Division I regional track finals
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Frozen Four, Prep hockey-Style
The Centerville ice hockey team is not worried about nerves or the big crowd that will await it in the 32nd state high school hockey tournament.
The final four is played at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The sixth-seeded, unranked Elks enter a history-soaked, high-powered field with St. John’s, defending champ Lakewood St. Edward (11 titles) and top-ranked University School.
“We’ve played with composure and won two early double-overtime games in the tournament,” said second-year coach Adam Frank. “The emphasis is to make sure our players know that they can beat St. John’s. We’re not going to be intimidated. St. John’s has four players from their 2007 state title team and they’re obviously older and more experienced.
“We can’t play on our heels,” he continued. “We have to bring a high-pressure, fast style to them ourselves.”
Said the Elks red-hot goaltender Nick Petrosino: “We’re hyped up and motivated to play at Nationwide. We need to continue to play with intensity.”
The semifinal could be a battle of goalies. Petrosino has been exceptional, averaging 45 saves in the district tournament and boasting a save percentage of 90 percent. St. John’s junior goalie Christian Davis has a save percentage of 92 percent.
Captain Brian Hickson has been a shutdown defender for the Elks while Joe Breslin (53 goals, 35 assists), Tyler Bottermuller (22 goals, 27 assists) and Michael Trick (10 goals, 19 assists) fuel the offense.
St. Edward plays University School Saturday at 1 p.m., followed the Centerville-St. John’s match at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 (adults) and $8 (students). Championship is Sunday at 11 a.m.
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