High school hockey tournament capsule

UNIVERSITY VS. WALSH JESUIT

What: Kent District final When: 4:30 p.m., March 4 Where: Brooklyn Recreation Center, 7600 Memphis Ave. Records: University 27-8-1, Walsh Jesuit 17-13-2 What’s next: The winner advances to a state semifinal at 9 a.m. March 11 against Sylvania Northview or Toledo St. Francis at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. What to look for: This title tilt has already been a wild ride. Originally, this was supposed to be contested at FirstEnergy Stadium on March 3. But an initial forecast of snow, which changed to rain, necessitated the need for Plan

B to head to the “Barn of all Barns” for the second time in three years for the Kent District finale. … Three years may not seem like a lengthy frozen four drought. But for a program in University that has made 15state appearances, this ties for the longest drought in not going to the frozen four in the last 20years. … The refrain from US has been that it’s “different” this season — it’s tough to argue that coming in with 27wins, its first Cleveland Cup and red-hot stretches throughout the winter. … Its forward depth is as deep as it’s been in a little while. Junior forward Sam Wade (24goals, 28assists, 52 points) is the headliner with his speed and puckhandling. But it’s not just Wade — options abound with the continued emergence of Luke Palmer (24-16-40), along with the steady Samonte Martin (18-13-31), Anthony Messina (5-22-27) and Kellen

McGarry (4-19-23) and more. This is an unselfish, persistent group offensively. … On the blue line, the loss of senior Nate Abbott was a tough blow. So the Preppers have had to shift personnel, now rolling with a first pairing of Will Genovese (2-20-22) and Luke Brandon (4-3-7). Ryder Beegun (3-13-16) and Michael Matthews (3-4-7) have contributed nicely to the cause as well. … Between the pipes, junior Noah Caballero (402 saves, 94.4 save percentage, 1.21 goals-against average) has impressed. Whether it’s high-volume nights or not, Caballero has delivered the timely saves that can pick up a club. … Walsh Jesuit seeks its second frozen four berth in three years and second all-time with a tricky group that, as any News-Herald coverage area program can attest, is a challenging out this time of year. … The duo that sets the tone for the Warriors are seniors Josh Weiner (19-27-46) and Ryan Kerscher (14-18-32). … Walsh, as it did in a 3-1 semifinal win over Gilmour, will want to take some pace and odd-man potential out of this clash by being chippy along the boards and smart on the backcheck. So it’ll be vital for that D-line corps to be quick and efficient on breakouts and be mindful of the Warriors not being shy with long tape breakouts. … US won’t need a reminder of the last time it met Walsh — it was that rough Jan. 21 Great Lakes Hockey League encounter when it blew a 3-0 third-period lead and lost, 4-3, in OT. … It feels like a clash in which US’ strong third-line play and special teams could make a difference. … If this Preppers’ squad truly is “different,” we’ll find out here.