Hockey state semifinal capsule

But it worked, and that’s what matters in March. The Preppers are led by their relentless and seasoned all-senior first forward line of Jack Henry Muha, Henry Saada and Tyler Alt. Muha (15 goals, 37 assists, 52 points) showed flashes as a sophomore winger and has been a key contributor for US since. His speed, puckhandling and tenacity on the forecheck are vital. There seemingly isn’t a loose puck or board scrap in which Saada (13-35-48) isn’t involved, and the winger has a great sense for chip passes through the neutral zone and finding crashers with cross-ice passes. Alt (2218-40) has been a epiphany particularly since the start of the new calendar year, contributing some big goals along the way. The second- and third-line play is chippy and effective, giving US good energy on their shifts. Sophomore John Pape (12-7-19) has really emerged in the stretch run, and Andrew Rozenshtraukh (9-5-14) and Nick Flowers (10-10-20) are among other options who can contribute in the offensive zone. On the blue line, senior George Brinn (17-23-40; plus-33 plus-minus ratio) is one of the most highly regarded defensemen in Ohio. Much in the mold of great US blueliners this decade such as Clarke Jones and Drew Musser, Brinn is a two-way performer of the highest standard. He can cycle the puck, deliver crisp breakouts and is poised against odd-man rushes. Along with Brinn, the development on defense of juniors Jack Borrow (6-11-17; plus-16) and Beau O’Sickey (6-14-20; plus-12) has been evident. In goal, Critter Coughlin has run with his chance to be the No. 1 netminder for the Preppers. Keeping his goalsagainst average at 2.22 with 611 saves and save percentage of 90.9 against US’ brutal schedule speaks of a netminder capable of hot streaks to keep his squad in games. Coughlin was timely against the Lancers in the Kent District final. Some big saves in a special teams-laden second period were noteworthy in a tight contest. US is likely a much different team than the one that played Dublin Jerome in the regular season. But the truth is, the Preppers need to be. Jerome pasted US, 8-2, to conclude the Titan Invitational in Sylvania on Jan. 20. The Celtics might be the best chance the Columbus District has had to advance to the state final, something which that district has never done. Jerome is potent and then some in the offensive zone, paced by seniors Trent Belli (25-49-74), J.P. Weaver (39-27-66), Nick Augenstein (30-35-65) and Dalton Miller (32-26-58) and junior Avery Mlicki (2620-46). Belli is a returning honorable-mention All-Ohio selection and was firstteam all-Capital Hockey Conference this winter along with Weaver. Senior Ryan Jenkins was first-team all-CHC on defense. The Celtics had to work hard to stave off Olentangy Liberty, 1-0, in the Columbus District final, but have not been challenged much otherwise this winter. Their lone losses were to Upper Arlington, 3-2, on Jan. 19 and to New Albany, 9-3, on Dec. 16. Jerome will come out with a ton of energy in what is essentially a home game at Nationwide. So it’s important for Coughlin to be steady early and for US to be physical in the neutral zone. The Preppers have a decent chance here to hang around and avenge that ugly loss to the Celtics from January. But it will take their best game of the year to date to make it happen, a full three periods that cannot be spent too often on the penalty kill or on the backcheck.