The Prairie Ridge High School Varsity Hockey Club, ranked 9th in the state according to www.myhockeyrankings.com, lost 9-2 to 2nd-ranked Rockford Jan. 16 in Crystal Lake.

The Wolves, 23-18-6, were named the 13th seed the following day in this year’s Varisty Red Division Blackhawk Cup State Championship.

Prairie Ridge will open against 20th seeded Nequa Valley in February.

During the Blackhawk Cup, 30 teams will be pared down to 16 before Feb. 24. The 16 remaining teams then compete in March for a chance to play in the championship game at the United Center March 26.

Prior to the top 10 match-up, the Wolves won two High School invitational Tournament games. The High School Invitational Tournament is a season-long tournament featuring 12 high school varsity hockey teams from throughout Illinois.

Prairie Ridge defeated Glenbrook South 3-1 Jan. 11.

The Wolves continued their winning ways Jan. 13 defeating Nequa Valley 4-1.

The team was led in scoring by Chris Van Damme, who contributed two goals. Other contributors were Jeff Ramsey and Chris Dallas, who each scored a goal apiece.

Prairie Ridge goaltender Corey Simons earned the win, stopping 13 shots.

The team’s HIT record is 6-2-1 with two games remaining against Loyola and Stevenson.

The top four teams in the HIT standings at the end of the regular season move on to the playoffs, which take place in late February.

Prior to the two consecutive HIT games, the Wolves competed at the Milwaukee Memorial Invitational Tournament Jan. 8-9.

In that tournament, the Wolves opened with a 2-1 loss to University of Milwaukee School.

The Wolves wrapped up the tournament with a 2-2 tie against Germantown.

Prairie Ridge’s next home game will take place at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24 against Loyola. Home games take place at the Crystal Lake Ice House, 320 E. Prairie St.

To learn more about the Wolves, go to www.prairieridgehockeyclub.com.

By Lawerence Synett, Triblocal.com reporter

Photos submitted by Prairie Ridge High School Hockey Club