In the lyrics of Bob Dylan, “For the times they are a-changin’.”
The state’s coolest game has a distinct Denver flavor this year. For the first time since high school ice hockey’s sanctioning in 1976, three teams from the metro area make up the Frozen Four.
Lewis-Palmer joins Regis, Bishop Machebeuf and Ralston Valley on Friday night at the World Arena in Colorado Springs for the state semi-finals. Machebeuf (17-3-1) will play Regis (20-0-1) at 6 p.m. Lewis-Palmer (18-3) and Ralston Valley (19-1-1) meet at approximately 8:30 p.m.
“I know the pride of Colorado Springs, and I know this hurts,” said Machebeuf coach Al Quintana, whose coaching career started in the Springs. “But like (Cheyenne Mountain coach) Mike Provenzano said a couple of years ago, the Denver teams are going to come around and are eventually going to be really competitive.”
Quintana’s Buffaloes have done one of the fastest 180s in recent history. A year after winning just four games with basically the same personnel, Quintana has the much more experienced Buffs on the brink of something special.
“To be where we are at, among these four teams, is great,” said Quintana, who had the Buffs in the Frozen Four once before, in 2005.
And to be full strength — including with forward Brennan Steineker, who was ruled eligible to play this week after receiving a game-misconduct penalty in the the Buffs’ 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Cheyenne Mountain — is a benefit as well.
Steineker and forward Gary Trent both missed Feb. 12’s 3-2 loss to Regis, a game in which the Buffs were up 2-0.
“It’ll be fun to see what we can do when everyone is healthy,” said Quintana, who jumps at the opportunity to try to knock off a Raiders squad that has lost just one game in the last two seasons. “I firmly believe anything can happen, and I like the matchup.”
The Olympic-size ice sheet at the World Arena will give Machebeuf ample opportunity to show off its speed — notably with state scoring champion Zach Lass — and playmaking ability. Regis, with the dynamic Davis brothers (Gregg and Nick), has the depth that can wear out any opponent.
Ralston Valley, in just its third season, is making its third consecutive trip to the Frozen Four. The Mustangs are as deep as Regis, but Adam Lucas gives them arguably the best goaltender remaining.
Jon E. Yunt: 303-954-1354 or jyunt@denverpost.com
Ice hockey state tournament
(In bracket order)
Friday’s semifinals at the World Arena
(5) Bishop Machebeuf (17-3-1) vs. (1) Regis (20-0-1), 6 p.m.
(3) Lewis-Palmer (18-3) vs. (2) Ralston Valley (19-1-1), 8:30 p.m.
Championship: Saturday at the World Arena, 2:30 p.m.
