Stoughton advanced to the WIAA quarterfinals in boy’s hockey with a 6-3 win over Waukesha North. They have cruised through the playoffs; except for an overtime win over Milwaukee Marquette. Stoughton made it to the quarters last year, but they couldn’t get past Superior. This year should be different. Stoughton is ranked No. 3 on wisconsinprephockey.net, and they have had one of the best offenses in the WIAA this season. Junior forwards Trevor Hoth and Eric Howell have seven and five goals respectively in three playoff games. Stoughton only has one loss all season, and they were held to three goals. If the University School/Cedarburg winner wants to win, they will need great defense and even better goal keeping.
If Stoughton can continue the offensive barrage, look for a huge semi-final matchup against No. 2 Notre Dame Academy or another local school, No. 7 Madison Edgewood. Edgewood just knocked off Middleton 4-3 after scoring three goals in the third period and getting 42 saves from senior Brad Jerzewski. He has 81 saves in the last two games, and the bloated opposing team’s shots on goal doesn’t bode well against an offensive machine like Notre Dame Academy. Edgewood is trying to get back to the WIAA state championship for the first time since 2008, but the matchup doesn’t fit their style. Look for a Notre Dame/Stoughton semi-final.
If Stoughton and Notre Dame Academy meet in a semi-final, it will be an amazing game; two offensive-minded teams battling for a chance at a title. Either team can win, and the team who strikes first may not be the team that celebrates at the end. The game can go either way, and these two teams have the best chance at beating No. 1 Wausau West, a team that has had two tough games so far in the tournament. As it looks now, the winner of a Stoughton/Notre Dame Academy game is going to win the title, unless they beat each other up of course.
No comments:
Post a Comment