Western Class A

FAVORITE: Defending state champion Thornton Academy (16-1-1) has plenty of firepower and a solid defense. The Trojans have outscored opponents 123-25.

WATCH OUT FOR: The only team to beat Thornton during the regular season, Falmouth (13-4-1) also won both of its games at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee, site of the last three rounds of the playoffs.

SKATERS TO WATCH: C.J. Maksut (25 goals, 23 assists), Thornton; Corey Wright (24-15), Marshwood/Traip Academy; Ned Richard (23-14), Kennebunk; Spence Cowand (23-13), Gorham, Liam Fitzpatrick (19-23), Cheverus

GOALIES TO WATCH: Joe Ferrante (1.19 GAA), Thornton; Dalton Finley (2.13 GAA), Scarborough; Justin Broy (2.48 GAA), Gorham

DID YOU KNOW: Thornton, which finished the regular season with an eight-game winning streak, has allowed more than two goals only twice – both times against Falmouth. All the Trojans’ wins have been by at least three goals.

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Eastern Class A

FAVORITE: Defending regional champion Lewiston (13-4-1) is 5-1 against the other teams in the regional. The Blue Devils will play on their home ice throughout the tournament.

WATCH OUT FOR: St. Dom’s (12-6) split its two games against Lewiston.

SKATERS TO WATCH: Drew Lupardo (19 goals, 7 assists), Edward Little; Dale Condon (17-18), Maranacook/Hall-Dale/Winthrop; Parker Sanderson (17-10), Bangor; Jared Pelletier (13-16), Edward Little; Cody Rodrigue (12-9), St. Dom’s

GOALIES TO WATCH: Chris Howat (1.82 GAA); Bangor, Grant Carrier (2.35 GAA), St. Dom’s; Alan Nelson (2.55 GAA), Edward Little

DID YOU KNOW: After losing three of its first four games, Lewiston won 12 of its last 14 games to become the top seed.

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Western Class B

FAVORITE: In a wide-open tournament where each team is capable of beating every other team in the five-team field, top-seeded Greely (12-4-2) has the inside track. The Rangers are 6-1-1 against the other tournament teams.

WATCH OUT FOR: An explosive offense makes Yarmouth (11-6-1) a dangerous team. The solid goaltending of Kirby Saari could make it tough to score against Cape Elizabeth (9-6-3).

SKATERS TO WATCH: Nick Breed (33 goals, 17 assists), Cape Elizabeth; Alex Kurtz (30-22), Yarmouth; Eamon Costello (14-31), Yarmouth; Craig Decato (11-26), York; Conor O’Brien (11-19), York

GOALIES TO WATCH: Kirby Saari (2.19 GAA), Cape Elizabeth; Kyle Kramlich (2.29 GAA), Greely; Pat McLoon (2.41 GAA), Yarmouth; James Posternak (2.54 GAA), York; Aaron Daniello (2.56 GAA), Camden Hills

DID YOU KNOW: Greely went 12-1-1 against Class B teams during the regular season with a 7-6 loss to Yarmouth and a 1-1 tie against Camden Hills. The Rangers will face one of those two teams in the semifinals.

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Eastern Class B

FAVORITE: Defending champion Brewer (17-1) went 14-0 against Class B teams during the regular season and has scored at least six goals in 13 of 18 games.

WATCH OUT FOR: Presque Isle (11-7) finished the regular season by winning six of its last seven games.

SKATERS TO WATCH: Joey Fowler, Brewer; Jacob Chapman, Brewer; Sam Dexter (39 goals, 26 assists), Messalonskee; Matt Cloutier, Orono; Isaac LaJoie (23-28), Presque Isle; Connor Shaw (20-27), Presque Isle  

GOALIES TO WATCH: Nate DelGiudice (1.59 GAA), Messalonskee; Nathan Colannino, Old Town; Michael Brown (1.95 GAA), Orono

DID YOU KNOW: Brewer’s only loss was to Class A Bangor, and the Witches avenged that defeat two weeks ago. Brewer has lost a total of three games since dropping back down to Class B three years ago.


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