St. Francis captures first hockey state championship

COLUMBUS, Ohio St. Francis (34-4-1) jumped out to quick start, taking an early 1-0 advantage on a Ben Torchia goal 20 seconds into the game, with assists recorded to Nate Opblinger and Connor Frey. St. Edward responded two minutes into the second period, as Danny O'Sullivan tied the score off an assist from Justin Hoyt.

The remainder of regulation was a defensive struggle, and overtime was required to decide the outcome. St. Francis' Matt Opblinger put the game on ice four minutes into the extra period, with assists credited to Torchia and Scott Wawrzyniak

The Knights battled to defeat St. Edward for the fifth time this season in a game that was physical from the onset. The win marks the first hockey state championship in St. Francis history and was its first championship game appearance since 1988.