For the third season in a row, the Adrian Bulldogs have reached the Frozen Four and look to add a second championship in the past three seasons to their trophy case. The now expected level of excellence has all associated with the program that they will compete every year at this level with a focus on not only getting to the Frozen Four but winning the national title.
“This is three years in a row,” noted Adrian head coach Adam Krug. “The two years before that were cut out by COVID and I liked our chances with those teams as well. During this post-season run I have had the opportunity to re-connect with a number of graduated players and alums who now look at the program and believe this is the standard by which we measure our program now. This team got here a little differently with some losses during the season we haven’t had recently but losses I feel really helped us improve our game for this time of the season. We had a really difficult road to the Frozen Four having to play a first-round game against Stevens Point and then another battle with St. Norbert but the team has responded and now we have a chance to play for another title.”
The Bulldogs have a deep group led by Mathew Rehding (16G – 32A – 48 Pts; +25), Zachary Heintz (18G – 21A – 39 Pts; +26) and Jaden Shields (11G – 28A – 39 Pts; +26) with additional strong contributions from Bradley Somers, Connor May, Ryan Pitoscia and Jacob Suede. The defensive group is solid in front of goaltender Dershahn Stewart who saw relief action in last year’s semifinal win over the University of New England. Adrian has a deep roster, plays with pace and has an exceptional power play that can change a game quickly.
“We really have 1A and 1B lines with our top two groups,” said Krug. “We have seen a lot of other contributors on the scoresheet later in the season that gives us some balance beyond the top two lines. Our defensive group has really emerged as a big part of our game and Dershahn has been very consistent in the crease for us.”
Adrian faces a Trinity team they have not seen this season while also playing on the Bantams home ice. Trinity’s game begins with the back-end with Devon Bobak in goal and a solid group of defenders led by the NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year in Ned Blanchard. The forwards are deep and balanced in their scoring as the team takes advantage of solid defensive play and quick strike transition offense opportunities.
“Bobak has had a terrific season and Matt Greason is a very good coach with experience at the US Development Team level,” noted Krug. “They play terrific team defense and take advantage of your mistakes with a deep group upfront. It will be a battle of styles as we try to beak down that great team defense and get some pucks behind one of the best goalies in the country.”
Adrian and Trinity face-off in the second semifinal of the day at 7 PM on Thursday, March 21 at the Koeppel Community Sports Center in Hartford, Connecticut on the campus of Trinity College.
