For the first time since 2019, the Class A title game will feature two teams that did not reach the big game the year prior. No. 2 seed McQuaid will look to capture its first Class A title in nearly a decade while No. 5 seed Portside will look to capture its first ever sectional title in program history. Here’s what you need to know:
No. 2 seed MCQUAID KNIGHTS (17-5-0/Independent) vs. No. 5 seed PORTSIDE ROYALS (12-8-2/MCPSAC Division)
How they got here: McQuaid (No. 4 NYSSWA Division I) got themselves a first-round bye to the quarterfinals and earned a 5-2 victory over No. 7 seed Greece Storm and then defeated No. 3 seed Penfield 3-2 in overtime to return to the Class A championship for the first time in nine years. Portside (No. 18 NYSSWA Division I) picked a 5-1 quarterfinal victory over No. 4 seed Hilton and then took down top-seed Pittsford 4-1 for their first Class A title game appearance in program history.
Trends: McQuaid has won four of its last five contests. The Knights scored five-plus goals in three of their four victories. Portside has won back-toback contests in sectionals after suffering quarterfinal a six game winless skid. The Royals have scored three-plus goals in their last three contests.
Players to watch for McQuaid: Jack Callery Jr. F 20 goals, 21 assists, 41 points; Liam Palmer Sr. F nine goals, 16 assists, 25 points; Eli Wiegand Jr. D six goals, 15 assists, 21 points; Connor Emens Jr. D six goals, 12 assists, 18 points; Owen Salinas Jr. G 11-3-0, one shutout, 2.87 goals against average, .894 save percentage.
Portside Royals: Sal Balbi Sr. F 21 goals, 15 assists, 36 points; Frank Grad Sr. F 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points; Zachary Neu Sr. D six goals, 13 assists, 19 points; Landen Christ Jr. F seven goals, 12 assists, 19 points; Danny Kucmerowski Jr. G 6-6-2, one shutout, 2.78 goals against average, .914 save percentage.
Coaches: Joe Dugan (McQuaid), William McGrath (Portside)
History 101: McQuaid is seeking its first Class A sectional finals appearance since 2015 when the Jesuit Knights defeated Fairport to repeat as champions. Portside is looking to make it to the Class A championship for the first time since Brockport and Spencerport merged to create the Royal team. The two teams have never met in sectionals.
What’s next: The winner will move onto the 2023 NYSPHSAA Boys Far West Regional on March 2.
Puck drop is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. at Gene Polisseni Center on the campus of RIT.
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