My Kind of Town, Superior Is...

It took some doing to get to Superior last night, but this reporter is glad he made the journey.

I had heard the rumors, but it wasn't until I witnessed the spectacle firsthand that I discovered why so many people consider Superior an oasis of hockey worship in a sea full of basketball lovers.

The Spartans play in the nicest rink in the state, UW-Superior's Wessman Arena, and enjoy the most devoted and rambunctious following I've encountered on the road so far.

There were cheerleaders (I'll admit to feeling a little creepier than usual getting this shot):

A kick-ass mascot, complete with fake beard stubble:

And a band that was so loud my right ear hurt:

Best yet, the crowd was ginormous by Wisconsin high school hockey standards and incredibly vocal. Soccer-style chants filled the arena. Flags waved. Masses of humanity roared with each check, close call or miraculous save.

I imagine this is as close as one can get to seeing a Minnesota-style high school game in Wisconsin, probably because this is as close as one can get to Minnesota and still be in the Dairyland.

People of Superior, through numb lips and with two hands frozen into icy claws, I salute you!