UNIVERSITY VS. WALSH JESUIT

7:30p.m., March 2 Kent State University Ice Arena, Loop Road, Kent University 23-7-3, Walsh Jesuit 20-9-5 The winner advances to a state semifinal at 10a.m. March 9against Toledo St. Francis or Toledo St. John’s at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

The longtime king of the Kent District is back eyeing another crown — and this may be one of the stiffest tests University has had along that journey. US someone beyond the first line steps up for a big goal, and players such as Charlie Hollington, Andre Berglund and Nick Flowers could fill that role. On defense, George Brinn leads the blue line. The allGLHL defenseman is a gifted standout, not only for his work on the backcheck and eye for breakouts, but also for his ability to contribute on the power play and in the offensive zone. In those aspects, he’s in the mold of another US great on defense in recent years in 2014News-Herald player of the year Clarke Jones. Also on defense, seniors Reid Anderson, Adam Alt and Trip Gorman have been battle-tested through the years against the Preppers’ demanding schedule. Senior goaltender Kyle Flatow has had some big-time games since becoming the starter, and more of that type of hockey will be needed against a foe this potent. Walsh is a load in the offensive zone with one of the premier lines in Ohio in GLHL player of the year Jonathan Gabriel with fellow senior Max Miotke and freshman Sacha Trudel. The Warriors, under one of Ohio’s best coaches in Pat McKendry, are a senior-laden squad. In addition to Gabriel and Miotke, forward Steven LeVasseur, defenseman Drew Rossiter and goaltender Jakhari Desphy have been around a while — seemingly with the ice time they’ve logged, a lot longer than four years. Walsh can throw a lot of speed into the zone, so positioning on the backcheck will be key for US. Pinching a team this quick to the boards or inside is a lot easier said than done. In GLHL play, the teams tied, 4-4, on Dec. 23, and US won, 2-1, in overtime Jan. 20. In this district final, the latter type of game seems more likely. US knows it needs to be tighter in the defensive zone after a wild semifinal against Shaker, but rest assured McKendry and company were paying attention and will test that aspiration. If these two are both on simultaneously, this could be one of the better Kent District finals ever contested before what will certainly be a packed house.

DAVID TURBEN — THE NEWS-HERALD University’s Ethan Whetstone shoots during the Kent District final last season against Walsh Jesuit.