Led by NAHL-bound Max Rutkowski, Franklin Regional hockey turns things around

By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 11:01 AM

After beginning the season 1-4, the Franklin Regional hockey team has turned things around.

The Panthers have won three consecutive games and are playing their best hockey of the season, according to coach John Winebrenner.

“We made a bunch of lineup adjustments, and the team is playing with confidence,” he said. “Everyone is committed to playing team defense, and we’re getting solid play from our goaltender (Dave Valentino).

“We just moved kids around and they responded. It’s a gamble. They have chemistry and confidence. We have four solid lines.”

One move that has paid off was moving freshman forward Carter Yohe to defense.

Since falling to South Fayette, 6-5, in overtime Nov. 6, the Panthers have defeated Norwin, 12-0; North Hills, 6-2; and Penn-Trafford, 5-2.

In the victory against Penn-Trafford, Luke Anderchak scored two goals and assisted another. Jackson Falkner, Marc Gray and Max Williams also scored.

Captain Max Rutkowski, who recently signed to play junior hockey with the Oklahoma Warriors in the North American Hockey League year, added an assist.

He has scored a team-high 13 goals and added seven assists. He is second in the PIHL in scoring.

“Max is a leader by example,” Winebrenner said. “He’s a true leader and he loves the game. He is committed and plays the game well.”

He scored four goals and added an assist in a win against Norwin, and added a goal and two assists against North Hills.

“Everyone is bearing down and taking accountability for themselves and doing their part to help the team,” Rutkowski said. “We’re working as a team. At the beginning of the season, we were more individuals and we got frustrated if we got a goal down.

“The lines are working well together. Coach moved me from defense to offense and our line is speedy and we know what we’re doing.”

Rutkowski is now paired with Brendan Yohe and Nick Matus.

As for signing with Oklahoma, Rutkowski said it’s been something he’s been working toward for years.

“Playing for Franklin Regional and Esmark the last couple of years helped me get exposure at games,” Rutkowski said. “I’ve been working hard on and off the ice.

“They’re a good organization and Coach (Garrett) Roth takes carry of his players. It’s like family.”

Rutkowski said he’ll head to Oklahoma after his high school and club seasons are over.

“Some of the things that I will continue to work on are a more consistent game,” Rutkowski said, “giving 110% effort all the time. I’d also like to gain weight and get bigger, stronger and faster. I have to prepare for the speed aspect.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional