PIHL Notebook – 03/07/2016

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, March 7, 2016 | 12:18 PM

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Welcome to another edition of “PIHL Notebook,” your weekly companion to “The PIHL Power Play” on the MSA Sports Network. Over the next three days, we will find out which eight teams will complete for the 2016 Penguins Cup championships. All eight semifinal games will be heard on these airwaves, and we have you primed in the space below with our traditional team capsules. Team stats, playoff results, keys to victory – we have it call at your fingertips. So, let’s light the lamp on this special postseason edition of “PIHL Notebook.”

CLASS AAA PENGUINS CUP SEMIFINALS

#1 North Allegheny Tigers (14-5-2) vs #4 Peters Township Indians (11-5-5) AT Robert Morris University Sports Complex on Neville Island on Wednesday, March 9th at 6:45pm on MSAsports.net

NORTH ALLEGHENY

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 2 (2013)

Team Stats: 76 GF, 62 GA

Three Stars: Erik Chidester (11 G, 23 A); Joseph Zappia (15 G, 6 A); Joseph Hubert (8-4-0, 2.85 GAA, 0.899 SV%)

Playoff Results: Quarterfinals – North Allegheny 3, Bethel Park 2 (OT) (Dawson Richard 2 G incl. GW, 1 A)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) More than against any other opponent, the Tigers need to stay disciplined as a group against the Indians’ physical style of play. 2) Which goalie will get the nod? Hubert has been the starter, but Douglas Wild notched the win against Peters last month, part of a 4-0-2 mark for him. 3) North Allegheny has been outshot by this team twice. They would do well to not let that happen a third time.

PETERS TOWNSHIP

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 5 (2014)

Team Stats: 68 GF, 47 GA

Three Stars: Will Barnes (15 G, 8 A); Conner Gielarowski (5 G, 18 A); Caden Shell (10-4-4, 2.16 GAA, 0.917 SV%, 1 SO)

Playoff Results: Quarterfinals – Peters Township 5, Butler 0 (Steve Rex 3 G incl. GW, 1 SH, 1 A)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Peters used its trademark physical style to disrupt Butler in the previous round. Expect more of the same here. 2) The top line including Rex and Matt Amelio dominated the Golden Tornado. It was refreshing for a team not known for offense this year. 3) Shell was part of the top defense in the class, and made several highlight reel saves in the quarters. The Indians need that to continue.

Previous Meeting(s): 11/9/15 – PT 3, NA 2; 2/2/16 – NA 3, PT 2

#2 Pittsburgh Central Catholic Vikings (13-5-3) vs #3 Erie Cathedral Prep Ramblers (13-5-3) AT Robert Morris University Sports Complex on Neville Island on Wednesday, March 9th at 9:00pm on MSAsports.net

PITTSBURGH CENTRAL CATHOLIC

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 1 (1998)

Team Stats: 80 GF, 69 GA

Three Stars: Jake Tepe (17 G, 15 A); Sam Delucia (19 G, 12 A); Nathan Cava (12-5-3, 3.32 GAA, 0.910 SV%)

Playoff Results: Quarterfinals – Pittsburgh Central Catholic 6, Canon-McMillan 3 (Nathan Cava 33 SV)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Play with swagger. You just knocked off the defending champion, and are only the number two seed by a single point. 2) The Vikings got goals from four different players in beating the Ramblers, and without a true superstar on the roster, will need another group effort. 3) Cava has stopped 79 of 84 shots fired by the Ramblers in two meetings.

ERIE CATHEDRAL PREP

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 3 (2015)

Team Stats: 84 GF, 48 GA

Three Stars: Jack Becker (13 G, 13 A); Joe Kelly (14 G, 10 A); Trent Faulkner (8-2-1, 2.47 GAA, 0.909 SV%)

Playoff Results: Quarterfinals – Erie Cathedral Prep 2, Seneca Valley 1 (Jacob Kucharski 25 SV)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) This program has seen the later stages of the postseason for several years running, culminating in last year’s gold medal. They need to draw on that experience. 2) Second only to Peters Township defensively, so Prep needs its goaltending and defense to set the tone early. 3) Crash the net. Such a high shot total through two meetings with relatively few goals indicates a bit too much perimeter offense.

Previous Meeting(s): 10/27/15 – PCC 4, ECP 2; 1/14/16 – PCC 3, ECP 3 (OT)

CLASS AA PENGUINS CUP SEMIFINALS

#9 Baldwin Highlanders (12-11-1) vs #5 Bishop Canevin Crusaders (16-6-1) AT Robert Morris University Sports Complex on Neville Island on Monday, March 7th at 6:00pm on MSAsports.net

BALDWIN

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 3 (1988)

Team Stats: 83 GF, 94 GA

Three Stars: Paul Knerr (29 G, 14 A); Max Milan (15 G, 22 A); Cole Shannon (6-7-1, 4.29 GAA, 0.838 SV%)

Playoff Results: Baldwin 4, Hampton 3 (Kenny Dee 3 G); Baldwin 3, Moon 1 (Cole Shannon 20 SV)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Baldwin has been terrific defensively in the postseason and a big part has been their shot blocking. They have allowed just 41 shots in two games. 2) Baldwin has four players with three or more power play goals this season and had three power play goals this postseason. So getting to the power play and taking advantage will be key. 3) Forward Paul Knerr works well in space. Giving him lanes to shoot will be important.

BISHOP CANEVIN

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 7 (2014)

Team Stats: 113 GF, 77 A

Three Stars: Thomas Krivak (24 G, 15 A); Alec Bosnic (18 G, 20 A); Lukas Krukovski (15 G, 21 A)

Playoff Results: Bishop Canevin 5, Latrobe 1 (Neko Borghini 19 SV)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Goaltender Neko Borghini has not lost his last 11 decisions (10-0-1). He’ll need to continue his strong play, as this as what has led the Crusaders before (see: Nikita Meskin). 2) Establish the talented trio early in Krivak, Bosnic, Krukovski. Those three all provide Canevin with skill and depth which Baldwin does not have. 3) The Crusaders had just 209 penalty minutes this season, the second best mark in AA. Staying disciplined will be crucial.

Previous Meeting(s): 10/8/15 – BA 4, BA 3; 1/18/16 – BC 7, BA 4

#2 Armstrong River Hawks (17-5-1) vs #3 Mars Fighting Planets (16-5-2) AT Robert Morris University Sports Complex on Neville Island on Monday, March 7th at 8:15pm on MSAsports.net

ARMSTRONG

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 0 (N/A)

Team Stats: 133 G, 83 A

Three Stars: Luke Gross (28 G, 21 A); Nick Long (17 G, 18 A); Jacob Lorigan (7-2-1, 2.84 GAA, 0.826 SV%, SO)

Playoff Results: Armstrong 7, Quaker Valley 0 (Jacob Lorigan (28 SV, SO)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Despite Armstrong’s success, they were one of the PIHL’s most undisciplined teams, racking up 380 penalty minutes this year. That won’t cut it in the semifinals. 2) One of the Riverhawks’ biggest weapons is their aggressive forecheck, which smothered Quaker Valley’s stars to the tune of seven goals. Now they’ll try it again against another former Class A power in Mars. 3) Despite losing Taylor Smouse midway through the season, Armstrong played well in front of Jake Lorigan. They need that responsible play to continue.

MARS

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 4 (2015)

Team Stats: 114 GF, 45 A

Three Stars: Tyler Spreng (15-5-2, 2.04 GAA, 0.899 SV%, 3 SO); Beau Heakins (17 G, 16 A); Michael McCann (G, 11 A)

Playoff Results: Mars 3, Plum 2 (William Scurci GWG)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Mars has one of the PIHL’s strongest defensive pairings in Captain Michael McCann and Ian Newman. Those two will need to be at their best to slow Armstrong’s powerful attack. 2) Tyler Spreng has been AA’s best goaltenders, allowing just 10 goals in his last 6 games. He’ll need that type of production in this one. 3) Jonathan Kowalkowski, Mars’ second leading scorer is pointless in his last three games. If Mars wins, it will likely be because he got off the schneid.

Previous Meeting(s): 12/10/15 – MA 8, AR 3

CLASS A PENGUINS CUP SEMIFINALS

#1 West Allegheny Indians (21-2-0) vs #5 South Fayette Lions (16-5-2) AT Robert Morris University Sports Complex on Neville Island on Tuesday, March 8th at 6:00pm on MSAsports.net

WEST ALLEGHENY

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 1 (2012)

Team Stats: 158 GF, 50 GA

Three Stars: Jess Ligas (40 G, 31 A); Sean Weber (30 G, 35 A); Anthony Dominick (19-2-0, 2.37 GAA, 0.909 SV%, 2 SO)

Playoff Results: Quarterfinals – West Allegheny 7, South Park 0 (Anthony Dominick 28 SV)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) The duo of Jess Ligas and Sean Weber combined for 136 points, a more rare pairing in the league this season than in years past. 2) Having seen first-hand what he can against top-flight talent at the All-Star Game, Nicholas Skowron needs to be Jordan Timmons’ shadow in this one. 3) Speaking of All-Star form, Anthony Dominick needs to have laser focus to shut down the Lions’ prolific offense.

SOUTH FAYETTE

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 0 (N/A)

Team Stats: 129 GF, 73 GA

Three Stars: Jordan Timmons (34 G, 23 A); Spencer Barber (12 G, 23 A); John Lipovich (18 G, 16 A)

Playoff Results: Quarterfinals – South Fayette 6, Freeport 3 (Jordan Timmons 5 G incl. GW)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) The mere presence of Timmons, let alone coming off his five-goal outing in the previous round, means the top seed should worry. 2) John Lipovich put up 34 points on the Lions’ blue line, and he will need a productive night as well. 3) Considering goaltender has not been his career-long position, Kyle Sharp has done quite well, but will need to find another gear for South Fayette to win.

Previous Meeting(s): 11/19/15 – WA 7, SF 4; 2/23/16 – WA 5, SF 1

#2 Bishop McCort Crimson Crushers (18-4-1) vs #6 Franklin Regional Panthers (17-6-0) AT Robert Morris University Sports Complex on Neville Island on Tuesday, March 8th at 8:15pm on MSAsports.net

BISHOP McCORT

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 6 (2005)

Team Stats: 107 GF, 61 GA

Three Stars: Connor Bunn (24 G, 19 A); Anthony Formica (14 G, 25 A); John Bradley (17-4-1, 2.71 GAA, 0.891 SV%, 1 SO)

Playoff Results: Quarterfinals – Bishop McCort 6, Thomas Jefferson 1 (Tristan Mock 3 G incl. GW, 1 PP, 1 SH)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) The Crimson Crushers scored 20 power play goals during the regular season. They will need to capitalize on those chances here. 2) McCort features three players with four game-winning goals. All will need to show up ready to play. 3) Which John Bradley will show up between the pipes? The one who allowed seven to this team in the opener, or the one who turned aside 26 of 28 shots in the rematch?

FRANKLIN REGIONAL

Number of Penguins Cups (Last Time Won): 0 (N/A)

Team Stats: 142 GF, 63 GA

Three Stars: James Mauro (17 G, 24 A); Dakota McIntyre (13 G, 18 A); Nicholas Carretta (12 G, 17 A)

Playoff Results: Quarterfinals – Franklin Regional 3, Montour 0 (Daniel Soltesz 33 SV)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Special teams will matter as the Panthers scored twice on the power play and once shorthanded in their previous win over the Crushers. 2) Six different players scored 10 or more goals for Franklin during the regular season. Mauro lives up to his billing as the leader, but the team will need all hands on deck. 3) The gutsy call to use the backup Soltesz against Montour paid off, and the coaching staff would do well to stick with the hot hand.

Previous Meeting(s): 10/9/15 – FR 7, BM 2; 1/19/16 – BM 6, FR 2

PIHL DIVISION 2 SEMIFINALS

#1 Beaver Bobcats (19-2-0) vs #4 Indiana Little Indians (13-8-0) AT Baierl Ice Complex in Warrendale on Monday, March 7th at 7:00pm on MSAsports.net

BEAVER

Team Stats: 153 GF, 36 GA

Three Stars: Evan Komlenic (22 G, 24 A); Antoni Chirgott (22 G, 24 A); Ryan Hartman (20 G, 26 A)

Playoff Results: Beaver 7, OLSH 1 (Vince Delsignore 2 G)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Beaver has the deepest team in Division 2, with their top thre scorers all at 46 points. Overwhelming Indiana from the start could work to their advantage. 2) Despite winning 17 straight games, the Bobcats can’t afford to rest of that. Last year, Carrick entered the Championship game at 22-0… and lost to Indiana. 3) That said, no one is as hot as Beaver right now. Using their gained confidence and jumping out to a fast start could bury the Indians.

INDIANA

Team Stats: 118 GF, 73 GA

Three Stars: Patrick O’Neal (37 G, 17 A); Ethan Boyer (16 G, 23 A); Zane McElhenny (8-3, 3.06 GAA, 0.889 SV%)

Playoff Results: Indiana 3, Blackhawk 0 (Patrick O’Neal 3G, SH)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Patrick O’Neal is Division 2’s most dangerous player shorthanded with seven goals a man down, including one in the Quarterfinals. A shorty in the semifinals could go a long way to pulling the upset. 2) Zane McElhenny was terrific in last year’s Championship run and continued it by stopping all 21 shots against Blackhawk. This will be his biggest test, as he’s allowed 10 goals in just four periods against Beaver this year. 3) O’Neal has scored seven power play goals this year, but the team has scored only 11. Someone else may need to step up.

Previous Meeting(s): 10/15/15 – BE 7, IN 2; 12/10/15 – BE 10, IN 3; 2/11/16 – BE 6, IN 3

#2 Meadville Bulldogs (16-4-1) vs #3 Carrick Cougars (14-6-1) AT Baierl Ice Complex in Warrendale on Monday, March 7th at 9:00pm on MSAsports.net

MEADVILLE

Team Stats: 135 GF, 46 A

Three Stars: Nick Frantz (28 G, 18 A); Cody Passilla (10 G, 25 A); Luke Triola (13 G, 20 A)

Playoff Results: Meadville 14, Central Valley 4 (Nick Frantz 4 G, 2 A)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Playing with revenge on the mind could go a long way. Last year, at Baierl, Carrick beat Meadville 4-2 in the semifinals. The Bulldogs will be remembering that loss. 2) Keep shooting. Meadville has put up, in order, 26, 27 and 44 shots in their three games against Carrick this year. Not only is it important to get good, shots, but deflections and rebounds will be available. 3) Sam Kineston will likely get his fourth crack against Carrick this year. Despite spitting time, he’s been the man in net in all three previous meetings, as well as last year’s semifinals. He must be solid.

CARRICK

Team Stats: 102 G, 38 A

Three Stars: Nathan Norkevicus (8-4-1, 1.80 GAA, .938 SV%, 4 SO); Jacob Speicher (28 G, 14 A); Tyler Wolf (14 G, 18 A)

Playoff Results: Carrick 5, Elizabeth Forward 2 (Gavin McKain G, 2A)

Three Keys to Victory: 1) Will Speicher play? Leading scorer Jacob Speicher did not play in the Quarterfinals. If he can’t go against Meadville, Carrick’s odds of winning go down. 2) Nathan Norkevicus has, for two years, led Division 2 in GAA, Sv% and SO. “Nork” can’t make a mistake against Meadville’s relentless depth scoring. 3) Carrick has not defeated a Class B team in 2016. Their last win over a team in their Class was December 3, 2015 against Indiana (3-0). The Cougars have certainly been sliding, but a victory over Meadville will do a great deal for their confidence.

Previous Meeting(s): 10/5/15 – CA 3, ME 1; 12/7/15 – ME 4, CA 1; 2/1/16 – ME 3, CA 3 (OT)

That wraps up this edition of “PIHL Notebook,” but check back every Monday through March for more news from around the league. In the meantime, Adam Hoerner and Kevin Zielmanski host another episode of “The PIHL Power Play” on a special night and time, this Thursday at 7:00 PM, to recap the semifinals and preview the championships at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry on Monday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 15. Your home for the 2016 Penguins Cup Playoffs is the MSA Sports Network!