Quarterfinal Thursday Recaps

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY 3, MILWAUKEE MARQUETTE 3 (2 OT)
Wow, turns out the first game of Quarterfinal Thursday was the only one worth watching. The Hilltoppers silenced a lot of doubters, including this reporter, by hanging tough with the more skilled and experienced Tritons. The well-coached Hilltoppers took advantage of the breaks they were given and had Notre Dame (and a chain-smoking Erik Moe) on the ropes for much of the game. But ND dug deep and squeaked out the win in the second overtime on a Steven Phillips' re-direct of a Tim Davison slapshot.

My heart goes out to the Hilltoppers, despite the silly helmet decals. Overtime losses are like a swift kick in the nuts. And if these photos are any indication, the Hilltoppers know what it feels like to be kicked in the nuts.

Kick in the nuts numero uno:

Here's hoping the concussion from Conor Doran's elbow 

momentarily distracted this fellow from the knee to his groin.

Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Kick in the 'taint numero dos:

MU's Bryan Cahol take a skate blade to his, ah, never mind.

Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

MIDDLETON 2, CEDARBURG 1

Brett Skibba scores the game winner and looks for a hug.

Cedarburg's Brandon Thelen (8) isn't accommodating.

John Hart/Madison.com

This one wasn't as close as the score would indicate. Cedarburg played tough and never backed down, but the Cardinals controlled the game for 48 of the 51 minutes to advance to the semifinals. Middleton has its first victory on The Big Ice, and TJ Hansen is buying the first round down at Jingle's. Want some video (of the game, not TJ's drinking)? Here you go. Why? Because Madison.com kicks ass, that's why.

EAU CLAIRE MEMORIAL 6, REEDSBURG/WISCONSIN DELLS 0

Yes, Saxton Soley is pleased with his Player of the Year Honor. But rumor has

it he has his eye on the Dusty Hackbart Coolest Player Name Award. Does he

stand a chance? Stay tuned.

Andi Stempniak/EC Ledger-Telegram

Ugh, this one was as ugly as the Captain Morgan statue placed, utterly without irony, is the middle of a playground outside a putt-putt golf course in Wisconsin Dells. ECM outshot the Cheevers 54-11 in this snoozer of a contest. Because this office refuses to pay the subscription ransom being demanded by the numb-skulled editorial staff at the Eau Claire Ledger-Telegram, we will respectfully link to the game report submitted by the lovable fellows at Wisconsin Prep Hockey. Keep living the dream, boys! Wish I was there.

WAUSAU WEST 5, NEW RICHMOND 0

Xai Kha/Wausau Daily Herald

Another snoozer to finish off a long day of hockey. I was so bored listening to poor MJ Hammett and company trying to find something interesting to say about this one-sided affair that I dozed off at the wheel and almost caused another accident on the Golden Gate Bridge during my commute home. Again. The bracket makers got this one right and another #1 seed advances to the final. There will be no snoozing in today's game, or my name is not Honey Badger.