Class B North Ice Hockey championship clash
Messalonskee is two victories away from clinching its first state championship in boys’ ice hockey since 2015. But first the Eagles must overcome Hampden Academy, a team playing its strongest defense of the season.
The Class B North championship clash between No. 2 Messalonskee and the fourth-seeded Broncos is slated for 6 p.m. Thursday at Colby College.
Thursday’s winner advances to the Class B state title game at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.
Messalonskee defeated Hampden Academy twice during the regular season, 7-4 in the first meeting, and 6-0 in the second game.
But the Broncos have found their defense in the playoffs, having surrendered just three goals in victories over No. 5 Camden Hills and No. 1 John Bapst.
The Eagles, however, have turned up their defense as well, opening the tournament with a 3-0 triumph against seventh-ranked Gardiner/Waterville/Winslow and a 3-2 win over No. 3 Presque Isle.
Admission is free for the first 200 Messalonskee students (students must present their student IDs) who arrive at Thursday’s regional championship thanks to the generosity of the Messalonskee All-Sports Boosters.
For those who cannot attend the game, the contest can be streamed live ($) on NFHS ( https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/associations/mpa?drilldown=upcoming).