Super 8 hockey debate
In 2021, the MIAA D1 Super 8 High School hockey tournament changed from 10 teams to a 32 team single elimination format. There are now 4 divisions with 4 tournaments to determine a state champion for each division. People out there believe kids are leaving d2/d3/d4 schools to go play Prep Hockey (NEPSAC) and Juniors because their town (or school) isn’t D1. I don’t blame them, but this has always been a problem when you live in New England because of so many NEPSAC/ISL/Catholic options. During the 90’s and early 2000’s towns such as Arlington, Medford, South Boston, Braintree (the list goes on and on) had players leave to go play elsewhere.
I’m IN on the idea that this D1 32 team format the higher seed gets to play in their home rink until the elite 8. Winchester vs Arlington had 2,000 people pack Ed Burns Arena. The atmosphere of a sold out local hockey rink with the stakes of an elite 8 birth on the line is something those kids will never forget. If you’re in 7th/8th grade watching that game, chances are high you want to stay in your town to play in a game like that.
Now, Lincoln Sudbury (5-14-1) was the #32 seed heading into its match against #1 St. John’s Prep. The final was 6-2. Should a 5-14-1 team make the tournament? It depends on strength of schedule, which the MIAA does account for. L-S had lots of fans show up just to see if there would be a ‘miracle’ upset. More fans=game grows.
Can we also stop complaining that Catholic schools are in this tournament with some of the Public schools? That’s the best part – to see if a Public school can survive and make it to the Garden. That’s always been the storyline of this tournament.
We will continue this storyline as the best hockey players in the state battle it out.
