5 PLAYERS TO WATCH
As central Ohio high school hockey teams battle for the district's only state tournament berth, several of the top players should take center stage.
Here are five players to watch in the postseason, according to a consensus of area coaches:
Forwards Chris Brennan, Olentangy Berlin
The junior enters the postseason with 25 goals and 29 assists for 54 points. In CHC play, Brennan was second with 18 goals.
Charlie Hughes, Olentangy Liberty
In his first season with Liberty after playing with the AAA Blue Jackets, Hughes has 31 goals and 34 assists, giving him 65 points heading into the postseason.
He finished with a Chc-best 23 goals and tied teammate Jake Struck for the lead in assists with 16.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Quinn Blaney, New Albany; Myles Edgson, Berlin; Andrew Kieffer, Olentangy; Grant Levins, Olentangy; Jack Lower, New Albany; Brian Savage, Liberty; Joe Shevetz, Dublin
Coffman; Jake Struck, Liberty
Defensemen Jacob Kempa, Liberty
Kempa has 21 goals and 19 assists for 40 points heading into the postseason. The senior recorded eight goals and 11 assists in CHC play.
William Schauss, Upper Arlington
Schauss, a sophomore, has nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points entering the postseason. Schauss moved to defense after playing forward as a freshman.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Adam Aichele, Coffman; Jack Hamilton, Liberty; Parker Mcdaniels, Berlin; Zach Patton, Berlin; Vinny Rengel, Liberty
Goalie Elliott Hartwick, Thomas Worthington
The senior has had a strong season for the Cardinals despite having a losing record in net. He is 11-16-2-1 with two shutouts. He has 1,165 saves with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Ryan Bowyer, St. Charles; Robbie Cook, Liberty; Brady Hagkull, UA; Kai Nelson, Berlin