The Olentangy Liberty varsity ice hockey team (Powell, OH) will be playing a home non-conference game against Upper Arlington (Columbus, OH) today at 5:30 p.m.
Here’s what you need Ice Hockey to know:
What: Ohio High School Ice Hockey
Who: Olentangy Liberty vs Upper Arlington
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 5:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Upper Arlington vs. Olentangy Liberty: A Key Ice Hockey Showdown
The Upper Arlington (UA) and Olentangy Liberty (OL) ice hockey teams are set to face off in a thrilling non-conference rivalry, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in Ohio high school hockey. The game, scheduled for December 29, 2024, at 4:00 PM in Powell, Ohio, promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting records and styles of play. Here’s a preview of what to expect.
Team Records and Overview
Upper Arlington (24-25 season) enters the game with an impressive record of 11-1-1, dominating their opponents with an 88.5% win rate. Their strong performances have come across multiple facets of their game, including a solid 4-1-1 conference record. They’ve been consistent across the board with 51 goals scored and just 22 goals allowed, showing both offensive firepower and defensive stability.
Olentangy Liberty, on the other hand, holds a 6-6-2 record for the season. With a win rate of 50%, they’ve had some struggles in their conference play, posting a 1-5 record, but have shown resilience in their non-conference games, winning three of five. Their offense has been more prolific than UA’s, with 60 goals, but their defense has been more vulnerable, allowing 47 goals on the season, resulting in a goals-against average of 3.5.
Head-to-Head and Key Matchups
The head-to-head matchup between these two teams is sure to draw significant attention. Upper Arlington’s offense, led by junior forward Jake Struck, who has netted 10 goals this season, has been highly efficient. Additionally, senior defenseman Michael Greco has contributed a team-high 15 assists. Their top goalie, Mack Larkin, boasts a solid goals-against average of 2.9, adding to the team’s defensive strength.
For Olentangy Liberty, their star player has been Jake Struck‘s counterpart, Michael Greco, who leads his team with 15 assists. However, OL will need to be on top of their game defensively, with the team’s defense struggling at times. Goalie Mack Larkin has helped stabilize the defensive unit, boasting a goals-against average of 2.9, a solid mark that will be tested in this crucial matchup.
Key Statistical Comparisons
Upper Arlington has been more consistent across all areas, particularly in their defensive play and penalty kill, where they have dominated their opponents. In contrast, Olentangy Liberty has been more offensive-minded, averaging 4.3 goals per game, compared to Upper Arlington’s 3.9. However, Liberty’s inability to control the pace in tight games will be a major concern going into this one.
Both teams have faced a strong set of common opponents, but Upper Arlington has outperformed Liberty with a 10-1-1 record against them, compared to Liberty’s 5-6-1 mark. The teams have both shown resilience against some of the top schools in Ohio, with UA beating powerhouse programs like St. Edward and New Albany, while Liberty notched impressive wins against St. Edward and St. John’s Jesuit.
Game Outlook
As the game kicks off on December 29, the key to Upper Arlington’s success will lie in their ability to stifle Liberty’s high-scoring offense while continuing their offensive efficiency. Olentangy Liberty will need to find a way to match Upper Arlington’s balanced attack while improving their defense to stay competitive.
With both teams coming off important wins and eager to make a statement, this game promises to be one for the books. Fans can expect intense competition, with both teams bringing their A-game as they fight for early-season momentum.
