First class.

That’s the only way to describe Friday’s Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois state finals at the United Center.

I will throw a bone to North Side-happy AHAI in this regard: It’s smart enough to have latched on to the coattails of the Blackhawks, whose partnership has made hockey the best state finals experience of any sport (my apologies to the IHSA).

“It’s run pretty amazing,” said St. Rita coach Craig Ferguson, whose Mustangs earned the state championship Friday night by posting a 5-0 win over St. Viator. “We’re treated first class.”

So we’re the fans.

First off, admission is just $5 and parking is free. That’s why attendance was approximately 12,000 strong. Yes, 12,000 for a high school hockey game. With the exception of the 300 level, the majority of the UC was packed.

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