good numbers to compete and allow all players in the program to play whether it's JV or Varsity.”

Kjos had worked as an assistant under Moser the year before, so the players had familiarity with their newly named head coach. Born and raised in La Crosse, Kjos spent a year coaching in Albert Lea, Minnesota under head coach Matt Erickson. “One thing that I took away from his program was that hard work is non-negotiable,” he explained. “We all know that Minnesota is the state of hockey and it goes beyond the skill and the hockey sense of players. That was something that really stuck out to me.”

The Onalaska/La Crosse co-op began in 2018-19 and the team landed in Madison their first year, putting together a 24-4 season. They lost to eventual state champion USM 4-3 in the quarterfinals. The next year they went 22-4-1 and lost to Hudson in the sectional finals. In the Covid year they were 13-2 and lost in the first round of the playoffs. Since then, they have not had a winning season record or won a playoff game. A year ago, they were 12-13.

The team jumped out to a 4-0 start before hitting a roadblock in a 7-1 loss to Monona Grove. The Silver Eagles broke a 1-1 first period tie with six unanswered goals. Following that game the coaching staff implemented some changes, and the team won eight straight. “After the Monona Grove loss we changed our focus more to our D-zone and backchecking with a purpose,” said Kjos. “Since then, we have only allowed 17 goals in 12 games.” The only other blemish on their season is a loss to top ranked D2 team in the state, Waunakee.  Despite outshooting the Warriors 39-19, the Hilltoppers fell 2-0. “We took a lot of positives from that game despite the loss,” said Kjos. They haven’t lost since and on Thursday night they beat Viroqua and clinched the first Western Wisconsin Conference championship with an undefeated 8-0 record. With six games to play their overall record stands at 16-2.

“We had a lot of gaps to fill after losing a handful of seniors last year,” Kjos noted. “We have had players of all ages step in and fill those roles very well.” Key contributors for the Hilltoppers include senior Jackson Egan (10G – 13A) who lead the team in points last season. “Jackson plays the most minutes for our team every night and is always matched up against our opponents best players,” according to Kjos. Forwards Liam Branson (15G – 17A), Logan Sauter (13G – 13A), Grayson Andel (12G – 17A), and Carter Johnson (12G – 6A) are part of a very balanced offense that averages 4.94 a game. Goaltender Parker Tripp (1.76 GAA – 91.5S% – 15-2 Record) has taken a huge step from a season ago and has been a stalwart in the net. Kjos said, “It’s been a night and day difference from last year, Parker has been a big part of our success.”

Kjos has two main assistant coaches in Jackson Peterson from Mankato, Minnesota who was a former goalie for the Mankato West Scarlets. “Jackson is able to work with our goaltenders which has been a great addition to the team,” stated Kjos. A familiar face was added to the program in Parker Tepp who was a former Hilltopper defenseman. Tepp played for long time Tim Ebner, who built Onalaska into a western Wisconsin powerhouse. Parker was a part of two state tournament appearances and selected Honorable Mention All-State in 2016-2017.

Like most every D1 program coach in the state Kjos would like to see the D1 state tournament go to eight teams. “I do think moving back to eight sections would obviously benefit not just our team but all western Wisconsin hockey,” he clarified. “I know this isn’t just a problem on our side as a couple sections are loaded with a handful of the best teams in the state.” As a member of section three, the Hilltoppers know that defending state champion Madison Edgewood will be at the top of the sectional come Sunday. Others in their path will include Monona Grove (14-5-1), Sun Prairie (16-3) and Verona (13-7).

Kjos is excited about the playoffs, “We are looking forward to playing as underdogs in the playoffs with the hopes of knocking off some great programs.”

BOYS: Division One

Section One:

The infamous “section of death” is once again loaded with frightful opponents. Those of us who love high school hockey are already saddened that only one team will emerge from this fine group of contenders. Monday night at Marathon Park Wausau West (20-1) complicated things when they avenged their earlier 6-0 loss to SPASH (17-3) with a 4-2 win. It should be enough to propel the Warriors past the Panthers, but maybe not enough to climb over the Hudson Raiders (15-4). That is because Hudson has yet to lose a game vs a Wisconsin opponent. Debating that will take center stage on Sunday. Hudson has a win over SPASH, so it would seem the Panthers will be out of the running for the top seed.

Superior (8-12-1) seems to have done enough to secure the fourth seed. They were 5-3 in the section with a loss to Hudson and split with Eau Claire Memorial and a loss to Chippewa Falls. The Spartans were 2-7-1 across the border in Minnesota. Win or lose, those Minnesota games have always carried some weight. They will be battle tested and always a threat in this rugged section. Tomahawk (18-3) having been moved to D1 after their D2 championship has put together an impressive record. Their 7-1 loss to Superior should keep them out of the fourth seed. Their other two losses were to SPASH and Eau Claire North. Jonah Dickens (40G – 31A) and Jett Reilly (25G – 49A) are second and third in state scoring. There is definitely that “Miracle on Ice” part of me that would love to see the underdog Hatchets find success.

The next group in contention includes DC Everest (10-8) and game changing goaltender Griffin Bunnell (2.20 GAA – 93.4S%). Eau Claire North (9-11), Memorial (8-11), New Richmond (6-12-1) and Chippewa Falls (7-12) all took turns beating each other, with ECM emerging with the best record in games between the four at 3-1. North and Chippewa went 2-2 and New Richmond 2-3. The Evergreens only played the Cardinals losing 1-0. Get out your abacus and figure it out.

Bringing up the bottom on the section are RAM-Regis/Altoona/McDonell (9-9) and Wisconsin Rapids (6-13) and East/Merrill (5-12). Rapids beat EMU in their only meeting 5-4. They will play again next Monday. RAM’s only game with a team in the sectional was 6-4 loss to Superior.

Section Two:

This is actually a pretty interesting sectional with a couple of dark horses that could surprise when the playoffs begin. Neenah/Menasha/Hortonville (16-4) is I believe the clear number one seed. They had an early loss to Arrowhead, but since then have only lost to top contenders USM, Notre Dame and SPASH.

Notre Dame (11-9) has not produced a typical year and will face a tough challenge by De Pere (16-4-1) for the second seed. The teams split their two games, ND winning 7-3 and De Pere paying them back with a 5-3 win just over a week ago. While the Tritons strength of schedule may be stronger, does it matter if you aren’t winning those games. The coaches will have to figure that out.

Teams just on the outside of the third seed include the Fox Cities Stars (17-3) and their impressive 17 wins, along with Sheboygan (12-6) and Bay Area (9-10-1). Fox Cities has been unable to land that big signature win and that will hold them back despite the gaudy win total. Bay Area has a couple of big victories, 3-1 over USM and 3-1 over De Pere along with a tight 3-2 loss to Neenah. Sheboygan defeated Bay Area 6-3 but lost to Fox Cities in overtime 5-4. My guess is 3-Bay Area, 4-Fox Cities, 5-Sheboygan.

Oshkosh (8-11) looks to be next on the ladder due in large part to their 2-1 win over Fondy. Fond du Lac (7-12-1) has a nice 2-1 win against Bay Area, but their resume falls short beyond that, including 2-1 losses to Oshkosh Ice Hawks and West Bend. They are your 6th and 7th seeds.

The bottom quartet is comprised of West Bend (4-18), Manitowoc (3-10), Beaver Dam (5-15) and Appleton United (4-15). The Beavers are riding an eight-game losing streak, but have wins over Manitowoc and Appleton, but lost to West Bend. And the Bears turned around and lost to Appleton.

Confused yet?

Section Three:

On paper the defending champs, Madison Edgewood (18-1) would appear to be a lock at number one. They are currently on a 12-game winning streak and have allowed a minuscule five goals in their last nine wins. Owen Porter (52G – 35A) leads the state in scoring. But hold the phone, they will play three games before Sunday and those games are against Brookfield, Monona Grove and SPASH! Odds are still in their favor, but it will be an interesting week.

Barring a total collapse by the Crusaders it appears that the fight for the runner-up seed will come down to Sun Prairie (16-3), Verona (13-7) and Monona Grove (13-4-1). Sun Prairie might have the inside track, having split with Verona and beat Monona Grove 4-3. Verona, by strength of schedule, should leapfrog Monona Grove who has won seven of nine and will get a shot at Edgewood on Thursday. Sun Prairie has losses to Verona, Muskego and Waunakee. Verona has lost to Brookfield, Middleton, Wausau West, SPASH, USM and Edgewood.

That brings us to the fifth spot and the Onalaska/La Crosse Hilltoppers (16-2). It has been a resurgent season under new head coach Drew Kjos. They lost to Monona Grove 7-1 back in December and that has been their only crack at the four teams above them.

Reedsburg/Mauston/Dells (11-8) leads the next trio of teams and will get a prime chance to help their cause when the host Monona Grove on Tuesday. The Aquinas/Holmen Avalanche (11-10) and Tomah/Sparta (10-10) split their two games with each other. The Avalanche twice defeated Reedsburg, 4-2 and 5-2 and beat Tomah/Sparta 5-3, giving them the upper hand between the three teams.

Madison Memorial (6-12) will pose some thought as they have wins over both Reedsburg and the Avalanche, and a close 4-3 loss to the Hilltoppers, but only six wins total. Memorial will travel to Verona on Saturday. They lost 5-3 in the first meeting, but a win this time could really shake up this sectional.

Middleton (5-12-1) has wins over Memorial 6-5 and Verona 3-2.  They will get in the blender with Madison West (4-13-1), South Central (5-13) and Baraboo/Portage (4-16) and see where the voting places them. Stoughton (1-20) seems certain to land on the bottom.

Section Four:

I feel pretty confident that University School (13-5) has sewn up the #1 seed. They lost a bit of a head scratcher to Bay Area, but their other four are to SPASH twice, Wausau West and Brookfield. They have wins over Neenah and Notre Dame. They went 4-1 in section games.

It is a bit of needle in the haystack trying to find a certain second seed. There is a good argument for Waukesha (10-10) with a pair of wins over Brookfield. However, I could be convinced to move Muskego (13-7) there, with their 7-3 record inside the section and one of those losses coming from USM. Some might lobby for Brookfield (14-6) and you would have some good evidence including a win over USM. The Stars have won nine of their last ten heading into this week. This group finds themselves in the top four.

Kettle Moraine/Mukwanago/Oconomowoc (9-8) and Kenosha (12-7) step into the next available spots. KMMO beat Kenosha, 5-1 in their only meeting just a week ago. Kenosha earned a nice win over Muskego, but fell to both Janesville and Marquette. Arrowhead (10-11) started hot going 8-3, but have fallen off since. Oregon (12-8) is a difficult team to place because they played only six section games, but they did hand Waukesha one of their losses.  

Marquette (9-11) and Janesville (9-11) with identical records haven’t created much space between each other. I think they will occupy seeds nine and ten. Monroe (7-12) could make a case to jump into this fight with their recent 3-1 win over Janesville. Whitefish Bay (7-10-1) could also find their way into the conversation. In fact, Milton (6-14) and Beloit Memorial (5-12-1) could also be considered. Beloit beat Monroe twice and lost to them once and tied WSN 5-5. Then again Monroe beat Milton. Head spinning? Mine is!

Key Games this week:

• Tue—Brookfield @ Madison Edgewood
• Wed—Arrowhead @ USM
• Thur—Monona Grove @ Madison Edgewood
• Fri—USM @ Notre Dame
• Sat—Baldwin/Woodville @ Northland Pines; Madison Edgewood @ SPASH; Hudson @ Notre Dame; Mosinee @ Amery, Muskego @ Bay Area
• Fri & Sat: Badgerland Conference Tournament @ Fond du Lac

BOYS: Division Two

Section One:

The Amery Warriors (13-7) appear to be the lone front runner for the top seed in section one. At 13-7, they are undefeated within the section. Other than a 7-6 OT loss to Somerset, all their losses are against D1 or Minnesota programs. The Warriors are led by the duo of Logan Doten (25G – 32A) and Jacob Maxon (32G – 22A).

The fight for the number two seed seems to be between Ashland (12-7-1), WSFLG (9-9) and Hayward (7-10). Ashland has wins over Hayward and WSFLG and that may be enough to clinch that spot. The Hurricanes own a huge win over Monona Grove early in the season but have lost six of their last eight. Rice Lake (4-14) has battled through some injuries and are getting healthier. They also have an outstanding goaltender in Hayden Van Gilder who has seven 40+ save performances. They may be a team you want to avoid in the playoffs.

Spooner (1-13), the Northwest Icemen (3-13) and Chequamegon (5-11) will fill out the bottom three seeds. Kellen Kranig (36G – 13A) has had a great season for Chequamegon.

Section Two:

Northland Pines (14-4), despite a recent loss to Mosinee (11-8), is a lock for the top seed. They also own a win over the Indians and their other losses are to D1 schools, Tomahawk, Fox Cities and Bay Area. Defenseman Josh Graves (23G – 34A) is having an All-State season for the Eagles.

I see Mosinee as number two based on a 2-1 win over Antigo (13-6) who should slide in at three. The Indians Tyler Baars has had a big year with 24 goals and 21 assists.

Lakeland (7-9) has a decisive 6-1 win over Shawano/Bonduel (10-9) which should slot them fourth. The Hawks started the year strong at 8-2 but have dropped seven of their last nine. Cam Bernard (2.25 GAA – 93.4S%) has been a bright spot in net for the Thunderbirds.

Pacelli beat Medford 6-1 and that should keep them a step up on the Red Raiders. The Hodags (1-18) are destined for the eighth spot.

Section Three:

The Spartans of Somerset (11-8) don’t possess an impressive record, but they have played a very difficult schedule. Of their eight losses, five are teams from Minnesota and the other three to Tomahawk 1-0, Monona Grove 3-0, and Northland Pines 5-2.  Within their section they have wins over the three teams chasing them, 6-1 over River Falls, 4-2 over Baldwin/Woodville and 4-1 over Menomonie.

Those next three will be a challenge to separate. River Falls (12-8) has defeated Menomonie (11-7-1), twice, but lost 5-3 to Baldwin/Woodville (13-6). The Wildcats also fell to Amery 9-6, but the rest of their defeats were at the hands of D1 schools. River Falls forward Jaxon Flanagan (27G – 32A) is 8th in the scoring race. Menomonie has a 3-2 win over B/W. The loss column for both the Hawks and the Mustangs is filled with ranked D2 contenders and D1 programs. I won’t be surprised no matter how these three line up in spots two through four.

I see Marshfield (10-10) as favorite for the fifth seed, Black River Falls (8-9) sixth, West Salem (1-13-1) edging Viroqua (3-13-1) for seventh, based on their recent win over Black River Falls. Viroqua and West Salem tied 4-4 during the season.

The Tigers boast the states second leading goal scorer in Calvin Lakowske who has turned on the red light 49 times. Meanwhile Marshfield’s Wyatt Fischer (34G – 15A) has quietly put up great offensive numbers.  

Section Four:

Waunakee (14-4-1) defeated McFarland (18-3), 1-0 back on December 16th and that will likely be the win that tips the scales in favor of the Warriors getting the #1 seed. Goalie Weston Meyer (1.59GAA – 93.5S%) has been a key part of Waunakee’s success. That slots the Spartans, who have Steve Hoang (1.54 GAA – 92.9S%) back stopping their terrific season, at number two. At three, despite a 2-2 tie with Waunakee, write in the Ledgers of Fond du Lac Springs (11-7-2). They are another D2 school that plays a very challenging schedule. Their seven losses are all to D1 schools.

Maybe the most under the radar D2 team this year is the Sauk Prairie Eagles (14-5-1). They have quietly had a fantastic season and should earn the fourth seed. They have only played two games inside the section, an impressive 3-2 loss to McFarland and a 5-0 win over Waupun. They are led by the forty-point duo of Landon Froese (24G – 22A) and Brock Hill (17G – 24A).  

Cedarburg (2-15) has had a tough year and will fall to the eighth seed. That leaves Waupun (9-9) with a win over Homestead (9-11) to take the fifth slot. Waupaca (8-11) has dropped six straight, and I think that will move them below Homestead who will nab the sixth seed.

Key Sectional Games this week:

• Tue—Homestead @ Fondy Springs
• Sat—Baldwin/Woodville @ Northland Pines; Mosinee @ Amery