Class A
WHO: Scarborough (12-8-1) vs. Thornton Academy (15-5)
WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Cross Insurance Arena, Portland
WEB: NFHS Network
KEY PLAYERS: Scarborough – Sam Rumelhart, sr., W (28 goals, 13 assists); Wyatt Grondin, fr., W (9 goals, 11 assists); Jack Matthews, sr., D (5 goals, 7 assists); Will Fallona, jr., C (4 goals, 7 assists); Keegan Ward, jr., G (10-6, .842 save percentage). Thornton Academy – Alex St. John, sr., F (13 goals, 11 assists); Kyle LeSieur, jr., F (10 goals, 14 assists); Evan Beaudette, jr., F (14 goals, 4 assists); Shane Bergeron, jr., F (8 goals, 5 assists); Gage Tarbox-Belanger (14-5, 1.59 GAA, .943 save percentage).
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The teams met twice in the regular season, with the Trojans winning each time, a 6-0 decision on Dec. 30 and a 2-1 victory on Feb. 2. The Trojans will need to find a way to slow down a potent Red Storm attack. In addition to Sam Rumelhart, perhaps the most dangerous forward in the state, Scarborough has a bunch of players capable of scoring, including several defensemen. The Trojans are more of a grinding team, not afraid to take a hit or give one to make a play. Thornton’s biggest edge may be in goal, where Tarbox-Belanger has been nothing short of spectacular. His ability to make timely saves keeps the Trojans in games until they can find a way to score. And don’t sleep on Thornton’s attack. The Trojans have four players with at least eight goals.
Class B
WHO: Camden Hills (13-4) vs. Brunswick (16-4)
WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Cross Insurance Arena, Portland
WEB: NFHS Network
KEY PLAYERS: Camden Hills – Owen McManus, so., RW, (17 goals, 4 assists); Jakob Johnson, sr., LW (16 goals, 4 assists); Emmet Marshall, so., LW (12 goals, 6 assists); Elias Libby, sr., D (4 goals, 10 assists); Jackson Bernier, sr., G (11-4, 1.67 GAA, .944 save percentage). Brunswick – Nick Marro, jr., F (21 goals, 8 assists); Zach Stern-Hayes, jr., D (10 goals, 15 assists); AJ Wolverton, jr., F (9 goals, 13 assists); Ollie Bateman, sr., F (11 goals, 10 assists); Luke Patterson, jr., G (16-4, 2.30 GAA, .902 save percentage).
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The teams met on Jan. 22, with the Windjammers gaining a 3-0 win. Brunswick hasn’t lost since, winning 11 in a row. Camden Hills is going to try to slow down the game with a strong forecheck and backcheck. The Windjammers play a gritty, body-to-body style that throws off opponents. Brunswick may have more speed and will try to skate around the Windjammers’ checkers. But Camden Hills goalie Jackson Bernier has allowed only three goals in three playoff games, stopping 60 of 63 shots. Special teams could be a factor as well. Camden Hills’ power play has been very effective, especially Johnson, so the Dragons will need to play smart and not take many penalties. Brunswick’s Nick Marro is a sniper with 21 goals. He’ll need extra attention.
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