Click HERE for the Bracket

This year’s field of 10 has been whittled down to two.  TriCity and Millard West will face off at Moylan IcePlex on Thursday, March 26th at 7:30PM to determine who will hold the 2015 title of “State Champions”.

This playoff season has boasted some intense action and close games.  Nearly half of the 17 games played to date, have been 1 goal contests (when backing out empty net goals).  The title was literally “up for grabs” but it was TriCity and Millard West who weathered the storm and earned the right to play for the State Title.  TriCity is 3-0 and unbeaten in playoffs, but it was no easy ride.  A feisty and much improved Elkhorn team gave them a tough contest in game one, but TriCity’s defense prevailed with a 3-0 win.  The Storm then edged out a dangerous Papillion team by a score of 2-1, earning a spot in the semi-finals against Millard West.  TriCity beat Millard West 3-2, sending Millard West to the Losers bracket.  

While TriCity patiently waited to find out who they will be matched up against in the championship, teams were fighting in the losers bracket to keep their season alive.  Westside emerged after some very tough contests between Metro North, Millard North and Papillion, only to face a determined Millard West squad.  I’m sure Millard West held tight to the memories of 2013 and 2014. 

In 2013, Millard West came through the Loser’s bracket and upset a very talented Prep team in two games to win the Title.  Couple that memory with 2014, when Prep returned the favor, coming through the Loser’s bracket to upset Millard West with back to back wins to take that title back. 

I’m certain Millard West drew upon that experience to drive them past a very good Westside team, winning 3-1, and earning the right to meet TriCity in the State Championship.  I’m also certain Millard West is well aware that it is entirely possible for a State Champion to emerge from the Loser’s Bracket, win back to back games in the Title Matchup, and win the State Championship.  They have been on both sides of that equation.

TriCity, on the other hand, may not have that same experience to draw upon, but they are talented, they are well coached, and they play great defensive hockey.  They have great senior leadership and I doubt they will be caught off guard.  This will be a great matchup

Face off is at 7:30pm on Thursday, March 26th at Moylan IcePlex. Admission is $3.00 for Adults.  The proceeds go to the HS Scholarship Fund.  Students are free.  Come on out.  You won’t want to miss the action.