Blackhawks hockey team to host playoff opener against Amery

By Brian Nadeau

The Blackhawk hockey team wrapped up the regular season this past week in two contests against New Richmond and Eau Claire North.

On Thursday at the United Civic Center, the Blackhawks took on New Richmond to close out MBC action, and came up short by a score of 10-2.

The Tigers established a 5-0 lead throughout the first period before the Blackhawks answered for a goal of their own at the 16:29 mark.

Cole Stevens scored the even-strength goal with assists to Landon Albrightson and Mitchell Hurtgen. Midway through the second period, the Hawks cut the lead to 5-2 when Brandon Connett scored, assisted by Hurtgen.

The rest of the game was consumed with penalties and both teams playing short-handed.

On Saturday the Blackhawks traveled to Eau Claire to take on the North Huskies. The first period saw no scoring by either team.

The Huskies took a 1-0 lead at 3:00 of the second period on the power play, and that was the difference going into the third period.

The Blackhawks found themselves short-handed once again, but this time they were the aggressors and Connett found the back of the net at the 2:22 mark to make it 1-1.

The Huskies would take a 2-1 lead at 8:27, and the Blackhawks were unable to tie the game up despite rallying near the end, including pulling their goalie for the extra skater.

After the seeding meeting was completed on Sunday, the Blackhawks found themselves as the #7 seed and will host #10 Amery on Tuesday, February 17th at the United Civic Center.

The winner of that contest will travel to Superior to take on the Spartans, who earned the #2 seed.