Despite some adversity in the second period, The Toledo St. Francis Knights defeated the Walsh Jesuit Warriors by a score of 7-2 in the first of two state semifinal games to be played at OhioHealth IceHaus in Columbus on Saturday. 

St. Francis jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, with goals coming from Riley Box (2) and Devon Homier.  

In the second period, what looked like a potential blowout game turned into a potential comeback game for the Walsh Jesuit Warriors.  At 13:36, Walsh started their scoring with a hard shot from Hunter Nalepka. Just a minute later, Ryan Kerscher scored on a spectacular finish and, just like that, the Warriors were within a goal.

When asked about Walsh’s run in the second period, St. Francis goalkeeper Jackson Smalley said, “I thought we were on cruise control. The first five minutes of the second period wasn’t very good.” 

Even though the first five minutes of the second period were indeed sloppy for the Knights, they showed resilience and netted three goals in the remaining 10 minutes of the period.  Two of these goals came from penalty shots, scored by Box and Homier.  

Walsh Jesuit finishes their season with a record of 17-10-4.  St. Francis will face St. Edward in the state championship Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. 

--- Diego Palko for Ohio Hockey Digest