The Kent Roosevelt ice hockey team's journey in the Baron Cup Tournament came to an abrupt and disappointing end Friday night with a 5-0 loss to the Solon Comets at the John M. Coyne Recreation Center in Brooklyn.
In a game in which the Comets outshot the Rough Riders (19-12-2) by nearly a 2-to-1 margin, Solon took a 2-0 lead after the first period and never let up.
"We knew we were definitely in for a good game at a critical time of the season, Baron Cup, and we knew we were going to get Solon's best," said Kent Roosevelt coach Ben Barlow. "Give them credit; by far this is the best they have played all year. They played a near flawless game."
Throughout the game, the Riders struggled in their offensive zone, seemingly unable to connect two consecutive passes and committing costly turnovers throughout the contest. The Comets were aggressive throughout in controlling those turnovers.
"They've got a freshman, Zach Mandry, who played exceptional tonight. He was all over loose pucks," said Barlow.
Leading the offensive effort for Solon were Sam Littman with two goals and one assist, Ben Peterson with two goals, and Mitch Neides with three assists.
"In this game you just wish, win or lose, that we would have competed the best we possibly can, and I don't know that we really ever gave ourselves that opportunity tonight," said Barlow.
Blue Line Notes
n The Rough Riders begin play in the Ohio High School Athletic Association postseason tournament Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Kent State University Ice Arena. Kent Roosevelt will play White East Division rival Kenston in that opening-round game.
n Barlow expressed an appreciation for the accomplishments of his team to date. With an overall record currently standing at 19-12-2, the coach called the season a "fun year, with a lot of hockey left to play."
n Follow Jim Smith on twitter @bluelinenotes
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